When French Women Wear Leggings, These Are the Outfit Formulas They Rely On

I don't want to make sweeping statements, but you just don't see French girls wearing leggings all that often. At least, not on their Instagram feeds. Of course, they're more commonplace when you're somewhere like Paris, when you're seeing real outfits in motion, but in terms of curating a grid and assembling looks for likes, leggings seemed to be an item that French women didn't want to share. 

However, I'm beginning to notice that French girl leggings outfits are starting to come through on my feed more and more. Over the last year or so, the narrative around leggings has changed. Sure, you'll still find people styling them with hoodies and trainers, but also in the mix are looks involving heels and tailored blazers and shirts. Never before have leggings been considered so versatile or essential to the art of getting dressed. And French women are certainly taking note of this, too, serving up their own ways to wear the once solely athleisure piece. 

Below, I've outlined my favourite French-girl leggings outfits, which have been assembling using what are generally considered to be wardrobe "staples". Of course, the term "staple" is open to individual interpretation, but the general ilk of which I speak involves striped knitwear, leather jackets, camel coats, and tweed. We are talking French style, after all, so classics will always be part of that conversation. 

Scroll on to see how French women are wearing their leggings now. 

French-Girl Leggings Outfits to Try

1. Leather Jacket + Zip Knit + Knee Boots

Style Notes: All-black outfits never fail to look chic; Anne-Laure keeps her ensemble toasty by adding in layers of wool and leather. 

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2. Shirt + Vest + Shoulder Bag

Style Notes: You heard it here first; cropped, capri-style leggings are going to be big this year, and for optimum French-girl styling, style them with basics including a white shirt and ribbed vest. 

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3. Camel Coat + Crossbody Bag + Knee Boots

Style Notes: Camel jackets and coats have the power to elevate anything you choose to wear underneath them—that same rule applies for leggings and flat knee boots. 

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4. Shearling Jacket + Stripe Jumper + Boots

Style Notes: Who said you need to stick to black leggings? Seeing as it's one of the most popular colour trends of the season, I have a feeling brown leggings are going to be all the rage. Add cosy shearling touches now, then switch in jersey layers when temperatures rise. 

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5. Bouclé Jacket + T-Shirt + Pointed-Toe Heels

Style Notes: Tweed and bouclé blazers might be trending right now, but they've long been an integral component in many a French wardrobe. With their ability to make anything look polished as soon as you put one on, their appeal is understandable.

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Next Up: 8 Timeless and Elevated Outfit Formulas French Women Will Rely on in 2024

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.