8 Accessories French Women Always Wear When In Paris

French women have earned a reputation for having a classic sartorial aesthetic. In fact, it's something people love about the so-called "French style." So how does their choice of accessories fit into this classic vibe? Let's break it down a bit.

As you know, many accessories are functional, while others merely add a stylish touch to an outfit. Some, of course, are both functional and stylish. Many of the accessories favored by French people are both, and all are in step with their signature classic aesthetic. 

While I may not spend much time on the streets of Paris (unfortunately), I spend a lot of time scrolling through photos of French people on Instagram. I see the following eight accessories so often in chic Parisian photos that I had to call them out. With that, scroll to shop some of these most-worn accessories and see the proof.

Raffia Totes

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

It's commonplace to see people in France carrying raffia totes large enough for a trip to the market, particularly in the spring and summer. Raffia happens to be a major trend this season, so finding the perfect bag shouldn't be too difficult. 

Shop raffia totes:

Gold Hoops

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(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

When it comes to jewelry, the French typically keep it pretty simple. Gold hoops, in particular, are a daily staple.

Shop gold hoops:

Neck Scarves

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

A French person wearing a neck scarf may sound cliché on paper, but the fact of the matter is they really do wear them.

Shop scarves:

Simple Belts

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(Image credit: @erinoffduty)

You won't find statement belts in most French women's closets. Instead, their go-to is a simple classic belt. 

Shop simple belts:

Oval Sunglasses

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Flattering oval-shaped sunglasses have recently replaced cat-eye sunglasses as the French favorite. I, for one, am here for it.

Shop oval sunglasses:

Chanel Flap Bags

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(Image credit: @tamaramory)

Seeing a Chanel flap bag on the arm of a French fashion person is commonplace. In fact, any chain-strap bag seems to be popular. The detail adds a dressy touch to any outfit.

Shop chain-strap bags:

Ballet Flats

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Another accessory you can file under cliché but true? Ballet flats. They're a go-to style for French women, whether they're a trend (as they are now) or not.

Shop ballet flats:

Baseball Caps

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

You won't see berets on this list. Low-key baseball caps are the cool hat trend the French are embracing. 

Shop baseball caps:

Next up: Women in Paris wear these six elegant basics more than anything else.

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Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.