I Just Went to Paris—Here's Everything I Saw Fashionable French Women Actually Wearing

If you’re a regular Who What Wear reader, you’ll probably already know how obsessed we are with French style here. There’s just something about the effortlessness of their thrown-together but polished outfits, the confidence with which they wear them and their unwillingness to pander to passing trends. Sometimes, though, sat behind a laptop scrolling through the most stylish French influencers’ IG accounts, it can be hard to get a true grasp of what these people are really wearing IRL, and not just for the ’gram. I also sometimes wonder, are they really as chic as their reputation suggests?

But after a weekend jaunt to Paris, I can confidently confirm that, yes, the rumours and reputation is true, and no, their unprecedented elegance is not a figment of our imagination. From the moment my friend and I sat down at our first street-side bistro table (straight off the Eurostar, of course), we watched passers-by and fellow diners of all ages in what can only be described as admiration, and sometimes disbelief, at how good they all looked.

Even though I was technically on holiday, I was so impressed that I found myself making notes in my phone of the trends and outfit combinations I saw most. Partly to copy myself on my return but also to report back to you in earnest—anything for the sake of journalism!

Below, you’ll find my report on the six outfits I genuinely saw everywhere in Paris. I’ve saved them all here so we can refer to them for inspiration when we're feeling particularly stumped. I’ve also shopped them out if, like me, you want to attempt to copy them. Keep scrolling to see.

1. White Shirt + Denim Midi Skirt + Mules

Style Notes: I used to associate midi skirts with office wear, but Paris quickly changed my mind. On my recent trip, I saw French women styling denim midi skirts in the most effortless ways. Styled with a white shirt—either tucked in or slightly undone—added a relaxed polish, while kitten heel mules grounded the look with Parisian ease. The key? Keeping everything unfussy and elevated. This outfit proves how timeless pieces, when combined, can feel entirely modern.

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2. Checked Blazer + Wide-Leg Jeans + Loafers

Style Notes: Wide-leg jeans have quietly overtaken skinny and straight-leg styles in Paris, and the way they're styled is all about balance. High-waisted, often with tailored details like patch pockets, these jeans are paired with smart layers—think slim knits or cropped tops—and topped with a boxy or checked blazer for structure. Add in classic loafers and you've got a refined, city-ready look that still feels relaxed. This outfit is the perfect example of Parisian polish with an edge.

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3. Oversized Blazer + White Tee + Straight-Leg Jeans + Ballet Flats

Style Notes: Ballet flats are back—but in Paris, they never really left. To avoid the schoolgirl look and make them feel chic, French women pair them with straight-leg jeans and a classic white tee for that clean, everyday base. The finishing touch? An oversized blazer that adds sophistication without trying too hard. This look is cool, practical and a go-to for those transitional days when you want to feel pulled together but not overly styled.

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4. Stripe Top + Wide-Leg Trousers + Luxury Bag

Style Notes: French women rarely chase the latest bag trends—instead, they carry their classics with pride. Think timeless luxury bags from brands like Hermès or Fendi, worn without concern for seasonality. I saw them slung casually over wide-leg trousers and paired with a Breton-stripe top—an outfit that perfectly captures that, 'I just threw this on' vibe. It's simple, elevated, and proof that timeless pieces always win.

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5. Cropped Cardigan + Barrel Jeans + Oversized Bag

Style Notes: The cropped cardigan is a quiet Parisian staple—buttoned up as a top and paired with high-rise barrel jeans, it strikes a perfect balance between retro and modern. What makes the outfit stand out is the contrast: a form-fitting knit on top with a looser, more architectural denim silhouette on the bottom. Finish the look with an oversized structured bag for that added fashion-editor touch, and you've got a polished yet playful look perfect for everyday wear.

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6. Bouclé Jacket + Fitted Top + Black Jeans + Black Bag

Style Notes: There's nothing like a bouclé jacket to add instant polish to a look. In Paris, I spotted them layered over simple, fitted tops and teamed with black jeans for a sleek contrast. It's a refined, old-money aesthetic that still feels wearable and grounded. Add a classic black handbag, and you've got an outfit that’s both elegant and low-key—ideal for anything from meetings to museum visits. French style at its most effortless.

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This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.