LifestyleStyle Bastille Day: Tips on how to dress like a French woman Celebrate Bastille Day with these French-inspired style tips. Photo Credit: MAC Cosmetics / Net-A-Porter / R13 By Keira Alexander keira.alexander@amny.com Updated July 12, 2016 1:56 PM Print Share fbShare Tweet Email There are a few unseen secrets to the art of French style. Beyond the items that scream Chanel wannabe — the striped boat shirt, silk scarf, classic trench — lie commandments the French rarely disobey. Ahead of Bastille Day on Thursday, July 14, 2016, we break down some of the fundamentals. 1. Fabric: Choose natural materials of the highest quality. Think cotton, silk, leather, wool. 2. Fit: An ill-fitting shirt will never quite work, but is easily fixed. Visit a tailor so clothes work for you. 3. Styling: While Parisian chic is almost defined by that thrown-together look, the trick to looking that effortlessly put-together is, well, effort. To inspire your inner Francophile, here are some classic items beloved by our sisters across the Atlantic. Shirtdress: Ever so versatile, this one-piece wonder can be dressed up with accessories or down with ankle boots. Frame's 'Le Poplin' cotton shirtdress fits the bill perfectly. Leather Jacket: Wear a biker jacket over a slip dress to add edge to a feminine look. We've been lusting after this Tom Ford number. Sneaker: Much like NYC, Paris is a city of walkers. Pair some monochrome kicks -- such as Adidas' Gazelle sneakers -- with a flowy dress or maxi skirt. Quality denim: An investment in top-shelf denim is never a bad idea. Style these stonewashed jeans by R13 with a silk cami. Lingerie: Part of nailing perfect tailoring lies in what's underneath. Our favorite lingerie company is Empreinte. Made in France, their line of thoughtfully-engineered bras will change your life if you wear C cup or above. Try the Melody bra for comfort and amazing fit. The Red Lip: This is a secret weapon for the time-poor and lazy. Just one swipe and you'll look like a million bucks. Try MAC Cosmetics' matte lipstick in Ruby Woo -- the shade suits all complexions. Fragrance: Style is more than visual. Enjoy the luxury of a scent from Serge Lutens, one of Paris' top perfumeries. We love A la nuit on a hot summer night. By Keira Alexander keira.alexander@amny.com Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comments We're revamping our Comments section. Learn more and share your input.