French Dress Etiquette for Men and Women

Business dress is an expression of their success and social status and is woven into the fabric of their society. Appropriate dress for a business meetings is important. Be tasteful, stylish, and conservative. Men should wear dark-colored, conservative business suits for the initial meeting. Women are advised to dress simply but elegantly. Accessorizing and wearing makeup is widely practiced by business women. The French enjoy the finer things in life, so wear good quality accessories.

Avoid Rude Body Language

• Sitting straight up with your legs crossed is considered proper, Do not sit with your legs spread apart.
• Using toothpicks, nail clippers, and combs in public is rude.
• Keeping your hands out of pockets is appropriate.
• Leaving the table when you need to sneeze or blow your nose quietly if at all possible and do not scratch or yawn at the table.
• Showing the “okay” sign means “zero” and the “thumbs up” sign to say “okay.”
• Slapping an open palm on a closed fist is considered a vulgar gesture.

Relationships & Communication and Their Networks

To build a business relationship with the France, you need to first build a personable relationship. Mutual trust and respect is earned through proper behavior to get things done. France is big on wide network of close personal business alliances and factions that are strong ties to how they deal with business decisions. France is known for their extremely direct approach in business and are not afraid of asking the probing questions.

Work Cited

« France - Cultural Etiquette - E Diplomat. » France - Cultural Etiquette - E Diplomat. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2013.

Http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/france-country-profile.html. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2013.

Http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-france.html. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 May 2013.

“Foreign Translations, Inc.” French Business Etiquette Tips. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2013.

“French Business Etiquette Tips.” French Business Etiquette Tips. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 May 2013.

“Encyclopedia of the Nations.” France. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2013.

Http://www.parisiensalon.com/2010/03/paris-social-etiquette-dining-with-the-frenchies/. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2013.