A French Woman Walks Into H&M—8 Effortless Items She'd Buy and 8 She'd Skip

If you love French style and shopping at an affordable price point, then you've come to the right place! I'm a French woman at heart, especially when it comes to my style choices. I'm forever on the lookout for fresh pieces that embody that nonchalant yet polished aesthetic the French do so well.

So if effortlessly cool French style is what you're looking for this season, and you don't want to spend a fortune, then it's worth taking a peek at H&M right now. From chic tank tops to straight-leg jeans and sleek skirts, the affordable brand has a host of classic yet trend-forward finds ideal for the current weather.

Keep scrolling for our guide to what our Parisian fashion friends are likely to buy from H&M and the items they would likely say "non, merci" to.

Buy: Chic Tank Tops

Skip: Over-the-Top Party Tops

French women rely on chic and easy tank tops throughout summer. Skip the over-the-top party tops and pair an elevated tank with jeans and midi skirts instead.

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Buy: Relaxed Button-Down Shirts

Skip: Tunics

If there's one item stylish French women wear year-round, it's a relaxed and effortless button-down shirt. Set the tunics aside and opt for a button-down in white, blue, or stripes for the utmost versatility.

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Buy: '90s Straight-Leg Jeans

Skip: Super-Skinny Jeans

Jeans are a staple for French women, and you'll always find a '90s-inspired high-waisted straight-leg silhouette in their wardrobe. Bypass the super-skinny styles and go for a more relaxed cut.

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Buy: Ballet Flats & Mary Janes

Skip: Sky-High Platforms

One shoe you'll find in practically every French woman's wardrobe? Classic ballet flats and Mary Jane flats. Avoid chunky sky-high platforms and lean into a timeless style you can wear with dresses, shorts, and jeans alike. H&M has a ton to choose from right now.

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Buy: Capri Pants

Skip: Paperbag Pants

If there's one trend fashion-forward French women have taken to this summer, it's capri pants. Style them with ballet flats or minimalist kitten-heel mules and a button-down for a trend-forward look.

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Buy: Miniskirts

Skip: Pleated Skirts

Minimalist and chic, this season, skip preppy pleated skirts and opt for sleek miniskirts to style with T-shirts, tank tops, and button-downs.

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Buy: Slip Silhouettes

Skip: Baby-Doll Silhouettes

When it comes to dresses, skip flouncy baby-doll silhouettes and opt for a sleek slip silhouette instead. Whether it's a color-blocked style or a pretty floral print, they're easy to pair with heels and flats and will take you from day to night in a pinch.

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Buy: Tube Tops

Skip: Tie-Dye Tops

This season, sleek strapless tube tops have been spotted everywhere on the streets of Paris. Simply add a pair of high-waisted jeans and kitten heels, and you have one chic-looking outfit.

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