When you’re starting a wardrobe from scratch, it can be hard to know what to get, especially when it comes to this seemingly elusive and mysterious French girl wardrobe. We all know that French women are iconic in their sense of fashion, timeless beauty, and overall elegance. But thankfully, you don’t have to be a French girl to create a French girl starter wardrobe! In this post, I’ll be uncovering the enigma of the French wardrobe and how to build one from scratch. Read on for some of the best classic pieces to get you started.
French Girl Starter Wardrobe
BOTTOMS
1. Jeans
When it comes to emulating an authentic French wardrobe, there’s one type of bottoms that is non-negotiable: jeans. Straight-leg, wide-leg, and skinny jeans are the best pairs to get and will allow you to create a wide range of outfits. A nice medium wash or vintage wash will be perfect, and never cut corners on quality and fit! These two details are key to creating a put-together, flattering look and will make even the most simple outfits look like a million bucks.
2. Midi or Maxi Skirt
French girls love a midi skirt for classic, feminine outfits. The midi length provides modest coverage, which also makes it an ideal workwear staple. The longer length is flattering on every body type, but still allows you to show off your footwear. Use it to create a tonal look with a coordinating top, paired with a belt and chic sunglasses.
If you’re building a wardrobe from scratch, a midi skirt is a versatile piece that’s easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion. Plus, you can wear it year round for chic style throughout the year.
TOPS
3. White Button-Down
Of course, a classic white button-down is essential to every stylish woman’s wardrobe, but especially a French-inspired one! While you’ll notice lots of tailoring in French fashion, don’t be afraid to go for a looser fit with this one. The oversized fit is modern, chic, and incredibly versatile.
4. Striped Tee or Sweater
This one may seem a tad bit cliche, but a marinière can be found in almost every French girl’s closet. A striped top is a great way to add a bit of pattern to your look while still remaining timeless. Striped shirts were popularized in France, and so it makes sense why they’re still such staples in a French girl’s wardrobe today. This classic piece will never go out of style.
5. Crewneck Sweater or Cardigan
A crewneck sweater is always a chic and classy way to stay warm. Cashmere is always a good option. With its super soft feel and versatility, this is one of those timeless pieces that will be in your wardrobe for a long time. Plus, it’s the perfect layering piece that you can style almost all year long.
In the summer, throw it over the shoulders of your button-down shirt as the perfect French girl accessory. In the colder months, layer it over a white tee and pair it with a tailored pair of trousers, a belt, a wool coat and a structured leather bag.
OUTERWEAR
6. Blazer
Whether you wear this with a white blouse, jeans, or as a standalone top, a classic tailored blazer is the perfect way to make an outfit that’s timeless, chic, and expensive-looking. Go for a slightly oversized fit if you want to get the most wear out of your piece. It will ensure you have enough room to wear pieces underneath it, and give you an effortless, chic vibe for a French girl outfit.
7. Trench Coat
Of course, you can’t forget the classic camel trench when it comes to creating a French look! A classic for Parisian women, a trench coat works with literally every outfit. Go for a tan, beige, or camel version of this coat. This springtime staple can elevate even the most casual look. If you’re running errands, add a trench coat over your sweatshirt, leggings, and sneakers -you’ll instantly look more put together.
SHOES
8. Black Heels
Black heels are a French girl’s favorite way to elevate a look. A slingback style with a pointed toe offers a sleek style that also elongates the appearance of your legs. Whether you’re heading to the office or getting dressed up for date night, a classic pair of heels can take your French-inspired looks to the next level.
9. Ballet Flats
For those days when heels just aren’t practical, ballet flats will be your comfortable and chic best friend. These are a great option for adding a feminine touch to any look. Just make sure to find a pair that’s versatile, comfortable, and high-quality.
There is a near endless number of colors to choose from, and you could always switch things up by choosing a pattern – like leopard print. You can also play with texture, here – croc-embossed leather, velvet, suede, etc. can all be great additions to your footwear selection for classic style.
10. Ankle Boots
For this wardrobe staple, always go for quality. You’ll get wear out of these for almost the entire year, so they’re a worthy investment piece! Just as with most accessories, a black pair is a great option here, but brown also works perfectly for a more classic “leather boot.”
