I’ve long been well aware of how stylish French women are, but I never witnessed it for myself until I went to Paris for the very first time last month. I finally got to see why we’re all obsessed with “French-girl style” first-hand, and I get the hype even more now. There’s something so effortlessly cool and undone about the way people in Paris dress, and I’d love to infuse a bit more of that into my own wardrobe. Accordingly, I’ve been doing a little shopping since I returned and found a great many items at J.Crew, Zara, and Mango that capture that effortless French je ne sais quoi.
As you know, French style is a bit classic by nature, and Parisians walk a ton, so their wardrobes need to be able to accommodate that. The items I’ve been gravitating toward while shopping are casual, chic, and entirely wearable. Keep scrolling if finding items that check those boxes is your goal as well.
J.Crew
J.Crew
Lace-Trim Cropped Top
Perfect for pairing with a full skirt.
J.Crew
Étienne Oversized Shirt in Stripe
I’d style this just like J.Crew did.
J.Crew
High-Neck Midi Dress in Linen
Perfect for a summer date night.
J.Crew
Vintage Rib Shrunken T-Shirt With Contrast Stitch
I found that French women love to wear black and white.
J.Crew
Slim Wide-Leg Jean in Hillside Wash
Wide-leg jeans are a favorite denim style among French women.
J.Crew
Quinn Mary Jane Ballet Flats in Mesh
French women favor comfortable shoes that are also chic.
J.Crew
Collection Space-Dyed Sweater-Tank
J.Crew
Gwen Lace-Trim Slip Skirt in Textured Satin
Pair these with kitten heels and a tank top for the most Parisian look.
J.Crew
Embroidered Tank Top in Linen
I’m shocked that this hasn’t sold out yet.
J.Crew
Crochet Top-Handle Bag
I saw so many tote bags during my visit to Paris.
J.Crew
Contrast Lady Jacket in Textured Linen Blend
It doesn’t get more French than this.
Zara
Zara
Smooth Knit Crop Cardigan
There are countless ways to style this cardigan.
Everyone—including French women—is wearing polo shirts again.
French women have really embraced the long shorts trend.
Zara
Satin Effect Basic Shirt
This is never going out of style.
Zara
Flat Buckled Sandals
Perfect for wearing on busy city streets.
I wore a full skirt throughout my Paris trip, and fit right in.
Zara
Striped Linen Blend Pants
French girls aren’t immune to the pajama pants trend.
Zara
Oversized Striped T-Shirt
A modern striped shirt is a must this summer.
Zara
Satin Effect Midi Skirt
A red slip skirt is the only new slip skirt you need this season.
Zara
Linen Blend Roll Up Sleeve Open Front Blazer
A blazer always feels right in Paris.
Zara
Gold Button Knitted Vest TOp
I saw a vest top every time I left my hotel.
Mango
Mango
Linen Dress With Knot Detail
This would look equally good with sandals or sneakers.
Mango
Heel Non-Structured Sandals
The perfect little summer heels.
Mango
Halter Top With Buttons
French girls love a good white top.
Mango
Striped Shirt Dress
I’m picky about shirt dresses but this one is excellent.
Mango
Linen Vest With Buttons
American girls aren’t the only ones that love a good vest top.
Mango
Linen Dress With Contrasting Details
The ultimate throw-it-on-and-go dress.
Mango
Cropped Slim-Fit Pants
Skinny black pants feel very French to me.
Mango
Floral Crochet Dress
A polished crochet dress that’s perfect for the city.
Mango
Polka-Dot Dress With Opening Detail
Mango
Short-Sleeved Satin Shirt
This is so pretty—in a cool way.
