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 spring and summer, and you don't want to spend a fortune on a new season wardrobe, 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 once the warm weather rolls around. 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: Espadrilles
Skip: Sky-High Platforms
Is it even summer in France without an easy pair of espadrilles? Avoid chunky sky-high platforms and lean into a casual warm-weather shoe you can style with dresses, shorts, and jeans alike. H&M has a ton to choose from right now.
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Buy: Straw & Raffia Bags
Skip: Mini Bags
Nothing says summer in France quite like a straw, raffia, or basket bag. Practical, effortless, and cool, it'll add a Parisian touch to every outfit.
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Buy: Minimal Skirts
Skip: Leggings
Sleek and elegant. This season, opt for streamlined slip skirts, maxi silhouettes, or minis that will transition seamlessly from day to night.
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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: Striped Tops
Skip: Tie-Dye Tops
Yes, it's true. French women love stripes. They generally favor striped tops and sweaters more than tie-dye or geometric designs. Simply add a pair of high-waisted jeans, a belt, and ballet flats, and you have one chic-looking outfit for spring and summer.
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Next, I Don't Live In Paris, But These Under-$100 Finds Make Me Feel Like I Do
Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.
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