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French girls are known for their chic and timeless fashion sense, and their style makes for a perfect capsule wardrobe. If you want to know how to dress like a French woman, take a look at these 10 tips to achieve that French girl style!

10 Ways to Achieve Classic Parisian Style

French style is known for being polished and elegant yet relaxed and effortless. Striking that perfect balance between style and comfort, it’s no wonder women all over the world look to France for fashion inspiration.

With these top tips, you can incorporate that chic French look into your wardrobe but still remain comfortable for travel!

French Outfits Ideas for Travel

J.Crew Wren Slim Shirt in Stretch Cotton Poplin
Sizes: 00-24 Regular | 00-12 Petite | 2-16 Tall

Start With Chic Basics

Parisian fashion is minimal and laid-back yet still manages to look elegant and classy. That’s because French women know the power of basics! With chic basics that flatter your form and that you can mix and match, you’ll be able to create stylish French outfits with ease and always look put together.

Parisian girl staple pieces include white button-downs, classic t-shirts, cashmere sweaters, blazers, and well designed jeans. Add fun shoes and accessories from there!

Check out a few airplane outfit ideas to feel relaxed but still look chic when traveling!

Spanx The Perfect Short Sleeve Crew Neck Top | Sizes XS-3X

Balance Between Relaxed and Polished

A major element of Paris style is the mix between looking polished yet laid-back.

You can achieve that nonchalant and effortlessly cool look that Parisian women have with oversized and relaxed silhouettes. Things like loose white or black t-shirts french-tucked into smooth ponte pants, comfy jeans, flowy midi or maxi dresses, and slouchy tunic sweaters are all great ways to get that comfy, Parisian chic style.

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Cropped Cardigan | Sizes XS-XL

Opt for Neutral Colors

Opt for neutral colors when planning your French inspired outfits. Black pants or tees are always a go-to in Europe, as it’s both flattering and super easy to style. Whether you favor a cool or warm color palette, neutrals will make for a more versatile and sophisticated wardrobe.

You can pair neutral cropped or wide leg pants or skirts with tan sandals, nude sandals, or nude flats.

But definitely don’t be afraid to add a red lip or a bright scarf for a pop of color to complete your French girl outfit!

Madewell The Plus Curvy ’90s Straight Jean
Sizes: 23-34 Regular | 23-33 Petite & Tall | 14W-28W Plus

Wear Quality Designed Jeans

A fabulous-fitting pair of jeans is a must when it comes to how to dress French. Jeans go with everything and can easily be dressed up for nicer occasions.

While always classic, both wide leg jeans and straight leg jeans are especially on-trend right now and can be seen on locals all over Europe. Don’t be afraid to add something like white jeans either, as they are a bonafide neutral and would look amazing with black They have that effortless, comfy-chic vibe that goes hand in hand with French women style.

Michael Stars Lottie Linen Blazer | Sizes XS-XL

Incorporate Tailored Pieces

Another tenet of Parisian clothing is tailoring. Having well-tailored clothes will make a huge difference in making an outfit look polished. Whether you’re going for a slouchy, oversized look or prefer slim silhouettes, be sure the inseams and sleeve lengths are right and that everything falls as it should.

Additionally, if you really want to achieve Parisian women’s style, tuck away the sportswear and opt for functional yet elevated pieces. For example, swap out sweats for comfortable travel pants, typical workout leggings for faux leather leggings, and hoodies for chic sweaters.

Add things like a sleek travel blazer or cute cardigan to basics to add a dash of elegance.

Veja Recife Logo Sneakers

Slip Into Stylish Sneakers

You’ll always find French women in a casual yet cute pair of white or black sneakers, whether they’re wearing them with slacks, jeans, or a nice dress with pockets. A pair of fashionable sneakers paired with any look will keep you comfortable and help you achieve that easygoing yet alluring French woman style!

Stick to simple shades, like black, white, or gray, to make mixing and matching easier. With classic, flattering pieces, even a pair of athletic tennis shoes can look super stylish and Paris chic!

