It's no secret that French women possess a knack for a polished style that reads as effortless and cool. Over the years, they prove to really refine their personal senses of style with wardrobes stocked with incredible closet essentials. French women are truly in the know about which building blocks will last for years ahead, so it's no surprise you'll spot many of them wearing the same staples.
Yep, you'll be sure to see elegant tweed pieces on both Carla Bruni and Isabel Marant. The same goes for ankle boots, which you'll notice Nadege du Bosterus and Juliette Binoche styling with their looks. And it doesn't stop there. Ahead, take inspiration from stylish over-50 French women and see the six pieces you'll spot in all of their closets. You can also shop the items for yourself to replicate their chic looks.
1. TRENCH COATS
Isabelle Huppert in a trench coat and heels.
Style Notes: No matter what season it is, trench coats are an easy staple to make any outfit looks polished. Whether layered over a sweater, trousers and boots in the winter or Bermuda shorts and a tee in the summer, this French girl–approved piece is a true classic.
Carine Roitfeld in a trench coat with leggings.
Shop trenches:
You can't get more timeless than a classic beige trench coat.
& Other Stories' coats are the best they've ever been at the moment.
This is one of the chicest trenches out there right now.
2. ANKLE BOOTS
Nadege du Bospertus in black ankle boots.
Style Notes: A great pair of ankle boots is an investment that is definitely worth the cost per wear. You can pair them with a dressy suit for a red carpet-worthy look or style them with jeans for a more casual look.
Juliette Binoche in chocolate brown ankle boots and flared jeans.
Bambou Gainsbourg in suede ankle boots.
Shop ankle boots:
I can vouch that this is a heel height you can easily walk all day in.
A sleek alternative to black.
A signature Isabel Marant pair.
3. TWEED
Carla Bruni in a tweed jacket and skinny jeans.
Style Notes: Tweed is the luxe fabric that instantly makes me think of stylish French women. To avoid making it look too stiff, try pairing a jacket with leggings or leather pants for an outfit that is equal parts sophisticated and cool.
Isabel Marant in a tweed waistcoat.
Anne Hidalgo in a tweed overcoat.
Shop tweed:
The crop silhouette is really chic.
A monochrome combo is really versatile.
If you thought this was designer, I wouldn't blame you.
4. HIGH-WAISTED TROUSERS
France Zobda in wide-leg high-waisted trousers.
Style Notes: If you're looking to make your wardrobe feel more polished, you can't go wrong with a great pair of high-waisted trousers. Whether styled with a button-down top or a leather jacket, the tailored basic reads as instantly polished.
Isabelle Adjani in black high-waisted trousers.
Anh Duong in sequin high-waisted trousers.
Shop high-waisted trousers:
The gold buttons add a premium touch.
These 'Perfect' pants are made from a four-way stretch-pointe fabric, which means they hold you in, in all the right places. Wear with a cream knit and trainers for a cool yet chic look.
The charcoal shade is a chic alternative to classic black.
5. TAILORED BLAZERS
Ines de la Fressange in a navy blazer with white denim.
Style Notes: A tailored blazer might be one of the most versatile pieces you can add to your wardrobe. For a piece that feels inspired by French women, look for a slightly oversize fit with sharp tailoring.
Virginie Mozat in a black suit.
Virginie Viard in a tux-style blazer.
Shop blazers:
A leather version feels so fresh right now.
All our editors agree: Arket's blazer is one of the best.
Made from a stretchy wool fabric, this blazer is both warm and comfy.
6. SLEEK PUMPS
Emmanuelle Alt in black pumps, wide-leg trousers and a leather jacket.
Style Notes: The ultimate simple heels that go with anything? Sleek pumps. The versatile staple is one that withstands trends, so it's easy to see why you'll find it in every French woman's wardrobe.
Sophie Marceau in suede pumps and a pencil skirt.
Catherine Deneuve in black pumps and a leopard coat.
Shop pumps:
The contrast of patent and matte leather adds to the elegance of this pair.
Nude pumps are a true wardrobe staple.
A shoe style you'll wear for the rest of your life.
Next Up: Women in Paris Wear These 7 Elegant Basics More Than Anything Else
This piece originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. and has since been updated.
-
European Women Rely on This Elegant Coat Trend to Look Polished in Winter—18 of the Best for Every BudgetA modern classic.
-
Forget Bombers—Stylish Women in LA and Paris Much Prefer This Elegant Jacket TrendJennifer Lawrence included.
-
6 Winter Outfits That Are Guaranteed to Make You Look RichFrom a designer-loving editor.
-
I'm a French Designer Living in London—These 6 Chic Buys Are the Key to Mastering Parisian StyleAn expert's advice.
-
French Women Just Showed Me 5 Flawless Ways to Wear Jeans and Boots This WinterNow you know.
-
Gwyneth Paltrow Just Wore the Classic Trouser Trend That French Women Live in Every WinterI can see why they love it.
-
12 Sophisticated Yet Simple Staples That Make Up My Winter Capsule WardrobeFashion people love them.
-
I'm 28, and My Mum Is 68—We Both Adore This £22 Elevated Wardrobe Basic From AmazonYou'll see why.
