2026's Chicest (and Cheapest) French-Girl Staples Are Hiding at Nordstrom—Here's What I'd Buy

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French woman wearing cotton khaki trench coat with white sweater draped across her shoulders.
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French-girl style has always been less about chasing trends and more about mastering timeless basics—effortless pieces that look chic without trying too hard. Think crisp stripes, tailored layers, relaxed denim, and shoes you can actually walk in. The best part? You don’t need a Parisian address (or a designer budget) to pull it off. In 2026, some of the most classic, low-key French-girl staples are hiding in plain sight at Nordstrom—and surprisingly, many of them are affordable. From elevated everyday tees to versatile knits and wear-anywhere accessories, these are the kinds of pieces that make getting dressed feel easy and intentional.

I’ve combed through Nordstrom’s offerings to find the best inexpensive basics that embody that effortlessly cool French aesthetic. Ahead, I’m sharing the chic, budget-friendly items I’d personally add to my closet—no overthinking required. You're welcome!

Weighty Knits

A great chunky knit is a nonnegotiable in any French-inspired wardrobe. Look for timeless colors, rich textures, and relaxed fits that feel cozy yet polished—perfect for layering over denim or trousers.

French woman wearing trench coat, brown weighty sweater, straight leg jeans, and leather ballet flats in Paris.

(Image credit: @emanuellek_)

Shop the best affordable chunky knits:

Straight-Leg Denim

Straight-leg jeans are the ultimate cool-girl staple. They’re effortless, flattering, and endlessly versatile, working just as well with knits and flats as they do with tailored coats and heels.

French woman wearing mid-wash straight-leg jeans in Paris.

(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

Shop the best affordable straight-leg denim:

All-Leather Shoes

French style favors quality over quantity, and leather shoes always deliver. Slingbacks, ballet flats, and sleek boots instantly elevate even the simplest outfit while standing the test of time.

French woman wearing leather motto jacket, grey denim, and black leather ankle boots on the streets of Paris.

(Image credit: @lovisabarkman)

Shop the best affordable leather shoes:

Sleek Crossbody Bags

A streamlined crossbody bag is both practical and chic. Hands-free and understated, it’s the kind of accessory that quietly pulls an entire look together.

Photo fo French women wearing crossbody bag in Paris.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Shop the best affordable crossbody bags:

Classic Trench Coat

Nothing says French-girl polish like a perfectly cut trench. Effortless yet refined, it adds instant sophistication to jeans, knits, and dresses alike, proving that timeless outerwear is always worth the investment.

French woman wearing trench coat wrapped in white sweater, holding black bag, on the streets of Paris.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Shop the best affordable trench coats:

White Layering Top

French-girl style starts with a strong foundation, and crisp white layers are essential. Lightweight cardigans, classic long-sleeves, and tailored button-downs create an effortless base that makes every outfit look intentional, chic, and endlessly wearable.

French woman wearing white button-down shirt, black jeans, and black leather shoes in Paris.

(Image credit: @annelauremaris)

Shop the best affordable white layering basics:

Ana Escalante
Ana Escalante
Associate Features Editor

Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.