When it comes to casual style inspiration, I love looking to French fashion. French women have mastered casual outfits that simultaneously look effortless and polished. From their chic yet practical shoes all the way to their cat-eye sunglasses, the French offer great inspiration for year-round style. By adding just a few essentials to your capsule wardrobe, you can copy their casual French style. Keep reading for 9 easy looks that you can probably recreate with pieces already hanging in your closet.
1. striped button-down + straight-leg jeans + sunglasses + wrap sandals + basket tote
button-down | jeans | sandals | basket tote | earrings | sunglasses
You can get a good handle on Parisian style by mastering the basics. In this case, I mean basics literally! French women love their staple items because they’re so easy to mix and match. The key is to invest in quality pieces that will hold up over time and feel great on your body. Look for pieces with high percentages of cashmere, wool, linen, cotton, etc. The French value quality over quantity, especially when it comes to their wardrobe essentials.
Stick to versatile, neutral color combinations when you’re shopping for basics. The look above is the perfect example. Pair straight-leg jeans with a striped blue button-down, wrap sandals in camel leather, and a straw tote bag. Add a pair of pearl stud earrings and sunglasses, and voilà , you instantly have a casual chic look for the farmer’s market.
2. striped dress + red lipstick + cat eye sunglasses + ballet flats + canvas tote + pearl earrings
dress | sunglasses | canvas bag | ballet flats | earrings | lipstick
Classic black and white or blue and white stripes are often synonymous with Paris. The famed Mariner tee was actually popularized in the French navy, as the contrasting pattern made it easier for sailors to be spotted in the water. In fact, the French naval uniform still incorporates stripes today, and the look has expanded outside of French military culture. Now, it’s grown beyond French heritage and spread across the world.
The French wardrobe may contain a variety of striped pieces, including a striped Mariner dress. This style is perfect for easy summer dressing. Pair it with cat eye sunglasses, ballet flats, and a red lip. For the final touch, add a canvas tote with a French print for a fun touch.
3. trench coat + button-down + skirt + hoops + flats + crossbody bag
trench coat | bag | socks | shoes | shirt | skirt | earrings
Channel the artistic soul of a French writer in this next casual look. Head to your local coffee shop to jot down a few artful stories in an academia-inspired outfit. First, start with a blue blouse or button-down, paired with a black mini skirt. Then, add another Parisian staple – the classic trench coat. The trench coat is the perfect piece to elevate any casual look.
Because Parisians and French women spend so much time on their feet, they often favor flat, comfortable shoes. However, that doesn’t mean they sacrifice style. These flat Mary Jane-inspired flats are a great example. Keep your accessories simple for the rest of your look – think a pair of small gold hoops, a structured crossbody bag, and white socks. If you want to lean into the Parisian lifestyle, try adding a silk scarf around your neck for a pop of color or pattern.
4. leather jacket + white t-shirt + sneakers + straight-leg jeans + hoop earrings
leather jacket (more affordable version) | bag | jeans | sneakers | t-shirt | earrings
French women often like to add a bit of edge to their casual style. They also often love to add an unexpected piece to their outfit to make it more unique and align better with their personal style. The French are all about authenticity and being true to themselves. If you also have a passion for an edgy aesthetic, try incorporating a leather jacket into your next casual look. Keep the rest of the outfit simple to really highlight the jacket.
If you’re not into the moto style of leather jacket, there are alternatives out there to consider! This lady jacket style from J.Crew is a fun twist on the classic staple, and is the perfect balance of edgy and feminine. As for the rest of your ensemble, go for basics like a white tee, classic blue jeans, Veja sneakers, a leather crossbody bag, and small gold hoops.
5. lady jacket + sunglasses + pearls + watch + straight jeans + loafers
loafers | jeans | lady jacket | watch | earrings | sunglasses | bag
The French don’t place much emphasis on fleeting trends. They focus on investing their time, energy, and money into timeless pieces that will last for a long time and never go out of style. The lady jacket is the perfect example. This elegant, chic piece has been around for decades, but still looks as stylish today as when it was first popularized. If you want to incorporate it into casual French style, balance its elevated look with more understated staples.
