Most Wanted

When it comes to nailing French style, less is always more. Study the outfits of chic Parisian women (Leia Sfez and Jeanne Damas among them), and you’ll see they all adhere to a simple formula: classic tailoring or denim paired with a softer, more feminine silhouette and accessories that look as if they could be vintage, even when they’re not. Crucially, nothing is ever too neat or too polished – the goal is always to look as effortless as possible.

It’s a common misconception that the French don’t wear color. They do, just in a more considered way, favoring one or two colorful accents over top-to-toe brights that can easily be styled with their favorite staples. Accessories are a great shout, but if you want to go one step further, try a leather jacket instead. “I love the deep cherry-red shade of Magda Butrym’s biker jacket – it’s just bright enough to make outfits pop yet versatile enough to wear every day, too. Plus, I’m obsessed with the ’80s-inspired power shoulders, a key trend this season,” says NET-A-PORTER’s shopping editor, Viktorija Tomasevic. “When styling, I would keep the bottom half slim to balance the boxy shape, either with straight-leg jeans for a more casual look or a pencil skirt for date nights.” Whatever your look, tie everything together with Saint Laurent’s burgundy ‘Mombasa’ bag, which is roomy enough to fit all your essentials, including Prada Eyewear’s D-frame sunglasses and a berry-colored lipstick.

For dressier occasions, follow Tomasevic’s advice and swap denim for a sleek skirt (preferably one that hits on or below the knee). Ticking every box, Willy Chavarria’s pencil skirt from the spring/summer ’26 runway embodies the elegance of ’50s Paris and looks effortlessly chic paired with blazers to the office or soft cashmere knits and lacy tops in the evening. Echo filmmaker Amalie Gassmann’s style by teaming yours with a romantic camisole, like this one by Saint Laurent, and pointy heels – our fashion team is obsessed with Tom Ford’s glossy patent-leather pair.

Browse more in this week’s New In.