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So, you want to get that ever so chic French girl style but you have no idea where to start. No matter the current trend or the latest must-have investment piece, french women have mastered their classic personal style. And if you’re reading this post, then you want to master it too! A great place to start is with these 7 easy french outfit formulas. They are all easy to copy using core basic pieces you’d typically find in a French capsule wardrobe. Mastering a chic look (and looking like French It girl Jeanne Damas or icon Jane Birkin) is just an outfit formula away!
7 French Outfit Formulas You Can Copy
1. jeans + tee + blazer
Using one versatile piece after another, this look is easy to wear and put together. Everything you’d find in this outfit is pretty basic, but that just means it’s even easier to get your hands on!
French style is usually never complicated and this outfit proves that. However, a French woman never looks blah boring either! This blazer takes the look from casual to polished.
This outfit is versatile enough that any shoes could go with it! Ankle boots for casual elegance, heels for sophistication and glam, sneakers for casual, loafers for classic, and flats for simple.
If you want to accessorize, feel free to add a simple yet classy belt or a gold necklace. Both French wardrobe staples!
shop a similar look: blazer | tee | shoes | jeans
2. white blouse + trousers or jeans
Black pants are a wardrobe must-have and a classic wardrobe staple! A tailored pair of pants is one of those pieces of clothing that you may not wear a ton if you don’t work in an office setting, for example, but they’re worth having in your wardrobe for the moments where you need a little bit more sophistication.
Tailored pants not your thing? You can always substitute for black jeans instead. Or really, any jeans! This outfit formula is classic, not boring. Wear the white blouse/white button down tucked in to look more put together.
Like most of the outfits you’ll see on this list, they can all be accessorized simply yet wonderfully with a belt, gold necklace, or classic bag.
shop a similar look: white button down | black pants | heels | purse
3. cropped jeans + front tie top + espadrilles + oval sunglasses + straw bag
Tuck this look away for the summer because this is going to be your stylish go-to. If you get anything for summer to look like a French girl, it should be the espadrilles! You’ll find those in almost every french girl’s closet as well as a pair of straight leg jeans.
In early spring you may not be able to get away with warm weather clothes and accessories, but you can definitely rock a pair of white oval or cat-eye sunglasses. Paired with a straw bag and a front tie top, you’ll look Parisian warm weather chic! Substitute the front tie top for a floral or white blouse depending on what you’re comfortable with. It’s still chic and you’ll still get the same French look.
shop a similar look: espadrilles | top | jeans | straw bag | sunglasses
4. turtleneck + pants + gold necklace
Chic and simple. Turtlenecks are not outdated. They’re a timeless piece! This outfit combo is great for fall, winter, and average temp days. You can wear your turtleneck tucked into high-waisted pants. It’s not a bad idea to find pants with interesting buttons and pocket details too!
Cropped ankle pants make a great pairing with turtlenecks as well, as do, you guessed it, jeans! French girls love their denim after all. To continue the sophistication feel of this outfit, pair this look with simple accessories like a gold pendant necklace, gold hoops, a watch, or a simple bag.
When it comes to footwear you can of course, always count on the go-to’s, such as loafers, flats, ankle boots, or block heels.
shop a similar look: turtleneck | jeans | ankle boots
Related:
9 Fashion Mistakes a French Woman Would Never Make
11 Ways To Nail a Classic French Style Clothing Look
5. jeans + striped top + blazer + silk scarf
How could we talk about French style and not mention black and white stripes? It’s such a classic look! It especially looks chic paired with a silk scarf. But if you think the combination of stripes and a scarf are a little cliche, then you can experiment and make this look your own by how you tie the scarf. Instead of tying it around your neck, try tying it around your handbag or wrist instead.
Wearing a striped or Breton top with a blazer instead of a trench coat is still very French without being super typical. Flats and simple gold accessories, in addition to the scarf, are the perfect ways to finish off this look.
For shoes, you could wear anything from ankle boots to ballet flats to heels. And don’t think too much about what jeans you need to accomplish this outfit formula. Skinny, straight, cropped, and flared are all fantastic options!
shop a similar look: blazer | tee | jeans | flats
6. silk top + blazer + leather pencil skirt (or pants)
Need an outfit idea for a fancier night out? That’s where this silk top comes in handy. Remember something dark, something loose, and something structured. Loose- silk top. Dark- could be your bottoms or outerwear. Structured- blazer or tailored coat. Whether you’re attempting to look French or not, the elements in that outfit make for a great outfit when you need to be more dressed up!
