The 2020 French Wardrobe: 7 Items You'll See on the Chicest Women in Paris

If we’re looking for an effortlessly cool outfit idea, ding ding ding, you guessed it—we turn to French girls for inspiration. Honestly, it’s no secret that Parisian women are simply the masters in crafting the pared-down yet elevated silhouettes we all covet.

And given this set’s forward sensibilities, we tend to zero in on the pieces they wear. In fact, after scrolling through the feeds of our favorite French fashion girls, it became quickly apparent that there’s a few key items they keep wearing to give off that je ne sais quoi. And we’re betting these pieces will become the staples in the wardrobes of many French women throughout 2020.

To highlight further, we’re showcasing a bit of visual and shopping inspiration below featuring the seven staples we bet you’ll see on the most stylish women in Paris this year. Keep scrolling for more, and build your version of the 2020 French wardrobe.

1. Reworked Trench Coats

If there’s one jacket that invaded the runways of just about every major designer from Oscar de la Renta to Sacai, as well as the street style universe, it’s the trench coat. But we’re not talking about the classic style you may already have in your closet. For 2020, it’s all about reimagined silhouettes in forward cuts with unique details to make a subtle statement like Parisian women do oh so well.

2. Elevated Flats

As Anna Wintour declared during fashion month, it’s all about flat shoes in 2020. TBH, this silhouette has been a staple in the closets of French girls forever, given the functional yet fashionable nature. This year, it’s the eye-catching styles that matter, featuring pointed-toes and color-blocked accents.

3. Buckle Bags

French women routinely carry simple yet chic handbags. In 2020, this set will most likely keep that trend going, but amp up their handbag offering just slightly with silhouettes featuring on-trend buckle accents like we saw in the collections from Gucci to Proenza Schouler.

4. Leather Separates

Leather pieces reigned supreme during fall 2019 as an instant way to bring a luxe feel to an ensemble, and we bet French women will continue leaning into the trend in 2020 with leather-like skirts, tops, and jackets. For those particularly forward looks, head-to-toe black leather will make an impact as well.

5. Cropped Cardigans

While it could be considered a rollover trend over the last few seasons, the cardigan will continue to be a timeless item in the closets of the coolest French girls. This year, the cropped silhouettes will be most popular for a playful yet sophisticated vibe.

6. Straight-Leg Jeans

The denim style du jour among the French set? Straight-leg jeans. Clearly this isn’t a new trend, but it’s definitely a signature look that will complete the casual outfits of the chicest women in Paris.

7. Balloon-Sleeve Blouses

Sure, the timeless white button-down will be a forever French-girl staple, but many will upgrade their shirting offering with of-the-moment balloon-sleeve blouses in rich solid hues and in elevated fabrics to complete their elegant ensembles.

Next, check out the coolest French brands everyone should know about.