I’ve always admired the elegant simplicity of French style. As an American living in Paris for the past few years, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the way French women curate their wardrobes.
Their closets are filled with versatile essentials that pair perfectly while transcending fleeting trends. Embracing the French wardrobe philosophy myself, I’ve found my daily routine becoming easier.
Choosing an outfit no longer feels like a chore when everything combines seamlessly. Constructing a collection of go-to staples makes getting dressed almost effortless.
The core of this iconic aesthetic lies in quality over quantity. French women focus on slowly building a capsule wardrobe of essentials, each piece earning its place by proving indispensable.
Time and care go into selecting pieces designed to endure years of wear. Although expensive upfront, the cost per use decreases dramatically when buying hardworking wardrobe heroes built to last. Investing in a few exquisitely crafted items beats filling a closet with mediocre fast fashion.
Owning less also simplifies decisions, as every piece fits fluidly with the rest. I start my day by grabbing any top, bottom, and shoe combination, knowing it will work. This uniformity removes the stress of piecing together outfits from disparate items.
The French wardrobe philosophy has taught me that a considered collection of versatile basics creates endless mix-and-match potential.
In this blog post, I’ll be breaking down the 10 essential pieces that form the foundation of the quintessential French wardrobe, along with tips on how to style these versatile basics to channel that insouciant Parisian je ne sais quoi.
From Breton stripes to tweed, trench coats and ballet flats, read on for your ultimate guide to nailing classic French girl style.
1. The Classic Striped Top
No piece encapsulates effortless French style better than the classic marinière. This iconic long-sleeved top with Breton stripes dates back to 1858, when it became part of the official French naval uniform.
French women later adopted the marinière into their civilian wardrobes, where it remains an essential component today.
I love how this timeless top serves as an anchor piece, providing a neutral base for bolder items to shine. The stripes add visual interest while remaining neutral enough not to clash. The cotton fabric also wears beautifully, developing character that only improves with age.
Although a marinière looks perfectly French on its own, I enjoy styling it in creative ways. Pairing it with relaxed jeans and ballet flats channels a casual Parisian vibe.
Throwing a blazer on top makes it work for the office. For evening, I might tuck it into a midi skirt with some heels. The simplicity of a Breton shirt connects seamlessly with other items for versatility limited only by the imagination.
2. The Trench Coat
Another storied garment assimilated into French wardrobes is the trench coat. This practical waterproof overcoat traces its roots to the trenches of World War I, where British officers wore the functional knee-length style.
After the war, French designers incorporated the trench into their collections for its ability to protect against rain while flattering the figure.
What I love about a trench coat is its incredible versatility. It functions as a jacket, adding an extra layer when needed to bridge seasonal gaps in spring and fall.
A classic beige or black trench complements business attire, smartening up professional looks. For more casual wear, I embrace playful colors like red or pastels paired with jeans.
On rainy days, I appreciate the water-resistant fabric while running errands. And a trench always elevates evening wear for special events.
When shopping for a trench, prioritize quality construction from brands like Burberry, Aquascutum, and Mackintosh that pioneered the style. For a more contemporary take, I recommend Sézane, Rosaé Paris, and Anine Bing. With proper care, a well-made trench should endure for decades.
3. The Tweed Jacket
Synonymous with one name — Chanel — the tweed jacket remains a pillar of French fashion. Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel introduced her signature boxy tweed jacket in the 1920s, revolutionizing women’s suiting.
This iconic cropped wool style with contrast trim became a sensation, worn by celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy. More than a century later, Chanel’s timeless tweed jacket still retains immense popularity.
I adore tweed for its rich texture and versatility. The wool fabric keeps me warm during colder months while the cropped shape flatters my figure. I style tweed jackets from board meetings to dinner dates with minimal effort.
They always sharpen my look, whether I pair them with trousers, jeans, or a dress. I also appreciate their durability, as quality tweed lasts for years with proper care.
When buying a tweed jacket, focus on precision tailoring that elegantly drapes the body. For a true investment piece, splurge on an iconic Chanel tweed jacket if your budget allows. More affordable options from Sandro, Rosaé Paris, and J.Crew still capture that coveted French insouciance.
4. The Button-Up Shirt
Another adaptable essential for French wardrobes is the button-up shirt. Crisp cotton styles pair perfectly with everything from pencil skirts to blue jeans.
I style them loosely half-tucked or fully buttoned up. They work equally well on their own in summer or layered under knits and blazers come winter. I love a relaxed oversized fit with sleeves rolled up for Parisian nonchalance.
My go-to brands for quality button-ups include Sézane, Anine Bing, and The Frankie Shop. Their shirts balance affordability with luxury touches like mother-of-pearl buttons and fine cotton fabrics. I especially appreciate details like convertible collars and adjustable sleeve tabs that make customizing the fit easy.
5. The Oversized Blazer
No French wardrobe feels complete without the perfect blazer. I consider it an essential layering piece for instantly elevating any outfit.
French women often style an oversized, double-breasted blazer over dresses or with wide-leg trousers. I love following their nonchalant lead by wearing an impeccably tailored jacket slightly slouchy and undone.
