French women have mastered classically chic looks. French fashion is timeless, doesn’t fall victim to fleeting trends, and manages to perfectly toe the line between cool and classic. We’re all drawn to it for a reason! Parisian women have also mastered the concept of a capsule wardrobe. Many looks they style use simple, interchangeable pieces that can be paired in a number of different ways. That’s great news for our wallets, and our closet space! If you want to get the French girl style, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for 9 Parisian style outfits that you can easily recreate with pieces that you most likely already have in your closet.
1. t-shirt + jeans + trench coat + tote bag + sunglasses
The trench coat is a staple piece in French style. Not only is it versatile and practical to wear from fall through spring, but it’s also timeless. The trench coat never goes out of style, and there are countless colors to choose from. However, you can’t go wrong with a neutral khaki or tan.
A trench coat can instantly elevate a basic look like t-shirt and jeans. Even though your foundation might be casual, French women know that a trench coat can add a layer of sophistication to your dressed-down look. Speaking of, they also believe in the importance of good quality basics. A thick white t-shirt and a well-fitting pair of slim jeans in a medium wash without holes or hips are the perfect examples.
As for accessories, a woven French market tote is the perfect accessory for the warmer months. Or, try a leather tote in the colder months. Parisian women are often on the go all day long, which is why many opt to style a larger bag as part of their daily looks.
t-shirt | ballet flats | tote bag | jeans | trench coat
2. denim shirt + jeans + scarf + boots
French women aren’t afraid to take style “risks” to put together chic looks. For instance, a full denim look is the perfect way to create an unexpected outfit with two classic wardrobe pieces – a denim shirt and jeans. You can mix and match washes, or choose two that are nearly identical.
Add a square scarf as a neck tie or to tie around your bag. French women love the pop of color that these scarves provide, no matter how they’re wearing them. It’s the perfect way to add another color and texture to your look to break up the denim on denim. A silk scarf is also an easy way to infuse your own personality into your look. Whether you’re splurging on a designer piece or rocking one that you found at the thrift store, a silk scarf can represent your own fashion story in the motif and color you choose.
Another easy way to break up the denim on denim look of the shirt and pants is to add a white t-shirt. Leave the denim top unbuttoned as another way to add a new color and material to your outfit. If you aren’t quite ready to commit to the all-denim look, this is a great way to ease into it.
denim shirt | jeans | neck scarf (and a similar style) | boots
3. mini skirt + flats (or heels) + white shirt + jacket
French women know the power of layers when it comes to creating an interesting look. They’re also not afraid to mix casual and elevated pieces. One of the most versatile pieces for layered looks that you probably already have hanging in your closet is a white button-down.
I have to admit I’ve only started to appreciate its style power in the past few years, but it’s one of my most-worn pieces now. You can wear it all year round, dress it up for the office, or dress it down for a casual summer lunch with shorts. Tuck it in with a French or half tuck, leave it undone and worn over a tank top, or style it as an oversized piece. No matter how you spin it, a quality white button-down shirt can pull a lot of weight in a French capsule wardrobe.
For the sake of this French-inspired look, add a mini skirt. It balances out the boxy cut and oversized fit of the Oxford shirt. French layering is all about balance, and not just of aesthetics. Try to keep in mind that concept of balance when you choose an oversized, structured piece with a lot of coverage. Pair it with a smaller, slim-fitting piece like a black mini skirt to avoid overwhelming your figure! This is a great way to create interest in your look as well.
On top, add a jacket for your third layer. If you want to add an edgy spin, try a black leather jacket. Or if you want to go a more traditional route, try a trench coat or something similar. A long coat will help to draw the eye up and down, and will be a more flattering look.
Your fourth layer is a pair of tights. Tights are a great way to add coverage to a look without sacrificing the style that you’re going for with a mini skirt or tailored shorts. It’s a chic way to elevate the look, and make you appear instantly more polished. Finish your look with a pair of heels, loafers, or slingback flats.
skirt | tights | flats | shirt | jacket
4. lady jacket sweater + jeans + loafers + earrings
A lady jacket cardigan or sweater is another well-known Parisian staple. It calls to mind the classic style of Coco Chanel, and effortless elegance that never goes out of style. The gold buttons and fine construction of this lady jacket make it the perfect piece to dress up or down. Wear it with trousers or a skirt for a business setting, or wear it with jeans for an elevated weekend look.
Speaking of jeans, don’t be afraid to reach for a pair that might be a little relaxed, or wide-legged. Parisian women know that denim doesn’t have to be skin-tight or even slim to look good. What matters most is that the jeans fit you well, have no holes or rips, and are the right length for the kind of shoe that you’re wearing.
Think of the sandwich method when you’re choosing a shoe for this look. Usually, that would mean matching the color of your top to the color of your footwear, but in this case, I’m talking about the aesthetic of your look. With a nice sweater and a more casual pair of jeans, add balance to the look by choosing a shoe such as a pair of loafers, ballet flats, or sleek boots. This helps the jeans from appearing too casual for the lady jacket on top. This method can upgrade the appearance of your everyday looks.
lady jacket | jeans | loafers | earrings
5. button-down + blazer + black jeans + loafers
A classic button-down truly does provide you with endless styling options. For another French-inspired outfit that balances casual and chic, try pairing it with a blazer on top. Any neutral color of blazer will work – you could even try a patterned style with houndstooth or plaid.
