Olympics or not, there is no denying the je ne sais quoi of Parisian style. French fashion has always been an enthralling source of inspiration, from the laidback elegance of Jane Birkin to the hypnotizing allure of Brigitte Bardot. And it certainly would be a sin not to mention the industry-shifting influence of Madame Coco Chanel.
How did each of those women and several modern-day Parisiennes master the art of understated elegance? Well, it takes much more than the stereotypical striped Breton shirt, a traditional beret, and a selfie with a croissant. First, it starts with a palpable energy. Second, it’s curating a look that matches that infectious attitude.
See exactly how 10 style stars nail French fashion in our edit ahead.
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The Crafty Basket Bag
Edward Berthelot
The laidback spirit of summer is encapsulated in the craftiness of a woven raffia bag. While the origin of basket bags goes back to Madagascar, it’s becoming a go-to among our favorite French women—like Ellie Delphine, who demonstrates the beauty of a design elevated with a leather trim.
Loewe Basket Small Bag
Madewell The Mini Shopper Tote
Saint Laurent Panier Raffia Bag
Mango Natural Fiber Basket Bag
Celine Celine Triomphe Basket
& Other Stories Straw Tote
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Brown Sugar Loafers
Photo: Getty Images
Yes, ballet flats might be getting a lot of talk right now, but a smart loafer is forever. Escape the crutches of trends with a sleek brown style. It’s easy to style with nearly anything, but the chocolate hue feels much more refreshing than the usual black pairs.
Gucci Horsebit 1953 Loafer
Tory Burch Ballet Loafer
LAUREN Ralph Lauren Briony
Now 25% Off
Ferragamo Maryan Gancini Leather Loafers
$895 at Saks Fifth Avenue$895 at Nordstrom
Tod’s Kate Polished Goldtone Chain Leather Loafers
$895 at Saks Fifth Avenue$895 at Nordstrom
Banana Republic Navarre Penny Loafer
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Good Red Flags
Foc Kan
Proenza Schouler Flip leather shoulder bag
Jil Sander Cannolo Small Bag
$1,165 at Ssense$1,500 at jilsander.com
Reformation Rafaella Shoulder Bag
Jacquemus Le Bambino Bag
Bottega Veneta Jodie Mini Intrecciato Tote
Zara Flap Shoulder Bag
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Dainty Kitten Heels
Christian Vierig
French women know that when you feel amazing, that energy flows from the inside to the outside, which is why uncomfortable high heels are typically a hard pass. Instead, a demure kitten heel is the chic option that allows any wearer to easily move around with grace.
Valentino VLOGO Bold 20 Pumps
Tony Bianco Denver Mule
Jacquemus Les Classiques Heels
Aeyde Catrina Slingback Pumps
Carven Leather Square-Toe Mules
Saint Laurent Hermione Kitten Pumps
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Modest Chic Shorts
Photo: Getty Images
Throw all of the stereotypes out of the window. The most stylish French women are embracing shorts in an undeniably chic way. Instead of micro-minis or drastically distressed takes, style stars like Thylane Blondeau are leaning into long lines offered by Bermuda-esque silhouettes.
Loulou Studio Isu High-Rise Organic Denim Shorts
Rag & Bone McKenna Denim Bermuda Shorts
Agolde Risha Organic Denim Shorts
Levi’s Baggy Dad Shorts
Re/Done Skater Denim Shorts
Citizens of Humanity Brynn Denim Shorts
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The Maximum-Impact Maxi
Arnold Jerocki
Asceno Lyon Slip Dress
Pixie Market Two-Tone Tank Maxi Dress
The Row Guinevere Maxi Dress
Khaite Joely Slip Dress
Leset Yoko Maxi Dress
Zara ZW Collection Long Contrast Dress
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Classic Blazers
Photo: Getty Images
There’s no denying the commanding charm of a timeless blazer. Test drive the modern-day staple with a tonal outfit à la Caroline de Maigret, or mix it up with a pair of blue jeans.
Isabel Marant Floyd Jacket
$477 at Saks Fifth Avenue$637 at Farfetch
Everlane The Oversized Blazer
The Frankie Shop Aiden Twill Blazer
Favorite Daughter The Suits You Blazer
Magda Butrym Wool Blazer
$2,170 at NET-A-PORTER$1,810 at Mytheresa
Wardrobe.NYC Double Breasted Blazer
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Treasured Tank
Photo: Getty Images
Putting together the perfect outfit is all about balance. Sometimes a simple tank top is all that’s needed to punctuate a less-is-more statement. Whether you’re into reveal-and-conceal sheerness or something that looks borrowed from the boys, this is certainly the closet staple to buy in multiples.
Max Mara Ribbed Silk Top
Matteau Ribbed-Knit Tank
Leset Lauren Stretch-Knit Tank
Éterne Fitted Tank Top
Uniqlo Crepe Jersey T-Shirt
J.Crew Sleeveless Sweater Shell
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Voluminous Jeans
Photo: Getty Images
The denim debate continues to skew more on the wider side of the spectrum, especially in 2024, with the uptick in demand for baggier silhouettes. Follow the lead of Jeanne Damas and pair your flared jeans with a lace-trimmed blouse, blazer, and a tiny pop of red to solidify the winning look.
Nili Lotan Celia Flare Jeans
Mother The Doozy Wide-Leg Jeans
$278 at Revolve$278 at Nordstrom$278 at Anthropologie
Agolde Clara Baggy Jeans
Totême Flare Wide Leg Jeans
Madewell Curvy Kick Out Crop Jeans
Chloé Button Denim Jeans
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A Leather Jacket
Stephane Cardinale – Corbis
It’s a beautiful juxtaposition to see a tough leather piece styled with a shimmering knit top or how Chloé demonstrated it on the runway: next to romantic ruffle dresses. As we prepare for fall, now’s the time to add a bit of the rough edge to your transitional season wardrobe.
Nour Hammour Zakary Leather Jacket
Mango Leather Zipper Jacket
Khaite Laybin Leather Jacket
Cos Leather Moto Jacket
Chloé Oversized Bomber Jacket
