When exploring the world of fashion, particularly in a culture-rich backdrop such as France, knowing the relevant vocabulary not only enriches the experience but also deepens the understanding of style and trends. Whether you’re shopping in Paris or flipping through a French fashion magazine, these key terms will help you navigate the stylish waters with ease.
La mode
La mode translates directly to “fashion” and refers to the current style or trend in clothing and accessories.
Elle suit toujours les dernières tendances de la mode.
Tendance
Tendance means “trend.” It refers to the general direction in which fashion is moving.
Les tendances de cette année incluent beaucoup de couleurs vives.
Stylé
Stylé is an adjective meaning “stylish” or “fashionable.”
Regarde ce garçon, il est vraiment stylé avec son nouveau blouson.
Défilé de mode
Défilé de mode translates to “fashion show,” an event where designers display their latest collections on the runway.
Chaque année, le défilé de mode attire des célébrités du monde entier.
Haute couture
Haute couture is a term used to describe high fashion, which consists of custom-fitted, exclusive clothing made by leading fashion houses.
Les robes de haute couture sont souvent vues lors des événements de tapis rouge.
Prêt-à-porter
Prêt-à-porter means “ready-to-wear.” It refers to factory-made clothing, sold in finished condition and standardized sizes.
La plupart des gens achètent des vêtements prêt-à-porter pour leur usage quotidien.
Chic
Chic means “stylish” or “elegant” and is often used to describe a smart elegance about someone’s appearance or style.
Elle est si chic dans cette robe noire classique.
Vintage
Vintage refers to clothing which originates from a previous era, embodying a nostalgic or iconic style of a bygone era.
J’ai trouvé une veste vintage des années 70 en parfait état.
Accessoires
Accessoires means “accessories.” These are items used to contribute, in a secondary manner, to the wearer’s outfit.
Les accessoires peuvent vraiment compléter un look.
Élégant
Élégant translates as “elegant” and describes something graceful and stylish in appearance or manner.
Le dîner était très élégant, avec des invités bien habillés et une belle décoration.
S’habiller
S’habiller means “to dress” and refers to the act of putting on clothes.
Il prend toujours beaucoup de temps pour s’habiller avant de sortir.
Branché
Branché is an adjective that means “trendy” or “in style.”
Cette nouvelle boutique est vraiment branchée, tous les jeunes y vont.
Look
Look refers to one’s appearance or a particular style someone is trying to achieve.
Elle a vraiment changé de look depuis l’été dernier.
Designer
Designer is someone who designs clothing and accessories. The term is used similarly in both English and French.
Le designer a présenté une collection inspirée par la nature ce printemps.
Collection
Collection refers to a designer’s or fashion house’s offering for a particular season.
La dernière collection de ce créateur est dominée par des teintes pastel.
Marque
Marque means “brand” and refers to a particular make of clothing, identified by its name or symbol.
Elle préfère toujours acheter des vêtements de marques connues pour leur qualité.
Understanding these French fashion terms not only enhances your vocabulary but also gives you insight into one of the most influential fashion scenes in the world. Whether discussing the latest tendance or admiring someone’s chic look, you’ll find these words incredibly useful in appreciating and partaking in the global conversation around fashion.
