We recently asked the MCO community how you would describe your dream style for this year in one word. One common response we received? Feminine! If your vision board is full of satin skirts, lace detail, and elegant, classic looks, you can find fashion inspiration in some of the most iconic fashionistas of the past. Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy Onassis… They were all known for their chic feminine style. For a modern spin on their classic style, read on for 13 looks to inspire classy feminine outfits all year long.
1. straw hat + white button-down + black pants + black heels
shirt | pants | shoes | hat | earrings
This first look is inspired by one of the women known for popularizing the little black dress in modern fashion. Audrey Hepburn has long been admired for her feminine, classic style, and her looks serve as the perfect inspiration for your own modern take on everyday wear.
You can pair your capsule wardrobe pieces to create a look inspired by one of Audrey’s famous ensembles. First, start with a white button-down. Next, add a pair of black trousers. The trick to making this piece more feminine is to tuck in the shirt – adding definition to your waist and natural shape.
Your accessories are also key when it comes to feminine details! A pair of ballet flats, pearl earrings, and a straw hat are the perfect touches to give this look more feminine energy.
2. striped shirt + long white skirt + espadrilles + tote bag
basket tote | skirt | espadrilles | earrings | shirt
Classy feminine outfits don’t have to be complicated! Feminine fashion style can be achieved by having just a few key pieces in your wardrobe. One of those key pieces being a long white skirt! You’ll find that in spring and summer, this is a versatile go-top piece that will instantly add a feminine look to any outfit.
In the spring, pair it with a Breton or Maniner shirt for a French-girl-inspired ensemble. Then, add a pair of espadrilles. Accessorize with a straw tote bag, and gold pearl hoop earrings. It’s the perfect look to save for lunch with friends, or a dinner out when the weather warms up!
3. red coat + leopard shoes + leopard scarf + little black dress
black dress | coat | heels | scarf
One of the best patterns to wear in order to embrace your feminine side? Leopard print! This classic pattern pairs well with your favorite solid colors to instantly make your look more interesting. Plus, there’s something about a leopard print piece that will give you an instant confidence boost – I’m speaking from experience here!
Recreate Audrey’s classic style with a bright red coat. This pop of color will draw attention in the best way. Who doesn’t love a pop of color when it’s cold and dreary outside? Then, add on your leopard print accessories – in place of a leopard box hat like Audrey’s, you can style a leopard print scarf or headband.
Underneath, you can wear your favorite little black dress. If you’re looking for the ideal foundation for feminine looks, find a little black dress that flatters your body shape and your own personal style type.
4. crewneck sweater + pull-on pants + trench coat + loafers + neck scarf
sweater | trench coat | pants | loafers | scarf
Feminine looks don’t have to be impractical, or uncomfortable. Style this next look for the office, or a chic travel outfit. Start with a classic crewneck sweater – high-quality fabrics like cashmere or cotton are perfect for a comfortable fit that’s ideal for layering throughout the year.
If you’re looking for a comfortable pairing for the office, add pull-on pants in a slim style for an easy work outfit. The slim style will complement all body shapes for a flattering look. Next, add a trench coat for fall or spring layering. It’s one of the must-haves if you’re inspired by the feminine looks of French women! Finish the outfit with timeless loafers, and a neck scarf – another Parisian wardrobe staple.
5. blouse + midi skirt + wide belt + mary janes
skirt | blouse | belt | hat | mary janes
Grace Kelly once modeled a similar look to the one above. It’s a fun feminine take on Western style, with a wide-brimmed hat, a wide waist belt and leather details. Of course, if the hat isn’t something you would wear for everyday looks, you can swap it out for a classic pair of sunglasses instead.
On top, a classic button-down blouse in a pale shade of pink is perfect for spring looks. It provides coverage when the weather remains cool, but the bright color helps to liven up the look for warmer temperatures ahead. On the bottom, reach for your classic long white or cream skirt. This look is further proof of how versatile this capsule wardrobe staple is, even across various aesthetics!
Finish the look with a pair of vintage-inspired Mary Jane flats, and the wide belt to accentuate your waist. The darker color and thickness of the belt will naturally draw attention to the narrowest part of your midsection, creating an hourglass effect.
6. matching sweater and skirt set + heels + top-handle bag + sunglasses
top | skort | heels | bag | earrings | sunglasses
Speaking of light pink, we’re already seeing this color pop up everywhere for spring looks! This next matching set is the perfect inspiration for feminine-inspired workwear. Matching tweed sets have long been iconic staples from designers like Chanel. Chanel popularized the style in the 1920s, and ever since then it has been a beacon of elegant style and worn by some of the most well-known fashionistas and influential women in recent history.
Besides the tailored look to a matching tweed set, the fabric itself and gold buttons help to define this piece in a refined and delicate way. Add a pair of slingback heels, cat-eye sunglasses, a pair of gold stud earrings and a vintage-inspired top handle bag to complete the timeless look.
7. sleeveless blouse + white skirt + heels + pearl earrings
sleeveless blouse | skirt | heels | earrings
While a black-and-white look might not immediately scream “feminine,” it’s all about how you style it. Audrey Hepburn knew this, and some of her most famous looks (both in movies and in her street style) were comprised of the timeless color combo. Don’t worry about falls into the category of feminine colors – it’s all about how you style them!
