If You Love the '90s and French Style, These 8 Outfits Will Speak to You

Two things that none of us fashion folk will ever be able to get enough of are '90s-inspired outfits and French-girl outfits. It just so happens that French women love to draw from the '90s when putting together outfits, so we're all in luck. If knee-length skirts, kitten-heel mules, leopard print, low-rise trousers, and denim jackets sound like a symphony to you, you should probably stick around for this one.

As autumn draws nearer, now is a great time to file away some new outfit ideas for the coming season. I don't know about you, but the types of outfits I prefer to wear on repeat aren't too trendy but aren't boring, and they don't require a ton of effort. I sourced eight fabulous looks that are exactly that. If Paris in the '90s is your dream era, the next best thing to building a time machine is dressing like that's where you belong. Keep scrolling to shop eight chic outfits that'll help you achieve that.

Shop '90s French Inspired Looks:

1. Tank Top + Straight-Leg Jeans + Pumps + Shoulder Bag

French woman wearing a black tank top and jeans.

(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

Style Notes: This look is quintessential '90s minimalism at its finest. The simple tank top paired with straight-leg jeans creates a laid-back yet polished vibe. The addition of sleek pumps elevates the outfit, making it versatile enough for day-to-night wear. A structured shoulder bag ties the ensemble together, offering a touch of sophistication.

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2. Denim Jacket + Knee-Length Dress + Slingbacks

French woman wearing a denim jacket and knee-length dress.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: This outfit captures the essence of relaxed chic with a denim jacket layered over a knee-length dress. The juxtaposition of casual and feminine elements creates a balanced, everyday look. The slingback heels add a vintage flair, while still keeping the outfit grounded in modern style.

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3. Fitted Tee + Low-Rise Trousers + Barely-There Sandals

French woman wearing a fitted top and low-rise trousers.

(Image credit: @salome.mory)

Style Notes: Channel '90s minimalism with this fitted tee and low-rise trousers combo. The fitted tee offers a streamlined silhouette, while the low-rise trousers bring a hint of casual cool. Barely-there sandals complete the look, providing an understated yet chic footwear option.

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4. Leopard-Print Dress + Chunky Sandals

French woman wearing a leopard-print dress.

(Image credit: @lenafarl)

Style Notes: Embrace your wild side with this bold leopard-print dress, perfectly complemented by chunky sandals. The dress's playful print is balanced by the grounded, sturdy design of the sandals, creating a look that’s both daring and wearable.

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5. Knitted Cardigan + Straight-Leg Jeans + Kitten-Heel Mules

French woman wearing a striped jacket and cream-colored jeans.

(Image credit: @erinoffduty)

Style Notes: This look combines cosy and chic with a knitted jacket paired with straight-leg jeans. The jacket adds texture and warmth, while the kitten-heel mules give the outfit a sophisticated lift without sacrificing comfort.

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6. Trench Coat + Draped Sweater + Button-Down + Jeans + Ballet Flats

French woman wearing a trench coat, jeans, and ballet flats.

(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Style Notes: Layering is key to this sophisticated look, which features a draped sweater under a classic trench coat, paired with jeans and a button-down shirt. The ballet flats keep the ensemble grounded, making it the perfect combination of comfort and style for everyday wear.

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7. Button-Down Shirt + Knit Maxi Dress + Ballet Flats + Scrunchie

French woman wearing a maxi dress and white ballet flats.

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Style Notes: This look plays with proportions and textures, pairing a structured button-down shirt with a soft, knit maxi dress. Ballet flats keep the look grounded and practical, while a scrunchie adds a playful, retro touch to the overall aesthetic.

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8. Blazer + T-Shirt + Dark-Wash Jeans + Loafers

French woman wearing a blazer, jeans, and loafers.

(Image credit: @frannfyne)

Style Notes: This look is the epitome of casual chic, combining a classic blazer with a simple T-shirt and dark-wash jeans. Loafers add a touch of sophistication, making this the perfect outfit for a casual workday or a weekend outing.

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Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.

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