A French Woman Walks Into H&M—8 Effortless Items She'd Buy, and 8 She'd Skip
If you love French style and shopping at an affordable price point, then you've come to the right place! I'm a French woman at heart, especially when it comes to my style choices. I'm forever on the lookout for fresh pieces that embody that nonchalant yet polished aesthetic the French do so well.
So if effortlessly cool French style is what you're looking for this season, and you don't want to spend a fortune on a fresh wardrobe, then it's worth taking a peek at H&M right now. From chic tank tops to straight-leg jeans and sleek skirts, the affordable brand has a host of classic yet trend-forward finds ideal for the current in-between-seasons weather.
Keep scrolling for our guide to what our Parisian fashion friends are likely to buy from H&M and the items they would likely say "non, merci" to.
Buy: Chic Vest Tops
Skip: Over-the-Top Party Tops
Style Notes: French women rely on chic and easy tank tops all year round. Skip the over-the-top party tops and pair an elevated tank with jeans and midi skirts instead.
Buy: Relaxed Button-Down Shirts
Skip: Tunics
Style Notes: If there's one item stylish French women wear year-round, it's a relaxed and effortless button-down shirt. Set the tunics aside and opt for a button-down in white, blue, or stripes for the utmost versatility.
Buy: '90s Straight and Loose Leg Jeans
Skip: Super Skinny Jeans
Style Notes: Jeans are a staple for French women, and you'll always find a '90s-inspired high-waisted straight-leg silhouette in their wardrobe. Bypass the super-skinny styles and go for a more relaxed cut.
Buy: Loafers and Boots
Skip: Sky-High Platforms
Style Notes: For wandering around Paris, flat, or at least comfy, shoes are a must and we've noticed our French friends are partial to a pair of classic loafers or a simple black boot. These versatile shoes can be styled with dresses, tailoring and jeans alike, and H&M has a ton to choose from right now.
Buy: Shoulder Bags
Skip: Micro Mini Bags
Style Notes: For summer it's all about the basket bag 'en France', but come autumn these are put away for their classic counterparts: the shoulder bag. Classic designs with room for the essential are a go-to.
Buy: Minimal Skirts
Skip: Leggings
Style Notes: Sleek and elegant. This season, opt for streamlined slip skirts, maxi silhouettes, or minis that will transition seamlessly from day to night.
I'm into this whole look with the matching jumper.
Buy: Textured Jackets
Skip: Quilted Jackets
Style Notes: When it comes to jackets, skip more practical-looking quilted styles for elegant bouclé-style jackets. Whether it's a black cropped version or longer length tweed, this feminine jacket style is inherently Parisian (Coco Chanel did invent it, after all) and it will make any outfit feel polished.
Buy: Striped Tops
Skip: Tie-Dye Tops
Style Notes: Yes, it's true. French women love stripes. They generally favour striped tops and sweaters more than tie-dye or geometric designs. Simply add a pair of high-waisted jeans, a belt, and ballet flats, and you have one chic-looking outfit.
This story originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. and has since been updated.
Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.
-
5 Chic and Tasteful Shoe Trends I’ve Seen All Over Paris This Week
Put your French foot forward.
By Natalie Munro
-
People in Paris Will Wear These 5 Classic Basics With Jeans This Spring
The most elevated staples.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
I'm a Brit Living in Paris—4 French-Inspired Outfits I'll Be Wearing This Spring
You could say I'm an expert.
By Avalon Afriyie
-
6 Stylish Influencers Shared Their Ultimate Spring Wish Lists With Me
Exclusively for you.
By Bébhinn Campbell
-
I'm a Fitness-Loving Fashion Editor, These Are My 5 Go-To Leggings
Every brand, tried and tested
By Rebecca Rhys-Evans
-
It's My Job to Find Amazing Shopping Picks—These 9 New Buys Are Too Good to Miss
A fashion editor's favourites.
By Remy Farrell
-
The Cute, On-Trend Knit French Women Always Style With Jeans Come Spring
I'm joining them.
By Natalie Munro
-
6 Chic Flat-Shoe Outfits That the French Have Perfected to a T
It's all about the flat.
By Remy Farrell