7 Classic French Outfits I Can't Wait to Re-Create This Spring

Pre-Instagram, we might've had to rely on fashion week for our street style roundups, but when it comes to experiencing global style in 2024, we're spoilt for choice. Not only does social media allow us to see the outfits of people on every continent at the click of a button, but it also gives us a chance to reassess the sartorial tropes that have developed around certain countries.

One of the most well-worn fashion stereotypes has to be that of the French girl. This classic French fashion type is characterised by expensive basics, Breton tops, silk shirts and tasteful yet subdued occasionwear—all of which is embodied by the likes of Carine Roitfeld and Emmanuelle Alt.

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(Image credit: @tamaramory)

While there are many who still love the traditional, pared-back aesthetic, Instagram proves that it is no longer representative of the average fashion-loving Parisienne, with influencers such as Camille Charrière and Ellie Delphine from Slip Into Style bringing a more experimental approach to the table while still managing to be chic at all times, of course. 

"We love a statement shoe, an extravagant piece of costume jewellery, a flashy print or one piece that will make heads turn," says Ellie. 

To get a better sense of what classic French style looks like in 2024, we scoured the feeds of our favourite Gallic girls to see the outfit formulas they wear on repeat. From cool co-ords to trainers with everything, scroll down to see what it takes to perfect classic French style now. 

1. BLAZER + JEANS

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(Image credit: @aida.bdji)

Style Notes: The best classic outfit combinations are made up of key wardrobe staples, and none are more versatile than blazers and jeans. Aïda ensures her pairing stays on the interesting side by opting for an oversized blazer silhouette in a hue that contrasts her light-wash denim.

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2. A TOUCH OF SHEER

Camille Charriere in sheer top and pencil skirt

(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Style Notes: Camille is a strong advocate of the sheer look—she even wore a sheer lace dress for her wedding day. Parisian style is all about balancing sexiness with polish, and pairing a sheer top with a pencil skirt is a perfect way to do it.

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3. KNIT DRESS + ANKLE BOOTS

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Style Notes: Ellie from Slip Into Style is usually one to throw out the French style rule book, but sometimes, she sticks to classic wardrobe staples. The knit dress has become an essential over the past few years, and it's all about versatility. With ankle boots in the winter and sandals in the spring, it's a fail-safe option that'll deliver endless outfit opportunities. 

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4. SHEARLING JACKET + WIDE-LEG TROUSERS

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Style Notes: Shearling jackets are a cover-up French fashion types have long championed. With roots in the '70s aesthetic—something many Parisiennes subscribe to—they certainly fall into the classic style category. The same goes for wide-leg trousers, which never seem to date. 

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5. SIMPLE JUMPER + PLEATED SKIRT

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Style Notes: Pleated skirts may be popping up in London, but French girls? They've been wearing them for a very long time. Never too tethered to a specific season, this is an item you can pull out year-round and style in a multitude of ways. My favourite combination involves a classic crew-neck knit.

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6. SHIRT + ROLL-NECK

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(Image credit: @vikilefevre)

Style Notes: A styling hack everyone should know is the shirt over roll-neck. Clever layering is something French women do best, and this just so happens to be one of the coolest combos around this time of year. Extending the life of your favourite summer shirt and adding extra warmth with the roll-neck? What's not to love?

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7. CARDIGAN + HIGH-WAISTED JEANS

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(Image credit: @jeannedamas)

Style Notes: Clearly, it's not just us Brits who love a granny-chic knit. Jeanne Damas is proof that even the most traditionally Parisian dresser can enjoy the aesthetic. The secret is to pair your could-be-passed-down-from-granny cardigan with high-waisted jeans and loafers. 

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Next Up: I'm On the Hunt For Fresh Outfit Inspo—5 Cool Looks I've Added to My Saved Folder

This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.