Evolving With French Fashion Part 1: Ten Years of ‘Effortless’ Style

Outfit ideas, the Uniqlo x Ines de la Fressange Paris 2024 spring/summer collection and my reflections from the last decade.

In the denim coverall, blue multi-color crew neck sweater, JW Anderson collab skirt but here is a similar Ines one, socks were a gift, Rothy’s flats.

Ten years ago I was preparing to graduate from Taipei American School to begin a new chapter that would consist of college, internships and a whole lot of “real world” bullsh*t. At the time I was thrilled to be repatriating. Despite how much I had loved growing up in Taipei, Taiwan the experience had left me with deep insecurities about my appearance that I had not yet confronted.

Around the same time, Uniqlo would begin a decade-long collaboration with designer Ines de la Fressange, with the partnership reaching its conclusion in spring/summer 2024. This season’s collection returns to French basics as a celebration of its final chapter, highlighting the timelessness and effortlessness of Parisian style. A full circle moment, as it were.

Here’s the thing, back in 2014 “effortlessness” was exactly what I believed I lacked. I had not yet discovered the power of living in a climate compatible with my hair texture, and I still believed my perceived “exotic” looks made me ineligible for the “effortless” or “timeless” beauty label.

In 2021, I was getting my formal introduction into the luxury fashion world and was happily surprised to see how much more diverse the runways had become since I last had a passion for fashion.

The November 2021 issue of Vogue France, and my favorite ad campaign from it.

The first thing I ever took home from my first job in fashion was a November 2021 issue of Vogue France, notable for its introduction of the Vogue France name in place of the more exclusive Vogue Paris. This moment represented a new era in French fashion that came to mind again when learning about Ms. Ines de la Fressange’s final collection with Uniqlo.

Firstly, the pieces provide a subtle display of the intersection between French and Japanese style: minimal and feminine with lots of fun, classy textures. I saw this particular silhouette quite a bit during my Tokyo trip:

An effortless outfit with pieces by Ines de la Fressange Paris and Uniqlo.

This ensemble is just as effective without the outerwear, so when the weather suddenly shifts you basically have a second look. Bonus: The denim coverall is so light it can easily be folded up and tucked into a shoulder bag like the tote I am carrying.

Here is an example of this silhouette sans outerwear:

Lookbook image via Uniqlo.

Timelessness, to me, means clothing that seemingly does all the work for you. French knows best.

The colors of the crew neck sweater feel celebratory. Effortlessness deserves celebration, after all.

For an easy-to-recreate look that is a little more pared down, enter the wide-leg pants and polo shirt. In particular, this collection features a full-placket polo in multiple colorways that really does the job. The beige version, here:

It pairs so well with a pair of solid, loose-fitting pants. I couldn’t find the full-placket polo online, but I am hopeful it will be available soon. 'Tis the season!

If you go for a tucked-in look like the one here, don’t forget the skinny belt. It makes a big difference. Lookbook image via Uniqlo.

For my version I tried the navy crew neck sweater with a pair of trousers and flats with socks. I have obviously been loving the flats with socks look ever since getting my Rothy’s Mary Janes. I mean, talk about timeless!

Wearing the navy crew neck sweater and holding the relaxed parka (more on that next week), plus Aritzia (Wilfred) pants, Rothy’s flats and, what do you know, Uniqlo mid-calf socks!

This 2024 season does feel like a celebration. A celebration that ten years later these styles are still doing what they do best, and they’re doing it for people who maybe didn’t believe they could pull it off a decade ago. This clothing highlights our natural beauty and I can’t think of anything more French than that. In 2014 the “effortless” French look felt out of reach to me. In the end though, allowing myself to just be effortless was the answer. Maybe sometimes we should all just slip on a timeless outfit and let go of the rest.

I could say so much more, but if I do I might not stop, so with that, thank you so much for being here! Next week I’ll be back with part two, a styling deep dive featuring the Uniqlo x Ines de la Fressange Paris 2024 spring/summer collection. Meaning you will see some of the above pieces again, plus many more. Until then, wear something that brings you ease and makes you feel effortlessly gorgeous.

Yours Truly,

Kyoko

I am not compensated for the features listed in All-Year Season. My sincerest thank you to Uniqlo and Ines de la Fressange Paris for supporting the creation of this post.