DRESS LIKE A FRENCH GIRL - 10 CAPSULE WARDROBE STAPLE

Unveiling the Elegance of Parisian Style Staples

There's something captivating about the way French women effortlessly exude style and sophistication. From the bustling streets of Paris to the quaint cafes in Provence, their fashion sense is a perfect blend of timeless elegance and understated allure. If you've ever wondered how to capture that elusive French je ne sais quoi in your wardrobe, read on as we uncover the key style staples and tips to dress like a chic Parisian.

French women mostly subscribe to classic aesthetic, wearing pieces on rotation and always always dressing in sync with the weather. You can easily make this work for their own wardrobe by having these classic staples and wearing them over again and again mixing and matching and curating their own style.

French girl style has been written and dissected exponentially. But, I want to share my take on french girl “effortless” style ON A BUDGET. I understand that not everyone has a budget to afford designer brands, so let me share my tips which I have learnt over the years shopping and building my wardrobe from high street brands and evolving my personal style.

French style resonate with effortless and chic but definitely keeping in mind your own personal style. French girls invest in good quality pieces, they usually do not run after fashion trends and they do not shy away from shopping second hand and vintage pieces. It is all about mixing and matching high and low. So, in this blog post I will share my tips on achieving the goal of ‘dressing like a french girl on a budget.’

When it comes to french dressing style there are 3 most important garments that absolutely crucial to kick start your french inspired fashion. Denim, midi skirts & blazers. DO NOT COMPLICATE IT AND STICK TO 3 COLOUR RULES. We are going for that effortless and chic with atleast one key piece in the outfit that stand out from the rest. classic cute and shapes and simple prints likes stripes. if monochrome is not your vibe then add a burst of colour either in your actual outfit or in the form of accessories and footwear.

Here are 10 staples to achieve that perfect French girl Capsule Wardrobe.

10 CAPSULE WARDROBE STAPLES FOR A FRENCH WOMAN

Cardigans // Silk skirt // Denims // Coats // Knee high boots // Button down shirt // Leather trousers // Shoulder bags // Midi dresses // Classic red lip

1. Embrace the Art of Effortlessness

French style is all about appearing effortlessly put together. Opt for pieces that showcase simplicity and versatility. Start with a well-tailored blazer, a quintessential staple in a French woman's wardrobe. Whether you're wearing it over a classic white tee or a silk blouse, a blazer instantly elevates any outfit. Pair it with straight-leg jeans for a casual yet refined look, or throw it over a little black dress for an evening out.

2. Invest in Quality Basics

A French woman's closet is built on timeless basics. Crisp white shirts, well-fitted jeans, and the iconic Breton striped top are essential pieces that create a foundation for numerous outfits. Seek quality fabrics and impeccable tailoring to ensure longevity and a polished appearance.

3. Curate a Capsule Wardrobe

French women are masters of the capsule wardrobe. Instead of filling your closet with endless options, focus on a curated collection of versatile pieces. Think about how each item can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. A small, well-chosen selection ensures you always have something stylish to wear without the clutter.

4. Master the Art of Accessories

Accessories are the finishing touch that can transform an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. French women often opt for subtle and refined accessories that enhance their overall look. A silk scarf tied around the neck, a classic leather handbag, or a pair of elegant sunglasses can instantly elevate your style.

5. Embrace Neutral Tones

French fashion is synonymous with a neutral color palette. Incorporate shades like black, white, navy, and beige into your wardrobe. These colors are timeless and effortlessly complement each other. Plus, they create a canvas for showcasing statement accessories or a bold lip color.

6. Balance High and Low Fashion

French women are experts at mixing high-end pieces with more affordable finds. Don't be afraid to invest in a beautifully tailored blazer or designer handbag, but complement them with well-chosen, budget-friendly items. This mix of luxury and accessible fashion showcases your ability to curate a unique and stylish ensemble.

7. Confidence is Key

Perhaps the most important element of French style is confidence. No matter what you're wearing, carry yourself with an air of self-assuredness. French women wear their clothes with poise, and that confidence is what truly sets them apart.

***COSY CARDIGANS***
Cardigans are a must have staple during colder months as a layering piece. One can definitely experiment with the length of the cardigan and the pattern on them. You can go for chic aesthetic with pastel colours or you can check out some charity or thrift stores for that grandad aesthetic. Lately, I am into longer cardigans layered under an overcoat.

