The Best Dressed People in Paris Wear These 5 Elevated Basics to Look Chic (Which Is Always the Goal)

Very je ne sais quoi.

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Collage of French women wearing stylish outfits.
(Image credit: @slipintostyle; @juliesfi; @sylviemus_; @annelauremais; @lovisabarkman)
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I, like many fashion people I know, consistently want to embody that Parisian-chic vibe. You know, the je ne sais quoi approach to dressing that people in Paris are known for with a focus on effortless yet elevated outfits. Paris's best dressed style-setters (ahem, those featured above) rely on elevated basics because they are effortless to style and incredibly versatile.

For spring 2026, there are five elevated basics I've been spotting on the chicest women in Paris I follow. These picks are elegant and forward and can be styled with a range of different pieces. Basically, all of the pieces in question fit the Parisian-chic aesthetic. Keep scrolling for more, including visual and shopping inspiration.

Satin Pants

A French woman in satin pants.

(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Whether dressed up with a blazer like this or down with a white tee, a pair of silk or satin pants is a staple among stylish Parisians.

Lace-Trim Skirt

A French woman in a lace-trim skirt.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Similarly to silk pants, a silk skirt with lace trim is a standout piece that reads chic.

Simple Cardigan

A French woman in a cardigan and lace-trim skirt.

(Image credit: @juliesfi)

Yes, a simple cardigan makes the list because that perfect style just always work. I love a non-chunky one right now. Also note the lace-trim skirt here with it!

White Jeans

A Parisian in white jeans.

(Image credit: @lovisabarkman)

I've been spotting so many fashionable people wearing white jeans to look elevated and polished. Styling them with a white tee and a cute jacket is the way to go. Side note, I just got new white jeans from Agolde, and I can't stop wearing them.

Trench Coat

A French woman in a trench coat.

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Of course, I couldn't write about elevated basics without talking about the power of a gorgeous trench coat to upgrade any outfit. This season, try one with forward design details like a funnel neck.

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Bobby Schuessler
Bobby Schuessler
Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent 10 years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises.