When you’re starting a wardrobe from scratch it can be hard to know what to get, especially when it comes to this seemingly inclusive and mysterious French girl wardrobe.
But it doesn’t have to be a mystery on how to be effortlessly chic, because here are the things that make up a French girl starter wardrobe!
French Girl Starter Wardrobe
BOTTOMS
To emulate a French wardrobe, you could get away with just three types of jeans: the iconic straight leg, the classic skinny leg, or the high waist flare classic. Get one or get them all! Related: EASY FRENCH STYLING TIPS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW
TOPS
WHITE BUTTON DOWN
Don’t worry about getting a super slim cut here. Even though the French are all about tailoring, they know when a little bit of an oversized fit is chic too.
STRIPED TEE OR SWEATER
Maybe a tad bit cliche, but they do reach for their stripes, even if it’s not all the time. If you’re over stripes, go for something basic!
CREWNECK SWEATER
A chic way to stay cozy. Worn with jeans or skirts. You can also tie it around your neck for a cool twist!
Related: 7 SPRING OUTFIT COMBOS ALL THE FRENCH GIRLS ARE WEARING
OUTERWEAR
LEATHER JACKET
This is your never go out of style classic piece. It can add a little bit of edge to a look and it looks great with jeans and ankle boots!
LEOPARD PRINT COAT
Think French girls only do “boring” basic colors? Think again! Leopard is a staple piece in their wardrobe!
BLAZER
Dark blue or black are great color choices! Can be worn with jeans, layered with a belt around the waist, or as a stand-alone top.
CARDIGAN
Their go-to layering or stand-alone piece all year round. When the weather warms up, they opt for a short sleeve cropped style.
TRENCH COAT
Start with the ever so classic tan/beige, and move on to other colors if you so desire!
Related: 5 FRENCH OFF-DUTY LOOKS THAT ARE IMPOSSIBLY STYLISH
SHOES
BLACK HEELS
Whether you go for slingback pumps or a low block heel, black is a color that will go with everything in your wardrobe!
BALLET FLATS
We’re thinking neutral, chic, and made to last! They add that nice feminine touch.
ANKLE BOOTS
Get a good pair, because you’ll get your money’s worth out of these! Pairs perfectly with jeans.
Related: 9 FASHION MISTAKES A FRENCH WOMAN WOULD NEVER MAKE
DRESSES
SLIP DRESS
It’s luxurious yet versatile. What girl couldn’t get on board with that? Pair it with pretty much anything on this list and you got yourself a chic look.
BLACK DRESS
Date night? Last minute dinner party and you don’t know what to wear? Your LBD will cover all occasions!
Related: 8 SECRETS OF FRENCH STYLE
ACCESSORIES
LEATHER BAG
You can be happy knowing this is a worthwhile investment because leather isn’t restricted to trends or seasons!
SILK SCARF
Sometimes your outfit just needs a little touch of print or a little touch of luxe and a silk scarf accomplishes both of those things!
Related: THE SURPRISING PERSON TO GET ALL YOUR FRENCH INSPO FROM
There’s certainly more you could get, but this is a great start for a French girl starter wardrobe!
Would you be interested in a post on all the pieces you’d need for a French capsule wardrobe? Let me know!
Related Posts:
Taylor Aube says
June 17, 2019 at 10:58 amA crisp button down and a good pair of fitted jeans are such wardrobe essentials. You look do fabulous and classic here – a look that will never go out of style!
Stephanie says
June 17, 2019 at 4:58 pmYou’re making me want to throw out everything in my closet and start from scratch with these pieces. Maybe one day I’ll do just that. I’m starting to find the intense appeal in minimal styles – and French girls know how to SLAY minimalistic chic!
Carolyn @ My Chic Obsession says
June 19, 2019 at 12:20 pmFrench girls definitely do, but your wardrobe is fabulous, so I wouldn’t go throwing it all out haha!
Kristen says
June 17, 2019 at 5:10 pmLeopard is my fave print right now. I never thought to grab a coat with that print. You’ve inspired me to go on the hunt.
Carolyn @ My Chic Obsession says
June 19, 2019 at 12:19 pmHappy to have inspired you! 🙂
Katie says
June 17, 2019 at 8:05 pmI love love this minimalist look! It’s so classic! You really can’t go wrong with it!
Carolyn @ My Chic Obsession says
June 19, 2019 at 12:19 pmTotally agree with you!
Kileen says
June 17, 2019 at 10:28 pmI love this style and you wear it so well!! Love the simplicity and classic style!
Kileen
cute & little
Carolyn @ My Chic Obsession says
June 19, 2019 at 12:17 pmThank you! Classic style is my go-to!
Megan Elliott says
June 18, 2019 at 11:52 amYou are the QUEEN of a “classic” look! I love this!
Carolyn @ My Chic Obsession says
June 19, 2019 at 12:17 pmShucks, making me blush!
Tonya Morris says
June 18, 2019 at 1:16 pmI am obsessed with your style! These are such good tips!
Carolyn @ My Chic Obsession says
June 19, 2019 at 12:16 pmAw thanks, Tonya!
Kaylyn Vial says
June 18, 2019 at 5:50 pmFrench minimalist style is often my go to look! You nailed this look and would love a post on a French capsule wardrobe!
Carolyn @ My Chic Obsession says
June 19, 2019 at 12:15 pmThanks so much for the input! I will keep that in mind 🙂
Nataly says
June 19, 2019 at 7:02 amI love this classic look! You have the best style!
Carolyn @ My Chic Obsession says
June 19, 2019 at 12:14 pmAw thanks, Nataly!
Taylor Mobley says
June 19, 2019 at 7:43 amWhat a perfect classic look. I love this on you.
Carolyn @ My Chic Obsession says
June 19, 2019 at 11:54 amThank you! I gravitate towards classic looks first in my wardrobe!
Deborah says
June 19, 2019 at 8:02 amI agree with all of these items on your list and you are definitely my inspiration when it comes to classic French-chic looks!
Carolyn @ My Chic Obsession says
June 19, 2019 at 11:54 amAw, I’m happy to hear that!
Quinn says
June 24, 2019 at 5:38 amFrench style is so good! It doesn’t matter what kind of outfit it is – always looks so effortless. The button-down is so dreamy!
xx http://www.qustomquinns.com/blog
Carolyn @ My Chic Obsession says
June 24, 2019 at 9:36 amThanks, Quinn! French style is something I’ll never be able to get over!
Erin says
June 24, 2019 at 8:54 amYou are gorgeous! Love this look!
Carolyn @ My Chic Obsession says
June 24, 2019 at 9:35 amThanks, Erin!
Maureen says
September 21, 2019 at 9:38 pmI’d appreciate all the French style ideas you can throw at me! :). I can’t do scarves other than the winter kind. Can’t get past that “staged” look that makes me feel ridiculous.
Carolyn @ My Chic Obsession says
September 22, 2019 at 7:20 pmThere’s plenty on my website if you want to search “french” or “Parisian” 🙂 And no problem if you don’t like to wear scarves! The great part about style is that you can pick and choose what you like 🙂
Mary says
April 23, 2020 at 10:27 amJust found your blog. I’m obsessed! 🙂 What brand of jeans are you wearing in the pics (with the stitching on the back pockets)?
Thanks,
Mary in Cleveland, Ohio
Carolyn @ My Chic Obsession says
April 23, 2020 at 11:15 amAw Hi, Mary! So glad you’re here. That pair is from American Eagle!