If there’s one person I’ll always take shopping advice from, it’s my French (read: impossibly chic) best friend. And yes, as a shopping editor of six years, I’m well aware of how that sounds—but trust me on this one.
She has that innate sense of style that can’t be taught. The kind that spots the best pieces before they’re everywhere, and somehow always lands on exactly the right thing. Her wardrobe is equal parts considered and effortless, built around pieces that feel timeless, but never boring.
From embroidered blouses and straight-leg jeans, leather ballet flats to chic jackets, easy summer dresses and handbags that could easily pass for designer, she has a knack for pulling together a spring/summer capsule that feels elevated, but still realistic. Naturally, I asked for her current shopping list. Keep scrolling to shop the best French-inspired shopping pieces below.
Shop My French Friend's Shopping List
ZARA
Zw Collection Satin Shirt With Ties
The kind of blouse that does all the hard work for you.
AGOLDE
90s Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
A true wardrobe anchor.
COS
Clean Cut T-Shirt
This will be the perfect foundation for all your spring outfits.
Anthropologie
Calla Woven Shoulder Bag
This is already selling out.
Rise & Fall
Women's Suede Jacket - Sand - Sand / Xs
The sand hue is just perfect for spring.
COS
Chord Straight-Leg Jeans
A sharper, more tailored take on denim. Perfect if you want something a little more elevated.
Reformation
Gale Satin Mid Rise Bias Pant
Satin trouser season is here, and Reformation's Gale pair are by far the chicest.
A.Emery
Jalen Suede Sandals in Grey - a Emery
There's something so innately expensive-looking about suede sandals.
Rohe
Double-Faced Wool Pankou Jacket | Navy
All the chicest girls own this.
MATTEAU
Gathered Organic Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress
Such a pretty summer dress.
ALOHAS
Rosalind Brown Leather Ballet Flats
Soft, glove-like leather that moulds to your foot.
NOUR HAMMOUR
Dalma Suede Bomber Jacket
Butter yellow is officially back.
Manu Atelier
Le Cambon 35 Black
Every chic French woman owns this.
ME+EM
Pleat Front Man Pant
The perfect trousers you can wear from desk to dinner.
COS
Pintucked Cotton Midi Dress
The subtle pleats make this look so expensive.
Reformation
Jessie Thong Sandal
These sell out every year.
Doen
Henri Ruffled Pintucked Broderie Anglaise Cotton Top
The sweetest spring top.
The Row
Marlo 14 Bag
The chic successor to the Margaux, say hello to the Marlo.
Reformation
Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan
A fine, lightweight and ideal for layering this transitional season.
AEYDE
Ellie Leather Ballet Flats
Not all ballet flats are made equal, and this Aeyde pair are far superior to any others I've tried.
Reformation
Balia Linen Dress
Just add sandals and a chic raffia bag.
COS
Tailored Linen-Blend Straight-Leg Trousers
You'll get so much wear out of these in the warmer months.
Marina Avraam is Senior Shopping Editor at Who What Wear UK, where she expertly navigates Zara, H&M, Toteme and Net-a-Porter (to name but a few) on a daily basis to unearth the most worthwhile pieces, while valiantly resisting the urge to add every single one to her basket. At Who What Wear, Marina is committed to curating a shopping experience that feels both aspirational and intentional, guiding readers to items—both affordable and investment—that will genuinely benefit their wardrobes.