How to Dress Like a French Girl

In all of the decades that I have been interested in fashion, one thing has remained the same for me: the sartorial inspiration I derive from French women and how they dress. Throughout the ages (I mean, even if you look back to the Marie Antoinette era) French women have had a flair for how to put together a look. While corsets and wigs have given way to slouchy sweaters and just-undone-enough hair, I believe that there is so much inspiration to be drawn from the country that has created some of the most iconic brands of our time.

Today, I’m going to break down a few ways in which I believe we can achieve the same effortless outcome in our everyday outfits with pieces from one of my favorite brands, Sézane.

1) Invest in Basics

A good t-shirt, in my opinion, is one of the most important wardrobe staples you can own. Whether it’s a great basic white tee with a hint of sheerness, a ribbed henley, a cute little graphic tee or a classic stripe, a good tee is often the jumping off point of many French-inspired outfits. Don’t forget to make sure you have a great white button down on hand as well. On the bottom, you’re going to want to find a pair of denim that makes you feel your best. Whether that is a straight leg fitted pair, skinny black jeans that make you feel powerful, winter whites, or something cropped or vintage inspired, find what feels good and build around that.

Shop my fave basics below.

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2) Outerwear is Key

France experiences four seasons and so should your wardrobe (even if you live in a warm place, there is always room for a chic jacket especially in an air conditioned office). Whether it’s a sweater inspired jacket, something inspired by Yellowstone, something padded to throw on over your workout gear, a hooded option for a drizzly day, a colorful floral option, or a quieter pattern, a jacket can really make an outfit. For those of us that actually require a jacket to go outside, a camel wool coat is an instant classic. When the weather gets a little warmer, you will definitely want to have a trench on hand (I love this one too). Shackets are a great in between that can also be worn under your oversized wool coat for extra warmth.

Shop my fave jackets below.

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3) A Good Bag and Practical Footwear

One thing you will notice if you walk around Paris is that women generally carry very practical bags and are wearing shoes that are comfortable to walk in. While there are always fun heels to glance at here and there, flats or low heels are obviously more practical for bopping around and luckily they can make your outfit super chic too. To start off, sneakers do not have to be boring. This gold pair is super fun and will make literally any outfit shine. We also love a classic two-toned loafer to finish off virtually any outfit. Another great slip on option are these suede sneakers. When it comes to winter shoes, I have been a fan of a black bootie for years and for good reason. They are so versatile and go with literally anything from denim to a dress. I have also been shocked at how often I reach for my combat boots when getting dressed. They add a je ne sais quoi to any outfit which is exactly what we are going for. I also just saw these boots and NEED them.

When it comes to bags, I absolutely love the look of a cross body bucket bag (also love the mini option). For an everyday tote, this one in the Smooth Honey is absolutely perfect. A bag is also a great way to add a pop of color, something French girlies love to do.

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4) Knitwear

One thing you will often find either worn or draped over shoulders is a jumper. I love this striped piece with its statement buttons and I reach for this cardigan on the daily. For something a little more elevated, I love this black and ecru crochet one. The same style is also adorable in the full ecru version. Something unexpected is always a fun way to make a statement, even with a sweater. When it comes to loungewear, let’s elevate it a touch shall we? Another way to make an outfit shine while still remaining very comfortable is the unsung hero that is the knit skirt (also love this long version and this buttoned one).

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I hope you liked this little roundup with a slightly new format. I’m always thinking about ways to make little tweaks to make this site better for you so please keep the feedback coming! xx

PS - for my Canadian girlies, Sézane has incredibly easy shipping and returns (free over $250)

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thanks for your support!