My love affair with French style dates back to the first time I saw Beauty and the Beast. Belle may have been bored with country life, but I certainly wasn’t. I convinced my aunt to let me cut the hem off an old blue bridesmaid dress that was similar to Belle’s, I asked my mother to tie my hair in a bow every morning, and I insisted on carrying a basket wherever I went.
I still strive to emulate the French woman’s look, even if it’s less taffeta, and I’ve made it my mission to analyze what French fashion essentials are in a capsule wardrobe. I dig through vintage photos of Paris, research what French women wore in the past, and have an entire archive of images of outfits worn by my favorite French influencers.
These basics make French style easy to decipher.
As I looked at these snapshots, a pattern began to emerge: I noticed that most of the French women I follow have the same core capsule wardrobe of fashion essentials. Of course, I am fully aware that this uniform doesn’t apply to everyone in the country, but the women I’m particularly interested in all adhere to a style that I love.
“French women invest in timeless pieces rather than trends,” says Marissa Cox, a French style expert and friend of Who What Wear who currently lives in Paris. “Ease of wearing is essential in a French woman’s closet because they don’t tend to overdress. They want pieces that can be dressed up or down.”
So what essentials do French fashion’s best-dressed figures rely on to look chic at all times? I’ve decided to do myself the honor of sharing them with you. Scroll down to find out more.
11 French fashion essentials to look chic at any time
1. Trench coat
Style Notes: There’s no coat more classic than the trench coat, so it’s no surprise that it features so often in French culture and the actual wardrobes of France’s chicest residents.
Shop the look:
mango
Classic belted trench coat
This one will never really go out of style.
H&M
Linen blend trench coat
A lightweight linen version perfect for cool summer days.
This timeless piece goes with everything.
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single breasted trench coat
I love the simplicity of this trench style.
2. Romantic blouse
Style Notes: French women are masters of effortless sophistication, and one piece that helps them achieve this powerful combo is the blouse. While French women can rock just about any blouse, the French women we follow tend to opt for elegant white blouses.
Shop the look:
Don
+ Net sustain hickory ruffle pintuck embroidered organic cotton poplin blouse
It’s a great way to elevate your everyday jeans and shirt look.
Isabel Marant
Elodia embroidered ramie blouse
Of course, Isabel Marant always serves up the best white blouses.
This vintage feel really intrigued me.
3. Flared pants
Style Notes: French style tends to be subtly influenced by the ’70s, which is why it seems like many of the country’s most fashionably dressed people still consider flared trousers their preferred trouser style.
Shop the look:
Jacquemus
Apollo stretch jersey flare pants
This COS pair looks so chic.
totem
Flared crepe pants
It’s so easy to dress up or down.
mango
Linen flare pants
The perfect length for warmer days.
4. Ballet pumps
Style Notes: I know what you’re all thinking: French women wearing ballet pumps are revolutionary, but they’re the only French style cliché that French women actually wear.
Shop the look:
Arket
Leather ballet flats
These classic ballet flats look super comfortable.
Everlane
The Day Ballet Flat
Bring along a pair of compact ballet flats that you can change into after a long day or evening in heels.
reform
Barbara Ballet Flats
Jeffrey Campbell
Aurora satin ballet flats
These come in a variety of colors and finishes.
5. Strap Dress
Style Notes: When it comes to dresses, the French generally favor simple silhouettes (unless it’s haute couture). You’ll see plenty of French women wearing simple strappy dresses for everyday wear, layering them up under cardigans or jackets when it gets cold.
Shop the look:
reform
Genie Silk Dress
This dress can be worn all year round.
Ghost
Alba – Rosalita
Ghost
Flory satin maxi slip dress
On cooler days, pair it with a cozy cardigan and ballet flats.
Brown isn’t just for winter.
6. Blue Jeans
Style Notes: It’s hard to remember a time when straight-leg jeans didn’t dominate our wardrobes, and French women have been championing this vintage blue denim trend for years.
Shop the look:
Abercrombie & Fitch
Curve Love Mid Rise 90s Straight Jeans
This pair fits in all the right places.
Arket
Jade cropped slim stretch jeans
These are the next jeans I’m thinking of trying.
totem
Tapered Leg Denim Dark Blue
Totem jeans are a big hit among influencers.
H&M denim never disappoints.
7. Black blazer
Style Notes: Finding a jacket to go with your everyday outfits can be tough, but a black blazer will do the trick. French women wear blazers to dress up denim or add an irresistible glamour to a dress.
Shop the look:
Frankie Shop
Gelso oversized blazer
Arket
Oversized wool-blend twill blazer
The best blazer on the high street.
Cos
Knitted waist blazer
M&S Collection
Jersey Slim Single Breasted Blazer
Perfect for those who prefer a slightly slimmer fit.
8. Soft cardigan
Style Notes: Cardigans are a year-round staple in the French woman’s wardrobe, making them an easy layer to throw on when it’s chilly but also when it’s warm.
Shop the look:
Sézane is your one-stop shop for all things Parisian.
kite
Scarlet Cashmere Cardigan
Wear it without a top for an even more French feel.
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Slim cashmere cardigan
A wardrobe staple that you can wear for years.
MS
Crew neck button front cardigan
Add some vibrant colour to your spring/summer wardrobe.
9. Shoulder Bag
Style Notes: More practical than a top-handle bag and more elegant than a cross-body, the shoulder bag is the natural accessory of choice for the French wrist.
Shop the look:
Gucci
Aphrodite medium shoulder bag
reform
Medium Rosette Shoulder Bag
You wouldn’t be blamed for thinking this was a designer piece.
LOEWE
Puffer Goya bag in shiny nappa lambskin
The chocolate hue gives off a ’90s vibe.
Charles & Keith
Sthesia metallic accent shoulder bag
Doesn’t this look very expensive?
10. Miniskirt
Style Notes: Nobody loves miniskirts quite like French women. Though they’ll wear heels if necessary, you’ll often see them pairing miniskirts with platform boots and a jumper and T-shirt.
Shop the look:
& More Stories
A-line mini skirt
The A-line style is incredibly classic.
reform
Flounce Skirt Es
This mini does the hard work for you.
Wear them with your favorite ballet flats in the summer.
Zara
Scuba Effect Mini Skirt
Red is back as a trend color this season.
11: Classic Watches
Style Note: No French wardrobe is complete without a classic timepiece. Whether it’s a sophisticated wristwatch or a polished pocket watch, these accessories are essential because they combine functionality and elegance.
Shop the look:
Cartier
Panthère de Cartier watch
I love the slim version of this iconic and timeless piece
Hermes Watches
Heure H 25mm Small Stainless Steel and Leather Watch
Leather watches have a luxurious feel, and the double strap on this watch means you don’t need to wear anything else on your wrist.
Daniel Wellington
Classic Sheffield
Who could say no to an all-black wrist accessory? Imagine it as the finishing touch to a monochrome outfit.
Gucci
G-Timeless 29mm Gold PVD Plated Watch
For those days when you want a little more…golden sparkle.
This story was previously published and has since been updated.
