I Asked 3 Parisian Women About the Must-Haves Every French Woman Has in Her Closet
PureWow Editors select every item that appears on this page,, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Read the original article on Purewow.
French women and their enigmatic fashion rules have long been a source of fascination for anyone interested in fashion. At any age, they always appear to have an air of sophistication without seeming like they’re trying that hard…or at all, for that matter. Indeed, French fashion is about finding pieces that look polished and chic but also comfortable, from plush sweaters they can’t stop wearing to—yes, even—the denim on denim micro trend that dominated during Paris fashion week. Heck, even the French Birkin bangs haircut sounds much more modish next to the American bottleneck bangs trend that I tried. Rather than stock up on kitschy pieces French women would never wear, like berets and Breton-stripe tops, I talked to a few French style experts to find out which French wardrobe staples our amis invest in. Ahead, nine items every French woman has in her closet that are wonderfully easy to incorporate into just about any capsule wardrobe.
Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.
Meet the Experts
1. Vintage Denim
Kristin Sinclair/Getty Images
We’re talking not too loose, not too skinny, but the ultimate straight-leg vintage jean in a classic blue or black wash with no distressing (though a raw hem is OK). “When you find a pair that looks good on you, you’ll wear it ‘til you die,” says Yolaine. Her tip: Opt for a classic silhouette in raw denim or fabrics with very little stretch, which will never go out of style. Choose whatever rise you like best, but make sure the length hits within an inch of your ankles.
Shop Vintage Jeans
Reformation
Cynthia High Rise Straight Jeans
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=WtZFYDlO0Ks&mid=40090&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thereformation.com%2Fproducts%2Fcynthia-high-rise-straight-jeans%2F1302791IER.html&u1=french-wardrobe-staples
168
Buy it
Amazon
Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans
https://www.amazon.com/Levis-Womens-Wedgie-Jeans-Tango/dp/B0851RQYMR?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&linkCode=ll1&tag=pur0e4-20&linkId=67770cdcfc8eb0c466531bdd532016d1&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
48
Buy It
Shopbop
Agolde 90's Pinch Waist High-Rise Straight Jeans
https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-8757841-14519783?sid=french+wardrobe+staples&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.madewell.com%2Fthe-momjean-in-basley-wash-NH665.html
208
Buy it
Abercrombie & Fitch
Ultra High-Rise Ankle Straight Jean
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.abercrombie.com%2Fshop%2Fus%2Fp%2Fultra-high-rise-ankle-straight-jean-53250523%3Ffaceout%3Dmodel%26seq%3D64&xcust=french-wardrobe-staples
90
Buy it
2. Leather Knee-High Boots in a Neutral Hue
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Another classic style, structured knee-high boots of just about any variety are an absolute must-have for copying French style. Seen on the likes of content creator Emmanuelle Koffi and model Anouchka Gauthier, knee-high boots are super sexy—especially when paired with black stockings. And it doesn’t matter whether you prefer a riding style, pointy-toe stilettos or a croc-embossed block heel so long as you stick to neutral hues (black, brown or tan). And be sure to store them correctly so they don’t start to slouch or crease over time; this look is all about that sharp, structured silhouette.
Shop Knee-High Boots
Nordstrom
Schutz Maryana Knee High Boots
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theoutnet.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Fproduct%2Firis-ink%2Fboots%2Ftall-boots%2Fjasmine-suede-knee-boots%2F1647597332876393%3F&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purewow.com&u1=french_wardrobe_staples
258
Buy it
Inez
Paloma Boots
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nordstrom.com%2Fs%2Fschutz-maryana-block-pointed-toe-knee-high-boot-women%2F5410520%3Forigin%3Dkeywordsearch-personalizedsort%26breadcrumb%3DHome%252FAll%2520Results%26color%3D246&xcust=french%20wardrobe%20staples
478
Buy it
Zappos
Stuart Weitzman Flareblock 85 Slouch Boot
https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8757841-15491750?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zappos.com%2Fp%2Fstuart-weitzman-flareblock-85-slouch-boot-black-2%2Fproduct%2F9913252%2Fcolor%2F60041&sid=french-wardrobe-staples
595
Buy it
3. A Classic Long Coat
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
Whether it’s a sharp peacoat, classic trench coat or slimming belted duster, long coats help to lengthen your frame—even for the most petite among us—and almost always looks more polished than a cropped cut. “Oftentimes this is a trench coat, but it doesn't have to be,” notes Taylor. “A mid-weight coat in a sturdy cotton or structured wool is the perfect anchor for a French woman's effortless, ‘I'm just walking around Paris’ look.” And when it comes to colorways, Taylor adds that most French women prefer solid patterns and muted tones so they have more versatile styling options (like adding a bold bag or a statement scarf). Think: navy, black and, of course, the beloved tan.
