6 French Girl Outfits You Can Wear All Year Long
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French women have a way of making style look completely effortless. It’s always polished but never feels overdone, like every piece was chosen with care—but without overthinking it. That’s the beauty of French fashion. It’s balance, subtlety, and confidence all wrapped into one.
If you're a fan of French style but don’t know where to start, I’ve put together 6 classic French girl outfits you can wear year-round. They’re perfect for spring and fall but can easily transition into summer and winter. Whether you’re heading out for a casual coffee or a romantic dinner, these looks will help you channel your inner French girl. Plus, they're a great starting point for building a French capsule wardrobe or simply refreshing your closet for a new season.
1. The Boxy Blazer
The beauty of French girl style lies in its effortless chicness, and this outfit perfectly embodies that. The star of the ensemble is a double-breasted boxy blazer. I’m loving this option from Frame with thoughtful details like notch lapels and flap pockets. It brings structure to the look while maintaining a laissez-faire vibe—very French indeed. If you’re looking for a more accessible alternative, the Diana blazer from Tuckernuck is another stylish choice.
Underneath, layer a basic white tee for classic comfort. This wardrobe staple complements the tailored blazer beautifully and keeps things feeling relaxed.
Pair it with some flared pocket jeans for something a bit retro. These Le Slim Palazzo jeans from Frame bring that coveted je ne sais quoi to the outfit. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a wide-leg silhouette for that quintessential French flair.
Black ballet flats are oh-so-chic, yet completely practical for running errands or enjoying a casual day out. Classic white sneakers would fit right in with this look too if you prefer to dress it down even more.
Complete the outfit with a sleek black shoulder bag that effortlessly ties the ensemble together. And for some subtle accessorizing, consider adding these twisted gold hoops from French jewelry brand Gas Bijoux. These earrings are anything but basic, yet make a timeless addition to your jewelry collection.
Why it works year-round: This look is one you can adapt throughout the year. In warmer months, the boxy blazer can be worn over a simple tee or even a sundress for an added layer. As the weather cools down, layer it over a cashmere knit and swap the flats for ankle boots. The combination of tailored and casual pieces makes it a go-to outfit any time of year.
2. The Midi Skirt
French girl outfits often involve a mix of classic pieces with unexpected pairings, and the combo of a sleek midi skirt and cozy knitwear is the perfect example. The contrast between a casual top and a more elegant bottom feels so effortlessly French.
To achieve this look, start with a silky midi skirt like the Sandy skirt from Sézane—it’s so timeless and will carry you through countless outfits.
Pair it with a short-sleeved sweater for that soft, feminine touch that balances out the sleekness of the skirt. The pointelle puff-sleeve sweater is a personal favorite for its romantic feel. For something more budget-friendly, this puff-sleeve sweater tee from Madewell is just as gorgeous. If you want a long-sleeve option, the Stacy jumper from Sézane is another winner.
To keep things playful, yet polished, slip into a pair of Mary Jane pumps. Carel’s Alice Mary Jane pumps are a French classic that are comfortable enough for all-day wear and give off that perfect chic touch.
Finish the look with pearl drop earrings—another nod to classic French style—and a stylish black top-handle bag. If you want to amp up the Parisian flair, add a simple black hair accessory like this 60s-inspired headband from Dôen.
Why it works year-round: In spring and summer, the short-sleeved sweater keeps you cool while the midi skirt gives you that breezy feel. For fall and winter, swap the top for a long-sleeve knit or layer up with a jacket. Add tights, and you're all set! This combo is effortlessly chic, no matter the season.
3. The Classic Trench Coat
The trench coat is a true staple of classic French style. It instantly elevates any look, making even the simplest outfit feel pulled together.
For this outfit, the A.P.C. Greta trench coat serves as a stunning statement piece that elevates the entire look. Underneath, I’ve added this gorgeous ruffled cotton-voile blouse from Dôen that lends some femininity and softness to the look, making it a perfect contrast to the structured trench.
Style this with high-rise wide-leg jeans, like the popular Wilder jeans from Reformation. The high-rise fit always proves flattering, accentuating your waist and creating a beautiful silhouette.
Complete the look with brown ankle boots from Margaux. They’re chic yet comfortable, ideal for wandering around the city while keeping that refined French look. The rich brown tone ties in beautifully with the overall color palette of this outfit.
You also won’t want to leave the house without a matching leather tote bag—undeniably sophisticated but also practical for carrying all your essentials.
Why it works year-round: The trench coat is the ultimate layering piece. In the spring, it’s perfect for breezy days over lighter fabrics, and it can effortlessly be thrown over a summer dress on cooler evenings. Transition into fall by adding a cozy knit underneath, and during winter, layer it over a thick turtleneck sweater. Its classic silhouette makes it a French style essential that you can rely on year after year.
