I'm a Paris-Based Model With an Affinity for Basics, and I Wear These Nonstop
Dispatch from Paris! Let's face it: When are we not looking to our French friends for their expertly styled outfits, wardrobe classics, and overall effortless approach to getting dressed? At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I turned to someone who's become a Who What Wear regular for her classic but on-trend ensembles: Emmanuelle Koffi.
To get to the bottom of her A+ style, I surveyed her Instagram feed to see if there were any common themes, and I realized there are a handful of clothing basics she seems to always come back to. Keep reading to discover the six French clothing basics that serve as the basis for her ultra-chic wardrobe, and glean some inspiration for how she wears each item below.
1. Knee-High Boots
Koffi is a big fan of knee-high boots, a staple she styles with everything from miniskirts to tailored shorts to give her looks an elevated feel.
Shop knee-high boots:
2. Mid-Blue Jeans
While straight-leg jeans are featured in plenty of her outfits, it was this mid-blue wash that stuck out to me since almost all of her jeans appear to be in this classic color.
Shop mid-blue jeans:
3. Cropped Shoulder Bags
When it comes to bags, Koffi definitely has a type. Cropped shoulder bags—aka baguette bags—are her accessory of choice. The '90s silhouette adds the right amount of trend-forward appeal to whatever else she's wearing.
Shop cropped shoulder bags:
4. Simple Mules
Another simple staple Koffi wears on repeat are simple mules, particularly in plain white or black that serve as the base to so many spring and summer ensembles.
Shop simple mules:
5. Beige Trench Coats
If there's one staple that Koffi manages to style with everything, it's a beige trench coat. Whether she's wearing one with skirts, dresses, or jeans, it's a chic and timeless topper she never overlooks.
Shop beige trench coats:
6. Cute Cardigans
Even though cropped cardigans started out as a trend, they've officially earned staple status in Koffi's wardrobe. From bright and colorful knits to classic neutrals, it's a Parisian-approved basic that pretty much styles itself.
Shop shrunken cardigans:
Up next: 35 Cool French Fashion Brands That Everyone Should Know
Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.
-
5 Shoe Color Trends All the Cool French Girls Are Wearing This Summer
No black shoes in sight.
-
Set Aside the Strapless Minidress—This Is the Trend to Choose If You Want to Look Elegant
French Riviera approved.
-
Parisian Style Means Chic—French Women Would Be So Into These 42 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Items
Effortless and elegant picks.
-
Sorry, Flats—These Anti-Trend Heels Are Every French Woman's Quiet Go-To for a Night Out in Paris
A classic choice.
-
If a French Woman Shopped the Amazon Prime Day Sale, She'd Instantly Add These 31 Chic Picks to Cart
Effortless and affordable? Yes, please.
-
If You Want to Look More French, This Is the #1 Pant Trend to Buy (Plus the Shoes to Wear With It)
As seen on an It girl in Paris.
-
Black Heels Are Fine, But in France, Everyone Knows This Shoe Color Looks Better With White Dresses
Spotted at Versailles.
-
I Just Got Back From Paris and Saw These 4 Summer Trends on the Chicest Women
French-girl summer.