I Live in L.A. But Want These 7 Pieces of French Clothing

last updated 9 July 2022

I currently live in Los Angeles and grew up in Orange County, so yes, I am quite the California girl. While my roots are certainly planted in the Golden State, my personal style has never been, which is why I am constantly searching elsewhere for wardrobe inspiration. Having worked in fashion for most of my adult life, the French-girl aesthetic is one I have always admired, and lately, my closet is craving a few new pieces to help elevate my look to that classic Parisian level.

Below, I shopped out seven French-style clothing items from designer raffia bags to simple and sleek kitten heels that I am itching to wear here in Los Angeles this summer. Each item is timeless yet striking, which is exactly the balance these French women have mastered. With that being said, enjoy this French-girl shopping roundup and wish me luck on my attempt to turn my closet into something French women would be proud of.

Simple Kitten Heels

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Having a pair of simple kitten heels on hand can instantly elevate any outfit. I'm loving the monochromatic-shirt–and-shorts look above and plan on re-creating it ASAP.

Shop kitten heels:

J.Crew

Lina Kitten-Heel Sandals

Staud

Simone Mules

Manolo Blahnik

Pertinanu Bow-Embellished Leather Sandals

Little Red Dresses

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This summer, instead of the LBD, I'm buying into the little red dress thanks to the endless inspiration I'm getting from French girls.

Shop red dresses:

Reformation

Twilight Dress

Christopher Esber

Triquestra Front Tie Slip Dress

J.Crew

Fitted Crepe Bustier Dress

Designer Raffia Bags

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If you ask me, there is nothing chicer than a designer raffia bag. It's giving "I'm investing in summer" energy, and I'm very here for it.

Shop designer raffia bags:

Loewe

Shell Small Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote

Prada + Logo Straw Tote Bag

Prada

Logo Straw Tote Bag

Saint Laurent

Shopping Embroidered Raffia Tote

Colored Button-Downs

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Colored button-downs are always the vibe, but there's something about the way French girls style them that makes me need 10 more.

Shop colored button-downs:

Frankie Shop

Melody Cotton-Poplin Shirt

Nordstrom

Long Sleeve Linen Blend Blouse

Rails

Arlo Cotton Blend Button-Up Shirt

Striped Swimwear

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Striped swimwear will always be a classic, and I'm looking to invest in as many styles as I can. After seeing French girls sporting them all over my Instagram feed while on their dreamy vacations, I officially can no longer resist.

Shop striped swimwear:

Triangl

Vinca Cayman

Simon Miller

Linkky One Piece Swimsuit

J.Crew

Square Neck Bikini Top in Classic Stripe

Investment Bags

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I have always admired the way French girls style their investment bags. From jeans and a T-shirt to a pretty summer dress, they make the strongest case for the cost per wear of these designer goods.

Shop investment bags:

What Goes Around Comes Around

Chanel Black Quilted Bag

Saint Laurent

Le 5A7 Hobo Bag

Gucci

Jackie 1961 Small Shoulder Bag

Black Maxi Skirts

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While I still love a good mini hemline, I have officially been convinced via these Parisian beauties to add a few maxi skirts to my wardrobe as well. Specifically, black ones, as they lend the most versatility when it comes to planning easy yet chic outfits.

Shop black maxi skirts:

The Line by K

Vana Skirt

Something Navy

Maxi Skirt With Slits

Vince

Smocked Tiered Skirt

Next: I Live in NYC and Walk at Least 5 Miles a Day—These Sandals Make That Possible

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Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.

She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.