5 Ways To Master Effortlessly Chic French-Girl Style
French style is all about timeless, wear-forever staples with a twist. From funnel-neck jackets to heeled mules, these are the pieces making the cut in the wardrobes of Parisian tastemakers right now, says AVALON AFRIYIE
French women are renowned for eschewing trends in favor of perennial staples they know will stand the test of time, but that doesn’t mean they don’t like to mix things up every now and then with new textures or silhouettes – as long as it looks effortless. “We never want it to look like we’re trying too hard – whether it’s our makeup, our wardrobe or even our attitude,” says French-born, New York-based makeup artist and Violette_FR beauty founder Violette Serrat. As tastemakers flock to the French capital for Paris Fashion Week, read on to discover the pieces that stylish locals are loving right now.
Funnel up
Come spring, French women usually revert to a classic trench coat. However, 2026 is making a strong case for more directional funnel-neck jackets as a fresh (but no less versatile) alternative. “The stand-collar jacket stands out for its minimalist design, offering an elegant look and a clean silhouette,” says Parisian content creator Franny Monzemba, who likes to wear hers with A-line skirts or tailoring. “It’s versatile enough to be worn on its own without other accessories,” she adds. Defined by its loose-fitting shape, rounded shoulders and balloon sleeves, it’s an effortless throw-on-and-go piece that exudes French insouciance. Look to Lemaire and Nour Hammour for luxe leather styles from our NET SUSTAIN edit or New York label TWP for a sportier take.
LEMAIRESuede-trimmed leather jacket£1,765.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - low stockmedium - low stocklarge - out of stock
ACNE STUDIOSTextured-leather jacket£1,805.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size32 - out of stock34 - out of stock36 - low stock38 - low stock4042
TWPHunter cotton-blend gabardine jacket£830.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizexx small - out of stockx smallsmallmediumlarge - low stockx large
NOUR HAMMOURAriste paneled leather jacket£1,120.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmediumlargex large - out of stock
High-neck blouses
Since denim is the blueprint of a French woman’s wardrobe, tops are key in bringing a look together – and we don’t just mean a simple white shirt or Breton tee. ‘Going out’ tops or romantic blouses – think soft, sheer fabrics and flouncy collars – are popular too, with the latter being a covetable staple for spring/summer 2026. As we transcend seasons, you’ll notice plenty of high-neck styles on the streets of Paris in the wake of fall/winter’s scarf trend, which are perfect for achieving the same sophisticated effect. Brands including Gucci, Khaite and Rick Owens all have gorgeous options, complete with draped pussy-bow ties and elegant turtlenecks – all to be offset with straight-leg jeans, of course.
GUCCITie-detailed floral-jacquard satin-crepe blouse
RÓHEDraped satin turtleneck top£285.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3436 - out of stock38 - out of stock40 - out of stock42 - out of stock44 - out of stock
RICK OWENSJumbo Tabard silk-chiffon turtleneck blouse
KHAITEDurer cropped gathered cotton-blend poplin blouse£1,790.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stock
Structured totes
Parisians consider bags to be trend-defying investment pieces and the city is synonymous with beautifully crafted, subtly detailed styles that last – including polished tote silhouettes. This season’s most covetable styles borrow details from classic bowling bags – think roomy interiors and elegantly curved tops – and come in woven, glossy and soft suede finishes. Ferragamo, DeMellier and Toteme have chic totes you’ll use on repeat.
TOTEMEDay medium suede tote
FERRAGAMOHug Grainy small embellished leather-trimmed ribbed suede tote
BOTTEGA VENETAAndiamo medium leather-trimmed intrecciato suede tote
DEMELLIERThe Stockholm textured-leather tote bag
Penciled in
From knee-grazing to mid-calf lengths, pencil skirts have cemented their place in every French woman’s capsule closet, owing to their versatility and timeless elegance. “The pencil skirt embodies a confident, unapologetic femininity. Whether styled in a glamorous way, with a refined urban spirit, or as part of a bold workwear silhouette, it carries a strong presence,” says Stouls founder, Aurélia Stouls. While in the fall, buttery leather versions take precedence, lighter styles in suede, wool and silk all come into play in the spring. Stouls, Victoria Beckham and Gucci all offer covetable takes that work beautifully with casual tees, sweaters and cropped jackets alike.
STOULSWinona paneled suede midi skirt£900.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizexx small - out of stockx small - low stocksmallmedium - low stocklargex large
GUCCILogo-detailed silk-jacquard midi skirt
VICTORIA BECKHAMBelted wool-blend twill midi skirt
MARIA MCMANUSOrganic cotton-organza midi skirt
Slip-on sophistication
Mules have dominated French footwear trends from as far back as the 17th century and were famously worn by Rococo queen Marie Antoinette. Present-day iterations have transformed into elegant silhouettes comprising a slender shape and slim heel. When the forecast allows for it, French women embrace open-back versions to elongate silhouettes and break up fabric-heavy outfits. Between heeled flip flops and single-strap styles, this shoe continues to prove alluring, especially when paired with refined ensembles. As temperatures rise, enclosed-toe mules are traded in for open-toe sandals, adding pared-back elegance to dresses and summer tailoring.
GIANVITO ROSSI70 studded suede mules£610.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3536 - low stock36.5 - low stock37 - low stock37.5 - low stock3838.5 - low stock3939.5 - low stock4040.5 - low stock41 - low stock41.542
TOTEMEBow-embellished satin mules
THE ROWLisa polished leather mules
SAINT LAURENTBabylone embellished gathered glossed-leather mules£734.00View Product DetailsSelect a SizeEU 36 - out of stockEU 37EU 37.5EU 38 - low stockEU 38.5 - low stockEU 39 - low stockEU 39.5EU 40 - low stockEU 41EU 42 - out of stock
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