The legend of French girl style has reached the greatest of heights, and for good reason. Sartorially, we’re way beyond the cliché of the Parisian in a beret and a striped top, sipping café au lait at a sidewalk café, but there’s undeniably an effortlessly chic allure when it comes to French style.
The French have an innate ability to look impossibly put-together while still exuding an air of nonchalance. It’s an art, but how do they do it? The real key is timeless elegance, and French women achieve this by anchoring their wardrobes with simple, classic pieces that are well-tailored and high quality.
Keep scrolling for 14 outfit ideas that will infuse a dash of Parisian flair into your daily style.
Trench Coat and Black Pants
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The ultimate in classic outerwear, a trench coat, can be worn in practically any weather, with any outfit. A high-end trench coat is an investment piece that stands the test of time because it’s trend-proof—and that makes it perfectly aligned with the principles of Parisian style. Pair it with leather pants, as pictured, for a look that pairs timeless elegance and edge.
Turtleneck and Statement Skirt
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In French style, the pieces are simple, but they can be layered in creative and interesting ways. Enter the turtleneck, which can be paired with all styles of pants, skirts, and dresses, and worn on its own or under vests, sweaters, and coats for a sophisticated outfit that also keeps you warm. Tuck your hair inside the collar for true Parisian flare.
Striped Top and Midi Skirt
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A striped shirt may be so ubiquitously cited as a staple of French girl style as to be cliche, but it’s also an unfailing classic that’s a wardrobe hero year after year. From a casual t-shirt to a striped sweater, this is another team player that works with every other piece in your closet. When paired with a long midi skirt, it helps to make the look feel more casual and effortless.
Denim on Denim
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While denim on denim is technically dubbed the ‘Canadian tux,’ you’ll see lots of French women sport the look because it’s so effortlessly chic. To master it, stick to classic denim washes and prioritize the fit of each piece. A denim button-down with wide-leg jeans, and your favorite leather belt is a no-brainer outfit.
Layering Scarf and Chic Coat
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Any walk down a cafe-filled sidewalk in Paris in the fall will show you that the French have mastered the art of an effortlessly draped scarf atop their attire. It not only adds visual interest to an outfit, but it lets the wearer sit outside with a glass of wine in any weather.
White Sneakers and Slip Dress
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Part of the mastery of French dressing is mixing casual pieces with more formal pieces so you never look too overdressed or underdressed. A crisp pair of white sneakers that can be paired with skirts or elevated trousers instead of a fancier heel is the perfect example of this high-low type of styling. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about sore feet.
White Top and Classic Jeans
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No wardrobe is complete without a great pair of jeans, and that’s especially true of a quintessential Parisian wardrobe. Jeans trends may be all over the place these days, but styles that stand the test of time, like a relaxed straight leg, are the kinds of denim you’d find a French woman wearing. Aim for classic shades of blue denim without rips or embellishments.
Ballet Flats
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Ballet flats and Mary Janes have been key to French style for a long time. The balletcore favorites make elegance comfortable, and their understated simplicity and versatility make them a wardrobe staple.
Sleek Blazer and Jeans
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Of course, the easiest way to look instantly polished is by layering on a blazer. A blazer—we’d recommend a classic black or navy here—can be worn with everything from jeans to dresses, and makes any outfit look elevated and chic. Opt for a classic style that’s ever-so-slightly oversized.
Tied Sweater
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In place of a scarf, take your knit sweater and tie it around your neck. This outfit hack is quintessentially French because it’s functional and effortless. Pair it with wide leg jeans and your favorite button down top—bonus points for toting your satchel in hand, like so.
A well-crafted pair of black pumps adds a touch of femininity to any French woman’s outfit. Wear them as the finishing detail for a formal look or to lend a sexy edge to casual jeans.
Knit Cardigan and Midi Skirt
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Buttoned up or left open, worn over a crisp blouse to the office, or draped over your shoulders for brunch, in a lightweight cashmere or a chunky knit—you see where we’re going here! A staple cardigan is a multipurpose wardrobe all-star for French-inspired, timeless style.
Vest Over a White T-Shirt
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You’re on to the theme now: a French wardrobe is all about basic building blocks. A streamlined white tee provides a clean, understated canvas for mixing and matching with other pieces. We suggest having multiple versions, including a crew neck, a v-neck, and even a long-sleeved variation.
Classic Black Dress
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A little black dress exudes versatility and minimal effort. For a dressier moment, any well-dressed French woman will likely have a black dress in her closet, whether it’s a simple one or a statement piece. Worn on its own or with added layers and accessories, it’s the fuss-free solution to a night out.
When shopping for a black dress, look for timeless silhouettes and styles (like a slip dress) so you can wear it season after season. Simply switching out the shoes and accessories will make it feel fresh and current.
Leather Jacket
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For a slightly more edgy outerwear choice, a leather jacket balances a rebellious edge with an air of sophistication, much like the most stylish French women. Durable leather will only look better as it ages, so choose a style that goes beyond trends, like a traditional motorcycle jacket. Wear it with jeans and pumps or over a mini dress—point is, it looks good with virtually everything.
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