French Spring Outfits
Have you ever heard or read about the “French-girl look”? It’s a popular style trend that’s been around for a while. I’m calling it the “French-woman look” because…well, I’m a woman! But the idea is the same. French women are known for their perfectly unperfect tousled hair, natural makeup, and luxe, classic basics that look so effortless. Below I’m sharing 5 outfits that will give you that French-woman style that’s oh-so-chic!
If you’re interested in seeing everything I packed for my trip to Paris, check out this post next!
French-Woman Style Must-Haves
It’s no surprise that the classic French woman style includes mostly…basics! Yes, the basics that I talk about all. the. time. Their basics fit well, are high quality, and effortlessly work with other pieces in their wardrobe. I like to talk about the basics “with a twist”…those basics that have some sort of style detail that elevates them a bit, like a ruffled collar, puff sleeve, or embellishment. For the most classic French-woman style, you should stick with simple basics…but I still like my basics with a twist! 😉 Below is the list of must-haves to start your perfect French-woman mini capsule wardrobe…and you probably already own most of them!
- Classic black blazer
- Great-fitting pair of jeans
- Crisp button-down shirt
- Classic but bold sunglasses
- High-quality handbag
- Little black dress
- Leather trousers
- A chic matching set
- Perfect red lipstick
- Chic but classic cardigan
- Ballet flats or loafers
- Breton striped shirt or sweater
Keep scrolling for 5 outfit ideas that will give you that chic French-woman vibe!
BLAZER | FOR LESS | SHIRT | BELT | FOR LESS | ANOTHER OPTION | JEANS | BOOTS | FOR LESS | EARRINGS | FOR LESS | RING | FOR LESS | BAG | FOR LESS
Look #1) Parisian Outfit…With A Twist
I mentioned above that a black blazer, amazing jeans, and a crisp button-down are must-haves for any chic French woman. So, I took those pieces and put my own spin on them. I’m wearing a classic black Alice + Olivia blazer with strong shoulders. This is a really beautiful, high-quality basic if you’re looking for a new black blazer. Underneath the blazer, I’m wearing a white button-down shirt by Banana Republic that I’ve been wearing nonstop since I bought it back in February! It has ruffle details and is one of those gorgeous basics with a twist I’m always talking about 😉
Over the blazer and shirt, I’m wearing a really cool Loewe obi belt. It’s so unique and completely changes the look of any outfit. If you want a more classic, Parisian look, just ditch the belt. Next, I’m wearing a pair of high-rise skinny jeans by Rag & Bone. I’ve had these for years and they’re my go-to when I’m wearing tall boots. And speaking of the boots…how sexy are these thigh-high boots?! If you’re going for the French-girl aesthetic, swap the skinny jeans for a pair of straight-leg jeans and the boots for some flats, loafers, or sleek sneakers.
DIOR CAPE (Unavailable) | JEANS | BOOTIES | FOR LESS | SHIRT | EARRINGS | FOR LESS | RING | FOR LESS | BAG | FOR LESS | SUNGLASSES | FOR LESS | BELT | FOR LESS
Look #2) Dramatic Cape
Next up is a similar look with a few tweaks. I’m wearing the same white button-down underneath a gorgeous Dior cape I got while I was in Paris staying in La Suite Dior. It drapes beautifully and adds so much drama to any look. I wore it open to the Dior Fashion Show in a chic all-black look. But in this look, I belted it to create more shape and define my waist. On my bottom half, I’m wearing my go-to pair of straight-leg jeans by L’Agence. The straight-leg silhouette is perfect for pretty much any style of shoe and the fit is SO good. I’m wearing a pair of black platform booties by Veronica Beard but you could wear flats, loafers, block heels, or whatever you prefer.
If you’re interested, I shared my entire Dior experience including going to the Dior fashion show, staying in La Suite Dior, and so much more in this blog post.
