I Asked 3 Parisian Women About the Must-Haves Every French Woman Has in Her Closet

We’re talking not too loose, not too skinny, but the ultimate straight-leg vintage jean in a classic blue or black wash with no distressing (though a raw hem is OK). “When you find a pair that looks good on you, you’ll wear it ‘til you die,” says Yolaine. Her tip: Opt for a classic silhouette in raw denim or fabrics with very little stretch, which will never go out of style. Choose whatever rise you like best, but make sure the length hits within an inch of your ankles.

Another classic style, structured knee-high boots of just about any variety are an absolute must-have for copying French style. Seen on the likes of content creator Emmanuelle Koffi and model Anouchka Gauthier, knee-high boots are super sexy—especially when paired with black stockings. And it doesn’t matter whether you prefer a riding style, pointy-toe stilettos or a croc-embossed block heel so long as you stick to neutral hues (black, brown or tan). And be sure to store them correctly so they don’t start to slouch or crease over time; this look is all about that sharp, structured silhouette.

Whether it’s a sharp peacoat, classic trench coat or slimming belted duster, long coats help to lengthen your frame—even for the most petite among us—and almost always looks more polished than a cropped cut. “Oftentimes this is a trench coat, but it doesn't have to be,” notes Taylor. “A mid-weight coat in a sturdy cotton or structured wool is the perfect anchor for a French woman's effortless, ‘I'm just walking around Paris’ look.” And when it comes to colorways, Taylor adds that most French women prefer solid patterns and muted tones so they have more versatile styling options (like adding a bold bag or a statement scarf). Think: navy, black and, of course, the beloved tan.

The little black dress is the bread and butter of any French woman’s wardrobe. “It will make you feel confident and chic in any situation,” says Argenson. “And you can wear it during any time of the year.” These frocks work for weekend errands, drinks with friends, dinner parties and even days at the office (it’s all about finding the right accessories). Opt for fabrics that won’t wrinkle easily, patterns and colors that aren’t too trendy or too season-specific and choose more modest silhouettes over skimpy minis, like a jersey wrap dress or midi shirtdress. If you want to wear your LBD like the French would, Argenson recommends throwing on your favorite pair of flats, donning a casual jean jacket or sporting a statement handbag.

If she’s not wearing jeans or a dress, your French alter ego should opt for tailored pants in a flattering wide-leg cut. Our French fashion-heavy social feeds don’t lie, trousers are always très chic. (We’re looking at you, Ines de la Fressange.) Whether you prefer pressed chinos or plaid wool, so long as they have an impeccable fit, you’re golden. Tuck in your blouse or sweater to emphasize your waist and lend a posh vibe to your ensemble.

One of our absolute favorite combinations of fashion and function, we often see on Parisians like Léna Fari and Yolaine wear a rendition of the très classic Mary Jane heels. Shoes with a slim, one- to two-inch heel have the same leg-lengthening effect as a four-inch style, but won’t have you hobbling after a few hours. This is doubly true with a roomy square or round toe and extra strappy style for an ultra-chic finish. Similarly, the more walkable ballet flat, which remains a constant staple choice of footwear amongst the French, has steadily made its way back into the American fashion zeitgeist, with all manners of the shoe in high demand, from ballet flats with straps to those with durable arch support. My personal favorite: the Rothy’s Mary Jane, exquisitely marrying the two Parisian styles in perfect harmony.

While French fashionistas are currently loving a Canadian tuxedo, you’ll want to swap your all-American denim jacket for one with a Parisian twist—a sharp, slightly oversize blazer—if you’re all about tradition. The best versions are those in solid, neutral hues, like a beige linen number for summer or black wool for winter, rather than funky patterns or super-bright shades. But as French femmes like Alice Pilate and Sylvie Mus have shown us, you can also swap in those neutrals for a checkered or houndstooth blazer. (Bonus points if it’s vintage.)

Yes, cardigans are a nice way to add some warmth to your outfit, but for French women, they also function as tops. Scroll through any Parisian influencer’s Instagram and you’ll see lots of them buttoning up their cardigans and tucking them into jeans or knotting them over a midi skirt like a blouse. Like a cozy cashmere sweater, finding a signature cardigan to add to your wardrobe is a must in Yolaine’s handbook. According to her, the key is to invest in a few cardigans that hit right at your hips or the waistband of your pants and that can be buttoned up without buckling or pulling. (Her go-to? A classic Agnès B cardigan.)

Think less pleated A-line and more floaty shapes or even a pencil slip skirt or denim number. These “go with anything” skirts should hit somewhere between just below the knee to mid-calf, and are loose enough to have some movement. Just like the “throw on and go” little black dress, wrinkle-resistant fabrics are best. And while we love a solid hue for mixing and matching, floral patterned and textured skirts are a great way to add a little pop between basic separates, as Jeanne Damas and Zoé Derian show us.