10 French-Girl Accessories You’ll See Everywhere in Paris
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Accessories can make or break an outfit, take a simple look and turn it into something très chic. And who better to turn to than the French to inspire us in this department?
French women know that style is all about the details. While a well-curated wardrobe lays the foundation, it’s the right accessories that elevate an outfit without much effort.
Leather crossbodies, silky scarves and the perfect pair of gold hoops, here are 10 classic accessories that define French style—and how to wear them with Parisian panache.
10 French-Girl Accessories
1. Silk Scarf
Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn and Catherine Deneuve might all come to mind at the mention of this accessory. Whether tied around the neck, worn as a headband, or knotted onto a handbag, the French foulard is an easy way to play with pattern and pops of color.
Hermès does it best with some of the finest silk scarves, each one sure to become an elegant staple in your wardrobe. Longchamp is another French favorite to turn to for a more accessible selection that looks just as chic.
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2. Crossbody Bag
Bye bye baguette bags—what French girls are actually carrying day-to-day is a more practical style: the crossbody. It’s the ultimate city companion when you need only the essentials (and want them all easily accessible).
If you’re a long-time reader of the blog, you’ll know I have a fondness for A.P.C. I’ve been carrying their bags for years now, and they remain some of my absolute favorites.
Another standout brand is Sézane, which always comes out with a range of seasonal textures, from snakeskin to suede, and luxe colors. Their Milo Classic Bag is one of the best Sézane pieces for classic French style.
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3. Sunglasses
The chicest of French women rely on a pair of stylish shades to upgrade any outfit—and in particular, timeless models like the oval-shaped Triomphe Sunglasses from CELINE, or sleek cat-eye shapes that give vintage glamour.
More recently, Le Specs’ Outta Love Sunglasses have become a more affordable favorite that looks straight out of Jeanne Damas’ closet.
As soon as the sunny days return, you won’t find it hard to spot these sunglasses styles in the French capital—perfect for some discreet people-watching at Café de Flore.
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4. Leather Belt
While French women aren’t afraid to go bold with belts, their daily staple is more often something simple. A slim leather belt with a modest buckle is always in their closets.
As France has a rich tradition of leather craftsmanship, brand names matter less than finding a high-quality piece. Ever since moving to France, I’ve even started shopping at my local maroquinerie (leather shop) over big department stores.
My most recent find came from Maison Boinet—an under-the-radar French brand that’s been in the belt business since 1858.
If you can’t shop French, I’ve curated a selection of leather belts that are available in the U.S. (and Parisian-approved).
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5. Hoop Earrings
When it comes to jewelry, the French typically keep it pretty simple. A pair of créoles (hoop earrings), in particular, are an essential earring in their jewelry collection. Silver or gold, chunky or thin—it doesn’t matter as long as they are timeless enough to wear season after season.
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6. Woven Basket Bag
Although it started as a summer staple, the basket bag has become year-round favorite in Paris, worn by French it-girls like Jeanne Damas and Louise Follain. Of course, we can’t talk about the basket bag without paying homage to the original muse— the ever-iconic Jane Birkin, who transformed this humble carryall into an enduring symbol of French style.
While Jane’s version was famously round and structured, slouchier totes are just as beloved—and roomy enough for a trips to the market, beach days, and everything in between.
Chloé and Muuñ would be my first stops for woven bags that go with everything from trench coats to sundresses.
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7. Sheer Black Tights
Tights are a French accessory that should not be overlooked. In fact, no French girl survives fall and winter without a pair (or two) in her closet.
Black sheer are clear staples. Whether styled with a mini skirt and Mary Janes for Parisian prep or a little black dress and kitten heels for a sophisticated kind of soirée, they make a smart foundation to your look when it feels a bit fresh outside.
That said, printed and colorful variations deserve your attention, too. You’ll find floral fishnets, polka dot prints, and even statement shades in the streets of Paris.
For tights that are both stylish and affordable, Calzedonia remains a go-to in every French girl’s arsenal.
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8. Slim Wallet
Many of us focus on what purse we are carrying without much consideration for what’s inside. No matter your bag du jour, whether it’s a sleek crossbody or an oversized tote, don’t forget a stylish wallet to go in it.
Something slimmer is what you’ll typically find in a French girl’s purse—a wallet or cardholder that’s large enough to hold cards and cash without being too bulky.
And when it comes to color, matching your wallet to your bag or choosing a contrasting hue (like black and red or brown and blue) is always chic.
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9. Medallion Necklace
Image credit: @louisedamas
An accessory that exudes the charm of a family heirloom is a medallion necklace—another penchant of Parisians. Celestial motifs and initial details are especially popular, and ones I constantly see in collections from brands like Maje and Louise Damas.
Layered to the max or worn simply solo, it’s an easy way to accessorize like a French girl. I particularly love this piece in my French summer wardrobe. Styled with a bathing suit, linen shorts and an unbuttoned cotton shirt—in my opinion, it’s a pairing parfait.
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10. Bold Eyeglasses
One possibly surprising accessory that I see quite often in France is bold eyeglasses. Beyond the fashion girlies too—I’ve spotted so many stylish Parisian men and even children with colorful frames, far more often than in the U.S.
The trendiest French eyewear brand has to be Jimmy Fairly. For nearly 15 years, they’ve been designing some of the best glasses, worn by all your favorite Parisian influencers. From oversized tortoiseshell designs to sleek wire-rimmed styles, they have something for everyone. Equally chic is their selection of sunglasses.
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Add any of these 10 Parisian accessories to your wardrobe for classic French style. I’m reaching for the ones on this list almost daily.
What are your favorite French-girl accessories? Let me know in the comments below.
