In 2026, the sophisticated French girl isn’t reinventing her wardrobe so much as rounding it out. As we move into the New Year, shoppers in the fashion capital aren’t chasing every viral micro-trend. Instead, they’re updating their winter and spring closets with a handful of classic-with-a-twist pieces, leaning into textures, and letting an investment buy double down on their established aesthetic.
Plaid makes a bid for the biggest French-girl fashion trend this season. But instead of the standard (and holiday-adjacent) red-and-green color combinations, trendsetters are leaning into more unexpected shades of chocolate brown, electric blue, and pastel yellow. Outerwear carries the look from January to April. Rather than waste time mastering complicated layering hacks, French fashion insiders are opting for jackets with built-in scarf detailing that are as impactful stylistically as they are effortless to toss on while running out the door.
Print-wise, polka dots return as a playful accent on everything from blouses and dresses to shoes and tights, softening wardrobes as we approach Valentine’s Day and spring without ever tipping into saccharine. On the other end of the style spectrum, denim is getting more serious, with dark washes, tailored lines, and minimal distressing or decorative hardware.
Shoes and handbags tie the 2026 fashion trends together. Top-handle bags bring a cinematic elegance to everyday outfits and evening apéros. Loafers add a grounded, Left Bank bohemian-intellectual vibe to the preppy look that has been trending since fall. And because no French wardrobe is complete without a pop of red, scarlet- and burgundy-hued accessories are the finishing touch.
The French-girl aesthetic for 2026 is refined, wearable, and easy to copy, no matter where you live. Ahead, eight fashion trends that'll transport your closet to Paris.
Plaid
Plaid was all over the 2025 runways. In the New Year, it’s showing up in soft shirting (the most popular iteration of the look), A-line midi and maxi skirts, and cozy jackets. When given the Parisian style treatment (more tailored cuts, juxtaposed styling, etc.), it reads less precious and more grunge-cool.
Several Who What Wear editors have this plaid top, and for a good reason. It's ultra-soft, has a versatile fit, and comes in this unexpected bold blue hue in addition to a more traditional beige-brown.
Currently, plaid skirts are ubiquitous. Pair yours with a leather bomber or a chore jacket and knee-high boots.
A fleece is the cozy layer that still looks chic.
These relaxed pants feature a slightly washed-out print, making them feel like jeans but look like plaid pants.
Add loafers and a beret to this plaid polo dress from Gigi Hadid’s knitwear brand, and you’ve got the French-girl look down.
Suede Skirt
In the bottoms department, suede skirts give the French-girl look a subtle richness that cotton and denim can’t match. A-line cuts skim the body without clinging and add softness and ease to an outfit, while formfitting styles look forever elegant, especially when paired with heeled pumps or boots.
A work-appropriate alternative to a pencil skirt, this suede column skirt will look great with a button-down and blazer.
This low-rise suede mini is from the Reformation x Devon Lee Carlson collaboration. Add a fitted cardigan and ballet flats to balance the shorter length.
A caramel suede midi skirt is the definition of elegance—sophisticated, elongating, and so versatile.
This faux-suede midi combines soft pleats with a defined waist, so it moves beautifully while still retaining shape. The belt that comes with this style adds a nice color contrast to the look.
Wear this faux-suede burgundy maxi skirt on its own or with the matching bomber as a co-ord.
Scarf Coat
Coats with built-in scarves and jackets with capes are the 2026 shortcut to “I just threw this on” French nonchalance, no styling experience or TikTok layering hacks required.
This coat has a detachable wrap that you can knot, drape, or leave loose. Bonus: The beige shade goes with everything.
This drapey wool style makes getting dressed on cold, dreary mornings more enticing.
A long, double-faced wool coat with a removable scarf is quiet luxury at its finest. It's minimal, elegant, and endlessly wearable.
This oversize blazer in ivory will make it look like you actually planned your outfit, regardless of what you're wearing underneath.
With a fluid drape, deep charcoal color, and shawl-wrap neckline, this cape will turn any coat or knit into a dramatic ensemble.
Polka-Dot Prints
Prints are used sparingly but deliberately this season. Polka dots add a wink of playfulness and counteract the more tailored looks on this list. When tiny, scattered dots on lace-trimmed camis, form-fitting dresses, and silk skirts feel timeless rather than old-school.
An unfussy shirtdress is the easiest way to channel that effortlessly chic French-girl look.
A silky polka-dot midi skirt balances flirty and grown-up, particularly in this baby blue colorway. Pair it with a fitted sweater and trench coat by day, then swap to a lace cami and heels for dinner.
This vintage-inspired cardigan looks like something a French girl would slip on over her shoulders when the nighttime chill sets in. Wear it with a camisole and high-waist jeans, or layered over a slip dress.
Tuck this lingerie-inspired lace-trim top into dark denim. Finish the made-for-date-night look with a leather jacket and heels.
These fluid, polka-dot trousers are pajamas you can wear outside. Style them with a fitted tank top and blazer to prevent the print from feeling overly sweet or casual.
Dark Denim
Dark denim is replacing distressed, ultra-light blues in the French wardrobe. Inky washes look more polished, especially in straight or slightly wide-leg cuts. Don’t limit the look to jeans, either: The 2026 store racks are full of covetable indigo denim dresses, skirts, and jackets.
These cinched, wide-leg jeans are the dark-denim staple every French-inspired wardrobe needs. Add a marinière shirt for the full Parisian effect.
Wear this dark indigo denim shirt buttoned with trousers or open over a tee for an easy, layered look.
A tailored skirt that can go with everything from crisp shirts to knits and turtlenecks.
Dark colorway? Check! Peplum silhouette. Check, check! Wear this trendy top over matching jeans or a suede skirt.
A dress for days when you have no idea what to wear… and little time to figure it out.
Loafers
Loafers are the shoe of choice for French girls in 2026: polished enough for the office, but comfortable for walking the cobblestone streets late into the night. Consider updates on the classic shoe style: slightly chunky (or even heeled) soles, glossy leather, and textures that go beyond traditional smooth leather.
Suede instantly makes any loafer look more elevated.
These platform loafers give extra height without sacrificing walkability.
French loafers from a Paris-based brand, these come in a variety of colors. We love this tricolor pair that mixes on-trend chocolate and mustard tones.
The tassels add a nostalgic twist to this otherwise understated loafer style.
Croc-embossed loafers with a square toe bring a fashion-forward edge to the classic silhouette.
Top-Handle Bags
Top-handle bags add an elegant, vintage touch to the French-girl look. Structured but not overly formal, this handbag trend is as fitting for daytime outings as nighttime adventures. Carry this silhouette by the handle (rather than the additional body strap that many of the styles come with) for old-movie glamour effect.
The bold orange color alone makes this bag an investment-worthy buy in our (pocket) books.
A prim top-handle bag that makes every outfit look more proper.
With its long, slim silhouette and structured frame, this east-west top-handle bag feels modern and retro at once.
This bag only looks expensive.
We love the unexpected blue side panel on this at-first-glance-neutral handbag style.
Red Accessories
There is no detail more quintessentially French than a red lip. Pops of scarlet, poppy, or burgundy, via accessories—a scarf, glove, or sock peeking out of a pump—can likewise deliver that je ne sais quoi energy.
A hat, scarf, and styling pièce de résistance all in one.
These luxe ribbed socks are made to be seen, peeking out of loafers, Mary Janes, or ballet flats.
Colorful leather gloves instantly make your black winter coat feel exciting again.
A red cashmere scarf is another easy way to turn a neutral jacket into a statement.
These sunglasses ooze “French movie star on the French Riviera.”