8 Timeless and Elegant Outfit Formulas French Women Will Rely on in 2024
We talk a lot about French style. But it’s understandable when French women appear to dress so well. With Instagram, we’ve been able to see easily the kinds of outfits that these women go back to over and over. So why wouldn’t we take a moment to do a deep dive into the timeless French outfits we always spot? Think of this as your ultimate guide to French dressing and the outfits French women love.
Below, I’ve found eight classic ensembles that I always spot. Whether it’s a trench coat styled with knee-high boots or a pair of jeans, a white tee and a blazer, there are just some outfits that French women will never stop wearing. Keep scrolling for the looks that will take you through the transition months and beyond.
1. Trench Coat + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Spring is fast approaching, and Parisians are bona fide experts in layering. Keep it classic with a beige trench coat and knee-high boots, before swapping in simple sandals when the temperature rises.
Shop the Look:
We're seeing so many chic maxi skirts out there right now, but this COS style might just be our favourite.
2. Cropped Cardigan + Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: One of my personal favourites, this outfit looks best when the cardigan skims the top of your trousers. Très chic.
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A classic black bag will serve you well for years to come.
3. Breton + Skirt
Style Notes: The Breton is of course a French classic. It might seem a little cliché, but the striped top or jumper never fails to look jolie. Add to a long skirt or jeans for the full French look.
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I love to opt for navy tones when black just feels a bit too heavy.
4. Double Denim
Style Notes: A perhaps surprising contender, double denim is absolutely a timeless French outfit. Look to styles in similar washes to ensure it's as cool as possible.
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This is a great example of how minimal details can make a piece more polished.
5. Cotton Shirts + White Skirts + Pumps
Style Notes: French woman master transition dressing. Case in point — Adenorah's look. Pair relaxed shirts with fluted skirts and mules. It's the perfect mix of dressed up and casual. Simply add a wool coat when it's cold for extra cosiness.
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A denim skirt is a good option while it's too cold for linens or cottons.
This bag will never go out of style.
6. Slip Dress + Heeled Mules
Style Notes: You don't need much to make a slip dress look great. Just add mules and a cute bag. For winter, layer a chunky cardigan or blazer on top.
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7. Blazer + White Tee + Jeans
Style Notes: The ultimate everyday French outfit has to be a plain white T-shirt under a blazer with jeans.
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8. White Blouse + Blue Jeans
Style Notes: Ever since Jane Birkin wore her iteration of this look, we've been hooked and have seen practically every French influencer wearing this outfit.
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I own a pair of Ribcage jeans and can vouch for how versatile and longlasting they are.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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.
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