"French girl fashion just has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes emulating it hard to get exactly right. They’ve mastered the art of looking totally put-together, dressing in outfits that seamlessly transition from day to night, and somehow looking totally chic at the same time.
It’s the style that’s plastered all over my Pinterest board (and probably yours too). In short, if there was a masterclass in French girl fashion, I’d be the first person on the waiting list. Luckily, I recently got to experience the next best thing: a trip to Paris that included a lot of time for people-watching (my favorite activity) and a lesson in exactly what French girls are wearing right now—and I’m spilling everything I saw.
Here are the five pieces everyone in Paris is wearing right now:
Source: @mariellehaon
Crochet Tanks
Rather than a classic cotton or linen tank, I saw a ton of women on the streets of Paris elevating their look with a crochet or sweater tank top. Opt for a slightly loose fit and pair it with trouser shorts (more on those next) for a relaxed-yet-chic look straight from Paris.
Tailored Trousers & Shorts
There is nothing that shocks my millennial soul more than seeing the rise of what I’d consider a modern business-casual trend. Everyone is wearing suiting pieces these days—from linen vests to oversized blazers and, the point of this entry, drapey trousers and shorts. Lightweight trousers and shorts in cotton or linen fabric are everywhere in Paris right now, and with good reason: the material and relaxed style makes them so much more comfortable in the summer heat and humidity.
Midi Dresses
By far the most common outfit I saw in Paris this summer was the combination of a midi dress (either in a solid, neutral color or some sort of floral) and a pair of white sneakers. I loved this look so much that I immediately copied it with pieces I packed for my trip. From enjoying a double espresso at a cafe in the morning to shopping throughout the city and meeting up with friends for dinner, I saw French women wearing this outfit literally everywhere.
White Sneakers
By far my favorite thing about Paris is just how acceptable a good pair of sneakers is at literally every location. When the rest of your outfit is slightly more elevated (think the trousers and dresses I mentioned above), a pair of sneakers brings it back down to earth and gives it a more effortless vibe. Any white sneaker will do, but I couldn’t turn my head without seeing a woman wearing the Veja Campo sneakers (and I came home with a pair myself).
Structured Shoulder Bags
A classic, structured shoulder bag should be in everyone’s capsule wardrobe—and I saw no shortage of them on my trip. While size and shape vary, almost every bag I saw French girls carrying was in a neutral color and simple in style.
