Gaelle Treguer on French Dressing, Motherhood & Finding Joy in the Everyday

Name: Gaelle Treguer 
Date of Birth: 22 October 1982
Place of Birth: France
Occupation: Personal Stylist

Could you share any style tips of French mums and why they always look so effortless?
First of all, French women don’t tend to change who they are when becoming mums. They will still wear the same clothes and stay true to their signature style. In their wardrobe, you will usually find a good mix of classic (and timeless) pieces and well-curated items that reflect their personality. They have a “uniform” they dig in and out of depending on what’s happening in their life. I think this method makes any mum’s life easier considering you don’t have much time for yourself and need to get dressed quickly to get out the door.

In my opinion, the effortless look comes from the fact that the French don’t spend too much time in front of the mirror before heading out, and they don’t like to look like they are trying too hard. A great look doesn’t have to be complicated — the simpler, the better!

Oh, and they also love their flats — which is great for running errands and taking your kids to the playground!

Has the global pandemic changed the way you view or live your life now?
I’ve always loved being super organised and having everything ready months in advance. I think the pandemic made me realise that nothing is predictable and things can change at the last minute. I now try to focus on the present and go day by day without thinking too far ahead. I’m more flexible in my approach to life in general.

Do you own any pieces of personalised or sentimental jewellery?
I’m very lucky to have inherited stunning pieces from my grandmother and great-grandmother. I have a beautiful gold cuff from the late 19th century that I wear almost every day — the craftsmanship is extraordinary. I also have a diamond pendant from Van Cleef & Arpels. It’s very dressy, but I like to pare it down with jeans and a white shirt.

My favourite piece is a stunning emerald and diamond ring from the Art Deco period. I’m obsessed with Art Deco style! The ring belonged to my great-grandmother and was gifted to me by my dad when my daughter Charlotte was born. The design is so unique — very Art Deco, but also so modern.

These pieces bring back fond memories of my grandmother. I remember going through her jewellery box with her, hearing family stories, and learning about the beautiful craftsmanship of the time. It felt like travelling back in time.

I’m so glad I have a daughter I can pass these pieces down to. I hope they stay in our family for generations.

As a personal stylist, what fashion brands do you love and why?
I love Sandro Paris — the collections embody the elegant Parisian woman. Their designs are contemporary yet timeless. The masculine-feminine balance is subtly done, with plenty of blazers, cardi-coats, black trousers, and sexy tweed dresses.

My personal style is what I call “Frandinavian” — a mix of Parisian chic and Scandinavian minimalism. For clean, effortless pieces with high-quality fabrics and sustainable production, I turn to Totême and House of Dagmar.

Chanel, of course, is a favourite for iconic statement pieces like shoes and bags. They’re investment items that elevate any look and last for years.

And I really admire Scanlan and Theodore for their modern elegance and inclusive design approach. No matter your body type or colouring, you’ll always find something beautiful.

Which women’s style do you admire and why?
My style icons are Emmanuelle Alt and Sofia Coppola. I love their understated elegance and how they’ve mastered their own “fashion uniforms.”

Emmanuelle Alt shows the world that high-quality basics — like a black blazer, a white T-shirt, jeans, and pumps — can be incredibly stylish.

Sofia Coppola exclusively wears black and navy, trousers and blouses, and Mary-Jane pumps. She re-wears the same pieces with pride and always looks stunning. There’s nothing chicer to me than black and navy worn together.

Could you share your beauty routine?
I’ve always had oily skin, so I don’t like layering too many products. I also only trust using products from the same brand — and I don’t believe expensive means better. I mostly use French pharmacy brands.

My routine:

• Double cleanse (hydrating oil then cleansing gel)

• Spritz with La Roche-Posay Serozinc

• Apply Effaclar serum and Effaclar Mat moisturiser

• Finish with EltaMD UV Clear SPF — perfect for oily skin

I’ll be turning 40 soon, so I should probably add an eye cream!

For makeup, I use Chanel Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream, Le Volume de Chanel Mascara in black, a brow pencil in Brun Profond, and eyeliner in Cassis. I love the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks stick in Poppet — it adds the perfect flush to cheeks and lips.

What is the last thing you purchased and loved?
A white shirt from Sessei, a Parisian brand that specialises in shirts. I had my initials embroidered on it — so chic! I love the poplin fabric and detailed tailoring. It’s incredibly comfortable and works with everything I wear.

Any addresses in Sydney you'd like to share? Spa, gym, café etc.?
I love going to Margaret in Double Bay for dinner with friends — the food is amazing and the venue is beautiful.

On weekends, we head to The Fields at East in Rose Bay. I love a good pub-style meal and sipping rosé while my daughter runs around the rugby field (when there’s no match on!).

What are your favourite travel destinations, here or overseas?
Locally, I love the Blue Mountains or anywhere countryside. The Australian landscapes are so beautiful. Charlotte loves playing outside, spotting animals and plants. We visit farmers markets, go for walks or drives — just enjoying the simple things. One of my dreams is to buy a little country cottage to make cosy and spend weekends there.

Internationally, our favourite is France. It’s where our family and friends are, and it helps us reconnect with our roots. We’re from Paris, but when we visit we love exploring new regions. A few years ago we went to Le Lubéron and absolutely fell in love with it.

We’re finally heading back soon — it’s been so long! Charlotte can’t wait to see the Eiffel Tower, visit the Château de Versailles, eat baguette with butter (though she still loves Vegemite toast!), and meet her new cousins.

What brings you joy when you're having a bad day?
Lighting my favourite Diptyque Ambre candle, flipping through a Country Style magazine, doing my nails (a fresh manicure brings me joy — ha!), and cuddling with Charlotte when she says, “Je t’aime Maman.”

Also… when my husband says he’ll take care of dinner!

Gaelle wears One Letter Necklace here 

 Film photography: Charlotte (6)