Shop Coats
Zara
Classic Belted Topcoat
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=21094&awinaffid=1085617&campaign=&clickref=french-wardrobe-staples&clickref2=&clickref3=&clickref4=&clickref5=&clickref6=&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zara.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fclassic-belted-topcoat-p08372066.html&platform=pl
109
Buy it
Banana Republic
Amina Oversized Topcoat
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbananarepublic.gap.com%2Fbrowse%2Fproduct.do%3Fpid%3D758816022%23pdp-page-content&xcust=french-wardrobe-staples
240
Buy it
J.Crew
Relaxed Heritage Trench Coat
https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-8757841-15199964?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jcrew.com%2Fp%2Fwomens%2Fcategories%2Fclothing%2Fcoats-and-jackets%2Ftrench-coat%2Frelaxed-heritage-trench-coat-in-chino%2FBT324&sid=french-wardrobe-staples
248
Buy it
4. A Black Dress You Can Throw on for Any Occasion
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
The little black dress is the bread and butter of any French woman’s wardrobe. “It will make you feel confident and chic in any situation,” says Argenson. “And you can wear it during any time of the year.” These frocks work for weekend errands, drinks with friends, dinner parties and even days at the office (it’s all about finding the right accessories). Opt for fabrics that won’t wrinkle easily, patterns and colors that aren’t too trendy or too season-specific and choose more modest silhouettes over skimpy minis, like a jersey wrap dress or midi shirtdress. If you want to wear your LBD like the French would, Argenson recommends throwing on your favorite pair of flats, donning a casual jean jacket or sporting a statement handbag.
Shop Black Dresses
Reformation
Nataly Knit Dress
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=WtZFYDlO0Ks&mid=40090&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thereformation.com%2Fproducts%2Fnataly-knit-dress%2F1314062BLK.html&u1=french-wardrobe-staples
148
Buy it
Abercrombie & Fitch
Traveler Mini Dress
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.abercrombie.com%2Fshop%2Fus%2Fp%2F90s-little-black-dress-45140819&xcust=french-wardrobe-staples
55
Buy it
Tuckernuck
Pomander Place Roxanne Dress
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftnuck.com%2Fproducts%2Fblack-roxanne-dress&xcust=french-wardrobe-staples
128
Buy it
Nordstrom
Steve Madden Amira Midi Dress
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nordstrom.com%2Fs%2Fsteve-madden-amira-tiered-cotton-midi-dress%2F7268623&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purewow.com&u1=french-wardrobe-staples
39
Buy it
Skims
Long Slip Dress
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fskims.com%2Fproducts%2Fsoft-lounge-long-slip-dress-onyx&xcust=french-wardrobe-staples
80
Buy it
ASTR the Label
Enola Satin Midi Dress
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.astrthelabel.com%2Fproducts%2Fenola-satin-smocked-midi-dress%3Fapid%3D43123557728432%26color%3DBlack&xcust=french-wardrobe-staples
136
Buy it
5. Tailored Wide-Leg Trousers
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
If she’s not wearing jeans or a dress, your French alter ego should opt for tailored pants in a flattering wide-leg cut. Our French fashion-heavy social feeds don’t lie, trousers are always très chic. (We’re looking at you, Ines de la Fressange.) Whether you prefer pressed chinos or plaid wool, so long as they have an impeccable fit, you’re golden. Tuck in your blouse or sweater to emphasize your waist and lend a posh vibe to your ensemble.
Shop Trousers
Aritzia
The Effortless Pant Wider
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aritzia.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fproduct%2Fthe-effortless-pant%25E2%2584%25A2-wider%2F111478.html%3Fdwvar_111478_color%3D11420&xcust=french-wardrobe-staples
148
Buy it
Revolve
Favorite Daughter The Favorite Pant
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolve.com%2Ffavorite-daughter-the-favorite-pant-in-black%2Fdp%2FFAVR-WP6%2F&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purewow.com&u1=french-wardrobe-staples
218
Buy it
Nordstrom
Open Edit Wide Leg Trousers
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nordstrom.com%2Fs%2Fopen-edit-high-waist-wide-leg-trousers%2F7541927%3Fcolor%3D250&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purewow.com&u1=french-wardrobe-staples
52
Buy it
6. Mary Jane Heels or Ballet Flats
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
One of our absolute favorite combinations of fashion and function, we often see on Parisians like Léna Fari and Yolaine wear a rendition of the très classic Mary Jane heels. Shoes with a slim, one- to two-inch heel have the same leg-lengthening effect as a four-inch style, but won’t have you hobbling after a few hours. This is doubly true with a roomy square or round toe and extra strappy style for an ultra-chic finish. Similarly, the more walkable ballet flat, which remains a constant staple choice of footwear amongst the French, has steadily made its way back into the American fashion zeitgeist, with all manners of the shoe in high demand, from ballet flats with straps to those with durable arch support. My personal favorite: the Rothy’s Mary Jane, exquisitely marrying the two Parisian styles in perfect harmony.
