We’ve compiled our list of essential French wardrobe pieces so you can look like a fashionista when you visit Paris!
Nothing is really more stylish than the natural sense of style possessed by French women. The French fashion approach steers clear of trends in favour of classic pieces that provide a stylish look with no effort.
A recurring trend in French fashion is the emphasis on quality materials and tailoring above all else. Thus, even if you will have to spend more money on your purchases, they will appear stylish and durable for a long time. However, this does not imply a whole Givenchy or Chanel French Wardrobe!
Less is more is generally the French approach to clothing. A capsule French Wardrobe full of timeless classics and your own personal touches can help you create the carefree Parisian look. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of 25 French wardrobe essentials to help you seem like a true French girl while you stroll around your city like the sophisticated ladies of Paris.
1. Classic button-up shirt
To begin with, a button-down shirt is appropriate in every setting. It is a traditional French Wardrobe staple. For work and business events, a white button-down can be tucked into jeans or a skirt to give off an elegant and sophisticated look. It looks great worn open over jeans with a plain white tee underneath for more laid-back settings. Its adaptability makes it a staple item that works well for both brunch gatherings and business meetings. In the colder months, it can also be worn layered beneath a blazer or sweater to provide flair and comfort. The button-down shirt is still a classic piece of clothing that goes well with anything in any French Wardrobe.
2. Chic Blazer
French women are naturally good at always looking put together. When worn with a fitted jacket, even a basic ensemble like jeans and a T-shirt feels instantly more put together. There are so many different types of blazers that it’s easy to choose one that you like. A simple black blazer is perfect if you like a modern, monochromatic look. Conversely, a plaid blazer adds a bit of timeless edge and traditional femininity. The appropriate blazer gives structure and polish to any ensemble, whether you go for a striking or subtle look.
3. Classic Tees
A timeless and effortlessly flexible white T-shirt is the ultimate French Wardrobe staple. Its versatility allows it to be dressed up or down with ease, going well with everything from jackets to jeans. Purchasing an opaque, premium version will guarantee longevity and keep the cloth from soon wearing out or becoming sheer. This essential looks polished and tidy with little effort, saving time during style. Even the most casual ensemble can be made more stylish with the appropriate fit and material. More than merely basic, a well-made white T-shirt serves as the cornerstone of innumerable stylish moments.
4. Blue Straight Leg Jeans
Straight-leg jeans are more classic and have a longer lasting charm than skinny jeans. Straight jeans with a good fit are a must-have for every capsule French Wardrobe because they can be dressed down or up. Straight jeans retain a timeless silhouette that looks good in a variety of situations, unlike thin jeans, which can lose their shape and feel overly sporty. They are the ideal mix of comfort and style, whether paired with heels or sneakers. Purchasing a dependable pair guarantees that you’ll always have a stylish backup alternative. Straight jeans are the kind of piece of clothing that you will wear again and again.
5. Striped Shirt Or Sweater
Known as La Marinière, or “Breton stripes,” this traditional French striped shirt originated from the 1800s uniform of the French navy. By incorporating it into women’s French Wardrobe and eschewing the stiff, corseted designs of the day, Coco Chanel revolutionised fashion. Her adoption of this carefree style signalling a change towards carefree, easygoing clothing. La Marinière has endured as a timeless representation of French style and liberation. It is a mainstay of contemporary fashion because of its understated elegance and classic charm. It still has legendary status today, perfectly encapsulating French independence and style.
6. Cardigan
At first glance, cardigans might not appear like the most stylish outerwear—they’re frequently connected to retro looks and grandmother’s clothes. But in the winter, this neglected knit is fantastic as the ideal layering garment. Because of its adaptability, it may be dressed up or down and goes well with loungewear, dresses, and jeans. Whether worn open or buttoned up, a well-chosen cardigan may add warmth without compromising flair. A variety of cuts and textures are available in modern patterns, making it a stylish and useful classic. The cardigan, formerly disregarded, has become a staple item for warm yet stylish winter layering.
7. Ballet Flats
The classic ballet flat, made famously known by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, made a reappearance last year. This classic shoe is the excellent choice for casual days since it provides the appropriate balance of comfort and elegance. Ballet flats are the ideal choice if you want a carefree yet elegant alternative to sneakers. They provide a subtle sense of sophistication and go well with everything from dresses to denim. They go well with any outfit because they come in a range of hues and fabrics. Ballet flats are evidence that comfortable and attractive fashion can coexist.
8. Silk Scarf
Consider adding a silk scarf to your collection if you’re an accessory junkie but already have plenty of shoes and bags. A silk scarf adds a touch of vintage elegance to any ensemble, whether it is square or twilly in shape. There are so many different ways to dress this adaptable piece. You can tie it around your head, waist, neck, or purse for a casual yet stylish look. Larger scarves that can double as blouses are also available for making a statement. There are countless styling tips available in online tutorials, so the options are boundless. A silk scarf is an elegant and creative addition to your ensemble that never goes out of style.
9. Trench Coat
It might be difficult to dress for the changing seasons—it’s too cold to wear a coat, yet a winter coat seems bulky. A lightweight, breathable trench coat that is nonetheless sufficiently warm is the ideal compromise, and one that is offered in beige. This classic accessory gives any ensemble a sophisticated touch while keeping you comfortable. A trench coat is a wise buy if you’re thinking about making a French Wardrobe upgrade because of its timeless appeal. It is adaptable to several seasons, going from chilly autumn days to early spring days with ease. For many years to come, a well-made trench will continue to be a mainstay.