If you want an updated look that also provides a slimming effect for your legs, go for a pointed or square toe. These shapes help to elongate the vertical line of your body, and will make you appear taller and slimmer.
DRESSES
11. Black Dress
Looking for something to wear to a last-minute date night or dinner party? The little black dress is a signature to a chic wardrobe and is perfect for those more formal occasions when you can’t find anything to wear. Whether you prefer a mini, midi or maxi version, the little black dress will instantly elevate your look. Accessorize with minimal, classic pieces and you have a French girl look that will truly never go out of style.
ACCESSORIES
12. Leather Bag
Signature to iconic French ladies like Jane Birkin, a great leather bag is absolutely one of the staple items of a French wardrobe. Since leather never goes out of style, consider making a neutral, structured leather bag one of your investment items.
You don’t have to go designer to find a high-quality, well-made bag, either. There is a wide selection of bags on the market, from $200 to $500, that will give you the look you’re looking for at a lower price point. Brands like Quince, Sézane, J.Crew, Freja, and Polène are a few places to start.
13. Silk or Cotton Scarf
It’s no secret that the French love their silk scarves! These are one of the main ways to truly emulate that Parisian woman style and add a pop of color and print to any outfit. Wear these around your neck, wrapped around a low ponytail, or tied to the handle of your leather bag. No matter how you like to wear it, it’s an easy way to add personality and a Parisian chic touch to your looks all year long.
Getting Started with French Girl Style
While this certainly isn’t all you need in your wardrobe, stocking up on these 13 pieces will be a great start to your French girl starter wardrobe! Remember to always go for quality and fit when shopping for these pieces, as you’re sure to get plenty of wear out of them. Some may even become generational pieces to be passed down over the years. If that isn’t a testament to the timeless and chic quality of French style, I don’t know what is!
Want more tips about French girl styling? Up Next: How to Wear Jeans Like a French Girl
A 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!
You’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!
French girls definitely do, but your wardrobe is fabulous, so I wouldn’t go throwing it all out haha!
I did. Get rid of everything in my closet that wasn’t French accepted! So glad I did! Feels so good to do simple!
Leopard 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.
Happy to have inspired you! 🙂
I love love this minimalist look! It’s so classic! You really can’t go wrong with it!
Totally agree with you!
I love this style and you wear it so well!! Love the simplicity and classic style!
Kileen
cute & little
Thank you! Classic style is my go-to!
You are the QUEEN of a “classic” look! I love this!
Shucks, making me blush!
I am obsessed with your style! These are such good tips!
Aw thanks, Tonya!
French minimalist style is often my go to look! You nailed this look and would love a post on a French capsule wardrobe!
Thanks so much for the input! I will keep that in mind 🙂
I love this classic look! You have the best style!
Aw thanks, Nataly!
What a perfect classic look. I love this on you.
Thank you! I gravitate towards classic looks first in my wardrobe!
I agree with all of these items on your list and you are definitely my inspiration when it comes to classic French-chic looks!
Aw, I’m happy to hear that!
French 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
Thanks, Quinn! French style is something I’ll never be able to get over!
You are gorgeous! Love this look!
Thanks, Erin!
I’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.
There’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 🙂
Just 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
Aw Hi, Mary! So glad you’re here. That pair is from American Eagle!
I am enjoying exploring your website, it is the best I have come across in recent times. I love the French style wardrobe, can’t get enough of it, in fact anything French is of interest. Thank you for showing us the websites where French clothing can be obtained, I have now discovered La Redoute and have already ordered a nude cross over cardigan, just beautiful. I’m from New Zealand, hence wardrobe not closet! Look forward to hearing lots more from you.
Audrey
So happy to hear from you, Audrey! It sounds like we both love French style. I look forward to putting out more content like this!
Loving your site! I am 68, 5’3″ and about 120 lbs. I have an ancient ralph lauren blazer that’s literally falling apart. Have you come across any smart single or double-breasted blazers in black or navy that can be dressed up or down? My usual go -to has always been a white shirt and jeans and a blazer…Thanks for all your great articles! Karen