As I’m sure you know by now, I’m a bit of a Francophile š
I love French interiors, and I consider my home to be at least somewhat French-inspired. But along with French decor and design, I also love French style! And when I say French style, I don’t mean Fashion Week in Paris or Coco Chanel, though those are fun, too. No, I’m talking the chic, everyday style of fashionable French women.
Americans have been mesmerized by the style of French women for decades. They have a certain confidence and nonchalance that just screams chic. They’re often in casual clothing, yet they seem effortlessly cool. And they never seem like they’re trying too hard. Simplicity is key. Minimal make-up and accessories and a “less is more” mantra are the norm.
The irony is, it doesn’t take a lot of money to dress like a French woman. In fact, quite the opposite. They are almost always un-done, dressed down, and their style is definitely on the casual side of chic. And I love that! My life as a mom and a blogger doesn’t exactly warrant wearing the latest fashions anymore, so I’m all for casual chic that doesn’t break the bank but still looks put together! Denim, espadrilles, flats, and stripes are some of the summer basics that come to mind when it comes to French style essentials.
With that in mind, I’ve tried to break down the basics for you, as well as what pieces you need to create it. Here’s to the quintessential French girl and her je ne sais quois!
French Style Essentials – Summer Version
Great White Shirt
All French women seem to have a basic, borrowed-from-the-mens-department white shirt. Here you can go with a button down, or something slightly more feminine, but you definitely want it to be timeless.
It’s great to have a white cotton one for casual days, and a silk one for when you want a little more oomph. But if you’re only going to buy one, then I would say an all-cotton one is the way to go. You want something you’ll be able to pull out again and again, and again!
Leila Yavari via The Telegraph.
Emmanuelle Alt via Who What Wear.
Flattering Narrow Jeans
This is the one spot I would suggest spending a bit more. If you don’t have a basic pair of super flattering jeans you love to throw on, get yourself some stat! Because when it comes to the ‘per wear price’, there’s hardly anything you’ll get more wear out of than these.
Medium to dark wash, and slim to the ankle is the French girl favorite. You can do skinny or straight, but I wouldn’t do anything too trendy (like flares) for this. Again, you want timeless. And flattering!
Marion Cottilard via Vogue.
Audrey Tautou via Bloglovin’.
Ballet Flats
French women do not run around on their cobblestone streets in heels. Flats are a French style favorite, and they are for me, too. I practically live in my flats! They are more chic than a sneaker, yet nearly as comfortable. And they go with everything!
Via Ines de la Fressange.
Via Moop Shop.
Striped Tee
If you think wearing striped tees in Paris is clichĆ©, you thought wrong! French women love a good striped tee (or sweater). They don’t tend to wear a lot of prints in general, but stripes are the definite exception to the rule.
Caroline de Maigret via Bloglovin’.
Oversized Sunglasses
I’m pretty sure the French invented this look! Oversized sunnies connote mystery, something French women love to exude. And, they protect your eyes from sun damage so it’s a win-win, right?
Via Ines de la Fressange.
Via Maria Bernard’s Instagram.
Straw Handbag
Whether it’s a French straw bag for collecting fruit at the farmer’s market, or a cute little basket handbag, there is nothing more summery than a straw bag for summer, no matter where you live!
Via Adenorah.
Via Lucy Williams Instagram.
Wrap Dress
A simple summer dress is such an easy, breezy way to get ready on a hot summer day. I don’t wear dresses a lot in general, but I do love them in summer.
First of all, they are much cooler (hello breeze!) when you don’t feel like wearing much of anything at all. And the wrap style is particularly flattering on almost any body type.
Via Fashion Me Now.
Jeanne Damas via The Man Repeller.
Neck Scarf
I did a whole post on the charming neck scarf when the trend was appearing here again a few years ago. I mean, is there anything that exudes French style more than this accessory?! It adds such flair to an otherwise plain outfit of a tee shirt and jeans, and you’ll definitely feel like you’re in the South of France while wearing it!
Via Sarah Mikaela’s Instagram.
Vanessa Jackman via The Zoe Report.
Espadrilles
The absolute, quintessential French summer fashion item! Espadrilles are timeless, and French women bring them back out every summer. When I was in Provence last year, I saw them literally everywhere – on men and women! Plus, the cotton makes them a cool and comfortable summer footwear choice.
Via Harper’s Bazaar.
Via Style Lovely.
*affiliate links are included for your convenience*
je t’aime,
Sheila
xo
Noelle says
Thanks for this great post! Can you recommend some solid jeans brands to look into?
Lory Stevens says
Great article! Thank you so much for all the inspiration!
Katy Grossman says
I’m so inspired by anything French so thanks for this! I’ll be buying some espadrilles stat!
Paulette says
Great info, especially the espadrilles. They seem to have fallen out of favor for the most part stateside, but I have loved them for a very long time. Also please do a separate blog on French wonen do not walk the streets of Paris in workout gear, which is a great thing.
Sheila says
I love espadrilles!! And I actually found several just this year which made me so happy! And yes, I couldn’t agree more about the workout and/or sweats thing – they are so much more elegant!
Thanks for stopping by!
Sheila
Jane Porter says
I really like your blog. The styling ideas for summer are really inspiring!
Keep sharing!!!
Beverly says
Gearing up for summer, so I will go looking for a crisp white shirt, scarf and a straw bag. A chic black blazer too. Been stuck in the house for a week with the flu. Cabin fever has hit me!!
Sheila says
Oh I’m so sorry you have the flu! But I’m pretty sure that online shopping is a definite cure š
Glad you liked the post, and that you’re getting better! Thanks for stopping by.
Sheila
diane says
Great blog!
Karen says
Oh I’m inspired to shop now!! Thank you for the great ideas…all so adorable!!
Sheila says
haha! You know what’s funny?! I inspire myself to shop when I do these fashion posts! I just bought some espadrilles and a straw bag today:))
Thanks for stopping by Karen!
Sheila
xo
Carol Heartfelt Whimsies says
Love this post! To me, it seems French women donāt appear to ātry too hardā. They seem to dress for themselves, not someone else. The vibe I get is āIām comfortable in my own skinā!!
Sheila says
Yes! That is so true Carol! They are so chic, yet also so simple. Less is more with them for sure, and I think that’s what makes them seem so put together!
Thanks so much for coming over my friend:)
Sheila
xo
Lou ann singleterry says
Love these tips! Am headed to France in about 3 wk and I don’t want to look too “touristy”. The strange thing is that the same items are essential stateside.
Sheila says
Oh, you’re so lucky Lou Ann! And yes, I agree, all of these are classic, whether in France or here! I hope you get some cute items for your trip, and have a wonderful time!
Sheila