CAROLYN ARENTSON

French outfits are great. The classiness. The timelessness. Need I go on? But easy 6 piece outfits are also great. So what happens when you put those two together? You’ve got a chic look that required basically no effort. Can I get a yes please and I’ll take six?!

1. lightweight cashmere sweater + flare jeans + low block heel + straw bag + beret + pearl earrings

The pieces needed in this look are easy to come by and extremely versatile! In a French outfit, you’ll see jeans worn in a more classic style. No huge rips and paint splatters all over. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with dark denim.

Full disclosure my sweater isn’t 100% cashmere, but the French buy the best quality of what they can afford, choosing to get more expensive and luxe fabrics. When encapsulating the French you won’t be wearing platform heels, instead, opt for a sensible low block heel.

Straw bags are a spring and summer staple, but I love them in fall and winter too, when styled correctly. They add that right amount of texture that’s needed to make a look more interesting. And finally a beret, because why not?

2. tall boots + trench coat + dress + silk scarf + dainty necklace + baker boy hat

Though ankle boots are usually the go-to for French women, it doesn’t mean they don’t rock a taller boot every now and then!
Trench coats are quintessentially French, but you can still be American and rock one!

You can pair this look with black or sheer tights in the cooler months. It’s a chic way to keep those legs warm! For accessories, I’m giving my beret a break and wearing a newsboy/baker boy cap instead. I finished this look off with a silk scarf and minimal gold jewelry because less is more (well, sometimes hehe).

4. beret + black sweater + black cigarette pants + cap toe heels + bag + pearl earrings

If I had to pick one color to wear for the rest of my life it would be…wait for it….black! Are you shocked? Annoying fact aside that it shows all lint and every stray hair that falls from my head, black is slimming, matches everything, and forever in style.

Cigarette pants are another Parisian style go-to. Earlier I said when in doubt, go with dark denim and now I’m adding when in doubt, go straight! These cap toe shoes keep in theme with a low block heel for a classy way to dress up a look. You can’t see the earrings, but that makes 6!

5. high waist crop flare jeans + tee + moto jacket + sneakers + beret + sunglasses

When trench coats and blazers are taking a break, French women pull out their moto jackets.
As you know, French style usually equals neutrals, but when they do dabble in color they aren’t afraid of a little red! Whether it’s in the lips or pops here and there, they balance it out with other neutrals. I’m wearing the iconic style of crop flare jeans paired with sneakers for a look that is playful yet chic.

6. button down + maxi skirt + sunglasses + clutch + heels + belt

Blouses and button downs are essentials in a French woman’s wardrobe and this top paired with this maxi skirt makes for the perfect evening or going out look. The skirt is very dramatic, so everything else is kept simple with black heels, black sunglasses, and a black clutch. As you know, tailoring is a big deal, so I finished off the look with a belt to add that polished feel.

Once you see it all broken down it’s pretty easy to copy these french outfits, right? I hope so because that was my goal! Whether you’re going out and about or out on the town, you’re sure to look Parisian chic by following these formulas. What’s your favorite french outfit out of these?