We talk a great deal about French style, and we talk a great deal about British style, but we talk very little about how the two aesthetics combine. Of course, boundaries of fashion aren’t set in stone, but, generally speaking, there are some pieces that feel distinctly more French and some that loan themselves more to the British dressing adroit. You might think these fall into cliché territory—berets for Parisians, Chelsea boots for Londoners, for example. Thinking that only people from the countries where these fashion items originate wear them is silly—of course, that’s not the case. However, it got me thinking about which clothing French girls love to wear has a British heritage, and vice-versa. Today, I’m going to explore the former.
Below you’ll find six examples of British fashion items and trends that French women have adopted as their own and embraced in their wardrobes. Not that Brits have ownership over them by any means; it’s just interesting to see items that have a certain French sensibility about them actually hail from Great Britain. Scroll on for a fun little fashion history lesson with some French outfit flair thrown in.
Style Notes: The cardigan has undergone something of a metamorphosis over the past few years. Previously an integral element in the grandparent starter kit, fashion as taken the garment in with open arms, preferring to wear it sans top. French women wear their cardigans regularly—they were clearly the cover-up of choice for the locals when I visited Paris this year—but the knit actually hails from Britain, having been modelled off a knitted waistcoat worn by soldiers in the British Army.
Grey cardigans will go with the majority of outfits.
You know stripes are for life, making this a clever investment.
So soft.
Style Notes: Tartan has become synonymous with British style, dominating through the punk era right through to informing classicist Emilia Wickstead’s most recent designs. Of course, it’s heritage lies in Scotland, where kilts made in different tartan weaves honour the country’s legion of clans. French women? They wear it regularly by way of casual jackets, trousers and dresses.
How cool are these? We’re picturing styling them with a leather biker.
Shrimps is another Brit brand that uses tartan in many of its designs.
Tartan, designed by French influencer Jeanne Damas.
A classic in any coat line-up.
We’re seeing a lot of black trench coats too this season.
For even more fashion clout, try this green hue.
Frankie Shop is a French brand that has mastered the art of the Oxford shirt.
On a budget? Head to Zara.
Thicker stripes create even more impact in a look.
This will instantly lift any basic jeans-and-t-shirt look.
These come in an extended array of sizes.
Miniskirts are trending after all, so it makes sense that corduroy iterations are also popping up.
Style Notes: Okay, how can we lay claim to tailoring—it’s universal, right? It goes without saying that we don’t hold precedence over any of the items on this list but it might interest you to learn that the three-piece suit—the mighty fashion triad—was first designed in Britain in 1666 for British royals in a deliberate shift from the more fanciful regalia that had previously dominated. Now, fashion people wear blazers, waistcoats, and tailored trousers with mules and the latest It bag as a show of style prowess. And French women? They seem to be backing the look more than anyone.
This Frankie Shop blazer is an influencer favourite.
Try pairing this with a slip skirt for cool evening attire.
These trousers will become one of the most versatile items in your wardrobe—wear with everything from trainers to boots to mules to Uggs.
