by Joan Mccord

Created on: March 16, 2009   Last Updated: December 03, 2009

European women who live in the highly sophisticated, energy-driven atmosphere of major cities like Paris, Rome, and Madrid, often immerse themselves in an aura of high style that seems naturally beautiful and effortless. Close observation from the relatively non-competitive safety of the opposite side of the Atlantic, encourages this very rough generalization: Their effortless beauty is the result of a great deal of introspection and common sense.

Personal style allows a fashionable European woman to move gracefully through the world and present her image to best advantage. This has very little to do with money.

To generalize further: Most women want to look good. French women seem to rely more on their innate sense of style, Germans and Spaniards are more concerned with appearance and image, and the English with being attractive and well groomed.

However nuanced, all are expressions of style. A well-dressed, fashionable European woman seems comfortable in her own skin. She takes reasonable care of her body. Her weight corresponds to her body type; she is usually supple and moves gracefully.

Her clothes are well fitted, compliment her natural coloring, and are always appropriate to the occasion. They seem comfortable, reassuring, and seldom require additional attention or fussing in public.

A fashionable European woman has her own aroma. It is her choice, possibly her own blend easily purchased in Europe, that she uses on her body, her linens, and in her bath. It is not heavy or intrusive, but a part of her persona.

There is an educated appreciation of gems and jewelry, and fashionable European women use them to great advantage. Clothes are basic and often backgrounds to display jewelry (sometimes expensive, sometimes not) and accessories, along with her best personal attributes.

Shoes and hosiery are carefully chosen to complement and complete a wardrobe. If she chooses not to use hosiery, this is a careful consideration and she is groomed accordingly.

A fashionable European woman is always well groomed. She knows what color her hair should be, and always looks as if manicures and pedicures are part of her routine.

She uses makeup to accentuate her most attractive facial features with minimum fuss.

Proximity to European fashion capitals probably plays a role in creating an atmosphere where style is a habit. A close look at how the designers dress day to day and on special occasions can be a revelation.

Shows produced by the fashion houses present what is new, trendy, and, hopefully, for sale in the coming season. These designs are often extreme, eye-catching examples of a trend, but not necessarily reflections of well-dressed European style.

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