best dress

From as long as I can remember I have had a love, nay an affinity, for all things French. As a child I longed to ride through the streets of Paris with a basket full of baguettes, flowers and my trusty teddy-bear, or his preferred name ‘Monsieur Ted.’ Short of demanding to be called ‘ Amelie’, and sleeping in a beret this obsession is something I haven’t grown out of. As such, as I‘ve matured (slightly) my French love has grown with me. I’d like to say my wardrobe is all Chanel and you might mistake me for Audrey Tautou, but alas my look lacks a certain je ne sais quoi.

Instead of embracing this Parisian chic, my style is an understated side of Pari’. Have you ever seen the cartoon Madeline? Well that’s me; accept I’m a grown woman, not a French orphan. I have a curse and yes it is a curse. My face is painfully cute. I can get away with nearly anything, including pushing anyone in a sale (don't judge me!). However this means no matter what I do, grannies find themselves awing at my rosy cheeks.

style: sexy wedding dresses

And so I decided to embrace this look. If you find yourself walking through the streets of London and feel a shove as you reach for the last dress in Topshop, you turn and see an adorable French child, consider yourself bamboozled. ‘Pardon Madam, but that dress is MINE.’

Want to know my secrets? Then come join me at the front of the queue… bring your beret.

Here are the 5 steps to achieving Madeline’s chic.

Hat & Hair: A classic straw boater is a must, but even I admit that unless you are boating on the River Seine this can look ridiculous, so I opt for the classic bowler. It will top of that cutesy noggin of yours, but don’t forget to part those bangs underneath.

Coat & Dress : Oh Alexa Chung, I like to think in a different life that you might find the pair of us skipping along Avenue des Champs-Élysées hand in hand. Miss Chung is often spotted in her little dress and collar combo a Madeline staple; queue the latest episode, ‘Madeline and the dress thief.’ Of course in the winter a dress can be foolish so keep it cutesy in a swing coat with bold colours.

Socks & Shoes: Flats, little socks , laces or buckles . Keep it twee, you’ll never last on the cobbled streets of Paris in stilettos.

Satchel: Where will you put those macaroons? Or pack your neckerchiefs for the latest adventure? Schoolgirl chic and ready to hop on the next Eurostar.

Excuse – moi: Of course if you are going to look the part you must play the part. Flutter those eyelids, and channel the little girl from the Petits Filous advert. Keep it adorable and you’ll be skipping up the Eiffel Tower in no time !

More information: http://www.sheindressau.com/casual-wedding-dresses

View slideshows: SheinDressAU Slideshare