We all know that French Women are famous for their effortless personal style on any given day! The main difference between their unfailing style, and say, everyone else is the perfect pairing of key pieces and wearing specific items YOU personally look great in. Specifically, using a fairly simple outfit to create your own uniform that will serve casual outfits and dressed up looks alike. These chic outfit formulas are very easy ensembles to recreate using items from your own closet! Along the way, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite retailers I shop for my daily outfits. Here’s 9 simple and chic french girl outfit formulas.
1. Mariniere + Straight Leg Denim Jeans + Blazer
The Mariniere is as Parisian style as it gets! Adding one of these timeless pieces to your closet is a great way to get a headstart on a french capsule wardrobe. Pair this top with a great pair of jeans, a blazer and ballet flats are you’re good to go. One of my favorite mariniere tops is from Sezane, and very much worth the slight extra cost. The top is beautifully made, with accent buttons on one shoulder. The inside is just as beautiful as the outside, an indicator of quality! For the winter season, I’m wearing with these chocolate suede boots here or pointy toe booties and in spring cherry slingbacks or ballet flats.
2. Midi Skirt + Oversized Sweater/Sweatshirt + Ballet Flats/Mary Janes
The midi skirt is a classic piece for good reason! It’s a great piece to be comfortable in and an alternative to trousers. Add either a ballet flats or sweatshirt to dress it down, as I did in this outfit, or a classic jumper and Mary Janes to dress it up. In this example, I went a bit “extra” with a sequin skirt. From a denim midi to a slip midi skirt, this outfit formula works. Pro-tip: cinch your waist by tucking your sweatshirt into your bra or belting it to create a waisted look.
3. Turtleneck + Trousers + Accessories
While the fashion world can promote all sorts of outlandish styles, a turtleneck is one of the sexiest wardrobe staples you can own. It’s usually appropropriate for any occasion, great in fall, winter and spring, and pairs perfectly with relaxed-tailored seperates. I love the Dan Trousers from Sezane, shown here. My turtleneck is from Aritzia and one of my most worn pieces of clothing EVER!
Trench coats are one of the most classic pieces of outerwear you can wear and they never go out of style! There’s many different styles of trench you can go with depending on your style. There are beautiful pieces that you can cinch a the waist, a more coat like trench with no ties, cropped trench and endless variations of colors. For more winter to spring essentials, see here!
4. Button-Down Shirt + High Waisted Trousers + Blazer
If you’re looking for a dressier casual outfit that is still super comfortable this french girl outfit formula is perfect. A poplin button-down shirt adds interesting texture, while high waisted trousers provide the classic wardrobe staple we all love. As the weather gets warmer, you may want to brighten up the look with white jeans. Layer with a blazer, like the Michele blazer for instant chic! You can get a similar look with a cropped trench coat! Finish the outfit with ankle boots or loafers for a highly comfortable and stylish look.
5. Black and White + Tweed + Pearls
This easy outfit formula is a great alternative to a jeans outfit look, and a fantastic spring outfit idea! On colder days this outfit works well because you can layer on a tweed cardigan or cropped jacket. In spring/summer, wear with a white skirt, cropped cardigan and neutral color palette! With this look I’m wearing beautiful pearls by Biwako. Use discount code ziba15 for 15% off discount code sitewide.
6. Skinny Jeans + Knee High Boots + White Button Down
Parisian Women know that you’re chicest when you’re comfortable! Not only is this a classic look for your next trip, it’s an oufit that we all have in our closet! Even if you’re not a fan of skinny jeans, you can pull this outfit together with most straight leg jeans and your favorite basic white tee. Make sure to check out how to wear skinny jeans in 2024, including the french way!
7. Little Black Dress + Statement Bag + Big Sunnies
A French woman, like basically all of us, loves their little black dress! The LBD is all about leveraging different styles to reflect your personal style. From a polka dot dress to a shift dress to a simple knit, this dress is everthing but boring! It will also serve your for many seasons of outfit formulas! Once spring comes around however, this look is perfect with espadrilles and your favorite investment piece bag! Don’t forget your glam glasses to complete the look. Since I was on vacation for this look, I wore my LBD with white Chanel sneakers so I could walk!
8. White Tank + White Trousers + Black Belt
This monochrome look is super easy and should feel like you’re in the south of France! Also, don’t forget your red lipstick for a pop of color. Thankfully, all you need for this easy french girl outfit formula is any white top, trousers and a thin black belt for an effortlessly chic look.
9. Printed Blouse + Flare Leg Jeans + Sling-back shoes
This look reminds me of Jane Birkin! There’s something about the top and flare jeans that looks very French! Now, all I need is a Birkin :). One of my obsessions this season is the cherry slingback shoes. These are extremely affordable, linked here. As luck would have it, they go perfectly with my shoulder bag in Bordeaux. (15% off with code ziba15). My Chlo shirt is a new drop from Sezane, and perfect for Spring. Finally, my flare jeans provide a slight 70’s look.
Hope this was helpful, make sure to peek at my LTK for my daily outfits. For French style work classics, check this out, skinny jeans outfits here and the outfits in video format on my YouTube! XO, Z
