If you’re an avid reader of Who What Wear, by now you’ll already be well-versed in the fundamentals of French-girl style (we’re Francophiles over here, if you didn’t already know!). We keep an eye on everything from their favorite brands to their go-to spring outfits and the jeans they just can’t live without.
Today we’re charting out the basics of a French woman’s wardrobe in an attempt to make day-to-day dressing infinitely easier. While the new season is chock-full of trends for the taking, it’s the staples that often get overlooked, yet they’re undoubtedly the hardest-working items in our closet.
No one does staple pieces quite like the French, so what do they always have handy to anchor their looks? From high-waisted jeans to ballet flats and classic trench coats, keep scrolling to see and shop the reliable "boring" basics French women can’t live without.
Style Notes: Comfortable, practical, and chic, neutral ballet flats will ground any outfit.
Style Notes: What’s the one item you’ll find in every French woman’s wardrobe? A tan trench coat, of course! Perfect for the unpredictable Parisian weather.
Style Notes: French women put just as much emphasis on what’s underneath their clothes as the outfits themselves. A comfortable and romantic lace bra is a must.
Style Notes: You’ll be hard-pressed to find a French woman who doesn’t own a pair of high-waisted, slightly cropped, straight-leg or kick-flare jeans. These are the anchor to every French woman’s look.
Style Notes: A fitted long-sleeved tee or top (always to be tucked into jeans) is a simple yet effective layering piece French women love.
Style Notes: The staple adds instant polish to the most casual of outfits. It’s clear the French are savvy to the power of a great blazer.
Style Notes: French girls know a white button-down can solve any dressing dilemma.
Style Notes: It may be nondescript, but the humble cardigan is a go-to layering piece French girls love.
Style Notes: These are the hardest-working shoes in a French woman’s wardrobe. Go for a neutral hue such as black, brown, or white.
Style Notes: You make think it’s cliché, but the French really do love their stripes. An effortless striped sweater is always on hand.
Up next, nine spring outfits all the cool girls are wearing in Paris.
Source: Who What Wear – Judith Jones