If you take a look around while you’re walking the streets of Paris, you’ll notice that Parisian children are often just as well-dressed as their parents. They have that same je ne sais quoi as the French adults accompanying them – somehow perfectly styled as much as they are effortless. That’s because Parisian parents take the same care in dressing their children as they do themselves, with many of the same style principles that they follow themselves. If you’re looking for Parisian style inspiration for your kids or grandkids, keep reading for easy French kid outfits to copy – les enfants edition.
BOYS
1. white tee + pea coat + jeans + beanie + loafers
coat | t-shirt | jeans | beanie | socks | shoes
French parents tend to follow similar style guidelines when it comes to dressing their children as they do for themselves. Neutral colors, quality capsule pieces, and refined basics make their way into the outfits of French children just the same as the parents.
When it comes to winter dressing, cozy yet elevated layers keep kids comfortable and warm in the colder months without sacrificing style. First, start with a classic pair of jeans. Keep it simple – avoid embellishments, rips, etc. Then, add a basic white tee. On top, upgrade the minimalist look with a soft pea coat.
Have some fun with their accessories. A beanie is an easy way to make a look appear more playful, while socks and loafers help to tie it all together.
2. blazer + sweatshirt + jeans + sneakers + baseball cap
blazer | hoodie | jeans | hat | shoes
The love that boys have for hoodies isn’t stopped by the Atlantic! This casual look starts with a hoodie and jeans pairing as a go-to classic (plus, this look should be an easy sell!). Next, add a pair of comfortable sneakers. The key is to stick to neutral colors and subtle branding. The French love a clean, minimalist look when it comes to their capsule wardrobe pieces, ensuring that they’ll easily be able to mix and match items for maximum wearability – this is the same when it comes to what they buy their kids, too.
Add a baseball cap to play into the casual nature of the look. Then, mix things up by adding a blazer – it’s a perfect layer if it’s still too chilly for just the sweatshirt, but it adds that element of elevation for a French-inspired look.
3. white button-down + baseball cap + sneakers + baseball cap
button-down | jeans | hat | shoes
Mixing high and low pieces is a favorite French secret when it comes to dressing well. Pairing elevated pieces with more casual ones creates balance, and ensures that you’re never over-dressed or under-dressed in your everyday style. It’s a rule of dressing that French adults apply to their kids’ outfits as well.
Start this look with a clean white button-down and jeans. Then, add playful elements to their accessories. A baseball cap (you can let them choose the color, but stay away from logos if you can) and a pair of neutral sneakers make this minimalist formula more kid-appropriate.
4. cardigan + white tee + jeans + baseball cap + sneakers
cardigan | t-shirt | jeans | hat | socks | sneakers
A neutral cardigan is another must-have layer in the wardrobe of a French kid. They’re easy to throw on for nearly any look, and they’re practical. The ease with which you can take them on and off is something that appeals to kids who might start to run around and warm up at a moment’s notice!
Underneath, start with a simple foundation of a white tee and jeans. Next, add the cardigan. Finish the look with casual accessories, like lace-up sneakers, socks, and a baseball cap.
5. trench coat + white tee + jeans + baseball cap + sneakers
coat | t-shirt | jeans | hat | sneakers
We often talk about how a trench coat is one of the most important French girl outfit basics – so it makes sense that French moms love to buy them for their children, too! They’re just as chic in miniature form (and extra cute). Plus, they provide protection against wind and rain in the chillier times of the year.
This look is proof that a trench coat can elevate even the most casual outfit. A white tee, jeans, sneakers, and a baseball cap instantly look French chic with the addition of the well-loved piece of outerwear.
6. white tee + sweater + jeans + striped + oxford shoes + beanie
sweater | t-shirt | jeans | beanie | shoes
The little details make all the difference if you’re trying to emulate that French je ne sais quoi. For instance, a white tee worn underneath a sweater provides a layered look with the perfect amount of contrast to add interest to an otherwise very simple formula.
