The 8-Piece French-Girl Holiday Wardrobe
Imagine you had the chance to step inside the closet of a stylish Parisian—what would you find? Well, if you’re heading there over the holidays, I have a pretty good idea. After scrolling through the Instagram accounts of some of the most fashionable French girls, I’ve decoded the holiday wardrobe essentials that keep them looking stylish throughout the entire holiday season.
French fashion girls like Sabina Socol, Fiona Zanetti, and Anne-Laure Mais seem to stock their closets with many of the same pieces. And what I’ve noticed is that it really comes down to is a mix of classic staples and silhouettes that are finished with festive details. Ordering a simple black dress? Make sure it’s finished with feather-trimmed straps. Planning on wearing a jumpsuit? Look for a velvet or metallic version. Ahead, see the eight pieces that define French-girl holiday style, then shop pieces inspired by the looks from Staud, Réalisation, Topshop, and more.
FEATHERS
Whether it's a dress with feather-trimmed straps or a festive bag, look for pieces with feather details.
JUMPSUITS
Jumpsuits are a Parisian-girl staple for any season, but for the holidays look for velvet or metallic versions.
EMBELLISHED HEELS
Find yourself a cool party shoe covered in sequins or crystals. Wear a style you'll want to Kira Kira.
LEOPARD
Leopard is wildly popular this season, but it's also a French-girl holiday staple. Find a cozy coat finished in a leopard print to throw on top of any holiday outfit.
MINIDRESSES
Bring on the minidresses—especially sparkling metallic styles in colors like red or navy. Pair them with some hoop earrings and your outfit is all set.
VELVET BLAZERS
There's no time like the holidays to wear velvet, and French girls seem to agree. Here's where you'll want to find a rich color like burgundy or golden yellow.
SEMI-SHEER TIGHTS
Semi-sheer tights are back, my friends. Wear them with dresses and pair them with everything from boots to open-toe heels.
FAUX-FUR COATS
Faux fur coats are the ultimate day-to-night holiday wardrobe staple.
Next: 23 investment pieces our editors are buying now.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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