If you’re looking for an outfit guide full of classic looks that work for every season, all you have to do is take a closer look at how French women dress. It’s true – French women do have that indescribable “je ne sais quoi” that so many of us envy. But once you start to study their chic French style, you can start to discover patterns and staple pieces that make their outfits look so effortless, yet put together all year long. Do I have your attention yet? Keep reading for your no-fail guide with 8 outfit ideas to make getting dressed a breeze all year long!
Fall
1. sweater + white denim jeans + blazer + sunglasses + loafers + leather bag
blazer | sweater | jeans | loafers | sunglasses | bag
If there’s any piece that French women rely on for classic style in the fall, it’s their go-to blazer. The French love their blazers, whether they’re styling a tailored piece or something a little more oversized. Because the French love to wear looks that balance masculine and feminine elements, the blazer is a staple piece to add a bit of masculine polish to their favorite workwear or weekend looks.
Want to style a blazer in the fall like the Parisians do? Try wearing it over a thin sweater and white jeans for the perfect transitional outfit. The white jeans feature a medium-high waist and a wide leg, which is a favorite silhouette of French women. Meanwhile, a cream or white cashmere sweater is the perfect top to round out the tonal base for your look. The light foundation provides great contrast with a navy blazer.
When it comes to footwear, don’t be afraid to reach for black loafers – yes, you can pair navy and black together! This outfit is the perfect example of how to make that color combo work. Finish the look with a chic (yet simple) shoulder crossbody bag and classic sunglasses.
2. striped sweater + wide-leg jeans + flats + leather bag + gold hoops
striped sweater | mary janes | jeans | bag | earrings
French women know they don’t have to reinvent the wheel every year to achieve great style. In fact, a big part of why they always look so chic and timeless is that they tend to ignore most trends and stick to classic pieces that never go out of fashion. The look above is the perfect example of an outfit you can probably recreate with capsule wardrobe staples that are already hanging in your closet.
First, start with a French girl’s favorite pattern – stripes. A pattern will instantly add interest to your outfit. Next, add straight-leg or wide-leg jeans – both styles that women in France favor when it comes to their denim. As for accessories, think minimal pieces if you’re going for a look with understated elegance. Try a structured camel crossbody bag, Mary Jane flats, and a pair of gold hoop earrings to complete the outfit. Voila! You’ve created a look with timeless style without having to swipe your credit card once.
Winter
3. sweater + trousers + wool wrap coat + earrings + ankle boots + shoulder bag
sweater | trousers | winter coat | ankle boots | shoulder bag | earrings
When it comes to winter dressing, a wool coat that fits well is a staple in Paris. There are many variations of this piece out there, so shop around until you find one that fits your personal style. If you want to choose one like a woman in Paris would, stick to neutrals and a style with some sort of structure. It could be a draped version styled by the French woman below, or it could be a belted piece that helps to highlight your natural shape. Either way, these design elements make a big difference. They’ll make you appear more polished and put together thanks to the tailored look.
Because your wool coat is the first impression of your outfit, don’t be afraid to keep the rest of your look simple. An all-black look is the perfect foundation for your winter outfits. Tonal outfits make it seem as if you put more effort into your look than you actually did. Keep the monochromatic color scheme going with your accessories, too. Think a minimalist shoulder bag, black ankle boots, and a pair of silver hoop earrings.
4. turtleneck + wool coat + earrings + silk scarf + dark-wash jeans + boots
coat | turtleneck | scarf | earrings | jeans | boots
If you’re looking for a casual chic outfit idea to wear to brunch this winter, start with a pair of dark-wash denim jeans. This wash is ideal for the cooler months, and tends to look a little more elevated than lighter-wash styles.
On top, a cozy turtleneck is a great choice for cold weather. Then, reach for your wool coat – camel is always a safe bet and a favorite among chic Parisian women. As for your extras, try a pair of ankle boots (these could be flat or feature a block heel depending on your comfort level with heel heights), gold hoop earrings, and one of a French woman’s favorite accessories – a silk neck scarf.
Spring
5. floral top + trench coat + jeans + straw bag + red flats
floral top | jeans | shoes | bag | trench coat
Now, let’s move on to a few warm-weather looks! When the ground starts to thaw and flowers start to bloom, French women love to reintroduce floral patterns into their favorite outfits. French women do wear florals all year long, but they’re especially likely to sport them in the springtime.
Add a pop of color to celebrate the warmer weather with a floral short-sleeve sweater and red flats. Then, keep the rest of your look relatively neutral. A pair of high-waisted jeans, a classic trench coat, and a raffia tote bag are all you need to finish the look.
6. shirtdress + silk scarf + pearl earrings + woven bag + espadrilles
shirtdress | shoes | scarf | earrings | bag
Parisian women are loyal to certain dress styles, and a classic shirtdress is one of their favorites. It’s very versatile – you can wear it to work, to brunch, or to church on Sundays. It’s a timeless style that will outlast many fleeting trends, and is a wardrobe staple that can work almost any time of year.
If you’re dressing to meet friends for lunch in the spring, try styling this classic piece with another beloved French girl item – a pair of espadrilles. They’re high up on a French woman’s list of favorite shoes. However, if you’re trying to wear your shirtdress for work, you might want to go for more practical footwear, like a pair of loafers or ballet flats.
For a fun weekend look, add a polka dot neck scarf for a bit of vintage charm in place of a necklace. Don’t forget a basket tote and pearl stud earrings to complete the ensemble.
Summer
7. button-down + pleated shorts + cat eye sunglasses + watch + slingback heels + straw bag
button-down | shorts | shoes | bag | watch | sunglasses
French women don’t give up their elegant and classic aesthetic in the summer. Instead, they make simple swaps to create looks that are as chic as they are cool for hot temperatures. For instance, upgrade your go-to jean shorts with a pair of pleated shorts. Go for a slightly longer length to get that timeless, classy look.
On top, a white button-down will be your best friend for French summer outfits. If you live in an especially warm climate, opt for a linen version that’s breathable and flowy. As for your accessories, go for elevated staples like cat-eye sunglasses, a straw and leather bag, a gold watch, and slingback flats in place of a basic pair of flip-flops.
8. striped t-shirt + scarf + sunglasses + white jeans + leather bag + sandals
t-shirt | jeans | sandals | bag | sunglasses | scarf
For those who prefer a little extra coverage in the summer or are looking for transitional outfit ideas, try a white pair of jeans. They’ll keep you slightly cooler than darker colors, and tend to look more appropriate for the warmer seasons! They will also provide a great contrast to the other darker colors in your outfit for a more interesting look.
On top, reach for a simple striped t-shirt. It’s a classic wardrobe staple that French women go back to again and again. Then, try a pair of black leather sandals, a structured shoulder bag, chic sunglasses, and a red neck scarf to add a pop of color to your outfit.
Year-Round French Style Made Easy
You probably recognize a lot of the pieces above as ones from your own capsule wardrobe. Just like the rest of us, French women love to invest in quality, classic pieces that can easily be mixed and matched throughout the year. Parisians often have limited closet space, so these capsule pieces make dressing a breeze while working with limited closet real estate. If you’ve been considering building up your own capsule wardrobe, this might be your sign! And even if you don’t have the exact pieces above, these outfits can serve as your guide for French chic looks, all year long.
Want even more French outfit ideas? Up Next: 8 Chic Outfits You Can Recreate for French Girl Style
