The Only 7 Items You Need for a Parisian Wardrobe (+Links)
Here are the basics French women wear on repeat (and where to find them online).
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog.Growing up in the US, getting dressed in the morning was often a struggle.
I didn’t know what to wear or how to wear it, and… it showed. When I look at old pictures, I cringe internally.
Maybe (hopefully?) you can relate.
Let’s just say I had yet to understand some basic fashion rules that French women seem to know automatically.
But after three years in France, things have changed a lot.
I won’t say I always know exactly what to wear, but it’s become much easier for me to pick out an outfit.
So what’s the secret?
That’s what I’m going to cover in this article.
If you face analysis-paralysis every morning, staring at a closet full to bursting with clothes you hardly ever wear, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are the only 7 items you need for a Parisian wardrobe.
A cute cardigan
Cardigans are an absolute wardrobe essential if you’re trying to dress like a French girl.
No matter the season, I always, always have one on hand in my wardrobe.
You can pair it with skirts, jeans, or drape it over your shoulders on cooler evenings.
I recommend choosing one that’s not too bulky (they’re more chic) in a color that works for your skin type, whether that’s more beige/brown or navy/black.
And in terms of materials, I’d choose either cashmere, wool, or cotton (if you want a lighter one for summer).
There’s absolutely nothing like having natural fibers against your skin rather than synthetic fabrics.
Here are a few top picks in various colors so you can find exactly what you need:
French girl jeans
I wrote a whole article about French-style jeans, so let’s just say jeans are a staple that fashion-loving Parisian women reach for again and again.
If you’re revamping your wardrobe and don’t know what style to choose, I’d recommend classic mid-wash jeans in either a straight or tapered style.
Here are my top picks (that are also very affordable):
A classic trench coat
If there’s one outer layer that you’ll see everywhere during the in-between season in Paris and other big cities in France, it’s the trench coat.
I started wearing them myself about ten years ago, and the habit never left me.
Yes, they’re stylish. But they also provide great protection from rainy, windy days when the weather is unpredictable and it’s too warm to wear a wool coat.
As far as colors go, beige is the all-time classic, but I’d recommend choosing the color that you think you’ll actually wear.
Think about your current wardrobe and what colors work for your skin tone.
Trench coats usually cost $300+, but I rounded up a few options for under $85 so you can get the same style for less:
Parisian-style flats
Parisian women love flats, and for good reason: They’re comfortable enough to wear all day long without thinking about how much your feet hurt, and stylish enough to wear with dresses or pants.
Flats are yet another staple in my wardrobe that I rely on most days because they’re so easy to slip on and work with whatever I’m wearing.
My all-time favorites are leather ballet flats from the French brand Repetto, which I discovered last year.
They’re definitely an investment, but the flip side is that they’re really cute and insanely comfortable once they mold to your feet.
Here are some cute options that are very Parisian (and budget-friendly):
A romantic midi skirt or dress
French style has a romantic, retro side to it that I absolutely love. It reminds me of the 1940s, when women wore dresses every day and always seemed to look so elegant.
To nail this feminine style in your Parisian wardrobe, I recommend a versatile midi skirt or dress that you can pair with the other items I cover here.
I love the retro look of polka dots, so I have several skirts in this print, and it might surprise you just how versatile they are! I never get tired of wearing them.
If you don’t have a midi skirt or dress yet (or you just want to freshen up your wardrobe), here are a few affordable options I picked out for you:
A versatile button-up shirt
If there’s one thing I wear on repeat during the summer months, it’s a white button-up.
And I’m not the only one: French women love wearing button-ups, and it makes sense: They’re breezy, stylish, and, of course, they work with everything.
My personal favorites are made of linen or cotton, and I like to wear them with a midi skirt and my favorite espadrilles (which are actually surprisingly affordable when you realize royalty have been seen wearing them!).
But back to the button-ups.
Here are a few great options I’d recommend (and always budget-minded):
French-style sneakers
If you want to dress down an outfit or give it a modern twist, wearing cute sneakers is the ideal way to do that.
I see sneakers like these everywhere in France, and they work with all kinds of outfits, from the obvious jeans and a t-shirt look to dresses and skirts.
My French husband (who’s also into fashion and has worked for luxury fashion brands in France and Switzerland), likes pairing New Balance sneakers (these are currently $84.99!) with a button-up and chinos (a great combo).
If you’re on the hunt for sneakers you can pair with everything, here are a few top choices to check out:
Final thoughts
Okay, there you have it!
Now you know the only 7 items you need for a Parisian wardrobe. If you’re tired of never knowing what to wear and want to streamline your style like a French girl, here’s where I’d start.
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Xoxo,
Luba