10. Little Black Dress
The ideal little black dress (LBD) can easily fix all of your clothing problems when in doubt. This classic item is a must-have for any closet because it can take you from day to night. A midi dress provides a sense of class, so instead of going for a mini, maintain your style sophisticated and elegant. To keep a refined look, wear it with sleek, basic accessories like delicate jewellery and modest heels. The timeless silhouette of the LBD ensures that you always look stylish and offers countless style options. This dress can serve as the basis for a plethora of gorgeous ensembles if you make the appropriate selections.
11. Neutral Sneakers
Although they are sometimes associated with careless, inadvertent styling, sneakers may actually lend style to any ensemble. A timeless pair of neutral sneakers may give you the comfort you need for daily wear while also enhancing your appearance. Choosing leather sneakers gives an air of refinement while avoiding an unduly athletic vibe. Fashion-forward people have grown to rely on the Adidas Sambas, which demonstrate the versatility and style of sneakers. Wear them with fitted clothing or laid-back ensembles for an effortlessly stylish appearance. Sneakers can redefine casual chic and stand out on their own when worn properly.
12. Classic Wool Coat
A traditional wool winter coat is a must-have item for every French girl’s closet because winters in Paris may be exceedingly cold. A true wool coat provides warmth and elegance, even if clothing for the winter frequently feels like a compromise on style. You can stay warm without compromising your sense of style thanks to its classic design and opulent materials. In addition to offering insulation, proper wool gives each ensemble a refined look. To round off your winter ensemble, pair it with chic scarves and accessories. You may brave the Parisian winters in style and comfort if you wear the appropriate wool coat.
13. Classic Loafers
Classic loafers are a versatile shoe option that have gained popularity recently, much like ballet flats. Because of their classic style, they may be worn in both formal and informal settings and are appropriate for a wide range of situations. Loafers go very well with fitted pants or pencil skirts for a smart business attire. Alternatively, for a stylish everyday look, pair them with straight-leg jeans and a boucle blazer. Because of its versatility, loafers work well with a variety of outfits, from work to weekend activities. Loafers are an essential item for anyone looking for stylish yet practical footwear because of their unique combination of comfort and design.
14. Printed Dress
Although the French aesthetic is sometimes unjustly dismissed as dull or monotonous, Parisians are adept at adding humour to their French Wardrobe selections. A great way to channel this fun attitude is with a patterned dress, which can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. Wear it with sandals and a light cardigan for a laid-back daytime style, then change into heels and bold accessories for the evening. Because of their adaptability, printed dresses are a must-have for any summer capsule wardrobe because they create countless outfit options. They exude a lively yet elegant sense of easy chic. In the end, incorporating prints may brighten any ensemble and capture the exuberant spirit of Parisian fashion.
15. Broderie Blouse
Many French labels, like as Sézane and Isabel Marant, adore the detail of broderie Anglais. Translating to “English embroidery,” this dainty accent lends a refined touch to every ensemble. Anyone who wants to embrace the carefree French aesthetic must own a Broderie Anglais blouse. It is ideal for layering during the warmer months or wearing with tailored items for a polished look because of its lightweight fabric and complex motifs. This blouse’s adaptability makes it suitable for both dressier evening events and laid-back brunches. A simple approach to achieve that classic French flair is to incorporate a piece of Broderie Anglais into your outfit.
16. Black Designer Bag
We all own handbags, but the French seem to wear them better than everyone else. Using eye-catching hues or distinctive decorations, accessories are a great way to make a statement. But there’s something timeless about a traditional black shoulder bag or tote bag, which works well for both classy nights out and city exploration. The French have a tendency to favour premium goods that are deeply ingrained in their culture, but they also want stylish yet affordable solutions. Stylish bags under $1,000 may be found from companies like Polène and DeMellier, demonstrating that elegance doesn’t have to be expensive. In the end, a well-chosen handbag may enhance any ensemble and embody the chic yet utilitarian style of French design.
17. Carry-all Tote
In every outfit, a carry-all tote bag holds similar significance as a compact black bag. Versatility is essential, whether you choose a chic basket bag for summertime outings or a sleek leather tote for daily errands. We love the options from Loewe. A leather tote can carry everything you need for the day with ease and go from work to the weekend. A basket bag, on the other hand, offers a quaint, carefree vibe ideal for trips to the seaside or to opulent French farmers businesses. Both looks improve your appearance overall and exhibit a practicality. Getting a good tote guarantees that you’re ready for anything, elegantly fusing practicality and style.
18. Cashmere Sweater
Particularly outside of European fashion, natural fibres frequently don’t get the credit they merit. In warmer months, materials like linen and cotton keep you cool, while cashmere offers warmth and cosiness in the colder months. Consider going with a deliberately big rollneck sweater if you think standard sweaters are unattractive. In addition to adding a contemporary touch, this loose fit is stylish and comfortable. For an easily put together look, pair it with basic jeans and throw a stylish coat or jacket over your shoulders. All year long comfort and style can be achieved by incorporating natural fibres into your French Wardrobe.
