I'm a Boy, Love French-Girl Style, and Want to Try These 5 Basics They Wear

I, like many out there, covet French-girl style. What can I say? There’s just something so appealing about that je ne sais quoi vibe. And sure, many Parisian men have that same effortless approach to fashion, but given that much of my day-to-day is spent researching and writing about women’s style, I actually tend to gravitate toward their specific aesthetic. Honestly, even though I’m a guy, I often find myself saving various French-girl outfits on Instagram to potentially test out in my own day-to-day life.

Given that the Parisian set often leans into simple yet chic silhouettes, they tend to wear a lot of elevated basics. And after scrolling through some of those saved pics on IG, I came to the realization that there are five key simple items that I too want to incorporate into my own wardrobe to try at some point down the road.

Curious? Keep scrolling to uncover a bit of visual inspiration if you too are intrigued by those basics French girls rely on. And if you’re shopping at the moment, you’ll also find some product recommendations for women and men.

Reworked White Shirt

The classic white button-down shirt is reigning supreme this season. While I have a standby style in my closet, I’m intrigued by those slightly more offbeat silhouettes, such as an asymmetrical cut or unique sleeves like this French girl is wearing here.

A white shirt I'm interested in:

Tank Tops

I can’t remember the last time I wore a tank top. However, fashion people—the Parisian set included—continue to embrace ribbed tanks this season as a simple yet chic basic. I’ll probably test one out as a base layer with an open button-down shirt.

A tank I'm interested in:

Slouchy Tailoring

I’ve been a fan of the oversize-tailoring trend for a few seasons. I often see French girls testing out the look in fresh ways either in the form of chic full suits or as separates. I want to invest in another slouchy blazer to bring that easy sophistication to my simple outfits.

A slouchy blazer I'm interested in:

White Jeans/Trousers

Like I mentioned before, the white-denim trend is intriguing me as a fresh update to the standard black jeans I wear on repeat. This look is inspiring me to just go for it with a cool pair of white jeans or trousers this spring and summer.

White jeans I'm interested in:

Polo Shirts

It’s certainly been a while since I introduced a polo shirt into my rotation, but I’ve been inspired by those vintage-feeling polos the fashion crowd has been stepping out in. I especially love the ribbed iteration on this French girl here.

A polo I'm interested in:

Next, check out the style mistakes French women never make.