When it comes to elevating your basics, silk shirts are a great item to have in your wardrobe. A spin of your classic white button down, yet still chic and elevated. They look great with everything from pencil skirts to your no-fail favorite jeans.
shop a similar look: blazer | silk top | skirt | heels
7. jeans + lightweight sweater + trench coat + ankle boots
We can’t finish this post of french outfit formulas without talking about a beige trench coat! Though it’s not a clothing item you’re surprised by, it’s the perfect stylish and practical choice.
A French way to wear the trench coat while taking a break from the stripes is to wear it over a cashmere sweater. Whether you’re going for a Parisian look or not, no wardrobe is complete without a cashmere sweater, especially in neutral colors like gray, white, black, beige, or navy.
Looking for some new purchases but don’t know what to get? A good investment will always be your outerwear. Whether it’s this tried and true trench coat, a buttery soft leather jacket, or a classic wool coat, it’s these key pieces that you want to splurge on because they’ll add the finishing touch to every outfit.
shop a similar look: trench coat | sweater | jeans | ankle boots
You don’t need to be carrying around a baguette with a beret perched on top of your head, smoking a cigarette from red lips to look like a French woman. In fact, wearing or doing all of those things at once is cliche French fashion, not real French fashion. Though, to be fair, a red lip won’t hurt. 😉
The French have mastered less is more and because of their confidence and the way they carry themselves, a simple outfit is never boring. And now that you have 7 easy to copy outfit formulas based on this iconic style, you will never look boring either. Only classic!
If you liked this post then you’ll love this post on the 8 secrets of French style!
Other ideas:
I’m loving the looks with blazers!
Yay!!! I just turned 70…. Am fit and now I can pull things out of my closet and take my “look “ up a notch!!! How fun! Thanks 😊
Happy 70th! 🎉 It’s so inspiring to hear that you’re feeling fit and fabulous! Age truly is just a number, and style knows no bounds.
Dive into those French outfit formulas and rock that sophisticated look. Remember, it’s never too late to elevate your fashion game. Enjoy experimenting with your wardrobe and wear your style with confidence. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm with us!
I love the look but I don’t look good in pants or jeans. I am 5’2 ,curvy and would love to know how to get the French style
Can I have all of these looks please? They’re so well put together and I’m obsessed!
xo, Lydia
I just love the Parisian style!
Simple n great look.
Thank you, Miriam!
I love all of the outfits I already have some of the pieces . I’ll definitely going to refresh my clothes look without spending a fortune.
Thank you
Most styles look great on slim people as do these looks. Most Americans are over weight / obese. They wouldn’t look so ‘French’ with their huge derrières.
Absolutely divine!! I’m inspired to add these French styleditems to my wardrobe soon.
That was so kind of you to point that out! Style is for everyone.
I wait to say thank I’m looking forward to show off my new looks
Love every outfit!
Inspired and ready to lift my look,
thank you
I love the one with the polka dots and also the stripes! So French and chic!
I’m all about that French style!
I love the idea of outfit formulas
It makes getting dressed way easier!
These are some great formulas! I love your pairings.
Thanks Christina! <3
I am loving this post girl!! Totally giving me major outfit inspo!
Kileen
cute & little
Thanks girly!
I love french style so much! Thanks for sharing these tips!
I’m a huge fan of it too!
I like the styles, but these styles are worn here in America. I wear them all the time. I think what makes these outfits look chic is because they are worn by French women and supposedly French women are chic. American women are also chic It depends on how one carries onesselves. Viva la differeance!
Yes, I agree. American women can be chic too!
These are all such cute staple pieces! Will definitely need to replicate some of these looks 🙂
The French make it look so easy!
Love them all. To have 3 great jeans, lovely tops and all kinds of blazers! Going to Spain in September…..does this translate in Malaga?
I hoped you enjoyed your travel to Spain 🇪🇸 and I’m sure you noticed how chic Spanish women are. When I lived there I was a broke college student with no chic-ness whatsoever 😂 Thanks to people like Carolyn I’ve leved up my style😇
I’m happy to hear you are enjoying your style now 😉
I love all of these simple chic looks!
Simple chic is my favorite thing!
Loving #2 with the big bold polka dots!!
xo, Cara
I’d totally wear that top if I had it!
I think it’s fantastic how many of the different pieces can be mixed and matched and worn together. Parisian fashion is just probably my favorite of all time. It’s so chic!
