Très Chic! Essential Pieces for Building a French Wardrobe

One of the best things about fashion is that you can draw inspiration from a myriad of places! From London to New York, there seem to be countless choices for gorgeous pieces to wear and personalize.

Of course, a great place to start looking for inspiration is from one of the most famous fashion capitals of the world. French it girls’ effortless style and timeless elegance never fail to deliver the most stunning outfits. And if you’d like to learn a thing or two about channeling your inner Parisienne, read on to discover some of the essential pieces you’ll need to build your own French wardrobe.

Trench Coat

Much like the stylish men and women from the London fashion scene, the French are known to love the classic trench coat. And why wouldn’t they? A high-quality trench coat can elevate even the simplest of outfits. Whether it’s jeans and a shirt or a lacey slip-on dress, you can count on this wardrobe essentials to make you look chic and put-together. When shopping for one that suits you, keep in mind that this is one of those pieces you can own for life, so invest accordingly! You can’t go wrong with a bespoke trench coat from Burberry, as the brand has been producing and perfecting their luxury pieces for over 150 years.

Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Dark sunglasses are undoubtedly a classic French accessory — the wide rims provide that air of mystique so distinct to their style. Keep these in your bag and unapologetically don them even on cloudy days. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can put on some vibrant red lipstick to really go for that bold French look.

White Button-down Shirt

French women are experts at looking laidback but striking, and a trusty white button-down is the easiest way to capture this effect! While tailored shirts are a must-have for every wardrobe, there’s a specific allure that comes from slightly oversized button-downs. Woman Within’s selection of loose button-down shirts includes crisp white classics that are easy to mix and match with the rest of your wardrobe. Polish the look off with a messy bun, black pants, and ballerina flats to really complete the Parisian ensemble.

Ballerina Flats

Speaking of flats, the French are known to favor comfortable footwear over painful stilettos. It may have something to do with how flats are stylish, can go with just about any outfit and are the perfect shoes to have if you enjoy nights out on the town. The Huffington Post’s guide to the most comfortable flats includes sleek options that any French woman would approve of. Feel free to ditch those heels and replace them with practical ballerina flats you can easily take from the office to the club.

Tailored Jeans

Your French-inspired wardrobe isn’t complete without a pair of reliable jeans. For the French, the color or finish doesn’t really matter, as long as they are tailored. Choosing a lovely silhouette is also a crucial part of selecting the ideal pair. You can opt for a pair of classic skinny jeans or experiment with the straight leg pant that Parisian women often wear. Wear them with a silk camisole and minimal accessories to get that simple, feminine look.