I can trace my obsession with French style all the way back to the first time I watched Beauty and the Beast. Belle might have been bored with her provincial life, but I certainly wasn’t. I begged my aunt to let me cut the hem of an old blue bridesmaid dress that resembled Belle’s dress, asked my mum to style my hair in a bow every morning and insisted upon carrying a basket with me wherever I went.
Today, I still find myself trying to emulate the look of French women, albeit with less taffeta. I trawl through vintage photographs of Paris, looking at the outfits French women have worn in the past, and I have an entire archive dedicated to saved images of the ensembles my favourite French influencers wear.
Deciphering French style has been made easy thanks to these essentials.
Upon looking at these snaps, I saw a pattern begin to emerge. I realised that almost all of the French women I follow own the same core capsule wardrobe of fashion essentials. Of course, I am all too aware that this uniform may not apply to everyone in a country, but the women I’m particularly interested in all subscribe to a look I love.
“French women invest in timeless pieces over trends,” confirms Marissa Cox, a French style expert and friend of Who What Wear who now resides in Paris. “Wearability is integral to a French woman’s closet, as she doesn’t tend to overdress. She looks for pieces that can be dressed up or down.”
So which French fashion essentials do the country’s best dressers rely upon to ensure they look chic at all times? I decided to do the honourable thing and share them with you. Scroll below to find out.
Style Notes: Coats don’t come more classic than the trench coat, so it’s little wonder that they appear so heavily in French culture and in the real-life wardrobes of France’s chicest residents.
I love how pared-back this particular trench style is.
I’m on board with this minimalist silhouette.
This will truly never date.
This forever piece will go with everything.
French women genuinely love ACNE Studios.
Style Notes: French women are masters at looking effortlessly polished, and the piece that helps them achieve this potent combination is the blouse. While they’ll wear just about every blouse look out there, we find that the French women we follow tend to opt for white embroidered iterations.
Of course, Free People is serving up some of the best white blouses this season.
How heavenly is that collar?
The vintage feel of this really piqued my interest.
You’ll love and wear this pretty blouse for years and years.
So pretty.
Style Notes: French style tends to take subtle cues from the ’70s, which is likely why so many of the country’s sleekest dressers still consider flares to be their trouser shape of choice.
For the real deal, look to this Parisian-born brand.
White trousers add a luxe feel to any look.
The leather fabrication only adds to the retro appeal of flared trousers.
So easy to dress up or down.
This whole look has a French feel.
Style Notes: We know what you’re thinking: Ballet pumps for French women? Groundbreaking. But out of all the French-style clichés, this is the one item that French women actually wear.
These classic ballet flats also come in cream and red.
If The Row makes a pair of ballet flats, you know they’re destined for cult status.
Bring along a pair of compact ballet flats to change into after a long day, or night, in heels.
Part ballet flat, part Mary Jane.
French Sole is known for it’s beautifully crafted ballet flats.
Style Notes: When it comes to dresses, the French typically prefer fuss-free silhouettes (unless they’re couture). For day-to-day wear, you’ll see countless Gallic women wearing simple strappy numbers.
This is the very dress the Mory twins are wearing.
Love this dress? Just wait until you see the back.
The gathering at the front allows you to change up the neckline.
Style with a cosy cardigan and ballet flats for cooler days.
The ‘croissant’ shade is so fitting.
Style Notes: It’s hard to think of a time when straight-leg jeans didn’t dominate our wardrobes. French women have been championing this denim trend in vintage blue for years.
I really rate H&M’s affordable denim.
These are the next jeans I’m going to try.
Totême jeans are a hit with the influencer set.
This pair will fit in all the right places.
I’ve heard such great things about Weekday denim.
Style Notes: Finding a jacket to match your daily outfits can be tricky, but not if you have a black blazer at your disposal. French women use them to dress up their denim and to bestow their dresses with some je ne sais quoi.
Ideal if you’re on a budget.
The high-street blazer every editor owns (or wants to own).
Is oversized your thing? Look no further than Acne Studios.
COS offers sleek tailoring for reasonable prices.
This single-breasted style is so classic.
Style Notes: While cardigans are a staple in our winter wardrobes, French women will carry them through to spring and summer as an effortless cover-up solution. They’ll often wear them without a top underneath, too.
The scalloped collar really makes this piece.
Sézane is your one-stop shop for all things Parisienne.
Wear this without a top underneath for even more French flair.
If you (like me) love a co-ord, then this one’s for you.
This wrap cardigan comes in so many great colours.
Style Notes: More practical than top-handles and more elegant than crossbodies, shoulder bags are naturally the French arm candy of choice.
An absolute classic.
If you thought this was designer, I wouldn’t blame you.
So chic.
All of our editors want this bag.
The chocoloate colourway adds to the 90s feel.
Style Notes: No one embraces the miniskirt quite like French women do. While they wear them with heels when the occasion calls for it, you’re much more likely to spot them wearing miniskirts with chunky boots and jumpers or T-shirts.
French women love wearing suede textures, so this miniskirt is a failsafe option.
A denim mini is always a good idea. Wear this a-line style with a colour-pop shirt.