Shop Sorel Joan Chelsea Boots: Amazon | Nordstrom

Of course, you’ll want to switch up your footwear depending on the season. In the summer months, you could opt for chic walking sandals or gladiator sandals. In the fall and winter, French girls love their leather waterproof ankle boots! And for dressy occasions, Parisians will always sport classic ballet flats or loafers.

Whichever style you choose, make sure they’re supportive and will feel comfortable.

Check out this article on what shoes to wear to Paris!

BLANKNYC Faux Leather Moto Jacket | Sizes 1X-3X Plus

Add a Bit of Edge

Parisian style clothing often has an element of edginess, and there’s no better way to add some stylish edge to your look than with some leather.

A faux leather jacket is a timeless piece that’ll fit perfectly into any capsule wardrobe, and it totally belongs on a Parisienne style packing list. Whether slouchy and tough-looking or fitted and sleek, a leather jacket is the perfect way to spice up the simplest of outfits.

Leather Chelsea boots or knee high boots are another French chic essential! In the chillier months, they’re comfortable and practical, and the right pair can add the perfect amount of edge. Contrast a feminine dress with some moto boots or pair a combat boots with jeans and a sweater.

Lo & Sons Pearl Crossbody Bag

Less is More for Accessories

Simplicity is key to achieving French chic style, so keep accessories to a minimum and let your outfit speak for itself! That said, the right accessories will show off your individuality and complete your French looks.

Forgo chunky or blingy jewelry in favor of minimal pieces or a pretty lipstick! Understated accessories like a quality leather belt, a classic travel purse, or a wrap are a perfect addition to your Parisian outfits.

Quince Silk Slip Dress | Sizes XS-XL

Be Modestly Sexy

The Parisienne knows how to flaunt her features yet still allow for mystery. There are plenty of ways to achieve a sexy look without showing too much skin or wearing skin-tight clothing.

When creating your Paris inspired outfits, try contrasting a fitted top with a long, flowy bottom, or showing off your legs while keeping it modest up top. Feminine and sexy don’t have to mean revealing — a-line shapes, belts to cinch in your waist, or sleek, silky fabrics are all fabulous ways to harness that sexy, French girl look.

You can’t wrong with an LBD (little black dress), slip dress, a white dress, a linen dress for the heat or a chic moisture wicking dress is also great for the summer.

Read on to find out the best travel jacket to bring with you!

J.Crew New Icon Trench | Sizes 00-24

Buy Investment Pieces

French women know the power of investing in high-quality, timeless pieces that they’ll have forever, will surpass trends, and will always elevate their outfits. French gals love to mix casual clothes with designer pieces, too.

When building a wardrobe inspired by French girl fashion, consider investing in excellent quality bags, coats, and clothes that will be forever in style and will last you for years and years to come. It’s all about quality over quantity when it comes to Parisian women’s fashion.

Quality denim jackets, trench coats or wool coats are seen everywhere in Paris, while chic cross body purses, convertible backpacks, and sling or fanny belt bags made of faux or real leather fit in perfectly with the street style.

Compass Rose Carryon Packing Cubes

How to Pack Your Paris Girl Style

When you’re ready to travel to Paris, start with packing cubes; they will seriously change the way you pack! We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything. See more in the video below.

Learn our packing hacks with packing cubes in this video!

We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This method has helped many women travel carry-on only!

Do you have any chic French style tips? Share with us in the comments below!

For more ideas on packing for Paris, please read the following:

Suggested travel resources:

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4 Comments

Shannon on July 21, 2017 at 9:38 am

Que magnifique!! Will definitely incorporate these tips in planning my warobe to fit in on the streets of Paris!!
- alex on July 22, 2017 at 2:20 am
  
  Thanks Shannon!
Rhiannon on April 16, 2016 at 5:47 am

I’d add (from reading a lot about Parisienes!) that an “air of mystery” is another constant, along with being tres chic!
- alex on April 19, 2016 at 11:05 pm
  
  I’ve read that too 🙂

10 French Fashion Tips Inspired by Parisian Style