I can trace my obsession with French style all the way back to the first time I watched Beauty and the Beast. Belle might have been bored with her provincial life, but I certainly wasn't. I begged my aunt to let me cut the hem of an old blue bridesmaid dress that resembled Belle's dress, asked my mum to style my hair in a bow every morning and insisted upon carrying a basket with me wherever I went.
Today, I still find myself trying to emulate the look of French women, albeit with less taffeta, and I have made it my mission to analyse what exactly are the French fashion essentials that I could add to my capsule wardrobe. I trawl through vintage photographs of Paris, looking at the outfits French women have worn in the past, and I have an entire archive dedicated to saved images of the ensembles my favourite French influencers wear.
Deciphering French style has been made easy thanks to these essentials.
Upon looking at these snaps, I saw a pattern begin to emerge. I realised that almost all of the French women I follow own the same core capsule wardrobe of fashion essentials. Of course, I am all too aware that this uniform may not apply to everyone in a country, but the women I'm particularly interested in all subscribe to a look I love.
"French women invest in timeless pieces over trends," confirms Marissa Cox, a French style expert and friend of Who What Wear who now resides in Paris. "Wearability is integral to a French woman's closet, as she doesn't tend to overdress. She looks for pieces that can be dressed up or down."
So which French fashion essential do the country's best dressers rely upon to ensure they look chic at all times? I decided to do the honourable thing and share them with you. Scroll below to find out.
11 French Fashion Essentials That Always Look Chic:
1. TRENCH COAT
Style Notes: Coats don't come more classic than the trench coat, so it's little wonder that they appear so heavily in French culture and in the real-life wardrobes of France's chicest residents.
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This will truly never date.
A heavier version for those chillier autumn days.
This forever piece will go with everything.
I love how pared-back this particular trench style is.
2. ROMANTIC BLOUSE
Style Notes: French women are masters at looking effortlessly polished, and the piece that helps them achieve this potent combination is the blouse. While they'll wear just about every blouse look out there, we find that the French women we follow tend to opt for elegant white iterations.
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Such a great way to elevate your usual jeans and shirt look.
Of course, Chloé always serves up some of the best white blouses.
The vintage feel of this really piqued my interest.
So pretty.
3. FLARED TROUSERS
Style Notes: French style tends to take subtle cues from the '70s, which is likely why so many of the country's sleekest dressers still consider flares to be their trouser shape of choice.
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What a silhouette.
This H&M pair looks so chic.
So easy to dress up or down.
A great length for those colder days.
4. BALLET PUMPS
Style Notes: We know what you're thinking: Ballet pumps for French women? Groundbreaking. But out of all the French-style clichés, this is the one item that French women actually wear.
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These classic ballet flats look so comfy.
Bring along a pair of compact ballet flats to change into after a long day, or night, in heels.
They're so chic.
These come in so many different colours and finishes.
5. STRAPPY DRESS
Style Notes: When it comes to dresses, the French typically prefer fuss-free silhouettes (unless they're couture). For day-to-day wear, you'll see countless Gallic women wearing simple strappy numbers, layered under cardigans and jackets as the weather gets colder..
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You can wear this dress year-round.
A stunning print.
Style with a cosy cardigan and ballet flats for cooler days.
Such a pretty shade of silver.
6. BLUE JEANS
Style Notes: It's hard to think of a time when straight-leg jeans didn't dominate our wardrobes. French women have been championing this denim trend in vintage blue for years.
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This pair will fit in all the right places.
These are the next jeans I'm going to try.
Toteme jeans are a hit with the influencer set.
H&M denim never disappoints.
7. BLACK BLAZER
Style Notes: Finding a jacket to match your daily outfits can be tricky, but not if you have a black blazer at your disposal. French women use them to dress up their denim and to bestow their dresses with some je ne sais quoi.
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My absolute favourite.
The best blazer on the high street.
So chic.
This is perfect for those who prefer a slightly slimmer fit.
8. SOFT CARDIGAN
Style Notes: Cardigans are a year round staple in the wardrobes of French women. Not just for the chillier weather now, but they'll also carry them through warmer days as an effortless cover-up solution next spring.
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Sézane is your one-stop shop for all things Parisienne.
An easy wardrobe staple you'll wear for years.
Wear this without a top underneath for even more French flair.
Add a pop of colour to your autumn/winter wardrobe.
9. SHOULDER BAG
Style Notes: More practical than top-handles and more elegant than crossbodies, shoulder bags are naturally the French arm candy of choice.
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A modern classic.
If you thought this was designer, I wouldn't blame you.
The chocolate colourway adds to the 90s feel.
Doesn't this look so expensive?
10. MINISKIRT
Style Notes: No one embraces the miniskirt quite like French women do. While they wear them with heels when the occasion calls for it, you're much more likely to spot them wearing miniskirts with chunky boots and jumpers or T-shirts.
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An a-line style is incredibly classic.
Pair with your favourite loafers for autumn.
This mini will work hard for you.
Burgundy is back as a trending colour again this season.
11: CLASSIC TIMEPIECE
Style Notes: No French wardrobe is complete without a classic timepiece. Whether it's a sleek wristwatch or refined pocket watch, these accessories are indispensable for their blend of function and elegance.
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I'm in love with the thin version of this iconic, timeless piece
There's something so classy about a leather watch and the double strap on this piece means you really don't need anything else on your wrist.
Who can say no to an all black piece of wrist candy? Imagine it as the finishing touch to a monochromatic outfit.
For days when you want something a little more... golden.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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