Start with a black halter-style blouse with a bow detail at the neckline. This piece will accentuate the elegant curves of your body type with an exposed collarbone. Next, reach for your white midi skirt. It will help balance out the slim cut of your top. Add a pair of wedge heels and pearl stud earrings to complete the look that Audrey herself would love to wear.
8. little black dress + trench coat + pearl earrings + tall boots
dress | boots | trench coat | earrings | scarf
Jackie O is another timeless feminine style icon who provided a lot of great inspiration in the outfits she wore. This next look is directly inspired by one she was photographed in: a double-breasted trench coat, knee-high boots, and a chic striped scarf.
First, start with your little black dress. You can’t go wrong with this shift-style silhouette from Everlane! There’s a slight tuck at the waist, which will help to accentuate your figure. Next, add your trench coat. The belt on this particular style also helps to complement your natural body shape. Then, add your knee-high boots. Suede is a great choice for fall, and is a slightly softer variation than your typical smooth leather pair. Finally don’t forget your Parisian-approved accessories – a pair of pearl earrings and a striped neck scarf.
9. floral dress + car coat + ballet flats + sunglasses
coat | dress | flats | sunglasses
A floral midi dress is yet another capsule wardrobe staple that makes it easy to style feminine looks for spring. A midi version with a flutter sleeve is especially appropriate if you want to really embrace the little feminine details with your floral prints. If you want to go for a slimming effect up top, reach for a style that has a v-neckline – it will help to open up your chest area and draw the eye in a vertical line. Sometimes a high-neckline might make you appear larger and more boxy.
To combat the spring rain or wind, add a trench coat or a car coat for a vintage-inspired touch. The style shown above is the perfect compromise between the two! Then, a pair of quilted flats (inspired by Chanel ballet flats) and a pair of oval sunglasses complete the look.
10. midi dress + wool coat + heels + pearl earrings + sunglasses
dress | coat | heels | sunglasses | earrings
Here’s another midi dress that you can style all year round for classic, elegant looks. A little black dress in midi form is a closet superhero that you can easily dress up or down depending on the occasion. Plus, a short-sleeved version is ideal for all types of weather – if it gets chilly, layer on your favorite cardigan or coat. Wear it to the office, out to dinner, or to a holiday party. No matter where you’re going, you’ll have that effortlessly chic look.
If you’re headed out to dinner this winter, add a wool coat on top for a layer of sophistication (and coziness). Then, reach for your slingback flats and pearl earrings to complete the timeless ensemble.
11. lady jacket + slim jeans + flats + shoulder bag
jeans | jacket | shoulder bag | flats
Parisian women love a lady jacket – and with good reason! This collarless jacket is another piece made famous by Coco Chanel. Unlike a man’s typical blazer, a lady jacket often features a cropped length, softer, less structured tailoring, and a rounded, collarless neckline. It’s another piece that you can easily dress up for an elegant occasion, or dress down with jeans for casual Friday at the office.
Keep the tailored, streamlined look of the jacket going throughout the rest of your outfit. Pair it with slim jeans, leopard print ballet flats, and a curved shoulder bag to end your work week in style.
12. crewneck sweater + white pants + pearl earrings + tote bag + ballet flats
watch | sweater | pants | shoes | tote bag | earrings
Speaking of workwear, you can mix up your favorite office formula for spring business casual looks by leaning into lighter colors. Pale pink and white is the perfect go-to combination for classy feminine outfits. Your pale pink sweater will add the perfect pop of color to your white trousers. Then, add a pair of pale pink shoes to balance out the look. Pearl studs (in pink, of course), a work tote and a practical (yet chic) wristwatch complete the look.
13. cream turtleneck + satin pants + flats + earrings + top handle bag
turtleneck | pants | flats | bag | earrings
Last, but not light, tonal looks are ideal for classy feminine outfits year-round. Want to transition your winter pieces to spring? Try styling an all-white or cream look for work or your weekend plans.
First, start with a cream turtleneck. Then, add a pair of textured satin pants in a coordinating color. Satin is the perfect fabric to mix in with your outfits for a feminine look. After that, add a top handle bag for an elegant, structured touch that will balance out the softer appearance of the rest of your pieces. Finally, cap-toed ballet flats and a pair of gold and pearl earrings round out the ensemble.
Having Fun with Feminine Looks
Feminine looks aren’t necessarily a trend, but if you look at the latest styles being shown on the runways and in street styles around the world, niche aesthetics like “balletcore”, frills and lace, “quiet luxury” and coquette-inspired pieces are having a resurgence. So, it makes sense that many are discovering (or re-discovering) a love for timeless elegance, and classy feminine outfits. If you’re just leaning into this fashion mindset for the first time, this list of looks is a great place to start!
Looking for inspiration for your spring workwear? Up Next: 13 Spring Business Casual Outfits to Inspire Your Workwear
That lovely black dress in viscose (no. 10)! But the link to J.Crew doesn’t work. Please send correct link, as I don’t seem to be able to just “find” it on the J.Crew site. Thank you!
We checked and the link is still live! It could be that the dress sold out and now it’s brought back. Happy shopping!