French women aren’t idolized for their style prowess because of their ability to follow trends. Instead, we’re all in love with French style because of their ability to always look chic and sophisticated – and adhere to a classic look that never really goes out of style. No matter what’s trendy, French women have a solid sense of fashion that relies on a few key pieces in a capsule wardrobe. If you want to style sophisticated outfits like a Parisian, keep reading for 10 easy, anti-trend outfits that you can recreate with your favorite wardrobe staples.
1. blazer + turtleneck + jeans + gold hoops + ankle boots + handbag
boots | jeans | bag | top | blazer | earrings
If there’s one category of wardrobe staples that a Parisian loves to style year-round, it’s blazers! A French woman knows that a classic blazer never really goes out of style, and she’ll wear it all year long for a chic, sophisticated look.
From work to the weekend, a blazer might be one of the most versatile layers in a French capsule wardrobe. It’s ideal for adding a polished touch to more casual outfits, but sharp enough to complement your more elevated pieces, too. Go for a slightly oversized fit if you want to style this piece like a Parisian.
For a dinner and drinks vibe, style your relaxed blazer with a leopard print turtleneck. Leopard print is another anti-trend style that the French love to incorporate into their classic outfits. Even though it might be trendy right now, this pattern is here to stay. Add classic denim, ankle boots and a structured handbag to complete the look!
2. trench coat + mariner shirt + black jeans + necklace + ballet flats
shoes | pants | top | coat | necklace
When it comes to French wardrobe staples, you can’t get much more anti-trend than the Mariner shirt. This top has been a staple in Parisian outfits for decades and hasn’t really changed all that much over the years since its beginnings in the French naval uniform. When it’s paired with another French classic, the trench coat, you have a timeless French outfit formula that will always win against trendy fashion.
As for footwear, ballet flats are another timeless Parisian style. They add just the right amount of feminine vibes to your look, and are both comfortable and chic. If you’re headed out for a busy day of window shopping, they’re the perfect shoes for the job.
3. button-up shirt + sweater vest + jeans + tote bag + loafers + pearls
shoes | socks | jeans | bag | shirt | vest | earrings
French women have mastered how to create sophisticated looks with basic layers – which is good news for you when you’re trying to recreate their looks with your capsule wardrobe! There’s no need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe every season if you’re trying to emulate Parisian style. Instead, invest in a few go-to basics, and you’ll find you have a near-endless number of outfit ideas to wear throughout the year.
A crisp white button-down is the perfect blank canvas for your outfits year-round, whether you’re styling it with pleated shorts and sandals in the summer or wearing it with denim and loafers in the cooler months. To style this layered look like a Parisian woman, try incorporating a pair of colorful socks. It adds just enough interest to this neutral outfit, without overwhelming it. This was a popular look that we spotted everywhere in French street style the last time we were in the City of Lights.
4. blazer + sweater + straight-leg jeans + cap-toe flats + tote bag + pearls
shoes | jeans | bag | sweater | blazer | earrings
If the last blazer look wasn’t enough to convince you to add one to your French capsule wardrobe, maybe this outfit will be what encourages you to add to cart and head to checkout! This time, we’re styling an oversized blazer by creating a monochromatic look. Although certain color pairings will always come and go in the trend cycle, a tonal look never really gets old. It’s always an easy way to create sophisticated outfits with little added effort.
Parisians love the classic look of neutral colors, so shades of beige and light brown are the perfect pieces for this easy outfit idea. Add in a pair of timeless cap-toed ballet flats and a patterned tote for a casual chic outfit formula you could style on casual Friday or into your weekend plans.
5. lady jacket + trousers + hoops + cap-toed heels + tote bag
shoes | pants | bag | jacket | earrings
French women tend to opt for more elevated looks than we see Stateside. Instead of sweatpants, they’re much more likely to style denim, wide-leg trousers, or skirts if they’re heading out of the house. And if you’re dreaming about getting their same effortlessly chic look and incorporating that vibe into your daily look, a pair of pleated pants should definitely be included in your wardrobe checklist.
A classy lady jacket might just be the perfect pairing for your pleated pants if you’re dressing for the office. This sophisticated jacket or sweater can take a lot of different forms, but the elegant buttons and structured look will never go out of style! It’s a great piece to pair with your wide-leg pants for a balanced look. Cap-toed heels and a sleek tote bag are the cherry on top. You’ll feel oh-so confident and stylish when you head into your next big meeting!
6. lady jacket + mini skirt + sunglasses + sheer tights + ballet flats + handbag
flats | tights | bag | skirt | jacket | sunglasses
Speaking of lady jackets, here’s a slightly more casual take on the structured jacket that we just saw. If you like something a little more relaxed, this cardigan style is right up your alley. It’s the perfect start to a chic tonal outfit in all black. Parisians love wearing all-black looks for the cooler seasons, and a black mini skirt and sheer tights make for a flattering, chic look for date night. And if you’re meeting friends for an afternoon espresso, don’t forget a stylish pair of sunglasses.
7. button-up shirt + pearls + jeans + cap-toed flats + handbag
shoes | jeans | bag | shirt | earrings
The French know that sophisticated outfits don’t have to be complicated. In fact, if you walk the streets of Paris, you’ll notice that some of the most stylish women are really just relying on a few minimalist wardrobe staples. Quality over quantity means everything to the French, and that’s why they tend to invest up front in their capsule basics that will form the foundation of their looks for years to come.
A crisp white button-down, wide-leg jeans, and ballet flats are all great examples of wardrobe basics that you can spend a little more on without having to worry they’ll go out of style by next season. And if you’re looking to upgrade your accessories, a structured black bag and pearl earrings are a few timeless choices to consider as well.
8. cardigan + slip skirt + pendant necklace + handbag + ballet flats
shoes | skirt | sweater | bag | necklace
When it comes to patterns that are anti-trend, stripes and leopard print top the charts in Parisian style. These timeless looks are also usually neutral, which means they fit right in with a French woman’s capsule wardrobe. They even pair well together for an interesting look!
Although we’ve already talked a lot about denim, if you’re looking for elevated alternatives for your next event or for the office, a slip skirt in midi or maxi form is a great addition to your sophisticated outfit rotation. It adds a feminine, dressy element to your other pieces.
9. cropped trench coat + turtleneck + jeans + ankle boots + red bag
boots | sweater | trench coat | bag | jeans
Cropped trenches may be trendy at the moment, but they’ll never really go out of style, either. If you’re petite, this could be a great alternative if you love the look of a full-length trench but have never really found one that suits your proportions. Styled with ankle boots, wide-leg denim, and a turtleneck, this is the perfect French outfit formula for both spring and fall temperatures. Add a pop of color for that classic French twist!
10. wrap dress + pearls + espadrilles + basket bag
shoes | dress | bag | earrings
When warmer temperatures finally do return (or if they never really left for those of you who live in a warm climate), go for a wrap dress for the perfect anti-trend spring and summer look. There are plenty of sundress styles to choose from each year, but a wrap dress is the style that French women come back to again and again. They love its flattering silhouette that is made to tailor your figure, highlighting your waist at the narrowest part. It’s easy, breezy, and classic, just like French style.
French Style Favorites
French women know the value of investing in timeless wardrobe staples – which is why they prioritize classic pieces over trendy items! Although they might try out a new trend now and again, you’ll find that many French style icons tend to rely on their tried-and-true classics on a daily basis to create sophisticated outfits. This is just a sample of their favorite outfit formulas to help you do the same!
Love the effortlessly chic vibe that Parisians tend to exude with such little effort? We’ve got their secrets! Up Next: How to Look Chic Without Trying: The French Way
