My Friend Wants to Look More Parisian—I Suggested She Wear These 4 Pieces

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As the resident fashion person in my friend group, I act as a personal stylist and shopper. I often refer to pieces I recommend as being “so French,” meaning they’re effortlessly chic and definitely worth considering. One of my friends then asked how she could look more Parisian (aka, chic). I told her it’s easy—you just need to opt for easy pieces that feel, you know, je ne sais quoi.

Below are four elevated yet no-fuss items I suggested that French women are wearing right now. Each item has the ability to upgrade a look and make it feel cool and relevant. Keep scrolling for more, along with shopping and visual inspiration from some of the chicest Parisians.

1. Short-Sleeve Knits

A French woman in a short-sleeve knit

There is something about a short-sleeve knit that exudes elegance—especially during transitional weather. I told my friend to go for one with either trousers or a white skirt for a chic look.

H&M, Fine-Knit Sweater

H&M Fine-Knit Sweater

ANINE BING, Jackson Sweater

ANINE BING Jackson Sweater

Short Sleeve Crop Sweater

MANGO Short Sleeve Crop Sweater

Lightweight Cashmere Short-Sleeve Sweater Polo

Banana Republic Lightweight Cashmere Short-Sleeve Sweater Polo

Cotton Ringer Sweater T-Shirt

Vince Cotton Ringer Sweater T-Shirt

2. Polka-Dot Separates

A French woman in a polka-dot skirt

Fashion people (Parisians included) continue to embrace polka dots (which always feel very French). Skirts are a stylish way to test out the look with a simple shirt, but there are also forward polka-dot jackets and tops too.

Polka Dot Flare Linen Blend Skirt

MANGO Polka Dot Flare Linen Blend Skirt

Ford Dot Print Funnel Neck Plissé Top

LIONESS Ford Dot Print Funnel Neck Plissé Top

ASTR the Label, Satin Slip Skirt

ASTR the Label Satin Slip Skirt

Teddy Top

Maude Club Teddy Top

Zw Collection Polka Dot Midi Skirt

ZARA ZW Collection Polka Dot Midi Skirt

3. Sculpted Jackets

A French woman in a structured blazer

A great blazer is a Parisian staple. It’s the structured and sculpted silhouettes that are front and center as a sleek and modern pick.

Babaton, Standout Blazer

Babaton Standout Blazer

The Curvilinear Blazer

Helsa The Curvilinear Blazer

Hourglass Blazer Coat

Avec Les Filles Hourglass Blazer Coat

One-Button Blazer

Donna Karan New York One-Button Blazer

One-Button Blazer

Naked Wardrobe One-Button Blazer

4. Striped Shirts

A French woman wearing a striped shirt around the waist

I couldn’t write a story about French-feeling picks without featuring a trusty striped shirt. While you could obviously wear one as is, I love this styling trick of tying one around the waist for an effortlessly cool vibe.

Étienne Oversized Shirt in Striped Cotton Poplin

J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt in Striped Cotton Poplin

Zw Collection Striped Shirt

ZARA ZQ Collection Striped Shirt

Oversized Cotton Poplin Shirt

H&M Oversized Cotton Poplin Shirt

Next Morning Stripe Cotton Button-Up Shirt

TWP Next Morning Stripe Cotton Button-Up Shirt

The Ex-Boyfriend Stripe Shirt

Favorite Daughter The Ex-Boyfriend Stripe Shirt