What to Wear in Paris to Look Like a French Girl (Budget-Friendly)
Here are the pieces real Parisian women love.
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You want to know what to wear in Paris to look like a French girl (and not a tourist).
If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve lived in France for over three years now, and I’m going to share exactly what you need to nail the Parisian look.
Because there’s a very specific kind of outfit people imagine when they think about Paris: a beret, red lipstick, maybe stripes.
But honestly?
That combo looks more like a Pinterest fantasy of France than what women actually wear here.
The reality is much simpler.
French women don’t usually look overly styled, and that’s the point.
The outfits that feel the most “French” are often the least complicated: vintage-style jeans, practical shoes (like flats), a neutral trench coat, and pieces that look lived in.
If you want to blend in a little more in Paris (or capture real French style), here’s what to wear instead of the clichés.
1. A trench coat
If there’s one piece that instantly makes an outfit feel more Parisian, it’s the trench coat.
French women wear them constantly because they solve almost every outfit problem: they add structure, make simple basics look more put together, and help you stay warm and dry in unpredictable weather.
I reach for my trench coat over and over in the in-between seasons and wonder how I managed without it.
I’d recommend choosing one with a relaxed fit because it’ll be more comfortable if you wear it over bulky clothes, like a sweater.
Here are a few of my top choices, all under $85:
2. A classic white button-up
A white button-up is a staple for a reason and definitely something to add to your Paris packing list.
You can pair button-ups with so many things, and they’ll never go out of style.
I personally love wearing them tucked into midi skirts and paired with my Repetto flats or wedge Casteñor espadrilles.
Quick tip: Cotton and linen are the most comfortable fabrics for button-ups and are so breezy when it’s hot out.
You also get great sun protection by sticking to long-sleeved shirts instead of skin-tight tops.
3. A lightweight cardigan
Parisian women rely heavily on lightweight knitwear because it’s easy to pack and keeps you warm during the in-between seasons.
If you want to look like a French girl, skip the hoodie and pack a thin cardigan. You can pair it with anything, and it’ll help you look so much more Parisian.
Here are a few of my top affordable picks:
4. Ballet flats
This roundup of what to wear in Paris to look like a French girl wouldn’t be complete without talking about ballet flats.
Personally, I wear them almost every day.
They’re one of the easiest ways to make an outfit feel softer and more polished without trying too hard.
If you pair them with jeans, they instantly make an outfit feel more feminine. With skirts or dresses, they keep things simple and wearable.
The best pairs are usually the most understated ones.
Here are a few options I handpicked that are really affordable:
5. A versatile midi skirt or dress
If you want to look like a French girl in Paris, here’s my advice: Leave the mini shorts at home. Yes, really. Chic French women don’t wear them.
Instead, I’d recommend packing midi skirts or simple dresses, which are much more elegant and very versatile.
6. Classic straight-leg jeans
French women wear denim constantly, but usually in styles that go with everything. You’ll see far more straight-leg jeans than ultra-distressed or very trendy cuts.
Dark denim instantly makes an outfit feel more polished, especially paired with loafers, flats, or a simple sweater.
The beauty of good jeans is that they repeat well.
In France, nobody cares if you wear the same pair constantly.
Here are a few budget-friendly French-girl-approved options:
7. French-style sneakers
Wearing athletic sneakers in Paris is usually a dead giveaway that you’re a tourist.
Now, Parisian women absolutely wear sneakers, but here’s the difference:
If they’re not jogging or running, they usually don’t wear sneakers designed for sports.
Instead, they wear simpler fashion sneakers that either blend in or add a pop of color to their outfit.
The idea is to wear shoes that are comfortable and functional (without making it look like you just left your gym class).
After three years in France, I don’t often wear sneakers outside of workouts. But here are a few cute French-approved styles I recommend:
8. A well-fitting t-shirt
Yes, it seems so basic.
But in a Parisian wardrobe, the simplest pieces are often the most important.
A well-fitting t-shirt is one of those things that works with everything and can help you avoid analysis paralysis when you’re getting dressed in the morning.
I like wearing t-shirts with midi skirts for a more casual look, but you can wear them with anything.
Just make sure they fit you well, because oversized t-shirts aren’t very French.
Here are a few (surprisingly affordable!) options from my favorite Parisian brand, Sézane:
9. Kitten-heel boots
French style tends to avoid shoes that feel overly dramatic or uncomfortable, which is why kitten-heel ankle boots are everywhere in cooler months.
They add shape and elegance without looking overly “done,” and they work beautifully with denim, skirts, or dresses.
A small heel changes the entire feel of an outfit while still being practical enough for walking.
The real secret to Parisian style
And there you have it!
Now you know exactly what to wear in Paris to look like a French girl. As you can see, the pieces that French women like me wear on repeat aren’t that fancy.
But that’s actually the point.
French women don’t usually build outfits around trends or wear things that scream for attention.
Instead, they build a capsule wardrobe of pieces that work together and look and feel great.
That’s the real secret to dressing like a Parisian.
What’s missing from your packing list? Let me know!
Xoxo,
Luba