French girls have that effortless, everyday style that makes it seem like they roll out of bed looking fabulous! Of course, they have their secrets to making it look so easy. Go-to wardrobe staples, classic accessories and easy (but important) styling tricks are behind that French girl confidence and their timeless fashion. If you want to dress a little more French in your day-to-day life, follow along for 13 tips and outfit ideas to get started today with a French style everyday look.
1. Swap out your tee for a striped shirt
shirt | jeans | shoes | bag | necklace
French sailors popularized the striped shirt, so it makes sense why French women love incorporating the classic pattern into their everyday looks. The striped shirt adds interest to your look, without overpowering your other pieces. An easy way to get the French girl look with stripes? Just swap out your solid, basic tee for a striped version.
Keep the rest of your look simple with wide-leg jeans. If your shirt is too long, try tucking it in all the way or use a French tuck (just tuck in the front part). This will help to define your waist! Then, accessorize with boat shoes for a warm weather touch, a basket bag, and a chunky gold necklace.
2. Add a pop of color with a red lip
cardigan | jeans | earrings | shoes
French girls aren’t known to wear much makeup when it comes to their everyday look. They focus on their skincare, and don’t cover up their features with heavy foundation, eyeshadow, etc. Keep your beauty routine minimal with a swipe of mascara, a spot of concealer, and a bold lip if you’re looking for a confidence boost!
If you love the confidence that you get from a red lip, try pairing it with another pop of red in your cardigan. Then, reach for a pair of dark wash jeans and Mary Jane heels. This is the perfect transitional look that can get you excited for warmer weather!
3. Elevate your look with a scarf
top | jeans | scarf | bag | shoes
The scarf is a tried and true favorite in the French style everyday look. There are so many ways to wear it, and French women take full advantage of its versatility. You can tie it around a bag handle, use it as a neck scarf, slide it through your belt loops, or utilize it as a hair accessory. Plus, this doesn’t have to be an expensive addition to your wardrobe. Although there are plenty of designer versions out there (Hermès comes to mind), you can find a great variety of neck scarves under $20.
French girls also love the way that a neck scarf can brighten up their neutral outfits. It can transform your neutral capsule looks, and is the perfect piece for when you’re craving warm-weather looks. Style it with a monochromatic look of jeans and a white tee, along with a pair of eye-catching red ballet flats and a boat tote for an easy spring outfit formula.
4. Have fun with colorful socks
cardigan | jeans | earrings | socks | loafers
I’ll never forget the colorful socks that I saw being sported by French women as we walked around Paris! It’s something that I never personally thought to try, but ever since seeing the style rocked by Parisians, I’ve been hooked. It’s a great way to re-incorporate a bold color back into your look, without overpowering it with color. The subtle hint of red in the outfit above is a fun pop underneath a dark pair of jeans.
On top, bring the red back in with a classic cardigan. Then, add a pattern with leopard print ballet flats. This is a combo that Carolyn and I have both been loving this year! Gold hoops are all you need to accessorize.
5. Create a clean, casual look in straight-leg jeans
jeans | flats | basket bag | shirt | sunglasses
You can get the French style everyday look by pulling pieces from your capsule wardrobe that you probably already own. A striped tee or sweater, straight-leg jeans (no holes or rips), flats and a basket bag are French girl essentials that are easy to mix and match with other looks. However, when paired together, they give you an effortless French look for spring style!
Accessorize with your favorite pair of sunglasses to complete the outfit. Oval, oversized or cat eye are particularly well-loved by French women.
6. Go for a timeless pair of loafers
cardigan | skirt | socks | shoes | watch
Speaking of a classic red cardigan, you can elevate the look for a nice lunch or business casual outfits with a pair of loafers. Loafers are comfortable, dressy, and give your look a preppy touch if you’re inspired by the academia aesthetic. They’re one of those classic shoes that will truly never go out of style, which is one of the reasons that French women love wearing them!
Pair them with a cardigan and miniskirt to get a French-approved take on the preppy school uniform. Then, incorporate another French favorite with a red pair of socks. A bracelet watch completes the studious ensemble.
