French girl style at any age is achievable. My style was heavily influenced by my time living in and walking the streets of Paris in my late twenties. French women have such an appealing Parisian style. But then I also looked back at my style as a teenager and realized that my style was always classic or preppy, so it’s not surprise I was drawn to the classic style fo French women.
I went to undergrad and grad school in New York City and was surrounded by fabulous style, some a tad over the top for my liking (think Carrie Bradshaw from SATC). When I arrived in France, I was shocked to see many women dressing similarly to my style or mine to theirs; it was my fourth trip to Europe in 5 years, and when I lived in Dublin, it was very different, with most women opting for warm layers over style, at least in the late 90s.
I then realized the power of choosing timeless clothing; it transcended continents! I am sharing my top tips on achieving French girl style at any age and breaking down French fashion essentials from ballet flats, a white button-down, straight-leg jeans, a black blazer, and classic stripes to all the key elements that are incorporated into every French woman’s wardrobe.
What Exactly is French Girl Style?
At its simplest, the French girl style or Parisian style is classic and timeless, opting for quality over quantity. Investing in good staples is key to building a French girl style wardrobe. Fast fashion plays no role in the French woman’s closet. Instead, choosing classic pieces will help you build a fabulous French capsule wardrobe. It is easy, relaxed, and comes across as effortless. It isn’t perfect, which is why it appeals to me – from messy buns, a bold red lip, and a crisp white shirt under a trench coat or a leather jacket. There is that “je ne sais quoi” appeal to French girl style.
French girl style is very attainable for women of any age because it relies on timeless pieces that transcend time. Yes, the cut of your title black dress, skinny jeans, or trousers may change over time, but this is a slow change unless you hop on the barrel jean trend, which plays no role in French girl style. Classic pieces (think a white button-down, straight-leg jeans, cardigans, cashmere tees, ballet flats, loafers, and a basket bag) will last for years in your closet. Many of these pieces, I have had for over ten years, with some over twenty. That is why investing in quality staples is so important to achieving the French girl style.
The number one thing that French women wear every single day is their confidence. And so should you. Stop worrying about what other people might think. Wear clothes that suit you and your style and go out into the world confidently, strutting your French girl style. Maybe you love polka dots, a quilted Yves Saint Laurent crossbody bag, a pencil skirt, or a pop of bold color…all of these choices are wonderful examples of Parisian style.
Neutrals Are Your Bestie
Oh, how I love neutral colors! Yes, you will see a pop of color here and there in French girl style, but it accents an otherwise classic look. Weed-out clothing in your closet that doesn’t fit, doesn’t get worn or is too specific (meaning it gets worn only a few times a year). Instead, fill your closet with great staples in neutral tones. My color palette relies heavily on white, cream, beige, taupe, tan or camel, navy, black, gray, and some olive green.
Even my coats, which I am slightly obsessed with, fall into this color palette. The only color in my closet is reserved for shoes, handbags, or scarves (accessories). I do love a little pop of color, and if you do, too, add it. If an all-neutral color palette is more your thing, stick with that. There is no exact formula for creating a French look. It very much relies on basic principles that allow you to find your own personal style.
Find Your Signature Style
Jane Birkin, Marissa Cox, Carolyn de Margret, and even Kate Middleton have iconic looks because they have embraced their signature style, wearing their confidence front and center. It can be hard to do that if you aren’t quite sure what your signature style is.
Mine is hands down a pair of denim, a button-down shirt, a leather belt, and a loafer or ballet flat. And I wear this multiple times a week, regardless of the time of year. I just layer more in the winter season. For me, it is a perfect look that is classic, timeless, and chic. Play around and experiment to find what works for you and what makes you feel fabulous and beautiful. Also, if you follow women on social media, follow those women who have a similar approach and overall look that speaks to your own signature style.
Details Are Everything
One of the most important things when looking for ways to achieve French girl style is to pay close attention to the details. French women tend to have a perfectly tailored look; they know what works and what fits them. Curating a wardrobe with quality pieces and basic items in neutral colors with a pop of color here and there is key to achieving this French way of dressing. But if I am being honest, it isn’t just a French thing. Dressing in this manner is classic. It is timeless. And it will never go out of style. Look for pieces that accentuate your body type in ways that make you feel confident. One of the ways I love to take my classic style up a notch is by adding a great statement piece. It can be a handbag, a bold piece of jewelry, a gorgeous mulberry silk scarf, or a stunning vintage brooch. These statement pieces allow personal exploration to create looks that suit your style. A great pair of jeans, the perfect little black dress, and a camel trench coat are essentials in my closet. But they are all perfectly tailored to me.
Using the services of a great tailor is also key if you are someone who doesn’t have the option of buying off the rack to achieve that perfect fit. At 5’11”, I struggle to find the right pants to accommodate my length, and my inseam isn’t even that long at 30 inches. Oftentimes, I look to see if there is extra material that my tailor can take out to create the perfect length. It is an added expense; however, because I am investing in more classic styles, I know that the investment is worthwhile.
