(Image credit: @annelauremais)
Paris has a special place in my heart, and wherever my heart goes, my wardrobe follows. When it comes to fashion, most would agree that French style is thecream of the crop. I’ve studied the essence of French dressing with a fine-tooth comb, reading fashion literature and eyeing the wardrobes of French editors and modern-day fashion muses to pinpoint the quintessence of French style.
I’m fortunate enough to have visited Paris a handful of times, and if there’s one thing I’ve learnt through people watching, it’s the power of understated garments. In recent years, we’ve been graced with a slew of indie fashion brands, from Rouje to The Frankie Shop (a brand gaining considerable traction this year).
(Image credit: @basicstouch)
(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)
Among the classics—berets, trench coats and ballet flats—lie the subtleties of French dressing that bring the je ne sais quoi, so to speak. Ankle-skimming jeans, pointelle vests and slingback flats are some of the modest heroes that make up the foundations. Although French style lends itself to monochromatic dressing, a French wardrobe is incomplete without an injection of colour, whether that’s via accents on a floral slip dress, a rouge lip or a parakeet-toned dress, like the ones shown below.
Wrap dresses, short-sleeve blouses, cropped knits and embroidered stitching are among designs you may associate with French chic. When it comes to accessories, the same aesthetic applies—bags are small but statement. The French aren’t opposed to embossed monikers or monogram prints. Franceis the home of Chanel and Jacquemus, after all.
If you’re as passionate about the fashion capital as I am and the people in it, here are eight looks I think will get the stamp of approval from the French style setterswe so fervently admire.
(Image credit: @annelauremais)
1. Fine-Knit Cardigan and Jeans
Style Notes: French women wear light knitted cardigans and jeans throughout the year. Paired with slingbacks and a basket bag, your outfit is complete. PS: Knits make adequate tops when there’s an unpredictable forecast.
Reformation
Varenne Cashmere Tank and Cardi Set
Two knits for the price of one.
Reformation
Varenne Cashmere Tank and Cardi Set Es
You can wear alight knit year-round.
Levi's
501 Original Cropped Jeans
French women swear by the vintage Levi's 501s, and this newer style has a similar straight-leg fit.
Levi's
501 Crop Jeans
The infamous 501 in the indigo tone most worn by French women.
Minelli
Ethena Sling Back Ballet Flats in Leather
I'veworn my slingbacks so much this year. This style is similar.
Dragon Diffusion
Jane Birkin XL Woven-leather Basket Bag
Named after the icon Jane Birkin, the most fitting bag for aimlessly wandering around Paris.
Lescarf
No.1 Striped-border Silk Scarf
Fashion a tie around the handle of your basket bag the way French women do.
2. Vibrant Tea Dress and Flats
Style Notes: A button-down dress always looks great come rain or shine. With the Pujka dress, leave a couple of hemline buttons undone for extra movement in the skirt.
Mango
Buttoned Linen-Blend Dress
French-style dressing also welcomes pops of colour.
Pujka
Robe Ludlow
A classic collared button-down in a striking colourway.
Jigsaw
Heckfield Suede Tote
This bag can be worn from day to night.
Manolo Blahnik
Ballerimu Bow-Detailed Suede Mules
Delicate and easy-wearing.
3. Minidress and Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Leg-baring styles are synonymous with French dressing. Luckily, there’s not much to do here, asa monogrammed bag is all the accessorising you need.
Musier Paris
Melila Wrap-over Linen Mini Dress
A classic shirt dress with a wrap skirt.
Sandro
Annie Pleated Twill Mini Dress
A shirt/wrap hybrid.
Tory Burch
Studio Jacquard Shoulder Bag
A monogram bag is a staple accessory across France.
Reiss
Biscuit Bali Leather Strappy Sandal
You can wear these for weddings or pair them with jeans.
4. Embroidered Blouse and DenimMini
Style Notes: I love the juxtaposition of rigid denim and voile. This outfitpairs perfectly with espadrilles and an oversized basket bag for market days.
Isabel Marant
Jassie Lace-Trimmed Pleated-Cotton Blouse
Isabel Marant is known forits pretty embroidered blouses.
Warehouse
Plus Size Lace Embroidery Button Front Blouse
The style of blouse you'll revisit every summer.
Levi's
High Rise Deconstructed Skirt Iconic Skirt (Plus)
Like an embroidered blouse, a denim mini never goes out of style.
Mango
Denim Miniskirt With Frayed Hem
Ever so slightly longer than youraverage mini.
Betsy & Floss
Toulouse Basket Bag
A true French-style shopperin a tight palm weave. Fill with baked goods and blooms.
Musier
Monogram Square Silk Scarf
Add to your hair or bag strap.
Castañer
Carina 30 Canvas & Jute Espadrille Wedges
Castañer's are worn all over Paris.
5. Printed Skirt and Fitted T-Shirt
Style Notes: Tuck the fitted T-shirt into the skirt, or tie it in a loop at the waist with a hairband.
Petit Bateau
Iconic Cotton Round Neck T-Shirt
If you've ever wondered what fitted tee French women often wear, it's this!
Rouje
Carina Skirt
The printed skirt pairs well with a plain white or black T-shirt.
Seasalt Cornwall
Rose Jersey Skirt
I often seepeople wearing this exact print on a navy-blue background.
Mango
Wrap Print Skirt
An easywrap style.
Elleme
Vague Brown Leather Shoulder Bag
The supple texture contrasts thedeep tone of the bag.
Jigsaw
Chiswick Leather Ballerinas
The oval shape of these flats makes them perfect for wearing with jeans.
6. Button-Down Dress and Slingbacks
Style Notes: You can always rely on a shirt dress. With slingbacks and a ’90s-style bag, you’re set for the day.
Sandro
Andrina Pleated Striped Shantung Midi Dress
I've been thinking about this dress a lot.
Mango
100% Linen Shirty Dress
Two classics in one: the shirt dress with faint striping.
By Far
Miranda Croc-Effect Leather Shoulder Bag
The most gorgeous bag!
Clarks
Laina 15 Sling Black Leather
One of my favourite summer trends.
Louise Damas
Shéhérazade Delicate Medal
Jewellery designer Louise Damas creates her collections with the French aesthetic in mind.
7. Embroidered Dress and Ankle-Tie Sandals
Style Notes: An embroidered cotton dress is perhaps the most summery option. It’s also effortless whilst looking considered. For the sandals, you can tie the ankle strap high or low.
Love Shack Fancy
Natasha cotton minidress
This dress screams summer in Paris.
Warehouse
Plus Size Lace Embroidery Midi Dress
A lightweight, loose dress for meandering in the capital.
A Emery
Nolan Suede Sandals
This piece makes me excited to wear my five-year-old ankle-strap sandals.
Loewe
Brown Luna Anagram Leather Shoulder Bag
Loewe does it again with this striking release.
8. Floral Dress With Slip-Ons
Style Notes: Floral dresses are the epitome of French dressing. They can be worn with many styles of footwear, but take advantage of summer days and wear them with sandals.
Reformation
Twilight Dress Es
From occasions to summer days, you'll get a lot of wear out of this dress.
Sisterhood
Mathilde Dress
The classic daytime slip dress—wear it with anything from heels to trainers.
Mango
Leather Baguette Bag
The infamous baguette-shaped bag in a soft suede.
Senso
Giulia Ii
The brand describes this hue as butterscotch, which makes me feel all warm inside.
Nextup:4 Dress Trends We Always See on Instagram's Most Stylish French Women
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