Next, try a pair of straight-leg jeans. The French love a classic pair of denim, and the key is to reach for clean lines, and a pair with no holes, rips, etc. A mid-to-dark wash is especially versatile for year-round dressing!
Elevate the look with a pair of Oxfords (a dressier alternative to sneakers, but still a great opportunity for them to practice tying a shoe!). Finish the look with that key playful accessory – a striped beanie here is the perfect choice.
7. t-shirt + white button-down + khaki pants + sneakers
button-down | t-shirt | pants | shoes
A simple, neutral color palette is one of the easiest ways to recreate French-inspired looks for kids at home. You can still incorporate color into their outfits, but keep it simple if you want to dress them like a Parisian would. Navy, red, dark green, etc. are all great choices to start! When it comes to adding a pop of color, try to keep it simple with a singular shade.
In this look, navy complements the white and tan neutral pieces of the white t-shirt, khaki pants, and white sneakers with a bit of navy in the logo.
8. striped tee + raincoat + jeans + sneakers + crew socks
coat | shirt | jeans | shoes | socks
Not every day is right for a pair of leather loafers and nice khaki pants! When it comes to springtime weather (and showers) a more practical layer might be necessary. Enter the raincoat! Choose a neutral shade that will complement their other capsule wardrobe pieces for an easy pairing that would still fit right in at a French parc.
A guide to French outfits wouldn’t be complete without the classic navy and white striped tee. Keep things casual with a pair of jeans, crew socks, and a fun pair of sneakers to complete the play-ready French kid look.
9. trench coat + long-sleeved tee + jeans + oxford shoes
coat | sweater | jeans | socks | shoes
Speaking of striped tees, it’s never a bad idea to have more than one! Mix things up with a long-sleeved version in this next outfit idea. Keep the jeans, but elevate the outfit by swapping out a raincoat for the classic trench. Then, keep the sophisticated vibes going with a pair of Oxfords.
10. blue button-down + white tee + twill pants + baseball cap
button-down | t-shirt | pants | hat | shoes
When it comes to layers, you can get just as creative with kids’ clothes as you can with your own! Instead of a sweater or jacket, try an open button-down worn over a white tee. Pair it with casual twill pants with a tie-waist to keep the outfit from looking too business professional-like (they have a long time before they have to worry about that!).
Then, add a few casual accessories to keep the outfit kid-friendly – think velcro sneakers and a baseball cap.
11. trench coat + striped tee + sneakers + navy pants
This last look for boys might be the most French-inspired of them all. Layer a striped t-shirt under a trench coat for the perfect Parisian outfit pairing. On the bottom, swap out jeans for a pair of navy pants to make the look slightly dressier. Then, add in the playful element of lace-up sneakers – the pop of red in the shoelaces is a fun touch!
GIRLS
1. jeans + white tee + cardigan + leopard mary janes
cardigan | shirt | jeans | shoes
Alright, moving on to French outfits for girls! Let’s start off with one of my own personal favorite outfit formulas. Start with a pair of wide-leg jeans – the extra stitching around the front pockets is a fun touch. On top, try a white tee paired with a classic gray cardigan. Once again, a cardigan is a great choice for kiddos who might warm up and want to tie it around their waist or shoulders for later.
Finish the look with an accessory she’ll love – a pair of leopard print ballet flats. Shoes are a great way to let kids go crazy with their favorite patterns and colors. The small pop of color won’t overwhelm the whole look but can be a great way to let their personality shine.
2. trench coat + white tee + jeans + chelsea boots
Trench coats for girls look just as chic as they do for their French parents! The gold buttons on the style above add a playful element and make it look slightly younger (and more fun). A trench coat is great because it can really be the star of the show in a French-inspired outfit! Keep the rest of the look simple with a white t-shirt, jeans, and a pair of Chelsea boots.