4. The Knit Cardigan
This is a signature French girl outfit: effortlessly chic, incredibly comfortable, and endlessly versatile. When I’m stuck on what to wear, I always reach for a cozy cardigan and my favorite pair of jeans—they never fail me, no matter the season.
Start with a soft, long-sleeve knit cardigan, like the Petra cardigan from Dôen. It’s feminine and so easy to style—for this look, I’ve layered it over a simple white tee to keep things relaxed. You can keep it buttoned for a more put-together look or leave a few undone for that laid-back, French girl feel.
Pair it with high-rise, wide-leg jeans. A light wash adds a nice contrast against the darker tones of the cardigan, the wide-leg cut gives a bit of retro flair, a key element of French girl style.
For shoes, these chestnut suede block heels from Margaux are the perfect choice. They’re super comfortable for walking around all day, but their elegant shape elevates the whole look. The rich chestnut shade ties in beautifully with the Ella crossbody bag from Le Tanneur, which features that same suede texture. The matching tones pull the outfit together in a cohesive, chic way. Ça, j'adore !
Subtly accessorize the outfit with a dainty pendant necklace. It’s the kind of detail that pulls everything together without overdoing it.
Why it works year-round: This outfit transitions seamlessly from season to season. In the warmer months, wear the cardigan open over a light tee, and in the colder months, button it up and layer a coat on top. The wide-leg jeans and block heels work just as well in the heat as they do in cooler weather.
5. The Breton Striped Top
When you think of French girl outfits, the iconic Breton striped tee comes to mind immediately. While I definitely reach for mine most during summer, it’s a piece you can wear all year long, no matter the occasion. The timeless stripes bring some Parisian panache that makes any outfit feel instantly elevated.
To start, grab a Breton top—Saint James and Armor Lux are two famous French brands known for their authentic striped sailor tees. For this outfit, I went with the Patch Coeur sweater from Maison Labiche, featuring everyone’s favorite French phrase “je ne sais quoi” embroidered in red for a playful detail.
Pair it with black straight-leg pants that hit just above the ankle. The slight crop not only gives a modern touch but also lets you show off your shoes. Speaking of shoes, you can’t go wrong with ballet flats. I opted for pointed-toe flats from Dôen, but classic ballerinas or block heels work just as well. The pointed-toe silhouette adds a polished, more refined feel to the outfit, while still keeping it comfortable and easy to wear.
To finish the look, a black crossbody bag, like the Betty bag from A.P.C., is perfect. It’s sleek, minimal, and just the right size for carrying your essentials without taking over the outfit.
And of course, no French girl outfit is complete without a bold red lip—Chanel’s Gabrielle is my favorite shade for that perfect Parisian pout. A quick swipe of red lipstick turns this otherwise casual outfit into something special.
The combination of a simple striped shirt and pants is a no-brainer for anyone wanting to nail classic French style.
Why it works year-round: The Breton top is as versatile as they come. In warmer months, pair it with cropped pants and flats for an easy, breezy look, or swap in espadrilles for a beach day. When it gets cooler, layer a trench coat or blazer over the top and trade your flats for ankle boots. This look proves that sometimes, the simplest pieces are the most timeless.
6. The Tailored Suit
When it comes to mastering French girl style, a tailored suit is a must-have. Whether you wear the pieces together or mix and match, you can style it more masculine or feminine depending on your mood. It’s one of those looks that can take you anywhere.
A navy blazer paired with matching navy pants feels effortlessly sleek and perfect for almost any occasion. While black is always a chic choice, navy has that same timeless appeal but feels a little fresher. Sézane has some amazing options in a variety of colors—I'm loving with the Romane jacket paired with the Mattheo trousers. You can choose from classic neutrals or go for bolder hues, depending on your style.
For an office-ready look, layer a crisp blue button-down underneath for the ideal mix of professional and simply chic. When it comes to shoes, classic loafers tie the whole outfit together. The Agathea loafers from Reformation are my favorite—comfortable, but still give off that preppy vibe. A timeless brown crossbody like the A.P.C. Astra bag pulls the look together—I personally love how brown plays against the blue tones for a bit of contrast.
Why it works year-round: A suit is incredibly versatile. In the warmer months, you can wear the blazer over a simple tank and trousers (or even shorts!) for a chic, yet casual look. You can also pair the trousers with sandals and a tee for an elevated daytime ensemble.
When it’s cold out, layer the blazer over a turtleneck or light sweater to stay cozy without losing any style. And, of course, a well-fitting pair of trousers is essential for your winter wardrobe!
When you find yourself at a loss for what to wear, look no further than these six French girl outfits for effortlessly chic style that transcends the seasons. From the timeless trench coat to the casual Breton top, French women know how to take classic pieces and turn them into something iconic. Take a cue from them and make getting dressed a joy every day.
Which of these French girl outfits is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below.