7. Lean into a feminine look with a midi skirt
skirt | sweater | shoes | earrings | watch
Feminine looks are all the rage this year, but they’re full of timeless pieces that lean into lace, ruffles, skirts and dresses. Perfect for warm weather dressing! Try it out for yourself with a midi skirt. French women love them for their practicality, comfort and feminine look. You don’t have to worry about them riding up throughout the day as you walk, and they’ll flow around your legs as you’re moving from place to place. Plus, they hit above your ankle, which means that your shoes can still be the star of the show.
Speaking of shoes, incorporate some texture into your look with a pair of woven Mary Janes. They’re a fun twist on the classic style! Then, on top, reach for your favorite striped shirt or sweater. Finish the look with a pearl-faced watch and pearl stud earrings.
8. Add a basket bag to your warm weather looks
sweater | jeans | flats | basket bag | earrings
The French basket tote, or panier, became a French style staple in the 1950s when French women used them to carry their produce from the market back home. It’s associated with the chic, laidback style of the South of France where the piece was first used in everyday looks.
Start this look with the basket bag, and then add a simple pair of straight-leg jeans and a butter yellow sweater to celebrate spring temperatures on the horizon. Then, add a pair of ballet flats in a neutral color. Finish the look with a pair of minimalist gold hoop earrings.
9. Add a spot of leopard print
cardigan | jeans | belt | loafers
Leopard print is a popular choice in French fashion because of its versatility as a pattern. It’s made up of neutral colors, which means that it’s easy to style with a number of different pieces. Versatility is key for French girls when they’re selecting pieces to introduce to their wardrobes – they know that quality matters more than quantity!
If you prefer a more minimalist look when it comes to a pattern like leopard print, try incorporating it into your look with your accessories. A pair of classic loafers and a thin belt are all you need to really make your outfit stand out! Pair the pieces with wide-leg jeans and a timeless red cardigan.
10. Layer with a classic trench coat
bag | boots | pants | shirt | neck scarf | trench coat
A trench coat is an essential when it comes to getting that French style everyday look we all love. The French love the trench coat because of its chic look, and its practicality. It’s perfect for windy or rainy spring days, without being too heavy when the weather starts to warm up. Plus, it can elevate nearly any look!
Pair it with wide-leg black pants, a pair of leather ankle boots, and a white button-down for a chic work look this spring. Then, accessorize with a sleek leather crossbody bag in a box-style with a red neck scarf for a pop of color.
11. Get a graceful look with ballerina flats
coat | cardigan | jeans | shoes
Speaking of outerwear, a camel topcoat is another great choice for transitional weather. The neutral shade will look great with everything, and the elegant design will help to elevate your more casual looks – like a pair of jeans and a simple sweater.
Add interest to your look with a pop of red and leopard print. Voila, you have the perfect go-to French outfit formula!
12. Mix up your trench coat
coat | shirt | jeans | hat | shoes | bag
You don’t have to stick to a tan khaki color if you’re in the market for a new trench coat. In fact, French girls love to mix it up when it comes to the classic piece (and some have multiple of the staple style). Denim, olive green, black, brown – these are all great neutrals that you can add to your spring style rotation!
Try out the denim-on-denim look by matching your trench with a baseball cap for a casual spring outfit. Keep the base of your outfit simple with a pair of white jeans, and a white t-shirt. Then, introduce a couple of new textures with a leather pair of fisherman sandals and a woven tote bag.
13. Accessorize your basket bag a la Jane Birkin
dress | shoes | earrings | necklace | basket bag
In the 1970s, actress and style icon Jane Birkin began to use a basket tote as part of her day-to-day style. When paired with jeans and a simple top, her look inspired women around the world with her effortless yet stylish look.
Let the iconic fashionista inspire you to accessorize your own bag! Whether it’s a tote or a basket bag, you can tie a scarf, charms, etc., on your bag to add your own personal style to it. It’s a fun way to give your bag a fresh new look for the new season! Plus, you can always use accessories to match your bag to your outfit – use a red scarf to match a red mini dress, sandals, and gold accessories.
French Fashion at Your Fingertips
You don’t have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe to get that French style everyday look! French girls love a versatile capsule wardrobe, so you probably already have many of the pieces that they wear in your own closet. Bookmark this post for days that you just want to look a little more French!
Want more tips about how to wear your jeans with a French flair? Up Next: How to Wear Jeans Like a French Girl
Many thanks. I almost daily consult your blog and choose my outfit with your suggestions in mind. Again thanks.
I’m so happy to hear the content is helpful for you!