French Girl Style Tip: Quiet Luxury is Key
The one thing you will never see with true French girl style is a woman plastered in logos. Instead, you will see them sporting the latest Celine or Chloe sweater that looks understated but elegant. Designer brands that do quiet luxury well are Chloe, St. John, The Row, Lora Piana, Khaite, and Max Mara. Each of these designers designs beautiful clothing that oozes elegance without shouting out to the world who they are. I am not saying toss your Burberry trench, Gucci sweater, or Louis Vuitton handbag; rather, choose these pieces sparingly and use them as your statement piece. Jewelry is also fairly understated. I tend to wear layered pieces and, every now and again, will choose a bolder piece because it suits my style. Remember, French girl style isn’t about copying someone; it is about incorporating classic pieces into your wardrobe in a way that works for you. As a lover of all accessories, I never go overboard, but I tend to favor them a bit more than perhaps a more traditional French woman would.
How to Get French Girl Style
So if you are ready to unlock the magic of French girl style, my style tips will have you exuding effortless chic, regardless of your age or location. Discover the secrets to looking timeless and always effortlessly elegant – the Parisian way.
- Classic Button-down Shirt.
- If you are just starting out, I would suggest a white one and a blue and white striped one. My favorite white button down is this one from Frank and Eileen. However, if this price point is not in your budget I would suggest
- Blazers.
- Blazers are perhaps my favorite thing to purchase and wear because they are easy and will make any outfit look elevated, even when paired with a tee, denim and sneakers.
- Stripe Top.
- Stripes for me are the quintessential French girl style staple piece. And they suit just about everyone as they are come in an array of colors to suit your tastes.
- Silk Blouse.
- The softness of silk is something I adore. It is lightweight, making it easy to layer I colder weather and light enough to wear in spring and summer. Add some ruffle trim or lace for extra interest.
- Trench Coat.
- A must-have staple that you will wear on repeat, and it doesn’t have to be raining to enjoy wearing it. I have several lengths because they work well and are easy to travel with. If you can splurge on this item, I would suggest it. I purchased a Burberry trench in 2010, and 15 years later, I am still wearing it often. Black and/or tan would be the colors I would recommend, as they will blend with just about anything you have.
- Wool Coat.
- Another classic staple that you will have for years to come. Cashmere is also another option if you cannot wear wool, but it tends to be a tad more expensive.
- Jeans.
- A great pair of wide leg denim, a straight leg and a cropped kick are must have denim staples. These three styles will create countless looks.
- Trousers.
- There are so many options for trousers recently as they have circled back into the fashion scene. I have always been a fan of trousers and prefer a straight-leg trouser vs. pleated ones, but I have both. They are easy to style and comfortable for travel or sightseeing if you don’t want to wear denim.
- The Little Black Dress.
- Finding the perfect LBD is so key. This one piece of clothing can be so versatile. I look for a simple cut that is more classic in look. This way I can add jewelry, belts, capes, jackets or belts to change up the look to create different styles.
- Ballet Flat.
- French girl style embodies a good ballet flat. This is another area where I would suggest splurging if you can and now that you will wear them often. For my 50th birthday, I splurged and purchased my first pair of Chanel ballet flats. They have quickly become a favorite of mine. You can also shop pre-loved to save money or buy something with a similar look and style. I would definitely suggest choosing leather; they will last you a long time.
- Loafer.
- A loafer has always been so appealing to me and I am so happy to see them come back in fashion. Even when they were out, I still wore them because they are just so comfortable. My favorite pair is the Gucci Brixton, again a splurge but I have had mine since 2005! Of course, there are a ton that look similar for less but again I would suggest opting for leather.
- Sneaker.
- While not an uber fan of sneakers, I have recently started to enjoy them with more casual outfits. I am not a fan of the chunky style sneaker unless paired with leggings or loungewear. For jeans, dresses and skirts, I love a flatter, thin profile sneaker.
- Handbag.
- French girl style appreciates a crossbody bag is it gives you hands free access. Parisians are very similar to NY’ers this way. When you live in a metropolitan area, crossbody bags are esential. Choose colors that will blend seamlessly with the majority of your wardrobe so you can maximize use.
- Tote.
- No French girl wardrobe is complete with a great market tote. I prefer a crossbody tote also so I can free my hands when shopping the markets or stores.
French girl style relies on quality staples that are classic and timeless with rom for personal expression. Find ones that speak to you and incorporate those elements and pieces into your wardrobe. It will make getting dressed easier and it will lower your overall spend over the years when you choose to purchase high quality pieces that are meant to last. Fast fashion plays little to no role in French girl style.
Would love to know your thoughts below. What pieces do you love and which of these might not be things you would readily use or wear?
