There’s no question that we look to French girls for fashion inspiration. They somehow manage to always appear effortless while still looking on trend and cool. There’s no better example of this than how they style closet basics. Wearing a simple T-shirt and pair of jeans, they can still look like the best dressed person in the room. So this made us curious. What are their go-to wardrobe staples? Specifically, what are the affordable basics they wear over and over again?
We posed this question to four cool French girls who continue to work well-cut basics into their wardrobes. Ahead they’re sharing the inexpensive pieces in their closets that they swear by. One interesting observation we made from their responses: Uniqlo is a favorite among French girls. Three out of four included a pick from the retailer. So if you want to tap into Parisian style, you might want to browse through its pieces.
Keep reading to see the affordable basics French girls secretly love.
“I think basics are a huge part of the French wardrobe, as they are for many, for sure, but in France, you kind of grow up with them, and they become like a trademark. I’ve noticed these are THE basics pretty much all of my girlfriends own.”
Pair with black booties for a casual yet chic look.
Rock these with vintage denim shorts.
The V-neck gives this sweater a feminine touch.
This shoe will go with everything in your closet.
A staple in anyone’s wardrobe.
“I am a big fan of casual looks. So if there is one affordable masterpiece you need to have in your winter closet, it’s the cashmere pullover from Uniqlo. You can have it in every color. They are the perfect companion from day till night. For a white (not so) classic blouse, I would definitively go for Maison Cleo! The brand’s items are just perfectly done. If you are looking for a cool T-shirt that you can wear during the day with a Levi’s or a cool night out with a vinyl skirt, this is your shop: The Blou shop.”
Complete the look with a patterned skirt and black mules.
Need we say more?
A sweater to sit by the fire in.
"I always pair designer pieces with high-street basics. I have some favorites that I buy regularly like Zara black and white T-shirts, Uniqlo men’s linen shirts, April77 black jeans, & Other Stories sweaters, and a pair of black Chuck Taylors. It’s the kind of foundation you need to build up your wardrobe every season.”
We love the button detailing.
Complete the look with some statement earrings.
Pair with classic black heels for a more feminine look.
Complete the rocker-chic look with a zip-up skirt.
“I’ve got a lot of basics in my wardrobe—it has always been part of my taste. Sometimes I dress in total basic looks when I don’t have time to think about an outfit, or I can mix with one ‘stronger’ piece. Indeed, I think that it’s better to not accumulate several strong pieces in a single outfit, it could be too ‘busy,’ and it’s quite risky. One ‘strong’ piece or accessory will be enough to make the outfit different and unique.”
Who said mom jeans weren’t cool?
Pair with simple jewelry for a sophisticated look.
The perfect summer wedge.
Next, read about the fall trends French girls will be wearing.
-
My Friend Wants to Dress Like a Parisian—5 Cool Outfit Ideas I RecommendedEffortless and chic.
-
I Find Closet Staples at Zara, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Vince, and Madewell—These 30 New Items Are ChicSweaters, jackets, suiting, and more!
-
These 30 Designer-Vibe Zara Buys Just Saved Me $24,246 (Yes, I Did the Math)Designer vibe but not the designer budget.
-
It's Only February, But Parisians Have Already Chosen Their 5 Go-To Wardrobe Staples of 2025Chic on repeat.
-
French Women Style Leggings With These Cool Items to Look ChicForward looks ahead.
-
If a Parisian and New Yorker Shopped the Nordstrom Winter Sale, They'd Like These 38 PiecesThe chicest picks.
-
By the Time You Shop These 30 Stellar Zara Sale Picks, They'll Probably Already Be Sold OutBlink and they're gone.
-
This Sweater Will Never Go Out of Style—Here's How French Women Are Wearing It NowEffortless and chic? Oui!