For the office, I embrace the oversized blazer trend by balancing exaggerated proportions on top with fitted pants or a pencil skirt on bottom. Throwing on some heels pulls the look together for important meetings. For weekends, I belt a large blazer over a dress to nip in the waist while keeping things relaxed.
When shopping for blazers, pay attention to structure and quality. My go-to label is Sandro, which nails quintessential Parisian insouciance at a friendlier price point.
For investment options under a thousand dollars, Blazé Milano crafts exquisite Italian wool styles. Both brands produce blazers versatile enough for work or play.
6. Classic Jeans
Finding that perfect pair of jeans feels like a rite of passage for French fashion lovers. They seek out premium denim designed to contour curves and stretch with movement.
While trends come and go, I notice French women sticking to classic straight leg or high-waisted skinny styles in medium to dark washes. These flattering cuts suit various body types, explaining their enduring appeal.
I invest in premium denim not just for fit but also for durability. My favorite brand is Agolde, crafted in the U.S. using fine Italian and Japanese fabrics. The quality shows through in each thoughtfully constructed pair I’ve purchased so far. My beloved Agolde 90’s jeans still look pristine after years of heavy rotation.
When trying jeans, pay attention to the fabric composition and construction. Seek out at least 2% elastane for stretch and ensure seams lay flat through the hips and rear. With proper care, a great pair of jeans should last 5 years or more.
7. The Cross-Body Bag
Another French fashion staple is the versatile cross-body bag. These compact shoulder bags secure comfortably against the hip for hands-free wear. French women rely on them to carry daily essentials in a chic, practical manner.
I appreciate their functionality when running errands or sightseeing abroad while keeping valuables safe.
For both quality and style, I adore vintage Celine cross-body bags, especially the iconic Triomphe style.
Contemporary French labels like Sézane, Polène Numéro, Le Tanneur, and A.P.C. also craft beautiful leather cross-bodies at various price points. They produce an array of sizes and silhouettes suiting personal preferences. I own a few in neutral shades like black, tan, and navy that coordinate seamlessly with everything.
A cross-body bag works perfectly as an everyday purse or while traveling light. The versatility also makes it a wise investment piece sure to deliver cost per use.
8. The Little Black Dress
No French woman’s arsenal feels complete without an arsenal of LBDs. These flattering black cocktail dresses serve as weapons of choice for countless events from first dates to galas. Having a few reliable styles on hand eliminates the headache of wondering what to wear.
When shopping for my perfect LBD, I focus on finding silhouettes that balance modesty with allure. Deep v-necks or super short hemlines risk crossing the line from chic to vulgar.
Instead, I look for subtle touches like off-the-shoulder necklines, open backs, or strategic cutouts that subtly tease without overexposing.
I style my little black dresses in various ways depending on the occasion. For evening events, I might pair a midi-length style with strappy heels and fine jewelry. For gallery openings or cocktail parties, an LBD with flats keeps things casual yet polished.
Or I’ll throw an oversized blazer over a little black dress to create contrast for a downtown vibe. Having a few styles on hand makes getting ready for nights out almost effortless.
My favorite place to find perfect LBDs is Sézane, which excels at party dresses with subtle French flair. I also browse Sandro regularly, as they always carry at least one little black dress I can’t resist. Both brands construct their cocktail-ready styles from high-quality fabrics designed to endure seasons of memorable nights.
9. Ballet Flats
What footwear could feel more classically French than a pair of ballet flats? These supple leather shoes with their minimalist silhouette encapsulate Parisian nonchalance.
They provide sufficient coverage for city strolling while remaining unfussy. French women rely on ballet flats to complete their signature je ne sais quoi aesthetic by grounding airy ensembles.
I gravitate towards ballet flats when aiming for casual Parisian chic. They work well with everything from dresses to jeans to trousers, adapting seamlessly.
For cooler weather, I love Carel’s Peche slingback style made modern with mesh panel detailing.
Come spring and summer, I break out my Magda Butrym flats adorned in pretty floral embroidery. There’s truly an elegant ballet flat to suit every taste and season.
What I appreciate most about ballet flats is their versatility and comfort. Unlike stilettos, they enable walking confidently for hours while sightseeing or running errands. When my feet need a break from heels without sacrificing style, I slip on my beloved flats and feel that ideal Parisian insouciance return.
10. Chic Ankle Boots
Transitioning between seasons often requires footwear as adaptable as the weather. When summer fades into fall or spring arrives bearing showers, ankle boots serve as the perfect intermediary shoe.
Just above the ankle, their coverage provides warmth without overheating. Designers craft them from materials like leather and suede able to withstand autumn rains. Details like block heels and pointed toes elevate any outfit from casual to chic.
I style ankle boots with everything from floral dresses to mini skirts for a contemporary vibe. They work equally well paired with jeans or trousers on chillier days.
I love completing office looks by matching tailored separates with sleek Chelsea boots rather than pumps. When running errands, the leg-lengthening effect of ankle booties adds polish to casual wear.
My latest ankle boot obsession is the Carel Estime style, featuring a trendy square toe and elegant block heel. I also appreciate their novelty zipper along the inner arch of the foot.
These boots make me feel put-together enough for work or a date night while remaining walkable. I foresee them becoming my most reached for shoes this autumn.