Balance out the workwear-inspired feel of your blazer and button-down with a slim-fitting pair of black jeans. Even just the darker color of your denim elevates the style, so a pair of black or dark-wash jeans complement the professional look on top.
Try a pair of loafers or slingback heels to finish out this outfit formula. Penny loafers are the perfect alternative to a heel if you still want to look professional. Add a white or black sock to complement the colors already utilized in your neutral look.
loafers | jeans | bag | button-down | blazer
6. turtleneck + trousers (or jeans) + heels + belt
Looking for an elegant winter outfit for your next holiday get-together? Parisian style outfits have a lot to offer for inspiration. Try this next outfit formula that you could easily transition from the office to an after-work social hour. First, start with a turtleneck. Choose one that would still be easy enough to tuck in – we’ll be adding a belt to this look later on.
Next, add a pair of wide-leg trousers – or jeans for a more casual look. When French women are looking to elevate their outfits, they swap out their favorite pair of jeans for a pair of elegant tailored pants. These pants are a great solution if you’re not interested in wearing a skirt, but still want to dress to impress. A pair in white or cream offers the perfect contrast to your black turtleneck. If you wish, you could always swap this color combination as well.
Finish off the look with a pair of slingback heels. A pointed-toe version will lengthen the appearance of your legs for a flattering, elongating look.
heels | pants | turtleneck | belt | sunglasses
7. striped sweater + jeans + boots + necklace
Stripes have been an iconic staple in a Parisian woman’s wardrobe ever since the marinière was introduced as part of the French navy uniform in the mid-1800s. Coco Chanel popularized the look in mainstream fashion in the early 1900s. Parisian women love wardrobe pieces that never go out of style, and stripes fall into that category! If you’re looking to create an outfit with a pattern, stripes are a great place to start.
A striped sweater is the perfect choice for a cool fall (or spring) day in Paris. The best part is that you could use any pair of jeans to complete this outfit formula. Whether you prefer wide-leg, crop, skinny, slim or flared, all are great options for this look. And if you’re unsure about what shoes to wear with your favorite wide-leg jeans, we’ve got you covered.
sweater | jeans | boots | necklace
8. red sweater + red socks + jeans + loafers
One of my personal favorite styles that I spotted in Parisian street style last fall was colorful socks. They were the perfect pop of color for a neutral look, and also were a fun way to reincorporate a bright color back into a look if it was already there. For the sake of this next outfit formula, that’s the inspiration here. Try pairing a bright color sweater with a matching pair of socks, and keep the rest of your outfit neutral and classic.
Wide leg, slim or crop jeans will work best to show off a colorful sock. Then, add a shoe that really lets them shine. A loafer or pair of white sneakers will work great. This is the perfect weekend look for meeting up with friends.
sweater | jeans | socks | loafers
9. satin skirt + black top + heels + pearls
Looking for Parisian style outfits to wear during your next night out? Dress up for date night or drinks with friends in this next French-approved outfit formula. A monochromatic outfit is the perfect way to instantly elevate your look and appear more polished, with little added effort. (Almost sounds too good to be true, right?)
Pair a satin skirt with a top in the same color. A turtleneck, boatneck blouse, or any shirt with a slim fit will complement the skirt, which has more movement and fabric. Avoid choosing a silk or satin top if you’d like to add contrast between two different materials.
Keep it classic when it comes to footwear. A pair of slingback heels or pumps are a great choice, or a pair of pointed-toe flats if you prefer not to wear heels! As for accessories, a simple pair of pearl studs is the perfect touch of understated luxury to complete this outfit.
skirt | top | heels | earrings
Do as the French Do
French women have mastered the art of effortless dressing while still managing to always look put together and elegant. It can seem daunting to try to replicate, but having a list of saved outfit formulas can be a great place to start. You more than likely already have a good number of the looks in your closet – it’s just a matter of knowing how to style them! Parisian style outfits are often put together with elevated basics, which makes getting ready in the morning that much easier. Good style isn’t limited to the City of Lights – no matter where you live, you can find great fashion inspiration from the French and adapt it to your own lifestyle!
Did I just give you the travel bug? (Join the club!) Find inspiration for your next trip here: Master the Art of Travel Fashion With These 7 Tips on How to Look Chic While Traveling
I travel in winter to Europe. Nobody really sees your outfit until you remove a coat.
And shoes…gosh mostly ugly boots made for Walking. There is no way around that.
Cute ideas but hard to manage for many travelers
I go a couple months at a time. Few dress up and mostly jeans. No heels. Ever.
But I do love the thought of it. If I dont have to walk 3 to 5 miles a day, which is what we do.
Thank you for the cute ideas I can wear at home where I drive everywhere.
I’m glad you like these ideas!