After Years of Collecting French Style Secrets, These 6 Have Never Failed Me

If you're looking for quality content revolving around French-girl style, you've come to the right place. For as long as I can remember, Who What Wear has been doing some of the best investigative journalism when it comes to Parisian women and their effortless yet abnormally chic way of dressing. From analyzing every inch of their outfits to conducting formal interviews, there is no distance we won't travel to get the inside scoop for all of you. As an editor myself, I can personally attest to dozens of stories I've worked on that are dedicated to French-girl style. Combine that with all of the content my co-workers have created and I'm pretty sure we could write a book about the subject. 

Not to be a complete pessimist, but that is likely not going to happen, however, a story compiling all of the best French style secrets I've collected along the way is. The six tips ahead are ones I think about on a regular basis when getting dressed each day, have remained relevant over the course of over four years, and ensure I have a top-notch outfit time and time again. Ahead, get ready to read quotes and style secrets some of my favorite French girls have shared with me and other Who What Wear editors over the years. 

Blazers Are Always a Good Idea

"A black blazer is my ultimate wardrobe hero. It can transform all looks in something more elevated and chicer—even sweatpants!"—Chloé Harrouche 

"I wouldn't toss an oversize blazer. You can wear them with virtually any pants, skirts, dresses, or shorts. They're the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe."—Ellie Nes

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Smaller Bags Are Better

"I don't like huge bags. I think the sexier thing you can do, when it comes to bags, is showing that you don't need to carry your whole house (or bathroom)."—Sabina Socol

"I don't like big bags. The only big bags I wear are my baskets to go to the beach or to the market.”—Anne-Laure Mais

Shop small bags:

The "Luxury" Look Is About Style, Not Brands

"I would avoid wearing clothes or accessories with the name of the brand shown very distinctly. I think luxury is the way you wear your clothes, not by showing the name of the brand.”—Tokyobanhbao 

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When in Doubt, Opt for Oversize

"I always take things a size bigger. I think there is a certain elegance in wearing a sweater or a blouse that is a bit oversize. I also like to wear my jeans not too tight."—Jeanne Damas

Shop oversize pieces:

Super-High Heels Are Silly

"I actually find that most Americans are now trying to dress more European. But I do think super-high heels are silly. Less is always more in my opinion."—Christina Caradona

"Something that I've seen a lot on American girls is heels! They wear heels every day, everywhere, while in France, we wear sneakers—even at the office."—Kenza Sadoun-el Glaoui

Shop easy shoes:

Wear Your Cardigan as a Top

"Another trick that I love recently is wearing my cardigan as a top. A cardigan can have a little grandma vibe, so the fact that you're tucking into your jeans, shorts, or skirt is a great update and a way to not get bored of your clothes too easily. This can be layered with a turtleneck or a lace bra underneath for a feminine and vintage kind of vibe."—Aïda Sané

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