French Fashion Meets Language: Master Fun Clothing Expressions!

French fashion is world-famous for its elegance and effortless style, but did you know that French language expressions often reference clothing? Whether describing someone’s style, attitude, or even personality, fashion terms are deeply woven into French culture and everyday conversation.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most iconic French expressions related to clothing and fashion. By mastering them, you’ll not only expand your vocabulary but also gain a deeper understanding of French culture and the social nuances of fashion.

Want to hear these expressions in real-life French conversations? Tune into TV5MONDE USA and TV5MONDEplus to immerse yourself in French-language programming that brings fashion and culture to life!

1. “Être tiré à quatre épingles” – To Be Dressed to the Nines

Literal Meaning: "To be pinned at four corners"
What It Really Means: This phrase describes someone impeccably dressed, with every detail perfectly in place—think of a Parisian at Fashion Week or someone attending a chic soirée on the Champs-Élysées.
Example:
🔹 Il est toujours tiré à quatre épingles pour ses rendez-vous professionnels.
(He is always dressed to the nines for his business meetings.)

📺 Watch It in Action: Want to hear how French speakers describe fashion? Check out Six Mois Pour Apprendre le Français, a documentary about immigrants in Québec learning French—including expressions about clothing and social etiquette!

2. “Porter la culotte” – To Wear the Pants

Literal Meaning: "To wear the underwear"
What It Really Means: This expression describes someone who dominates in a relationship. Historically, trousers were associated with male authority, so "wearing the pants" meant having control. Even today, culotte is commonly used in fashion to describe shorts, skirts, and women’s trousers.
Example:
🔹 C’est elle qui porte la culotte dans leur couple !
(She wears the pants in their relationship!)

3. “Être bien sapé” – To Be Well-Dressed

Literal Meaning: "To be well tree-ed" (from slang "sape" meaning clothing)
What It Really Means: “Sapé” comes from “sapeur”, a slang term for a stylishly dressed person, particularly used in African and Caribbean French-speaking cultures. It’s widely referenced in French rap lyrics and urban fashion.
Example:
🔹 Tu as vu son costume ? Il est super bien sapé aujourd’hui !
(Did you see his suit? He’s really well-dressed today!)

🎥 Fashion & Pop Culture: Check out Les Tutos de Léo for fun creative tutorials, including how to draw stylish characters and explore French fashion trends.

4. “Être sur son trente-et-un” – To Dress to Impress

Literal Meaning: "To be on one’s thirty-one"
What It Really Means: This old French expression means to be dressed in one’s best attire, particularly for formal occasions. One theory suggests that 31 was the highest quality fabric rating in the 18th century, which led to the association with elegance.
Example:
🔹 Pour le gala, elle était sur son trente-et-un dans une robe Dior.
(For the gala, she was dressed to impress in a Dior gown.)

5. “Avoir un look d’enfer” – To Look Amazing

Literal Meaning: "To have a look from hell"
What It Really Means: Despite its dramatic wording, this phrase is actually a huge compliment. It’s a trendy way to say someone looks incredible!
Example:
🔹 Avec cette nouvelle veste, tu as un look d’enfer !
(With that new jacket, you look amazing!)

6. “Mettre son costume de lumière” – To Put on One’s Suit of Lights

Literal Meaning: "To put on one’s costume of lights"
What It Really Means: This expression comes from the bullfighting world, where matadors wear elaborate, shiny outfits called “costume de lumière.” Today, the phrase is used when someone dresses up for a grand occasion or prepares for a big performance.
Example:
🔹 Ce soir, il joue son premier rôle au théâtre, il va mettre son costume de lumière !
(Tonight, he’s performing in his first play—he’s putting on his suit of lights!)

7. “Se serrer la ceinture” – To Tighten One’s Belt

Literal Meaning: "To tighten one’s belt"
What It Really Means: This phrase means to live frugally or spend less money. It originated from times when food was scarce, and people literally tightened their belts as they ate less. Today, it’s commonly used in financial situations.
Example:
🔹 Après avoir acheté cette veste Chanel, je vais devoir me serrer la ceinture ce mois-ci !
(After buying this Chanel jacket, I’ll have to tighten my belt this month!)

8. “Être habillé comme l’as de pique” – To Be Badly Dressed

Literal Meaning: "To be dressed like the ace of spades"
What It Really Means: This phrase is used to mock someone who is poorly dressed, mismatched, or messy—think fashion faux pas in Paris!
Example:
🔹 Tu ne peux pas sortir comme ça, tu es habillé comme l’as de pique !
(You can’t go out like that—you look like a mess!)

9. “Changer d’avis comme de chemise” – To Change One’s Mind Like a Shirt

Literal Meaning: "To change one’s mind like a shirt"
What It Really Means: This expression is used to describe someone who constantly changes their mind—as easily as changing shirts!
Example:
🔹 Il change toujours d’avis comme de chemise, c’est impossible de le suivre !
(He always changes his mind like a shirt—it’s impossible to keep up with him!)

10. “Avoir une coquetterie dans l'œil” – To Have a Flaw in One’s Eye (But Fashionable!)

Literal Meaning: "To have a coquetry in the eye"
What It Really Means: This describes someone who has a quirky, charming imperfection—often related to fashion choices or unique style.
Example:
🔹 Avec ses lunettes colorées et son chapeau extravagant, il a une vraie coquetterie dans l’œil !
(With his colorful glasses and extravagant hat, he has a real stylish quirk!)

Learn More French with TV5MONDE USA & TV5MONDEplus!

📺 Six Mois Pour Apprendre le Français – Discover how French learners navigate cultural differences, including fashion norms!

🎨 Les Tutos de Léo – Explore fashion through art and drawing!