French girl style at any age is achievable. My style was heavily influenced by my time living in and walking the streets of Paris in my late twenties. French women have such an appealing Parisian style. But then I also looked back at my style as a teenager and realized that my style was always classic or preppy, so it’s not surprise I was drawn to the classic style fo French women.
I went to undergrad and grad school in New York City and was surrounded by fabulous style, some a tad over the top for my liking (think Carrie Bradshaw from SATC). When I arrived in France, I was shocked to see many women dressing similarly to my style or mine to theirs; it was my fourth trip to Europe in 5 years, and when I lived in Dublin, it was very different, with most women opting for warm layers over style, at least in the late 90s.
I then realized the power of choosing timeless clothing; it transcended continents! I am sharing my top tips on achieving French girl style at any age and breaking down French fashion essentials from ballet flats, a white button-down, straight-leg jeans, a black blazer, and classic stripes to all the key elements that are incorporated into every French woman’s wardrobe.
What Exactly is French Girl Style?
At its simplest, the French girl style or Parisian style is classic and timeless, opting for quality over quantity. Investing in good staples is key to building a French girl style wardrobe. Fast fashion plays no role in the French woman’s closet. Instead, choosing classic pieces will help you build a fabulous French capsule wardrobe. It is easy, relaxed, and comes across as effortless. It isn’t perfect, which is why it appeals to me – from messy buns, a bold red lip, and a crisp white shirt under a trench coat or a leather jacket. There is that “je ne sais quoi” appeal to French girl style.
French girl style is very attainable for women of any age because it relies on timeless pieces that transcend time. Yes, the cut of your title black dress, skinny jeans, or trousers may change over time, but this is a slow change unless you hop on the barrel jean trend, which plays no role in French girl style. Classic pieces (think a white button-down, straight-leg jeans, cardigans, cashmere tees, ballet flats, loafers, and a basket bag) will last for years in your closet. Many of these pieces, I have had for over ten years, with some over twenty. That is why investing in quality staples is so important to achieving the French girl style.
The number one thing that French women wear every single day is their confidence. And so should you. Stop worrying about what other people might think. Wear clothes that suit you and your style and go out into the world confidently, strutting your French girl style. Maybe you love polka dots, a quilted Yves Saint Laurent crossbody bag, a pencil skirt, or a pop of bold color…all of these choices are wonderful examples of Parisian style.
French Girl Style Tip: Neutrals Are Your Bestie
Oh, how I love neutral colors! Yes, you will see a pop of color here and there in French girl style, but it accents an otherwise classic look. Weed-out clothing in your closet that doesn’t fit, doesn’t get worn or is too specific (meaning it gets worn only a few times a year). Instead, fill your closet with great staples in neutral tones. My color palette relies heavily on white, cream, beige, taupe, tan or camel, navy, black, gray, and some olive green. Even my coats, which I am slightly obsessed with, fall into this color palette. The only color in my closet is reserved for shoes, handbags, or scarves (accessories). I do love a little pop of color, and if you do, too, add it. If an all-neutral color palette is more your thing, stick with that. There is no exact formula for creating a French look. It very much relies on basic principles that allow you to find your own personal style.
French Girl Style Tip: Find Your Signature Style
Jane Birkin, Marissa Cox, Carolyn de Margret, and even Kate Middleton have iconic looks because they have embraced their signature style, wearing their confidence front and center. It can be hard to do that if you aren’t quite sure what your signature style is. Mine is hands down a pair of denim, a button-down shirt, a leather belt, and a loafer or ballet flat. And I wear this multiple times a week, regardless of the time of year. I just layer more in the winter season. For me, it is a perfect look that is classic, timeless, and chic. Play around and experiment to find what works for you and what makes you feel fabulous and beautiful. Also, if you follow women on social media, follow those women who have a similar approach and overall look that speaks to your own signature style.
French Girl Style Tip: Details Are Everything
One of the most important things when looking for ways to achieve French girl style is to pay close attention to the details. French women tend to have a perfectly tailored look; they know what works and what fits them. Curating a wardrobe with quality pieces and basic items in neutral colors with a pop of color here and there is key to achieving this French way of dressing. But if I am being honest, it isn’t just a French thing. Dressing in this manner is classic. It is timeless. And it will never go out of style. Look for pieces that accentuate your body type in ways that make you feel confident. One of the ways I love to take my classic style up a notch is by adding a great statement piece. It can be a handbag, a bold piece of jewelry, a gorgeous mulberry silk scarf, or a stunning vintage brooch. These statement pieces allow my personal exploration to create looks that suit my style. A great pair of jeans, the perfect little black dress, and a camel trench coat are essentials in my closet. But they are all perfectly tailored to me.
Using the services of a great tailor is also key if you are someone who doesn’t have the option of buying off the rack to achieve that perfect fit. At 5’11”, I struggle to find the right pants to accommodate my length, and my inseam isn’t even that long at 30 inches. Oftentimes, I look to see if there is extra material that my tailor can take out to create the perfect length. It is an added expense; however, because I am investing in more classic styles, I know that the investment is worthwhile.
French Girl Style Tip: Quiet Luxury is Key
The one thing you will never see with true French girl style is a woman plastered in logos. Instead, you will see them sporting the latest Celine or Chloe sweater that looks understated but elegant. Designer brands that do quiet luxury well are Chloe, St. John, The Row, Lora Piana, Khaite, and Max Mara. Each of these designers designs beautiful clothing that oozes elegance without shouting out to the world who they are. I am not saying toss your Burberry trench, Gucci sweater, or Louis Vuitton handbag; rather, choose these pieces sparingly and use them as your statement piece. Jewelry is also fairly understated. I tend to wear layered pieces and, every now and again, will choose a bolder piece because it suits my style. Remember, French girl style isn’t about copying someone; it is about incorporating classic pieces into your wardrobe in a way that works for you. As a lover of all accessories, I never go overboard, but I tend to favor them a bit more than perhaps a more traditional French woman would.
How to Get French Girl Style
So if you are ready to unlock the magic of French girl style, my style tips will have you exuding effortless chic, regardless of your age or location. Discover the secrets to looking timeless and always effortlessly elegant – the Parisian way.
- Classic Button-down Shirt. If you are just starting out, I would suggest a white one and a blue and white striped one. My favorite white button down is this one from Frank and Eileen. However, if this price point is not in your budget I would suggest
- Blazers.
- Stripe Top.
- Silk Blouse.
- Trench Coat.
- Wool Coat.
- Jeans.
- Trousers.
- The Little Black Dress.
- Ballet Flat.
- Loafer.
- Sneaker.
- Handbag.
- Tote.
