How To Nail The 'French Girl' Look
Finding your chic winter style may require some out-of-the-box thinking and may even have an international twist. The French have long been known for their iconic fashion and designers who've changed the fashion world — Chanel, Balmain, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent are just a few of the names that are still celebrity faves.
Though Netflix's "Emily in Paris" isn't the most faithful depiction of French fashion, the series does still get us excited for some colorful new style inspo to brighten up the winter season. Even with the French girl trend taking over TikTok, there's still a lot to learn about the true French aesthetic. And though many of us don't have access to some of the more exclusive French fashion brands, from Musier Paris to Rouje, there are still plenty of sources of inspiration out there.
Here's how to get the iconic French girl look in your life.
A striped look
The striped look is quintessentially French, making us feel ready for a boat ride on the Seine. The trend can work as a t-shirt or long-sleeve top, and can also take the form of a sweet turtleneck poking out from beneath your favorite winter sweater.
Beauty blogger Marie Gilliot, aka Into Your Closet, gives her stamp of approval to the Breton shirt, which was popularized by French fishermen and lets you rock the naval style in comfort. Whether you go for a boat neck or crew, these stripes stay playful in any form.
Sweater weather all year long
Embrace your inner Taylor Swift and grab your comfiest cardigan to pair with nearly any look, whether the weather outside is frightful or you're rocking a strappy spring dress. You can go oversized, cropped, wrapped, or channel a '90s vibe and wear your sweater as a shirt.
Options ranging from the French connection cable knit cardigan to standout French brands like Rodier, Molli, and Maison Montagut can offer an authentic French look, according to Who What Wear.
Break out your classy footwear
To keep things totally French, you can check out mules from none other than Chanel, though finding your own favorite play on the classic backless shoe can be just as fun. In the winter, try mules with socks or paired with warm tights and a romantic ballet skirt. Like its cousin, the ballet flat, the shoe is super versatile. Better yet, both now have versions with kitten heels if you want to elongate the line of your legs or dress them up.
Slip on some stylish sunnies
Though you might associate these with the perfect French girl summer look, sunnies are also an excellent winter accessory that will keep you looking incredibly chic. Whether you're protecting your eyes from a bitter wind or fighting the glare from snow, elegant cat eye glasses can enhance your look, no matter the outfit. The cat eye sunglasses from Celine are one of the products that make the brand a French essential, though ASOS does a much more budget-friendly pair for less than $20.
Blazers are forever chic
An oversized blazer can take you from the office to a dinner party, since you can style it as casual or business-forward as you see fit and as the occasion calls for. H&M has a brown plaid blazer that matches the French vibe, and any neutral color can work with the versatile pattern. You can also go with a sleek black blazer or hop on the leather blazer trend, working in plenty of lengths, shades, and styles all winter long.
Maintain the mystery with a trench coat
The Instagram account Parisien Paris sources plenty of on-point looks, and it's clear that outerwear is one of the city's greatest strengths. In Style recommends losing the beret for the best chance at a modern French vibe, since the signature piece has become less popular in recent years, despite what you might see on "Emily in Paris." Instead, go for a beanie or bucket hat for a modern take on the classic trench coat look. To mix things up further, you can go for a British vibe with the Kensington trench or go all in with a classic trench coat from Burberry.
Grab straight-leg and skinny jeans
For a casual weekend look, jeans are a global go-to, and no one styles them quite like the French. Straight-legged looks work perfectly with a camel overcoat or sweater, while cute heeled boots can complete any wintery look. Whether you're into floods and in the market for tapered jeans or trying out the new puddle pants trend, straight-legged pants rarely let you down. Marie Gilliot also sees skinny jeans as a French staple, especially when paired with a flattering ankle boot.
Add your own pop of color
The founder of French clothing brand Sézane, Morgane Sezalory, told The Zoe Report, "If you walk the streets of Paris, you will see that there is a strong sense of individualism, an embracing of cultures and a very subtle touch of spirit and eccentricity." To embrace your full French girl potential, you can lean into your own sense of confidence when it comes to fashion, makeup, and hair. The French look is typically effortless, meaning that pairing signature pieces with a bolder choice — like a red lip — can take you far. Ultimately, stylish basics feel very French, but you can choose how to accent this simplicity with your own magic touch.