Midi SKIRTS

Silk skirts can be worn throughout the year. They are quite versatile as a clothing piece and they look effortlessly chic as well. Just for you keep in mind, here I am talking about midi skirts as opposed to shorter skirts. Definitely invest in a couple of skirts which you can wear year after year season after season. One of my favourite ways to style silk skirts is to pair them with cashmere roll like some knee-high boots and a cosy overcoat on top.

Silk skirts are so versatile that you can definitely take them from day to night instantly. Absolutely love the flow of the skirt as you move and it does have that feminine charm. If you don't like heavily feminine or girly outfits then you can definitely balance out the skirt with more chunky and androgynous looking boots. This gives sort of a roughness to your outfit rather than being highly feminine. ??????

DENIMS

French woman if not always but most of the time can be seen rocking their denims. Investing in a good pair of jeans is always a good idea but you do not have to break your bank you can definitely check out some nice vintage and thrift stores where you can find some vintage Levi's. There are a number of cuts, shapes and silhouettes of denims available right now so you can choose the cut & the shape that suits your body shape. .But just for instance a straighter cut denim and jeans is quite a classic. it's stylish and androgynous at the same time. Style them up with some heeled ankle boots, a jumper and a checked blazer on top for a crisp autumn morning.

***COATS***
If you live in a colder climate and you are building your capsule wardrobe overcoats always have the first priority as out of as are the first thing that you need whenever you go out most of the most time of the year time of the year. I always rely on my trusted camel coat season after season so for me a camel coat is a capsule wardrobe staple.
If you are on a budget then High Street stores like Mango and Zara they have a good selection of overcoats that you can choose from or one of my favourite ways to is to hit some vintage stores all you need is patience but you can definitely find the coat that you love.

KNEE HIGH BOOTS

While growing up I always saw supermodels a rocking knee-high boots and or I always thought to myself wow I really want to try out that style but then I was young, my mom did not let me buy knee-high boots just for one season but cut to the adult life right now I have two pair of knee-high boots that I absolutely swear by and decode ????? every year in autumn and winter!

If you are a fan of wearing dresses and skirts during cold months knee-high boots would come in really handy as they keep you warm covering up your legs keeping you really warm you can layer will and tights inside to keep you extra warm from the cold but they do serve a style questions as well.?????????????/

BUTTON DOWN SHIRT

Whether be it work wear or just casual outfit, a button down shirt always comes in handy! They do however come in different colours and shapes, you have to pick the one which suits your body shape. I, for one love a classic cut button down shirt that I can tuck inside my favourite denims or my favourite slouchy trousers.

You can definitely see French women styling their favourite shirt over and over again. It could be a boyfriend fit or a classic cut. Sharing few of my favourite button down shirts that I have tried and tested three years and they never disappoint me.

LEATHER TROUSERS OR FAUX LEATHER TROUSERS

I consider leather trousers the elevated version of regular ones. Whenever you need some oomph in your outfits, go for leather or faux leather trousers. They cam be dressed up or down depending what mood you are in. Style them up with pointed toe boots or pumps , a chunky sweater and a red lip.

SHOULDER BAGS OR MINI BAGS

Shoulder bags are mini bags definitely have that vintage feel and vibe to them. You cannot fit your life inside them as they are not the most practical bags, but they do make cutest accessory to your outfit. Depending upon what your style and your budget is you can find these kind of bags in a thrift store or vintage stores or you can go for designer route and get a designer and invest in a designer bag for yourself.

MIDI DRESSES

There is nothing more elegant than a midi dress. .But midi dresses do not have to be feminine you can definitely toughened them up by styling them with chunky boots and oversized coat. Midi dresses can be donned throughout the year by doing a simple tricks while styling and layering according to the weather. I think Mary dresses are a great balance between being modest and stylish at the same time the length and the silhouette makes them modest and while styling them with the right accessory you can give more dresses a more contemporary look.

CLASSIC RED LIP

Red lipstick is something that you should always have in your arsenal. Applying a classic red lip can easily take your outfit from day to night in a matter of seconds. French women always resort to a red lip with most basic outfit and it just looks so effortless and chic. Here are few recommendations for a classic red pout.

In Conclusion

To dress like a French woman, prioritize quality, simplicity, and versatility in your wardrobe. Invest in timeless basics, curate a capsule collection, and choose accessories that enhance your look without overpowering it. Embrace the elegance of a neutral color palette, balance high and low fashion, and above all, wear your clothes with confidence. By following these style staples, you'll capture the essence of Parisian chic and leave a lasting impression wherever you go.