French women carry themselves with remarkable poise, maintaining excellent posture with no slouching or shuffling. They walk with purpose, often with a slight bounce in their step, which adds to their air of vitality. This strong posture seems to contribute to their timeless elegance, while their brisk pace may play a role in their slim physiques. When it comes to beauty, their approach to makeup is subtle and skillful—aside from mascara, a hint of lipstick, or a touch of eyeliner, it’s nearly impossible to tell if they are wearing any at all. Their reputation for prioritizing skincare and using a light hand with cosmetics is well-earned, as they achieve a polished yet effortlessly natural look without any heaviness or excess.

However, the most striking trait of French women is their confidence, a self-assuredness that sets them apart from women in other parts of the world. They exude an undeniable independence, seemingly unconcerned with the opinions of others. This became especially evident when observing a woman one evening—dressed in pale jeans, a jade jacket, and stylish shoes—who stopped at a bar for a glass of white wine and a cigarette. Alone yet entirely at ease, she took in the atmosphere without the distraction of a phone, radiating a quiet contentment and an unapologetic enjoyment of her own company. This innate confidence is not limited to older women; even teenage girls appear self-possessed, walking through the streets with ease. Unlike their counterparts elsewhere, who often seek validation from boys, these young women command attention on their own terms, effortlessly in control of their presence and interaction.