JACKET | FOR LESS | PANTS | HEELS | FOR LESS | BAG | FOR LESS | SUNGLASSES | FOR LESS | BERET | RING | FOR LESS
Look #3) Chic All-White Outfit
For a quintessential French spring outfit, go with an all-white look! It’s just so chic. In this look, I’m wearing a beautiful white Maje knit tweed jacket and some wide-leg pants. I love the spread collar, contrasting black and white colors, luxe gold buttons, and the lovely fit of this jacket. These pants have super wide legs and luxe buttons starting from the knee down to the ankle. The gold buttons make the pants a basic with a twist. And I love that they’re trousers that fit more like jeans. I completed the look with my Chanel bag, a white beret, and some Dior slingbacks.
By the way, if you’re interested in more of the black & white outfits I wore in Paris, make sure you check out this post next.
JEANS | FOR LESS | MORE SIZING OPTIONS | SWEATER | FOR LESS | ANOTHER OPTION | TOP | BOOTS | FOR LESS | RING | FOR LESS | SUNGLASSES | FOR LESS
Look #4) Pop of Pink
The next two looks are wildcards because they include COLOR! Depending on who you ask, some say that French women never wear color (with the exception of a bold red lip). But I couldn’t go to Paris and not wear color. So for this look, I’m wearing a bright pink cashmere sweater vest by Me+Em. This vest comes with a detachable turtleneck collar (AKA a “snood”). So you can wear it with or without the added warmth. Underneath the vest, I layered a pretty white top from Anthropologie. The gorgeous sheer sleeves on this blouse are one accessible way to try the sheer trend…for under $80! The bodice and cuffs are fitted which is a nice juxtaposition to the puffy sleeves.
On my lower half, I’m wearing a pair of Alice + Olivia jeans (very limited sizing) that make my legs look longer and slimmer because of the flared leg and seam down the front. My booties are a fun black and white printed pair of Balmain that are very chic and pair beautifully with jeans, skirts, dresses, and jumpsuits.
Looking for more ways to wear the sheer trend? Find all of our tips for wearing sheer over 40 here.
COAT | FOR LESS | JEANS | BOOTIES | FOR LESS | SHIRT | SUNGLASSES | FOR LESS | EARRINGS | FOR LESS | RING | FOR LESS | BAG | FOR LESS
Look #5) Classic Outerwear
A beautiful piece of outerwear is definitely another must-have for every French woman. While the French might prefer neutrals, I wanted to include a colorful option so I’m wearing gorgeous red wool and cashmere blend coat with contrasting white trim by Valentino. I love the coat, how it creates a waist, and pairs beautifully with pretty much any blouse. I’m wearing the same Banana Republic blouse underneath the coat and my favorite straight-leg L’Agence jeans. If you want to stick to the French-girl style, or if you don’t like a color pop, go with a neutral coat or jacket. I completed the look with my favorite Dean Davidson earrings, a Chanel bag, black platform booties, and some cool Loewe sunglasses with a retro feel.
Which of these looks is your favorites? #1, #2, #3, #4, or #5? Let us know in the comments below!
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Love your blog
Thank you SO much for your sweet words, Charlotte! So glad you are here and enjoying the blog! ~Erin xo
Loved all the looks but especially the all white with the Maje tweed jacket.
Loved it so much I’m thinking of ordering the jacket. Would you find it turns true to size?
It is such a lovely jacket, Maria! Yes, I went with my normal size of a 4 and find that the fit is true to size. Hope you love it too!! ~Erin xo
Outfit #3–the white cardigan–is both dressy and casual. So very versatile!
Such a lovely, quintessential French spring outfit. I loved wearing this one and feeling right at home! Thanks for reading, and sharing your favorite, Anne! ~Erin xo
I like nr. 4
Lovely choice! Thanks for sharing your favorite, Iren! ~Erin xo
I liked them all. That being said, it would be a toss up between #2 & #3 as to which is my favorite.
It’s so hard to pick a favorite here! Thanks for reading, Audrey! ~Erin xo