If there’s one thing every fashion girl can agree on, it’s that French girls are the ultimate style muses. The appeal of French style is that it isn’t about specific clothing items that make up the aesthetic but embodying a French attitude as a whole. For some, it’s finishing off every outfit with a bold red lip; for others, it’s maintaining a closet full of vintage finds. Regardless of what aspect of the French-girl aesthetic resonates best with your personal style, Parisian women continue to set the bar when it comes to putting together a signature look.
It should come as no surprise that we decided our holiday wardrobes deserve the Parisian style treatment. While there are endless facets of French-girl style to get inspired by for holiday dressing, we’re particularly intrigued by their masterful use of red. Even if you’re a “wear all black, everyday” type, these Parisian-inspired style tips will have you embracing red all season long.
Opt for Monochrome
To really wear red like a French girl this holiday season is to embrace the color head-on with a playful monochromatic moment. (Yes, even French women know how to have fun with color.) This approach works for anything, from a trench coat, sweater, and trousers combo to wear to the office to a leather jacket, mini skirt, and tights for a date-night look.
Try a Twist on Tights
What better way to emulate French-girl style with a pop of red than opting for one of the hottest trends this season: red tights. Some call it French girl-inspired; we call it the Blair Waldorf effect, but either way, red tights have taken over our closets this winter. While the bright pop of color is more in-your-face compared to its black hosiery counterparts, it checks off all the boxes for pulling together a Parisian-approved holiday look. But for those who prefer something a bit more understated, wearing red tights under a midi skirt is a foolproof outfit combo.
Combine a Cozy Sweater and Mary Janes
A cozy red sweater already screams “holiday season,” but coupling it with a pair of matching Mary Janes adds the perfect French twist to the look. It’s a tried-and-true combination nearly every French girl has co-signed. From a casual day out gift shopping with friends to a formal holiday party, this outfit formula can be a saving grace for an endless amount of outings.
Get Creative with a Silk Scarf
No French girl-inspired outfit is complete without a silk scarf. It’s a small but mighty accessory, having the ability to be styled with any outfit and made appropriate for nearly every occasion. For a more traditional touch, try tying a red silk scarf around the neck or take a page from the Brigitte Bardot playbook by using it as a headband. If you really want to get unconventional, try wearing it as a makeshift belt.
Use Accessories to Your Advantage
When it comes to mastering the French style, it’s all about recognizing the art of simplicity. Considering many Parisiennes opt for neutral colors and wardrobe basics, one of the best ways to incorporate a subtle shade of red is through accessorizing. Red heels, a handbag, stacked jewelry, sunglasses—anything goes. And depending on how you style the look, a red accessory adds the perfect pop of color that can serve as the statement piece of the entire outfit.
Lean Into Winter Florals
What’s more groundbreaking than florals for spring? Florals for winter. To wear red like a French girl in an unexpected way, play around with styling fun floral prints. A rose-motif blouse paired with straight-leg jeans and ballet flats gives off a timeless feel for the holidays, while a floral maxi dress, leather jacket, and biker boots combination is edgier but equally elegant.
Our Current Favorite Red Pieces
