I Went to France and Saw Everyone Wearing These 5 Basics on the Streets of Paris

I recently took a lovely vacation to Paris. When I got back, my friends and family asked me about my favorite part of the trip. I naturally rattled off all of the delicious food I ate and the museums I visited. But I also noted my adoration for simply sitting at a café and watching the street style. As a lover of French style (that effortless je ne sais quoi is just so covetable), I adored seeing what Parisians wear day-to-day.
While the types of looks I saw ran the gamut, many of the ensembles featured effortless basics that Parisians are known for wearing to look chic. There were actually five specific styles I spotted the most on the streets of Paris. Below, you'll uncover the list along with visual inspiration. I also shopped out each of the basics in question if you're interested in adding a fresh style to your wardrobe.
Double-Breasted Blazers
Layering pieces were key. I saw double-breasted blazers everywhere—especially with simple tops and jeans. A blazer brings instant polish to any look.
Simple Skirts
Skirts were incredibly popular teamed with sneakers, loafers, and boots. The style ranged from simple knit styles to denim, leather, and satin.
Relaxed Button-Down Shirts
The button-down, particularly in relaxed cuts, reigned supreme in every neighborhood I visited. I noticed a plethora of classic white styles and also black, blue, and striped options.
Denim Jackets
Denim jackets seemed to be a go-to layer of choice in addition to blazers. I noticed many looks where the jacket was buttoned all the way up under a coat—almost like an alternative to a top.
Baggy Jeans/Trousers
I saw baggy trousers and denim everywhere, styled most often with flats and sneakers.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent 10 years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises.
-
Set Aside the Strapless Minidress—This Is the Trend to Choose If You Want to Look Elegant
French Riviera approved.
-
Parisian Style Means Chic—French Women Would Be So Into These 42 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Items
Effortless and elegant picks.
-
Sorry, Flats—These Anti-Trend Heels Are Every French Woman's Quiet Go-To for a Night Out in Paris
A classic choice.
-
If a French Woman Shopped the Amazon Prime Day Sale, She'd Instantly Add These 31 Chic Picks to Cart
Effortless and affordable? Yes, please.
-
If You Want to Look More French, This Is the #1 Pant Trend to Buy (Plus the Shoes to Wear With It)
As seen on an It girl in Paris.
-
Black Heels Are Fine, But in France, Everyone Knows This Shoe Color Looks Better With White Dresses
Spotted at Versailles.
-
I Just Got Back From Paris and Saw These 4 Summer Trends on the Chicest Women
French-girl summer.
-
Hold the Sneakers—This Is the Classy Flat-Shoe Style French Women Wear With 3 Different Casual Pants
The chicest look.