Shop Mary Jane Heels
Madewell
The Nettie Heeled Mary Jane
https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-8757841-13454258?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.madewell.com%2Fthe-nettie-heeled-mary-jane--in-leather-99107113218.html&sid=french-wardrobe-staples
148
Buy it
Rothy’s
The Square Mary Jane
https://rothys.sjv.io/c/408233/1486151/17533?u=https%3A%2F%2Frothys.com%2Fproducts%2Fthe-square-mary-jane-black&subId1=french-wardrobe-staples
159
Buy it
Sézane
Paula Babies Heels
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=30299&awinaffid=1085617&campaign=&clickref=french-wardrobe-staples&clickref2=&clickref3=&clickref4=&clickref5=&clickref6=&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sezane.com%2Fus%2Fproduct%2Fpaula-babies%2Fecru-black%23size-5&platform=pl
215
Buy it
Margaux
The Demi Ballet Flats
https://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=950480&u=1100777&m=69198&urllink=https%3A%2F%2Fmargauxny.com%2Fcollections%2Fthe-demi%2Fproducts%2Fthe-demi-cerulean&afftrack=french-wardrobe-staples
245
Buy it
Zappos
Madden Girl Tutuu Ballet Flats
https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8757841-15491750?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zappos.com%2Fp%2Fmadden-girl-tutuu-red-patent%2Fproduct%2F9897166%2Fcolor%2F1141&sid=french-wardrobe-staples
49
Buy it
Nordstrom Rack
Steve Madden Caddie Mary Jane Flat
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nordstromrack.com%2Fs%2Fsteve-madden-caddie-mary-jane-flat%2F7478115&xcust=french-wardrobe-staples
40
Buy it
Zara
Faux Patent Leather Ballet Flats
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=21094&awinaffid=1085617&campaign=&clickref=french-wardrobe-staples&clickref2=&clickref3=&clickref4=&clickref5=&clickref6=&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zara.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Ffaux-patent-leather-ballet-flats-p11217310.html&platform=pl
50
Buy it
Inez
Cleo Mary Jane Pump
https://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1385131&u=1100777&m=90051&urllink=https%3A%2F%2Finez.com%2Fproducts%2Fcleo-black-patent&afftrack=french-wardrobe-staples
258
Buy it
Revolve
Tony Bianco Melany Flat
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolve.com%2Ftony-bianco-melany-flat-in-black%2Fdp%2FTONR-WZ760%2F&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purewow.com&u1=french-wardrobe-staples
160
Buy it
7. A Blazer That Doubles as a Jacket
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
While French fashionistas are currently loving a Canadian tuxedo, you’ll want to swap your all-American denim jacket for one with a Parisian twist—a sharp, slightly oversize blazer—if you’re all about tradition. The best versions are those in solid, neutral hues, like a beige linen number for summer or black wool for winter, rather than funky patterns or super-bright shades. But as French femmes like Alice Pilate and Sylvie Mus have shown us, you can also swap in those neutrals for a checkered or houndstooth blazer. (Bonus points if it’s vintage.)
Shop Blazers
Everlane
The Italian Wool Oversized Blazer
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.everlane.com%2Fproducts%2Fwomens-wool-oversized-blazer-camel-houndstooth&xcust=french-wardrobe-staples
228
Buy it
Revolve
Bardot The Oversized Blazer
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolve.com%2Fbardot-the-oversized-blazer-in-black%2Fdp%2FBARD-WO69%2F&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purewow.com&u1=french-wardrobe-staples
169
Buy it
Aritzia
Agency Blazer
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aritzia.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fproduct%2Fagency-blazer%2F109253.html%3Fdwvar_109253_color%3D6521&xcust=french-wardrobe-staples
238
Buy it
8. Cardigans Worn as Shirts
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Yes, cardigans are a nice way to add some warmth to your outfit, but for French women, they also function as tops. Scroll through any Parisian influencer’s Instagram and you’ll see lots of them buttoning up their cardigans and tucking them into jeans or knotting them over a midi skirt like a blouse. Like a cozy cashmere sweater, finding a signature cardigan to add to your wardrobe is a must in Yolaine’s handbook. According to her, the key is to invest in a few cardigans that hit right at your hips or the waistband of your pants and that can be buttoned up without buckling or pulling. (Her go-to? A classic Agnès B cardigan.)
