French women are just as thoughtful about their accessories as they are about their chic fashion. Just like their approach to style and makeup, their accessories are timeless, minimal, and classic. They value quality over quantity, and so although their must-have list of accessories is small, these 9 staple pieces make a big impact on their effortlessly chic outfits. These pieces all complement the unmistakable aesthetic of the French girl wardrobe. Keep reading for the list of 9 must-have accessories that French women rarely leave home without.
1. Straw Bag
French women love their straw and raffia totes, especially in the spring and summer. It’s the perfect warm-weather accessory for carrying around a picnic lunch, local market finds, or anything else that they might need for the day. Straw and raffia are both easy to clean, which makes them ideal for carrying produce or any other necessities.
Although the straw bag has a historically practical use, today it’s also used as a classic French girl fashion accessory. Iconic French brands and designers like Sézane have elevated the French basket bag with details like embroidered logos and leather handles. These small touches make the basket bag the perfect accessory for everyday use, as well as any other occasions when they might need to carry a large tote.
Sézane
Justine Basket Bag
2. Cat Eye Sunglasses
When it comes to sunglasses, French women tend to favor classic, timeless shapes. They prefer pieces that never go out of style, like classic Wayfarers, an oval shape, and cat-eye. As with most pieces in their wardrobes, French women go for quality over quantity. They like to pay slightly more up front to get a product that will last and is worthwhile.
Cat-eye sunglasses have a vintage, feminine edge to them that pairs perfectly with a wide range of chic looks. They also particularly flatter a round or oval face shape, as the subtle point is the perfect balance to softer features. If you’re styling jeans and a striped t-shirt, add a pair of these sunglasses to your outfit for perfect French style.
j.crew
Bungalow Cat-Eye Sunglasses
3. Silk Scarf
The silk scarf or foulard might just be the epitome of French girl must-have accessories. This iconic symbol of French style adds a classic touch to any look for a chic aesthetic. Whether it’s worn around the head, in the hair, tied on a bag or around the neck, a silk scarf adds that special something that French girls always seem to have in their fashion. There are so many ways that you can style a French scarf.
The other great thing about the silk scarf is that you don’t have to splurge on a designer piece to get the perfect Parisian aesthetic. There are plenty of silk and cotton options out there that will give you the same look for a much lower price point. You can choose a neutral style or go for a pop of color to incorporate into a capsule wardrobe.
Nordstrom
Print Silk Square Scarf
4. Ballet Flats
Nordstrom rack
Chateau Quilted Flat
When it comes to footwear, French girls favor shoes that are elevated, yet practical. They look for comfortable options that are still chic and sophisticated. French women love ballet flats for these exact reasons. The concept of ballet flats dates back centuries in the world of dance, but in modern fashion, starlets and fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot popularized the shoe for street style in the 1950s and 1960s. Ever since then, ballet flats have been a beloved choice by French designers such as Chanel, and just as loved by French women everywhere.
Although there are always the classic leather pairs of ballet flats, you can also experiment with different colors, fabrics, and textures. Add a pop of red to your look, or try a quilted pair in the style of Chanel for an interesting twist on the classic shoe. Use them to elevate your jeans and t-shirt, or pair them with a skirt, trench coat, and sweater for a polished appearance.
5. Sheer Tights
French girl style is as effortless as it is polished and sophisticated. Although French women tend to favor longer skirts and pants, if they do wear a short skirt or shorts, they like to style them with a pair of sheer tights. This simple layer elevates the look and is also ideal for transitional outfits (and unpredictable Parisian weather). Many French wardrobe basics can be paired with sheer tights for a chic look, including a little black dress, trouser shorts, and mini skirts.
French women also like to create contrast in their looks by mixing and matching masculine and feminine pieces. Sheer tights are a great piece to add that feminine element to a look. Try styling them with a short skirt, a leather jacket, t-shirt, and tall boots for a chic look this spring or fall.
j.crew
Sheer Tights
6. Structured Leather Bag
Although we’ve already covered one French girl essential when it comes to bags, there’s another style that needs to be mentioned. For more elevated occasions, French women love a structured leather handbag. This bag is the opposite of a casual, practical straw bag. It’s smaller, more elegant, and ideal for occasions such as work, a night out, or a nice dinner. Even though there are plenty of designer purses that you’ll see pop up in French fashion, there are also some great affordable options out there if you know what to look for.
If you’re shopping for a new bag, look for high-quality leather (or vegan leather if you prefer), and a silhouette that fits your preferences and lifestyle. I love the top-handle crossbody bag below because it covers a wide array of personal styles. The top-handle shape is reminiscent of vintage designs, while the crossbody strap is useful if you’re often on the go. It also features classic gold hardware, which is a subtle detail that helps elevate this style.
quince
Italian Leather Top Handle Crossbody Bag
7. Gold Jewelry
Women in France often don’t have much closet space, especially in Paris. Because of this, they think long and hard about each piece that they bring into their home. They don’t have space in their closet to chase after every fleeting trend. Because of this, you’ll find that French wardrobe essentials are classic, staple items that won’t ever go out of style.
Along with straight-leg jeans, trousers, white sneakers, and button-ups, gold jewelry is another must-have for French women. More specifically, understated, yet sophisticated pieces of gold jewelry comprise a minimalist jewelry collection. A pair of small hoop earrings, a pendant necklace, and a bracelet or two are all that French women need to complete their daily looks. If you’re just looking to start a jewelry collection, this is a great place to start.
gorjana
Bespoke Coin Necklace
8. Classic Belts
Although there certainly is a time and a place for statement belts, French women tend to wear classic styles and colors. These are the most versatile belt options and will complement nearly every piece in a French capsule wardrobe. Think materials like suede and leather, in neutral colorways like camel, chocolate, and black.
French women know the power that a belt can have on their look. A belt instantly adds interest and shape to a look, no matter what it’s worn with. It could give structure to a shapeless dress, be worn around a winter coat for an hourglass look, or styled with trouser shorts for a sophisticated detail as part of a transitional outfit.
j.crew
Classic Belt
9. A Chic Watch
Last, but certainly not least, is one of my personal favorite accessories when it comes to French girl fashion. A chic watch is the finishing touch on any French look, as it adds an air of sophistication and class to even the most casual outfit. If you’re going for a classy casual look, try pairing your favorite watch with a cashmere sweater and denim jeans. Or, add it to leggings, a striped tee, and a trench coat for a chic look to run errands. A beautiful watch is a functional piece of jewelry that you’ll wear for years to come.
amazon
Seiko Leather Watch
Accessorize the French Girl Way
The French wardrobe effortlessly balances functional and beautiful accessories for chic, timeless style. French girls have mastered the ability to carefully accessorize their outfits in a way that feels intentional and purposeful. If you want to get their look, try incorporating a mixture of these 9 accessories into your daily style.
Ready for more French girl favorites? Up Next: 11 Things French Women Don’t Leave Home Without