3. striped dress + lady jacket + mary jane flats
A striped dress is a great choice for the girl who loves leaning into playful (yet girly) pieces! This dress has great nautical vibes for spring and summer wear, while the gold buttons elevate the dress and are a fun added detail. Plus, they pair well with the red jacket’s buttons, too!
A pop of red or yellow works great with classic white and navy stripes for warmer weather. You could even try light pink to mix things up! Accessorize with gold woven Mary Jane flats to bring the metallic shade back into the look.
4. striped sweater + trench coat + jeans + loafers
coat | sweater | jeans | socks | shoes
This next outfit idea is perfect for spring! Start with a timeless pair of straight-leg or wide-leg jeans. Then, add a French staple – the striped sweater. It’s a cozy choice to combat chilly mornings but still gives that French-inspired vibe.
On top, layer the trench coat for another nod to Parisian influence. A pair of sleek leather loafers elevate the casual look for a fun breakfast outing!
5. striped cardigan + white jeans + basket tote + woven flats
cardigan | jeans | shoes | purse
A striped cardigan is yet another versatile French-approved capsule wardrobe piece to try out. If you want to mix things up, try playing around with the colors of stripes, and the order of colors. This will ensure that the striped pieces can be rotated with different bottoms and get the maximum wear.
For this look, try one of our favorite French spring capsule wardrobe pieces for warmer weather – a pair of white jeans. They’re the perfect solution for a bright and cheery look as the weather starts to improve! As for accessories, a woven basket and coordinating gold flats add texture and a bit of playfulness to the look.
6. striped cardigan + jeans + woven flats
Speaking of stripes, here’s yet another variation to try. This little version of our go-to lady jacket style is a great way to add a bit of sophistication to French outfits for your kids or grandkids. Pair it with dark-wash jeans for contrast, and keep the accessories simple with the gold-woven Mary Jane flats.
7. denim lady jacket + white jeans + woven flats
Mix and match denim pieces for a playful look this spring. You can reverse the typical formula to make a more interesting outfit. On top, start with the classic mid-wash shade of blue denim in a lady jacket style layer. The gold buttons are a fun touch!
On the bottom, have them try a pair of white jeans. Finally, lean into the metallic gold of the jacket buttons with a matching pair of gold Mary Jane flats.
8. striped shirt + sailor jeans + mary jane flats
A simple graphic tee can easily be adapted for French-inspired kid outfits. The key word here is simple – rather than choosing one with TV characters or loud colors, stick to neutral colors with minimal images. The striped tee above is the perfect example. The red writing adds a bit of fun without being overwhelming on top of the existing pattern.
On the bottom, try a pair of sailor-style jeans. The gold buttons add a playful element to the classic pair of denim, perfect for a youthful look. Accessorize with a pair of Mary Jane flats.
9. striped tee + fur jacket + jeans + sneakers
coat | sweater | jeans | shoes
This last look is for the girl who loves a bit of glamour in her outfits! A fur or fuzzy jacket adds texture (and fun) to a simple capsule outfit. Plus, they’ll love how soft it is to wear – it’s sure to become a staple in their winter wardrobe. And the best part is, you can easily help them style it for dressier occasions too, like the holidays.
For the purposes of this everyday style, keep things simple with a pair of wide-leg jeans and a striped Breton tee. The jacket is the star of the show here, and she’ll want that to shine! For the final touch, add another casual element of neutral sneakers to complete the outfit.
Chic Looks They’ll Actually Love to Wear
Half the battle when it comes to kid outfits is finding pieces they’ll actually want to wear! The lesson to learn from French parents and grandparents? Keep it simple and comfortable when it comes to their looks, and add in a few playful accessories. Capsule wardrobe pieces work just as well for kids as they do for adults – plus, this is an opportunity for them to play around with putting their own looks together and showcase their personality! It’s never too early to start learning good style.
Did we inspire you to consider a French kid-inspired capsule wardrobe? If so, we’ve got the perfect guide for you! Up Next: The Cutest Toddler Boy Capsule Wardrobe For Fall
