If you love French style and shopping at an affordable price point, then you've come to the right place! I'm a French woman at heart, especially when it comes to my style choices. I'm forever on the lookout for fresh pieces that embody that nonchalant yet polished aesthetic the French do so well.
So if effortlessly cool French style is what you're looking for this year, and you don't want to spend a fortune on a fresh wardrobe, then it's worth taking a peek at H&M right now. From chic tank tops to straight-leg jeans and sleek skirts, the affordable brand has a host of classic yet trend-forward finds ideal for the current weather.
Keep scrolling for our guide to what our Parisian fashion friends are likely to buy from H&M and the items they would likely say "non, merci" to.
Effortlessly Cool Items French Women Would Buy at H&M:
1. Buy: Chic Vest Tops
Skip: Over-the-Top Party Tops
Style Notes: French women rely on chic and easy tank tops all year round. Skip the over-the-top party tops and pair an elevated tank with jeans and midi skirts instead.
Shop the Look:
This vest is an absolute wardrobe essential (that plenty of Who What Wear editors own). The thick cotton means that it washes well, retains its shape and it's not see through.
An elevated take on a basic piece.
The lace detail here is so pretty.
2. Buy: Relaxed Button-Down Shirts
Skip: Tunics
Style Notes: If there's one item stylish French women wear year-round, it's a relaxed and effortless button-down shirt. Set the tunics aside and opt for a button-down in white, blue, or stripes for the utmost versatility.
Shop the Look:
This looks so much more expensive than it is.
So many great outfits call for a perfect white shirt.
I love the bold stripe.
This one has a lovely elegant drape to it.
3. Buy: '90s Straight and Loose Leg Jeans
Skip: Super Skinny Jeans
Style Notes: Jeans are a staple for French women, and you'll always find a '90s-inspired high-waisted straight-leg silhouette in their wardrobe. Bypass the super-skinny styles and go for a more relaxed cut.
Shop the Look:
This particular cut is a personal favourite of mine.
This pair strikes the balance of straight yet relaxed in an ideal way.
These have the perfect slim slouch.
4. Buy: Ballet Flats
Skip: Sky-High Platforms
Style Notes: For wandering around Paris, flat, or at least comfy, shoes are a must and we've noticed our French friends are partial to a pair of classic ballerinas or a Mary-Jane. These versatile shoes can be styled with dresses, tailoring and jeans alike, and H&M has a ton to choose from right now.
Shop the Look:
This simple style will serve your looks for years to come.
These look so expensive.
These are, unsurprisingly, selling out so fast.
5. Buy: Shoulder Bags
Skip: Micro Mini Bags
Style Notes: For summer it's all about the basket bag 'en France', but come autumn these are put away for their classic counterparts: the shoulder bag. Classic designs with room for the essential are a go-to.
Shop the Look:
I still can't believe this is from the high street.
This went straight in my basket.
The refined minimalism add a 90's touch.
6. Buy: Minimal Skirts
Skip: Micro Shorts
Style Notes: Sleek and elegant. This season, opt for streamlined slip skirts, maxi silhouettes, or minis that will transition seamlessly from day to night.
Shop the Look:
This looks so luxe.
A full skirt feels so directional.
I'm into this whole look.
7. Buy: Twill Jackets
Skip: Quilted Jackets
Style Notes: When it comes to jackets, skip more practical-looking quilted styles for chic twill jackets. Whether it's a cropped trench or light canvas chore style these jackets feel inherently Parisian, and they'll make any outfit feel polished.
Shop the Look:
Cream is timeless.
I'd wear this with baggy jeans and ballet flats.
This won't stick around for long.
8. Buy: Striped Tops
Skip: Tie-Dye Tops
Style Notes: Yes, it's true. French women love stripes. They generally favour striped tops and sweaters more than tie-dye or geometric designs. Simply add a pair of high-waisted jeans, a belt, and ballet flats, and you have one chic-looking outfit.
Shop the Look:
An easy style you'll call on time after time.
You can't go wrong with a classic breton.
H&M's famous ribbed vest top now comes in stripes.
9. Buy: Black Leggings & Capris
Skip: Flared Silhouettes
Style Notes: French style is all about the mix of practicality and chicness and there's no better way to demonstrate this than through their love of classic black leggings and capris.
Shop the Look:
Calf-length capri trousers are a real hit for 2025.
Wear with an oversized thin jumper now, and a linen shirt come summer
Reviews say that this pair is extremely soft and comfortable.
This story originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. and has since been updated.
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