I've Worked It Out: This Is How French Women Always Style Blazers

As Who What Wear's resident French-style expert, I take the responsibility of showing you what Gallic women are wearing very seriously. There are a lot of stereotypes surrounding French style, most of which are completely outdated, but there are some that actually hold true. I'm here to help you decipher all things French style. Today's curriculum? Blazers. 

Of course, the French aren't the only people who wear blazers—they're pretty integral to the British aesthetic, too, for example—but in the 10-plus years I've been analysing outfits from across the channel, it's clear French women have a genuine appreciation for blazers. 

So how do French women style blazers? I've found seven chic outfit examples that I think showcase this and attest to the blazer's versatility and timelessness. Scroll on to see them. 

1. Breton Top + Bootcut Jeans

Style Notes: It might be something of a French style cliché, but Parisians genuinely wear Breton tops on the regular, particularly with retro-cut jeans and blazers. 

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2. Knitted Dress + Knee Boots

Style Notes: Blazers can help dress up anything from jeans to leggings. In terms of dresses, I see lots of French women using theirs to elevate knitted midis. 

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3. Tonal Trousers + Pointed-Toe Shoes

Style Notes: Monochrome dressing—wearing one shade top-to-toe—is a styling trick favoured by French women. Aïda's beige blazer, creamy trousers and blush shoes are the perfect example of this. 

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4. Midi Skirt + Chunky Boots

Style Notes: Blazers and midi skirts might not seem like the most obvious pairing, but Anne-Victoire Lefevre proves the duo can look incredibly chic. I like how she's matched the shade of her navy blazer to her skirt then added chunky boots for edge. 

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5. Vest + Wide-Leg Trousers

Style Notes: French women see potential in retro trends, which is one of the reasons they love corduroy separates so much. Blazers are one of the easiest ways to wear the fabrication; make like Julie Sergent Ferreri and style a rich green shade with tones of brown, camel or burgundy for more retro fashion appeal. 

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6. Denim Shorts + Ballet Flats

Style Notes: French women are adept at merging their summer and winter wardrobes, as evidenced by Estelle Chemouny. Her blazer-and-denim-short pairing looks so cool with tights and ballet flats (another style cliché French women actually subscribe to). 

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7. Roll-Neck + Matching Trousers

Style Notes: I would never encourage frivolous spending, but I do see the benefit in investing in matching sets. Anne-Laure Mais's sleek suit, which she wears with a staple roll-neck knit, looks incredible together, but the pieces will work just as well styled separately, too. 

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Next Up, Autumn/Winter 2022 Fashion Trends: The 15 Looks You Need to Know About