The French have mastered the art of looking chic without trying. It’s why so many of us admire French fashion – there’s something so effortlessly cool and undone about it, while still being polished and elegant. Not to mention, timeless! If you’ve ever been a little envious of the French way of dressing, you can get their look with a few easy tips.
1. Tailor your look with a belt
French women know that balance is everything. That method applies to how they approach work, their diets, and of course, their style! While French women aren’t afraid to play with oversized pieces, they also know that a little bit of tailoring will go a long way in making their effortless look appear just a little bit more polished.
Oversized pieces give off a casual, easygoing vibe – but adding a belt will give your figure just enough shape to still be flattering. Whether you’re reaching for a shirtdress, an oversized sweater, or a long coat, a belt around the waist is a French woman’s favorite way to make the larger fit look intentional.
shirtdress | pants | mary janes | basket bag | hoops | belt
2. Add a blazer
Adding a single layer can completely transform your look – and what’s more effortless than that? Whether you’re wearing leggings and a sweatshirt to run weekend errands or heading to the office on casual Friday in a t-shirt and jeans, a blazer is a French-favorite way to effortlessly look chic and put-together. Go for a slightly oversized fit for a look that’s as versatile as it is easy to wear.
blazer | t-shirt | jeans | flats | belt
3. Invest in quality t-shirts
Want to instantly elevate the look of your outfits? Start with quality pieces. It’s no added effort on your part, but quality basics can make a drastic difference in your outfit’s overall appearance. That’s why French women prioritize their basic white t-shirts. A strong foundation or good style “bones” make it easier to style chic outfits that look as good as they feel – and also hold up well over time.
boots | jeans | t-shirt | jacket | earrings | purse | belt
4. Accessorize with silk scarves
French women love styling silk scarves – in fact, this accessory is one of their favorite secrets to adding color and personality to any outfit. Whether they’re wearing it in their hair, on their bag, or tied around their neck, one small square of fabric can make a big difference in a chic look!
The best part about silk scarves is that they don’t have to be expensive. You don’t have to invest in a designer piece to find a quality silk scarf that instantly adds the perfect amount of French flair to your favorite outfits.
sweater | t-shirt | bag | boots | mini skirt | scarf | earrings
5. Style looks with classic lines
Styling chic outfits is an art form, and French women treat it like one! Having an eye for classic silhouettes and lines can instantly upgrade your outfits – and once you know how to identify your favorite shapes, it makes it that much easier to style outfits when you’re in a rush.
If you love a classic, elegant look, look for clean styles, sharp hems, and straight lines. Box-style bags, straight-cut overcoats, straight-leg jeans and trousers, draped sleeves, etc., all look refined and vintage-inspired thanks to their timeless designs and architecture that will outlast trends and stand the test of time.
boots | pants | turtleneck | coat | bag | watch | earrings
6. Prioritize natural fabrics and fibers
French women invest in quality pieces that they know will hold up well over time, especially when it comes to non-trendy items. They value classic items made with natural fibers and fabrics that not only feel great on the skin but are also proven to last longer than many fast-fashion counterparts.
Choosing to prioritize fabrics and fibers like cotton, cashmere, linen, etc., will save you from repurchasing your timeless staple pieces again down the road. Plus, the quality of these wardrobe essentials and classic pieces will make you look more expensive and put-together! Cut down the clutter in your closet by choosing quality over quantity, and it will make getting dressed that much more effortless.
trench coat | jeans | bag | flats | sweater | earrings
7. Wear comfortable, yet stylish shoes
French women, especially Parisians, can’t afford to wear shoes that aren’t at least a little bit practical. That means they’re always on the lookout for shoes that are as comfortable as they are chic – and it’s safe to say that they’ve landed on a few go-to styles that always work for their effortlessly cool fashion.
In the winter, they might opt for a black leather ankle boot with a low or non-existent heel. In the spring, ballet flats and Mary Janes are a popular choice. For the summertime, they love a strappy sandal! And in the fall, loafers can be spotted all over the streets of Paris, from workdays to the weekend. These types of shoes check all the right boxes – they’re timeless, comfortable, and definitely stylish.
white shirt | mini skirt | bag | flats | sunglasses
8. Tuck in your shirt
It might seem like a simple trick, but this is one of the most effective ways that French women always look so effortlessly chic – they tailor their pieces to fit their bodies. Little styling hacks like rolling up your sleeves, cuffing your jeans, or tucking in your shirt make your outfit look more tailored to your specific form, and like the pieces were made to fit you instead of the other way around.
Tucking in your shirt will make casual outfits appear more elevated and make you look more put-together in the process. Plus, the tuck draws attention to your natural waist for a more flattering appearance! And the best part about this trick? It takes less than 30 seconds, and doesn’t cost anything.
shirt | jeans | sandals | bag | glasses | earrings
9. Mix classic and modern pieces
As we’ve already discussed, French women love to create balanced looks, and one of the ways that they like to do this is by mixing classic and modern pieces. This could be the idea of pairing new styles with vintage ones, or by styling classic silhouettes with newer, trendier looks. The possibilities are endless! But this is one of the ways that they always look so effortlessly timeless – their looks are modern, but also use familiar pieces and designs that have never really gone out of style.
jeans | lady jacket cardigan | bag | shoes | earrings
Effortlessly Elegant French Style
French women have long been synonymous with the term “effortlessly chic”. They make it look all too easy to look put-together, with just a touch of “undone” that gives off that cool girl vibe we love to admire. These fashion icons also know that chic style doesn’t have to be difficult – having the right styling tricks in your back pocket will get you your desired look in no time.
Ready for more style lessons from the City of Lights? Up Next: How French Women Dress: Your No-Fail Outfit Guide for Every Season
You and your team are totally amazing!!!!!
Thank you so much, Joan! Makes our day 🙂
Nice tips — clear and practical. Do you have any advice for adapting the ‘belt over oversized coat’ look for shorter frames so it doesn’t swamp proportions?
Hi Imogen! As a petite woman myself, I recommend you stick to a thin or medium-width belt. As for placement, if you want to make your torso look longer, wear the belt at your natural waist. If you want to make your legs look longer and/or your coat is very long, wear it slightly above your natural waist. Your coat cut/material will also make a difference! If your coat isn’t a petite cut, I would just make sure it’s not too oversized, and that the fabric isn’t overly thick. I hope this helps!