Shop Cardigans
Sézane
Gaspard Cardigan
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=30299&awinaffid=1085617&campaign=&clickref=french-wardrobe-staples&clickref2=&clickref3=&clickref4=&clickref5=&clickref6=&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sezane.com%2Fus%2Fproduct%2Fgaspard-cardigan%2Fecru-navy%23size-XXS&platform=pl
120
Buy it
Nordstrom
Sandro Molie Knit Crop Jacket
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nordstrom.com%2Fs%2Fmolie-knit-crop-jacket%2F7693963&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purewow.com&u1=french-wardrobe-staples
295
Buy it
Zara
Cable Knit Cardigan
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=21094&awinaffid=1085617&campaign=&clickref=french-wardrobe-staples&clickref2=&clickref3=&clickref4=&clickref5=&clickref6=&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zara.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fcable-knit-cardigan-p01957016.html%3Fv1%3D324562580%26v2%3D2353070&platform=pl
46
Buy it
Jenni Kayne
Cooper Cardigan
https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-8757841-15318409?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jennikayne.com%2Fproducts%2Fcooper-cardigan-black&sid=french-wardrobe-staples
575
Buy it
Mango
Striped Cardigan with Jewel Buttons
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fshop.mango.com%2Fus%2Fwomen%2Fsweaters-and-cardigans-cardigans%2Fstriped-cardigan-with-jewel-buttons_67064024.html%3Fc%3D02&xcust=french-wardrobe-staples
80
Buy it
Doen
Mercina Cardigan
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopdoen.com%2Fproducts%2Fmercina-cardigan-ivory%3Fvariant%3D40243057295473&xcust=french-wardrobe-staples
368
Buy it
9. Easy Midi Skirts
Rouje
Think less pleated A-line and more floaty shapes or even a pencil slip skirt or denim number. These “go with anything” skirts should hit somewhere between just below the knee to mid-calf, and are loose enough to have some movement. Just like the “throw on and go” little black dress, wrinkle-resistant fabrics are best. And while we love a solid hue for mixing and matching, floral patterned and textured skirts are a great way to add a little pop between basic separates, as Jeanne Damas and Zoé Derian show us.
Shop Midi Skirts
Reformation
Layla Silk Skirt
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=WtZFYDlO0Ks&mid=40090&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thereformation.com%2Fproducts%2Flayla-silk-skirt%2F1311365USG.html%3Fdwvar_1311365USG_color%3DLNI%26quantity%3D1&u1=french-wardrobe-staples
198
Buy it
Amazon
Zeagoo Satin Midi Skirt
https://www.amazon.com/Zeagoo-Skirts-Length-Casual-X-Small/dp/B0BFDD3BCC?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pur0e4-20&linkId=a9c5157a558539bf642a21921d2b431d&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
27
Buy it
Anthropologie
Allina Liu Break Midi Skirt
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=WtZFYDlO0Ks&mid=39789&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.anthropologie.com%2Fshop%2Fallina-liu-break-midi-skirt%3Fcolor%3D041%26type%3DSTANDARD%26quantity%3D1&u1=french-wardrobe-staples
150
Buy it
Saks Off 5th
Renee C. Satin Maxi Skirt
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.saksoff5th.com%2Fproduct%2Frenee-c.-satin-maxi-skirt-0400020296148.html&xcust=french-wardrobe-staples
35
Buy it
Abercrombie & Fitch
Denim Midi Skirt
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.abercrombie.com%2Fshop%2Fus%2Fp%2Fdenim-midi-skirt-52571823&xcust=french-wardrobe-staples
64
Buy it
Anthropologie
Maeve The Naomi High-Rise Pencil Midi Skirt
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=WtZFYDlO0Ks&mid=39789&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.anthropologie.com%2Fshop%2Fthe-naomi-high-rise-pencil-midi-skirt%3Fcolor%3D060&u1=french-wardrobe-staples
128
Buy it
Say Je T'aime to the 20 Best French Clothing Brands, According to 2 French Stylists
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
