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The ‘French girl’ aesthetic is one of the most beloved in all of the fashion world. The classic French fashion type is characterized by timeless pieces: ballet flats, striped tops, and of course, berets.
The essence of Parisian style is simple, yet well-constructed pieces. There is an allure surrounding French women and their penchant for uniform dressing.
Just like the stereotypical French girl, they don’t take dressing up too seriously. The styles are never over-the-top, never-try hard, and often a little risqué. Parisian women have an evergreen wardrobe, that never fails year-after-year.
Dressing French is capitalizing on simple, high-quality pieces that are specifically tailored to the individual.
Classic French Outfits
There’s an undeniable thread that runs through the collective approach to dressing for French women. On the streets of Paris, women possess an effortless look that has been refined through the years.
Oversized blazers, cardigans and white sneakers are a few of the pieces that are in a Parisian capsule wardrobe.
Scroll below to find classic French outfits to recreate throughout the year.
Coat + Cardigan + Jeans + Boots
Parisians have been sporting librarian chic cardigans for decades, before it was popular. Thanks to their inherent versatility and everyday ease, it has become a French wardrobe staple.
The cardigan can be super elevated and stylish – just stick to neutral colors for the winter staple.
If French style were summed up in a shoe – it would be ankle boots.
Humble a silhouette it may be, don’t underestimate the heeled boot’s power. Wear with straight leg jeans to elongate the leg, and stick to the black leather realm for a classic style.
Coat + Turtleneck + Jeans
French style, regardless of the season, is a representation of someone who is elegant and refined.
The harshness of the weather demands pieces that are not only stylish, but possess longevity, and few know how to curate a closet for the colder weather like French women.
There are a few staples that the French can’t live without during winter, and a turtleneck is near the top.
Specifically a fitted black turtleneck. Layer it under an blazer or coat and add a cool pair of straight-leg jeans.
Top + Corduroy Pants + Boots
Corduroy is one Gallic staple that is iconic of French-style clothing.
A high-waisted pair of corduroy trousers à la Jane Birkin is an easy way to introduce both figurative and literal warmth to an outfit. Choose a warm hue for the winter season that will never go out style.
Cardigan + Jeans + Heels
A pair of jeans are a French wardrobe essential and the item that French women reach for year after year.
The French don’t really do “dressing up,” and Parisians are always ones to choose comfort and practicality over restricting outfits.
Wide-leg jeans in flare or bootcut are the style most preferred by French women. Stick with classic and timeless styles of jeans versus wearing anything trendy.
Sweater + Trousers + Flats
Breton stripes exemplifies Parisienne style. The allure of classic stripes is rooted in effortlessness, which means that this pattern can be styled with extreme ease as well.
Wear the stripes with a pair of high-waisted jeans or trousers. It’s all tres chic.
Blazer + Jeans + Boots
Is there a more dependable outfit formula than an oversized blazer and blue denim? Choose a good-quality blazer that will enhance the overall look.
Plaid, houndstooth, or a solid color are some of the classic styles that are the crux of French style.
Blazer + Button Down + Jeans + Flats
An oversized white button-down is one of the most reliable pieces a wardrobe could have, and the staple is an investment piece for the French.
The crisp white shirt transcends trends and seasons. The clean, crisp shirt can be paired with everything, especially jeans. It is such a classic look that works for every occasion.
The boxy fit adds the perfect touch of casual comfort, especially underneath a knit or blazer, or even as a light jacket, thrown over a tee and high-waisted trousers.
Cardigan + Jeans + Slingbacks
So why are French women always in slingbacks? It comes down to how the shoe reveals the foot. The sleek heel is accentuated by the little strap.
The heeled sling-back design has been a wardrobe staple amongst the French.
Jacket + Skirt + Heels
Berets over tousled hair, pleated mini skirts and Mary Janes are the quintessential French outfit. The quintessential chapeau has been worn by every French it-girl from Brigitte Bardot to Jeanne Damas.
It is part functional, part embellishment. A beret is a great way to keep warm in winter than a traditional beanie.
It has a nice structure that can turn the most casual outfits into something more special.
Jacket + Shorts + Flats
Of all the lightweight, transitional outerwear offerings to choose from for the spring, none are as charming, and an important staple as the prim and proper ladylike jacket.
Stick to the classics with a tweed for a chic look.
Finish off with classic pieces – a leather shoulder bag and ballet flats to finish off the French girl style.
Dress + Flats
Ballet flats are the number one staple to pair with a tweed, feminine dress. A ballet flat in neutral tones is not just practical, but it works particularly well with vintage-inspired ensembles or classic silhouettes.
An emphasis on vintage silhouettes, and classic leather go hand in hand with prissy and printed tights. Look for contrasting materials to make a strong statement.
Oversized, statement jewelry is usually not the norm for a French woman, as they prefer to accessorize subtly.
Trench + Jeans + Sandals
Take it from the French—the rest of us may have only just jumped onto the trench bandwagon, but for years, the French have remained loyal to the classic trench coat, layering it over sweaters, a silk button-down, and mini skirts with stockings.
Choose a trusty beige, or experiment with some on-season, double-breasted leather.
Top + Jeans + Heels
When in doubt, wear a white nice top. Not just any top, but a lace or eyelet shirt that is a classic French look.
Pair the delicate top with a pair of paints to maintain movement, or a pair of relaxed denim. A leather handbag and Mary Janes add a pop of color to the neutral ensemble.
Trench + Dress + Sandals
Say bonjour to your new off-duty weekend look. The little black dress can be minimalist in nature or worn for a special occasion.
Black slip dresses are minimalist in nature, flatter all body types and provide the perfect layering piece for a spring day in Paris.
Dress + Bag
A style that takes the cake in the forever-icon department, the little black dress is an easy win, regardless of personal style. Opt for a modern take on a truly timeless silhouette.
Choose one with lace inserts to amp up the sex appeal for a night out.
Dress + Flats
French women may not gravitate to a full head-to-toe leopard print look, but will incorporate the leopard print into key pieces of their wardrobe.
An easy way to wear the print is with a dress, pants, or even a coat. Brigitte Bardot had a soft spot for leopard-print coats, and while a faux fur leopard coat has timeless appeal, there are plenty of pieces that can be incorporated into French style.
If you’re looking to embrace the bold pattern in a cool, It girl-approved way, look no further than wearing a leopard print dress.
Dress + Sandals + Basket Bag
In the summertime, the tenet manifests in the insouciance of an open-toed sandal or espadrille, elevated with a white dress or a wrap dress.
Every summer French women carry baskets to place their belongings or head to a local farmers’ market for produce.
Tee + Skirt + Sandals
Mini skirts and espadrille sandals make an outfit formula that will withstand the test of time.
The leggy silhouette has reigned supreme with French women. Add a loose white t-shirt to complete the nonchalant summer look.
