32 Parisian Street Style Looks We Fully Intend on Copying in 2019
Astronaut, firefighter, vet… These are all common answers children give when they're asked what they want to be when they grow up. However, if you were to ask me the same question today, I'd give you a different answer: French. Ahh, to be French and born with je ne sais quoi. I know it's a stereotype, but of all the French women I've met in my life (which, working in fashion, is actually quite a lot), they've all had one thing in common: an effortlessly chic sense of style.
By no means are these women part of a cookie-cutter mould, either: Every single one of them dresses in a completely different manner, leading me to conclude that just by being French, you're blessed with sartorial savvy the rest of us can only try to emulate.
And emulate I will, for I've found 35 exceptional Parisian street style looks that I can't wait to try for myself in 2019—and something tells me you'll want to re-create them, too.
From It prints to cool layering techniques, keep scrolling to see the Parisian street style tips and tricks that'll make you feel authentically French…
Wear a slouchy blazer over your fanciest dresses to strike the perfect high-low balance.
When buying cover-ups, always opt for the next size up to achieve that covetable oversized look.
Experiment with unexpected colour combinations to create a look that's unique to you.
Give slinky skirts a dressing down with leather accessories and a chunky knit.
Keep waistlines high, as French girls don't really do low-slung trousers.
Pastel hues might seem twee to some, but when slouchy, they can look incredibly cool.
Layering is key for channeling the French aesthetic—the more directional, the better. Follow Tine Andreaa's lead by wearing button-up dresses open over trousers.
Let your personality shine through. Love a particular band? Wear their logo-emblazoned tee under everything from blazers to pinafore frocks.
Consider a white tee, jeans and courts your uniform from here on out.
It's all in the details. Neck ties and layered jewels will take any look to the next sartorial level.
Related: The Parisian Way to Create a 5-Piece Capsule Wardrobe
Miniskirts are not just acceptable, they're recommended. Just be sure to keep necklines high and shoes interesting as opposed to sexy.
Although French girls are very much here for accessories, sometimes less is more. Case in point? This simple heart belt worn over black jersey.
Use your fabric choices to your advantage: Contrast edgy finishes like leather and vinyl with softer pieces in satin or velvet.
The clashing prints, the mix of prim and casual pieces, the bright bag… This outfit couldn't be more Parisian if it tried.
Related: 5 Under-the-Radar Bag Brands French Women Always Come Back to
Take your most statement skirt, add black boots and a roll-neck or white shirt, and you've just mastered French Fashion 101.
Necklace or earrings—who said you have to choose? Not the French, it seems.
Look for updates on classic pieces to give your outfit the edge. The handkerchief hem on this timeless trench makes it feel so fashion-forward.
Don playful prints with confidence. Chloé's horse motif has become a firm favourite amongst French girls who are fearless when it comes to wearing it.
Re-wear your favourite wrap top as a light cover-up come the summer months. Indeed, this is one to bookmark.
Related: French Girls Are Going Crazy for This Ankle-Boot Trend
Use white boots to lift any dark ensemble. This is particularly effective during the winter months.
Clashing your colours is easy—especially when you keep your accessories to neutral or black tones.
Can't decide which dress to wear? Throw them both on.
Maxi lengths shouldn't be reserved for formal occasions, as this sleeveless coat proves.
Related: This French Outfit Is Crazy Popular on Pinterest Every Day
Never underestimate your denim jacket—it can help make any outfit look edgy.
Although made up of various shades, the bag, trousers and coat in this look all feature a dusky undertone which ensures they work seamlessly together. Good to know.
We love how the brown bag (particularly since it's being styled with black shoes) stops this outfit from looking too curated—a French fashion faux pas.
Double denim is totally acceptable—particularly when it's in contrasting hues.
After dark dresses are given a daytime spin with a pair of snake-print boots. Ah, oui.
Related: Where I Secretly Shop for Affordable French Fashion Pieces
Parisian's firmly believe you're never too old for a hair bow. We concur.
Wearing one hue top-to-toe is a street style favourite for a reason—it'll instantly pull your look together.
French girls love to spin their coats as dresses.
If clashing your prints sounds too daunting, look for varying sizes of the same motif in the same colour palette and we promise you won't go wrong.
Want to get dressed like a true French girl? Simply follow these six golden rules…
Opening Image: @thestylestalkercom
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
-
3 French Vs 3 Scandi Knitwear Trends Set to Be Everywhere This Winter
Choose your team.
By Remy Farrell
-
Forget Bombers—Stylish Women in LA and Paris Much Prefer This Elegant Jacket Trend
Jennifer Lawrence included.
By Eliza Huber
-
I'm a French Designer Living in London—These 6 Chic Buys Are the Key to Mastering Parisian Style
An expert's advice.
By Remy Farrell
-
French Women Just Showed Me 5 Flawless Ways to Wear Jeans and Boots This Winter
Now you know.
By Natalie Munro
-
Gwyneth Paltrow Just Wore the Classic Trouser Trend That French Women Live in Every Winter
I can see why they love it.
By Natalie Munro
-
I Just Spent 4 Days in Paris—7 Items Everyone Was Wearing That I Now Need Too
The perfect Parisian capsule.
By Natalie Munro
-
5 Chic Anti-Trend Colours French Women Have Added to Their Autumn Wardrobes
The ones to know.
By Natalie Munro
-
Forget Sambas —Everyone in Paris Is Wearing This '90s Trainer Trend Right Now
Cool kicks.
By Allyson Payer