I'm a Brit Living in Paris—5 Easy-to-Wear Trainer Outfits French Women Love
I have an admission, I'm now the proud owner of a cap. Hardly a groundbreaking statement, I know, but long-term readers may know my penchant for overdressing for the simplest of venues. You might be wondering what that has to do with trainers but you could say I've (somewhat) succumbed to the appeal of practicality at the ripe age of thirty-two and I think that my two-piece trainer collection may just follow suit. Despite French women's style being synonymous with dressing up and uniforms comprising jeans, wrap dresses and heels, it also centres on a practical approach to style.
Contrary to popular belief, the Parisian women I see day-to-day aren't always clad in the fanciest pieces, especially not when tending to errands—like frequenting markets or making a beeline for the morning's takeaway espresso. Instead, they often wear practical, easy-to-replicate outfits and trainers are a huge part of the uniform. Biking is a common mode of transport here and many French women I know cycle to and from the office in trainers. Their suave wardrobes encompass trainer outfits, and they are able to incorporate them into classic looks with little to no effort.
The popular trainer choices are streamlined and classic - Adidas Sambas and Gazelles, Vans, Converse and Veja being another well-loved European brand. Colour pallets usually lean towards neutral tones—spanning ecru to grey and plenty of black and white, of course. For ways to wear trainers with ease and sophistication this spring, continue reading for five ways to elevate trainers.
See My Favourite French Women Trainer Outfits:
1. Baseball Cap + Navy Blazer + Straight-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: Trust French women to make a simple jeans and sweatshirt look chic. To get the look, simple add sunnies and a blazer, and opt for a dark wash denim as opposed to lighter hues.
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Cliché they may be but women wear printed sweatshirts frequently here. French brands like A.P.C and Isabel Marant replenish their collections frequently, but for a preppy logo style look to Sporty and Rich.
If there's one thing I appreciate about & Other Stories, it's the timelessness of the permanent collection. This exact blazer was introduced a few years ago and come autumn it's re-released each year. If you're a blazer fiend and finding it difficult to stay away from your collection in the cold months, I'd advise opting for a wool coat/blazer hybrid.
Polène is best known for its sculptural mini bags but I've been appreciating the newer releases. The Ilo is a relaxed style with leather trimming — meaning it can be integrated into myriad looks — both casual and formal. It's both practical and chic.
Caps are practical for morning matcha runs and cold walks by the river. It's surprisingly difficult to find a plain (and reasonably priced) baseball cap but H&M has come to the rescue!
The Adidas Samba needs no introduction. It's the trainer that had non-trainer people swooning. Myself included. If you struggle to get your hands on this particular style, Adidas Gazelles can be styled in the exact same way.
2. Red Jumper + Blazer + Leggings
Style Notes: Many of us assume French women's style is synonymous with muted colourways but I've noticed first-hand how much they appreciate pops of colour. I love the juxtaposition of cherry hues with ecru trainers. The addition of socks loans a sports luxe feel.
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This & Other Stories jumper is a bestseller year after year.
Wolford leggings are a cut above the rest. I'm always impressed with the quality and innovation behind its designs. I've been living in my leggings at the weekends.
3. Navy Jumper + Black Jeans + Vans
Style Notes: This gorgeous look is incredibly refined and oozes the simplicity that French style is most commonly associated with. You'll likely find these individual components in your wardrobe and to elevate dark tones add an accessory in a saturated hue. For outerwear, I'd recommend a camel trench.
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Sezane's Gaspard is another fashion hero. Now available in a further 23 additional colourways, there is truly a hue to tickle everyone's fancy. Wear the Gaspard knit with the buttons at the back or facing the front, as a cardigan. It's a piece you'll have forever.
There are so many beautifully cut jeans on the high street, however, if you are considering investing in high-end denim, I'd look to brands like Toteme. The attention to detail is expert. Between the held-in fabric and twisted seams, it's not your average pair. This style falls in between straight-leg and barrel jeans, as it has a generous fit through the leg.
Toteme's trench coat is one of those timeless pieces you'll love and wear forever.
Vans cleverly transcended the skater realm and are commonly worn in Paris with off-duty looks.
4. Knitted Dress + Monochrome Trainers
Style Notes: A knitted maxi dress paired with trainers is a fail-safe outfit combo come spring. Perfect for the weekend, work or a lunch date, it is equal parts comfortable and chic.
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Such a great wardrobe staple. Dress it up with boots or heels or down with sandals or trainers.
If I could buy any trainers right now, it would be these.
5. Wide-Leg Trousers + Cropped Jacket + Tee
Style Notes: It's not just jeans French women pair their favourite trainers with, wide-leg trousers are also a solid option.
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I always refresh my basic pieces at this time of year, and this COS tee is heading my way as we speak!
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.
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