Parisian wardrobes are entities that will forever be coveted by the fashion-obsessed beings of the world. The effortless yet consistently polished aesthetic of the French woman is something to be admired (and totally copied). So what goes into creating a wardrobe that will provide us with everything we need to achieve this specific style? Well, who better to ask than some of the most stylish French fashion bloggers out there? As with anything, they suggested you need to start from the ground up, and in this case, "the ground" is the assortment of wardrobe basics you will find in every Parisian's closet.
From striped T-shirts to high-rise denim, these girls were able to narrow down their five must-have pieces to the categories listed below and were kind enough to weigh in on the matter and speak a little bit about why they love these pieces. Whether it's their own personal styling tips or brands they love within each category, there's a lot of advice to be found here for us to come back to when we want to channel French-girl style for the day.
Scroll down to discover the must-have five items you will find in every Parisian's wardrobe and where to shop each one.
"The thing with a great blazer is that it elevates a daytime look (like say a white tee and skinny jeans) but also adds a touch of mannish charm to an otherwise ultra-feminine look (a gorgeous gown, for instance). I like mine with boxy shoulders in lux fabrics." — Camille Charrière of Camille Over the Rainbow
Hear what other French bloggers have to say about blazers:
"Every French woman has at least one blazer in their wardrobe. The blazer is timeless! I have a black and a navy blue one, and then one that's more extravagant—totally '80s, red with very broad shoulders. I wear it as a pullover under my coat at winter." — Kenza Sadoun-el Glaoui of La Revue de Kenza
"A black blazer is probably the most important item in my wardrobe. It manages to make any outfit look sophisticated, and it can help you achieve your signature look." — Sarah Nait
Shop blazers:
The satin pockets on this blazer are to die for.
Navy blue brings your elegance to the next level.
Related: French Fashion: 10 Secrets to Dressing Like the World's Chicest Women
Pair this with skinny jeans, a white T-shirt, and a neck scarf for an effortless look.
"My T-shirts are either white or striped, so I guess you can say that I have a lot. It's the only print that I like because it's strong and discreet at the same time." — Typhaine Augusto of Cuillère à Absinthe
Hear what other French bloggers have to say about striped T-shirts:
"These are typically my favorite French touch. I like to feel a kid when I wear this kind of shirt and play on the femme enfant side." — Anne-Laure Mais of Adenorah
"Striped T-shirts are potentially even better than white ones. I strive to own a Breton shirt in every possible color combination, as you can never get tired of them. Wear these shirts as a neutral." — Camille Charrière of Camille Over the Rainbow
Shop striped T-shirts:
An affordable version of this French must-have.
Copy the styling of this shirt ASAP.
Because you can never have too many colours when it comes to this shirt.
"Trench coats are classic and very useful for Parisian rainy weather. I love my Burberry one for when it's a bit chilly out, and I wear some more loose trench coats when the weather is sunnier. It really goes with everything." — Tokyobanhbao
Hear what other French bloggers have to say about striped trench coats:
"A vintage Jean-Paul Gaultier marinière or an iconic British trench coat can add some dimension to an outfit if you adapt them to your own taste. You can express your creativity via what you wear even with basic pieces." — Sarah Nait
"This is a trans-seasonal piece that works in most circumstances while keeping you dry (essential for French expats like myself). I used to dream of a vintage piece by Burberry, but the one I am saving up for now is by Céline, and it's practically perfect in every way." — Camille Charrière of Camille Over the Rainbow
Shop trench coats:
A camel trench coat is the ultimate It-girl staple.
Related: The Amazing French Fashion Collaboration You've Not Heard of Yet
Dress this coat down by pairing it with a knit midi dress and slip-on loafers.
From the belt to the pockets, there's nothing we don't love about this coat.
"This is my favourite piece in my wardrobe. I wear these jeans in every circumstance—during the day with a pair of Converse, or at night with a pair of heels, or squarely in a total denim look!" — Kenza Sadoun-el Glaoui of La Revue de Kenza
Hear what other French bloggers have to say about high-rise denim:
"Aka mom jeans. I love to style them with boys' shirts that are too big for me to get the '90s vibe I love so much." — Typhaine Augusto of Cuillère à Absinthe
"Sometimes it takes a while to hunt down your perfect fit pair of high-rise denim, but once you find your match, there will be no keeping you two apart. It’s the ultimate cool-girl staple, as it screams effortless chic no matter what you style it with." — Camille Charrière of Camille Over the Rainbow
Shop high-rise denim:
Find two of this season's biggest denim trends right here.
Jump on this French favourite and prepare yourself for a happier wardrobe.
Related: The French-Girl Way to Wear a Graphic Tee
The wash of this pair of jeans is perfect for dressing up or down.
"My flirty blouses will usually be a silk blouse in an ecru color. I like to wear them open with a triangle bra. I like when people can guess the lingerie underneath." — Anne-Laure Mais of Adenorah
Hear what other French bloggers have to say about flirty blouses:
"I love flirty blouses in off-the-shoulder styles with high-waisted denim shorts. For the most romantic touch, I accessorise my outfit with a hat or a wicker basket." — Kenza Sadoun-el Glaoui of La Revue de Kenza
"Because there is nothing sexier than a little flash of lace peaking out from a dangerously unbuttoned shirt. I wear mine with high-rise denim and a blazer." — Camille Charrière of Camille Over the Rainbow
Shop flirty blouses:
Listen to Anne-Laure's advice and wear a triangle bra underneath this blouse.
Related: What Our French Fashion Friends Do and Don't Shop for at Zara
Can you think of more than two ways to style this top?
This is the ultimate going-out top.Want more French fashion advice? Here are eight secrets to dressing like the world's chicest women.
-
7 Chic and Classic Trends I've Spotted French Women Wearing on the Streets of ParisThey know best.
-
3 French Vs. 3 Scandi Knitwear Trends Set to Be Everywhere This WinterChoose your team.
-
European Women Rely on This Elegant Coat Trend to Look Polished in Winter—18 of the Best for Every BudgetA modern classic.
-
Forget Bombers—Stylish Women in LA and Paris Much Prefer This Elegant Jacket TrendJennifer Lawrence included.
-
6 Winter Outfits That Are Guaranteed to Make You Look RichFrom a designer-loving editor.
-
I'm a French Designer Living in London—These 6 Chic Buys Are the Key to Mastering Parisian StyleAn expert's advice.
-
French Women Just Showed Me 5 Flawless Ways to Wear Jeans and Boots This WinterNow you know.
-
Gwyneth Paltrow Just Wore the Classic Trouser Trend That French Women Live in Every WinterI can see why they love it.
