The 8-Piece French-Girl Holiday Wardrobe
Imagine you had the chance to step inside the closet of a stylish Parisian—what would you find? Well, if you’re heading there over the holidays, I have a pretty good idea. After scrolling through the Instagram accounts of some of the most fashionable French girls, I’ve decoded the holiday wardrobe essentials that keep them looking stylish throughout the entire holiday season.
French fashion girls like Sabina Socol, Fiona Zanetti, and Anne-Laure Mais seem to stock their closets with many of the same pieces. And what I’ve noticed is that it really comes down to is a mix of classic staples and silhouettes that are finished with festive details. Ordering a simple black dress? Make sure it’s finished with feather-trimmed straps. Planning on wearing a jumpsuit? Look for a velvet or metallic version. Ahead, see the eight pieces that define French-girl holiday style, then shop pieces inspired by the looks from Staud, Réalisation, Topshop, and more.
FEATHERS
Whether it's a dress with feather-trimmed straps or a festive bag, look for pieces with feather details.
JUMPSUITS
Jumpsuits are a Parisian-girl staple for any season, but for the holidays look for velvet or metallic versions.
EMBELLISHED HEELS
Find yourself a cool party shoe covered in sequins or crystals. Wear a style you'll want to Kira Kira.
LEOPARD
Leopard is wildly popular this season, but it's also a French-girl holiday staple. Find a cozy coat finished in a leopard print to throw on top of any holiday outfit.
MINIDRESSES
Bring on the minidresses—especially sparkling metallic styles in colors like red or navy. Pair them with some hoop earrings and your outfit is all set.
VELVET BLAZERS
There's no time like the holidays to wear velvet, and French girls seem to agree. Here's where you'll want to find a rich color like burgundy or golden yellow.
SEMI-SHEER TIGHTS
Semi-sheer tights are back, my friends. Wear them with dresses and pair them with everything from boots to open-toe heels.
FAUX-FUR COATS
Faux fur coats are the ultimate day-to-night holiday wardrobe staple.
Next: 23 investment pieces our editors are buying now.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
-
Until It's Warm Enough for Summery White Dresses, This Right-Now Alt Will Be Your Chic Best Friend
The perfect way to ease into cotton and linen.
By Eliza Huber
-
Kate Hudson Talks Rom-Com Beauty, Moon Rituals, and the Good Hair Day Products She Swears By
The actress has partnered with Joico as its first-ever global spokesperson.
By Marie Lodi
-
If a Chic Parisian Shopped the New Nordstrom Spring Sale, These 31 Elevated Items Would Be Their Favorites
Easy and elegant pieces.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
5 Chic Outfits From Parisians and New Yorkers That Are On-Trend for Spring
Next-level looks.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
This French Style Muse Just Effortlessly Pulled Off 4 of the Season's Biggest Trends in One Look
Cool-girl vibes.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
30 Chic Zara Items You'd See in a Parisian's Closet
Effortless staples.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
If a French Woman Shopped the Gap and Banana Republic Sales, These 30 Chic Picks Would Catch Her Eye
Oui, merci!
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Jamie Mizrahi's World: The Celeb Stylist's Favorite Red Carpet Look, Most Worth-It Shoe, and Album She Listens to on Repeat
A modern-day style expert.
By Allyson Payer
-
It's Official: French Women Love This Boot Style for Spring
Here's how they are styling it.
By Michelle Scanga
-
It's Confirmed: French, Scandi, and Italian Women Wear This One Color to Look Rich
Move over, beige.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman