Olympics or not, there is no denying the je ne sais quoi of Parisian style. French fashion has always been an enthralling source of inspiration, from the laidback elegance of Jane Birkin to the hypnotizing allure of Brigitte Bardot. And it certainly would be a sin not to mention the industry-shifting influence of Madame Coco Chanel.
How did each of those women and several modern-day Parisiennes master the art of understated elegance? Well, it takes much more than the stereotypical striped Breton shirt, a traditional beret, and a selfie with a croissant. First, it starts with a palpable energy. Second, it’s curating a look that matches that infectious attitude.
See exactly how 10 style stars nail French fashion in our edit ahead.
The Crafty Basket Bag
The laidback spirit of summer is encapsulated in the craftiness of a woven raffia bag. While the origin of basket bags goes back to Madagascar, it’s becoming a go-to among our favorite French women—like Ellie Delphine, who demonstrates the beauty of a design elevated with a leather trim.
Brown Sugar Loafers
Yes, ballet flats might be getting a lot of talk right now, but a smart loafer is forever. Escape the crutches of trends with a sleek brown style. It’s easy to style with nearly anything, but the chocolate hue feels much more refreshing than the usual black pairs.
Good Red Flags
Dainty Kitten Heels
French women know that when you feel amazing, that energy flows from the inside to the outside, which is why uncomfortable high heels are typically a hard pass. Instead, a demure kitten heel is the chic option that allows any wearer to easily move around with grace.
Modest Chic Shorts
Throw all of the stereotypes out of the window. The most stylish French women are embracing shorts in an undeniably chic way. Instead of micro-minis or drastically distressed takes, style stars like Thylane Blondeau are leaning into long lines offered by Bermuda-esque silhouettes.
The Maximum-Impact Maxi
![capri, italy june 10 laetitia casta attends the jacquemus la casa cruise at casa malaparte on june 10, 2024 in capri, italy photo by arnold jerockiwireimage](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gettyimages-2156969686-66a8fcab5e273.jpg?resize=980:* "Jacquemus "La Casa" Cruise In Capri - Arrivals")
Classic Blazers
There’s no denying the commanding charm of a timeless blazer. Test drive the modern-day staple with a tonal outfit à la Caroline de Maigret, or mix it up with a pair of blue jeans.
Treasured Tank
Putting together the perfect outfit is all about balance. Sometimes a simple tank top is all that’s needed to punctuate a less-is-more statement. Whether you’re into reveal-and-conceal sheerness or something that looks borrowed from the boys, this is certainly the closet staple to buy in multiples.
Voluminous Jeans
The denim debate continues to skew more on the wider side of the spectrum, especially in 2024, with the uptick in demand for baggier silhouettes. Follow the lead of Jeanne Damas and pair your flared jeans with a lace-trimmed blouse, blazer, and a tiny pop of red to solidify the winning look.
A Leather Jacket
It’s a beautiful juxtaposition to see a tough leather piece styled with a shimmering knit top or how Chloé demonstrated it on the runway: next to romantic ruffle dresses. As we prepare for fall, now’s the time to add a bit of the rough edge to your transitional season wardrobe.
Alexis is the Commerce Content Lead at ELLE.com. In this first-of-its-kind role, she gets to combine her love for shopping with her obsession for innovative content strategy. Alexis is constantly thinking of new ways to elevate the online shopping experience. And when she’s not browsing the market for the latest fashion trends, you can find her nerding out listening to a business podcast or taking a long hot girl walk.