To recreate the look above, reach for a pair of classic blue jeans. The French tend to go for straight-leg jeans, with no holes or rips. Then, add a pair of versatile loafers. As for your accessories, go for understated and vintage-inspired touches like pearl studs, a gold bracelet watch, and oval sunglasses. A top-handle bag completes the look.
6. straw bag + white button-down + floral skirt + pendant necklace + hoops + wrap sandals
floral skirt | shirt | sandals | bag | earrings | necklace
One trick that the French use when it comes to creating casual outfits is balancing traditionally masculine and feminine pieces. This creates harmony in the look and helps to contribute to their overall je ne sais quois.
Meeting a friend for lunch in this easy spring or summer outfit. Pair a white or cream button-down shirt with a floral midi skirt. Then, add a pair of wrap sandals or French girl-approved espadrilles. Accessorize with a gold pendant necklace, a straw bag, and small hoops to complete the ensemble.
Related: The Best 15 French Summer Outfits to Wear This Year
7. black blazer + striped tee + tailored shorts + watch + ballet flats + leather bag
striped tee | black blazer | ballet flats | bag | watch | shorts
Yes, you can style summer shorts in a way that is both elegant and timeless! First, consider reaching for a tailored pair in white instead of classic blue denim. A tailored pair of dress shorts is typically more comfortable than stiff denim and will also give you a draped, flattering look. The vertical pleats are also slimming and can help to draw the eye vertically instead of horizontally.
On top, choose a more casual shirt to balance out the elevated shorts. A classic striped tee is perfect, and French girl approved. You could even choose a boatneck style, like the one shown above, for an interesting detail. Next, add an oversized blazer. It’s one of our favorite ways to dress up any casual look! Whether you’re wearing it with jeans, shorts, or linen pants, a blazer will automatically make you look more polished and put together.
Finally, your accessories. Go for classic add-ons if you’re headed to meet friends for an afternoon beverage, or dress them down if you’re headed somewhere for casual. For a more elegant approach, try ballet flats, a gold bracelet watch, and a structured bag. If you want a more casual look, try a pair of white sneakers, fun sunglasses, and a woven bag.
8. white shirt + blue jeans + pendant necklace + earrings + cap-toe flats + watch
button-down | jeans | flats | necklace | earrings | watch
You can never go wrong with a classic white button-down shirt when it comes to casual French style. Remember, French women love their timeless, neutral basics! A quality white button-down can easily be styled throughout all four seasons, and dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
For a more casual affair, pair it with slim or straight jeans. You’ll look polished, but not overdone. If you’d like to add more shape to your look and highlight your waist, tuck in your shirt (or try a French tuck) and add a belt. The key to this pairing looking intentional and “done” is to choose elegant accessories. Cap-toed ballet flats, a bracelet watch, and pearl and gold earrings are exactly what this look needs.
9. linen pants + sweater + sunglasses + sandals + straw bag
sweater | linen pants | sandals | straw bag | sunglasses
If you’re styling a casual look for a transitional outfit, try mixing and matching your cold-weather and warm-weather pieces. First, start with a pair of breezy linen pants. Next, add a classic crewneck sweater. Then, add another warm weather piece – sandals. As for your accessories, try a pair of oval sunglasses and a woven bag. The result is the perfect look to usher in spring with seasonal pieces that will also provide you with enough warmth if it’s still a little chilly.
French Style: Where Simplicity Meets Sophistication
Casual French style is found at the intersection of elegance and effortlessness. French women have mastered the art of looking polished, without being overdone. If you want to emulate their casual style, opt for quality, staple pieces. Lean into neutral shades, and don’t forget about the power of your accessories. With the inspiration above, you’ll master casual French style in no time.
Are you ready for more French style tips? Up Next: How to Put Your Own Spin on Classic French Fashion