I totally agree with you!
Love that polka dot blouse! so chic!
Britt+Whit
I’d totally wear it if I had it!
I’m a huge fan of Parisian style– so chic and feminine. All these outfits are perfect, so going to copy a few of them 😛
You’d look great in them! I tend to copy them all 😉
These are all such great combos, and so many of them are so classic! I love the color combos here as well, so easy to mix and match pieces!
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
I love styling classic outfits!
These are absolutely fabulous outfits! thank you so much for sharing! xo
Cathclaire | Fashion Blogger
Thanks for reading!
I’m gonna want to copy every single one of these!
They’ll look great on you!
Perfection Carolyn! Thank you so much this definitely has simplified my own chic obsession with Parisian Style. So glad I found you!
Love,
Kimberly
Thank you so much, Kimberly! You are so sweet. Lots more Parisian posts coming soon! 🙂
I’ve dressed like this since the 80’s. I’m in my 50’s.! This is a very classic and chic way to dress!
It will never go out of style!
Thank you! I am going to copy some of these looks. Classic. I have so many clothes, to many that are not classic and versatile.
Once you can cut out the clothes that are just taking up space and aren’t versatile, I know you’ll find that you have way more outfit options!
This is fantastic! So chic and simple.
Thank you, Valerie!
what about someone who can’t wear pants?
Slip skirts and little black dresses are very chic too!
NICE SIMPLE AND CLASSY..I BASICALLY DRESS LIKE THIS AND GET ALOT OF COMPLIMENTS. I HAVE THIS STYLE FROM MY EUROPEAN MOTHER.. THAN YOU FOR A REFRESH ARTICLE..
So happy you liked it, Nancy!
Hi Carolyn!
Thank you for the great inspirational post! I love the handbag with the black tiger clasp/broach on it featured under “other ideas” abs pictured under the red Nars lipstick.
Where can I find that item?
Thank you!
Susana
Will bookmark this post, it’s a good reference for french ootds. Thanks for sharing!
LOVE these French chic outfit formulas!! Very usable daily.
Love all these ideas for a chic wardrobe. Will these ideas work for a plus sized woman? Also is gold neck scarf available for purchase somewhere.
Here is a similar scarf: https://rstyle.me/+rhhtCcXE0WOtPK6y8Gvo7g
And yes, the majority of these outfit combos will work! I would make a few tweaks for what you feel comfortable in. Perhaps switch out the front tie top for a different floral top, for example.
It is almost all black&white… It needs some colors so you don’t always look so formal and ready for a funeral
I like combinations like this: jeans + lightweight sweater + trench coat + ankle boots
Great basics but not for Texas weather.
Hi Caroline! Thanks for the post! I’m happy I found you! I loved all the styles and actually do have most of the pieces you mentioned. I didn’t realize they were effortless French basics! 😊
Hi, Irene! It sounds like you have a great wardrobe 🙂
I’m loving these looks especially the striped shirt and blazer.
I went to Paris end of May early June 2023 and loved it. It’s so business and casual at the same time.
Thank you for sharing all these beautiful ideas.
Paris has great style inspiration, doesn’t it? Thanks for the feedback!
Carolyn I simply love your blog and adore your personal style❤️ You have inspired me to do my own “Dress Like a French Girl Week”! I’ve already planned my outfit for each day according to the formulas you posted. Can’t wait!
Thrilled to read this! I bet you’ll have the most stylish French girl week. Happy dressing!
I have recently weeded out 90% of my clothes and am putting together a capsule wardrobe of classic, higher quality clothes. During the day I wear jeans or shorts and tees because I Nanny and never leave the house, but when I do I have some nice pieces that all work together. My sister’s MIL was from Germany and for 30 years
I saw her wear a capsule wardrobe of mainly black and white pieces. She rarely shopped for clothes because she had everything she needed. Occasionally she would throw on a red or purple pullover sweater on top of a white blouse and her black trousers. She loved a good silk scarf, too. I am 59 now and decided to simplify my life and to start dressing like a “grown up”. I have embraced the blazer. I have all of the cold weather clothes I need. Now I need to work on warm weather clothes. I live in the Southeast where the summers are brutal, so no long sleeves, no cardigans or coats of any kind. I don’t even wear jeans in the summer because it is too hot. No sleeveless stuff either, because of the upper arms I want to conceal. That season will be the toughest to pick out. Thank you for all of the style inspiration!