If there’s one thing that French girls love, it’s a soirée. More specifically, an evening spent enjoying an apéritif with good drinks, good food, and good company. And, of course, an evening get-together is the perfect opportunity to style chic cocktail party outfits! If you want to emulate effortless French style the next time you wear cocktail attire, keep reading for styling ideas that use their favorite party pieces.
1. Little Black Dress (LBD)
black dress + red lipstick + gold accessories
French women know that you don’t have to overdress to have great style. In fact, they often reach for a simple little black dress when it comes to special occasions. It’s the perfect piece for styling effortlessly chic cocktail party outfits, because it will never go out of style.
It was actually a French woman who popularized the “Little Black Dress” or LBD – Coco Chanel herself. After the design was featured in Vogue in 1926, the magazine predicted it would be a “uniform for all women of taste.” Today, you’ll find the LBD in all shapes, sizes, and lengths. Whether you prefer a shorter skirt or something a little bit longer, you can rest assured that there’s an LBD out there that’s the right cocktail dress for you.
Now, for the styling. If you want to wear your LBD like a French woman, keep your accessories simple. Reach for a pair of sheer black tights – these add extra coverage in the cooler months, and give your legs a flattering look. Pointed-toe slingback heels add to that effect. For a classic vibe, add a subtle hint of red and burgundy in your makeup with a red nail and lip. A dainty gold necklace is the cherry on top!
2. Leopard Print
leopard print dress + knee-high boots
Although French women are known for their love of neutrals, especially when it comes to classy, elegant affairs, they aren’t afraid to incorporate patterns into the cocktail party outfits. For an evening look, they’ll swap out their Mariner tees for a leopard print dress instead. This pattern might still be neutral in color, but it’s the perfect way to add a bit of fun and personality to your party vibe.
Of course, the right accessories can make or break your look. If you want to style your leopard print dress like Parisian model and designer Jeanne Damas, go for a pair of knee-high, or even over-the-knee boots. These help to balance out the short skirt of the dress, and give you that understated elegance of a classy French woman. Add a pair of gold earrings and a small black handbag to round out your ensemble.
dress | boots | bag | earrings
3. Slip Dress
slip dress + slingback heels + blazer
Parisians love a slip dress – it might just be the perfect dress for layered cocktail party outfits at any time of year. Dressing for cooler temps? Try a sweater or blazer on top, then add a long wool coat. You can even add a belt around the waist to help emphasize the definition of your shape.
Go for tights underneath and a pair of pointed-toe heels for a classy, elegant, and romantic look for your next evening out. This staple piece will always have a home in a Parisian’s wardrobe because it’s simple, timeless, and gives French women that feminine, yet cool look that they love.
dress | shoes | earrings | necklace | bag | blazer
4. Longline Blazer
blazer + shorts + sheer tights + heels
Speaking of blazers, this piece always makes the list of a French girl’s favorite party pieces. Once again, this is a capsule wardrobe staple that French women love for its versatility. From work to the weekend, this wardrobe superhero can be dressed up or down to fit the occasion.
When it comes to elevated cocktail party outfits, a Parisian might opt for a blazer in a dark shade. She might even play around with choosing one with a unique, evening-appropriate texture – like silk or velvet. To take her outfit from business professional to party-ready, she’ll choose the rest of her pieces carefully.
If you love the put-together look of two-piece sets, try creating one for yourself! Pair an oversized black blazer with black shorts and black tights for additional coverage. A monochromatic outfit always makes it look like you put more effort into getting dressed than you actually did – and an all-black look is flattering on every body type. Black pointed-toe shoes and a black cocktail ring complete the effect.
blazer | shorts | tights | heels | ring
5. Pleated Skirt
longline blazer + pleated skirt + tights + heels
Bold colors not really your thing? Don’t worry, French women are the perfect inspiration when it comes to neutral cocktail party outfits. In fact, they often wear black when it comes to elegant evening events – that’s why there are already a few of these looks on the list.
Did you like the last look, but wish it offered a little more coverage? If you want something a little bit more modest, try swapping out the shorts for a pleated midi dress or skirt, and exchange the oversized, drapey blazer for a more fitted version with a higher neckline. This look is appropriate for a more elevated dress code, or even happy hour with colleagues. Add a pair of strappy heels, tights, and minimalist gold accessories to round out this outfit like a French woman would.
skirt | blazer | heels | bag | necklace | rings
6. Leather Skirt
leather midi skirt + henley (or long sleeve top) + strappy heels
Did you get an invite to meet up with friends for a cocktail hour? You don’t have to overthink your look – just channel the chic French woman below with another all-black outfit. A mix of textures is the key to making this cocktail party outfit more interesting – a structured leather midi skirt paired with a soft Henley or a top with long sleeves is the perfect combination for a look that’s both comfortable and fashion-forward.
When it comes to cocktail hour, you usually want to opt for a smaller bag – no need to reach for an oversized tote for one evening out, especially if there will be any dancing involved. A classic shoulder bag is ideal, especially if you have one in an interesting fabric or pattern, like leopard print. It helps to act as a focal point in your all-black outfit.
top | skirt | heels | bag | earrings
7. Mini Skirt
mini skirt + kitten heels + tights + coat
A mini skirt is fun, flirty, and a little bit preppy. For a casual cocktail hour, it’s the perfect piece to help you start creating your outfit. French women love to mix and match feminine and masculine pieces, and since your mini skirt fills the role of your traditionally feminine item, try pairing it with a more masculine oversized button-down shirt on top.
Now, don’t stop there! Add a long coat on top and sheer black tights – this combo will make you look taller, and help you keep warm during winter weather. Pearls, kitten heels, and a leather shoulder bag are your final touches for a simple yet chic cocktail party outfit that can be created with your winter capsule wardrobe staples.
skirt | top | coat | heels | bag | earrings
8. Sequin Jacket
sequin jacket + slip skirt + pumps
Cocktail party outfits are the perfect opportunity to add a little bit of glitz and glam to your style. But don’t worry – French women prove that you can still do this in an elegant way. The key is to not go overboard – choose one statement piece with glitter, sequins, etc., and keep the rest of your outfit additions pretty simple.
To complement the glamorous look of a sequined lady jacket, pair it with a soft-textured piece in a solid color, like a satin or silk slip skirt. Add a pair of low heels, simple gold jewelry, and a sleek leather bag to round out your look. And if you want to add a subtle pop of color, do so with your nail shade and lipstick.
jacket | skirt | necklace | bag | shoes | earrings
9. Lace Top
lace top + trousers + slingback heels
Parisians love lace for their cocktail party outfits because it incorporates both pattern and texture into their look. This vintage-inspired fabric can also be flirty if you choose a sheer version – you can always wear a nude or black tank underneath if you want a more modest look.
To balance out the sheer top, go for a classic pair of pants, like wide-leg trousers. Use the same logic to choose your accessories – pearl earrings, slingback pumps, and a sleek leather clutch are understated, yet elegant.
top | pants | heels | earrings | clutch
Cocktail Party Outfits – The French Way
If you love the effortless elegance of French style, look no further than Parisian women for inspiration when it comes to dressing for your next cocktail party. The holiday season will be here soon, which means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to recreate one (or more) of these looks yourself!
Speaking of the holidays, are you already daydreaming about cold-weather looks? More French styles are on the way! Up Next: Paris Winter Fashion: 10 Cold-Weather Looks to Recreate for the Season
