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
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
ANINE BING Jackson Sweater
MANGO Short Sleeve Crop Sweater
Banana Republic Lightweight Cashmere Short-Sleeve Sweater Polo
Vince Cotton Ringer Sweater T-Shirt
2. Polka-Dot Separates
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.
MANGO Polka Dot Flare Linen Blend Skirt
LIONESS Ford Dot Print Funnel Neck Plissé Top
ASTR the Label Satin Slip Skirt
Maude Club Teddy Top
ZARA ZW Collection Polka Dot Midi Skirt
3. Sculpted Jackets
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
Helsa The Curvilinear Blazer
Avec Les Filles Hourglass Blazer Coat
Donna Karan New York One-Button Blazer
Naked Wardrobe One-Button Blazer
4. Striped Shirts
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.
J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt in Striped Cotton Poplin
ZARA ZQ Collection Striped Shirt
H&M Oversized Cotton Poplin Shirt
TWP Next Morning Stripe Cotton Button-Up Shirt
Favorite Daughter The Ex-Boyfriend Stripe Shirt