French girls have always had this . . . je ne sais quoi . . . this air of elegance that is largely unmatched. A Parisian beauty seems to simultaneously look like she only just emerged from her featherbed, but also that she's so flawless it's hard to imagine effort was not invested. The truth is, it doesn't take much coiffing to master that French-girl style. And it's all about the classics.
While they often look like they truly rolled out of bed looking like the best version of themselves, they're simply following a few key rules of style that have yet to steer them wrong. From effortless footwear [1] to the accessories that will turn your entire outfit around, find five style secrets all French girls know — and we're sharing with you. Because, armed with the perfect leather jacket, a classic Breton stripe, and a pair of ballet flats [2], we really can all conquer the world.
Ditch the Heels
Ok, maybe not all the time, but the sentiment remains that every chic girl should have an arsenal of stylish flats to take her through the days, months, and years. Find a pair of ballet flats you love? Buy them in more than one color. A loafer you can't get enough of? Shop for them in a material that feels a little more unexpected. They'll take you anywhere you have to go with ease, and you'll look killer all the while.
Margaux
Margaux x Gal Meets Glam The Demi [3] ($155)
Nine West
Nine West [4] ($79)
Gucci
Gucci Princetown Canvas Slippers [5] ($785)
Zara
Zara Patent Finish Loafers With Bow [6] ($30)
Collect Classic Shirting
Make sure to have more than one classic button-down shirt on hand, in oxford, poplin, and silk. It could be a bright white, perhaps piped or contrasted at the cuffs or maybe it's a menswear-inspired stripe that you're after. You can button it up, leave it open, tie it at the waist, or layer it over a tank. The possibilities are endless.
AYR
AYR [7] ($135)
Equipment
Equipment Slim Signature Shirt [8] ($333)
Madewell
Madewell Puff-Sleeve Popover Shirt [9] ($72)
J.Crew
J.Crew Classic-Fit Boy Shirt [10] ($70)
Invest in a Go-To Layering Piece
Whether it's a leather jacket or a blazer, depending on your preppy-meets-edgy personal style, it's important to have that single piece you can throw over everything from a pair of jeans to a cocktail dress. Above all, though, make sure it's well-tailored: a poorly fitted jacket is no one's friend.
Mango
Mango Zipped Biker Jacket [11] ($60)
Nili Lotan
Nili Lotan Diane Prince of Wales Checked Wool-Blend Blazer [12] ($850)
Maje
Maje Leather Biker-Style Jacket [13] ($595)
Veronica Beard
Veronica Beard [14] ($695)
Classic Denim Is a Non-Negotiable
We love a crazy denim trend as much as the next style-lover, but it's important that you start by investing in the classics. It could be a pair of splurge-worthy designer jeans, or perhaps a more affordable pair from your local vintage store, but there's nothing quite like a go-to pair of straight-leg or skinny jeans that will feel like a second skin, whether you're feeling your best or your worst when you wake up in the morning.
Levi's
Levi's Wedgie Straight Jeans [15] ($98)
Agolde Pinch Waist Cropped Organic High-Rise Flared Jeans
Agolde Pinch Waist Cropped Organic High-Rise Flared Jeans [16] ($178)
Raey
Raey Press Straight-Leg Jeans [17] ($150)
Brock Collection
Brock Collection Wright High Rise Straight-Leg Jeans [18] ($475)
Stripes Are Paramount
Stripes, in any way, shape, or form, are a no-question wardrobe essential when it comes to French-girl style — and they should be for you as well. A pattern that also serves as a neutral, you can effortlessly make a great Breton tee the statement piece in your look, or mix it in with contrasting prints, like a floral skirt or leopard flats. Mark our words: stock up.
Saint James
Saint James Minquiers Moderne Striped Sailor Shirt [19] ($79)
La Ligne
La Ligne Charlotte Tee [20] ($115)
H&M
H&M Boat-Necked Jersey Top [21] ($15)
Kule
Kule [22] ($98)