I'm the type of person who loves a great basic. I'm not afraid of trying a new trend and love to have fun with my clothes, but any true fashion person knows that a great collection of basics is the backbone of any stellar closet. An ideal basic, for me, has to be versatile and something that I catch myself wearing on repeat. When it comes to style, who better to get tips from than French fashion people? I haven't been to Paris yet, so embracing French-girl style is as close to the Eiffel Tower as I'll be getting for now. After spending some time looking through the Instagram feeds of stylish Parisians wearing their favorite chic and stylish basics, I noticed six items that I could see myself wearing, look good on everyone, and are no-brainers when it comes to simple styling.
Keep scrolling to see the six French girl approved basics I've been shopping lately.
Tube Top
Over the past few years, the tube top has left the category of Y2K go-to and become a favored basic in New York, Los Angeles, London, and Paris. This top can be paired with basically every bottom under the sun: trousers, a midi skirt, jeans, cargo pants… If you can name it, you can style a tube top with it. Every It girl has a few in her closet.
Button-Down Shirt
Who doesn't love a button-down shirt? I love how put-together they make any outfit look and feel. Whether you style yours with jeans or a miniskirt or wear it as a cover-up on a beach day, I think we can all agree a button-down is a must-have.
Miniskirt
Oh, the miniskirt—the hemline length that now reigns supreme. As someone who falls on the petite side, I am personally a huge fan. I love the short length for summer, but I plan on wearing miniskirts with tights all fall long.
Straight-Leg Denim
If there's one thing a Parisian girl loves, it's a pair of tailored straight-leg jeans. While denim is more on the casual side, this cut has a more elevated feel and can definitely be dressed up.
Leather Belt
Don't underestimate the power of a simple leather belt. I'd wear a belt with a pair of denim and a white tank top—so simple yet classic and chic.
Retro Sunglasses
Sunglasses are like the cherry on top of an outfit. I never leave home without a pair. Lately, I am seeing French girls embrace retro-style sunglasses, especially cat-eye glasses. I just got a pair myself, and I can't wait to wear them.
Next, check out these shopping guides.
-
If You Want to Look More French, This Is the #1 Pant Trend to Buy and the Shoes to Wear With ThemAs seen on an It girl in Paris.
-
Black Heels Are Fine, But in France, Everyone Knows This Shoe Color Looks Better With White DressesSpotted at Versailles.
-
I Just Got Back From Paris and Saw These 4 Summer Trends on the Chicest WomenFrench-girl summer.
-
Hold the Sneakers—This Is the Classy Flat-Shoe Style French Women Wear With 3 Different Casual PantsThe chicest look.
-
Don't Pack Up Your Sweaters Just Yet—Cool Fashion People Are Repurposing Them in the Chicest Way for SummerAll the outfit inspiration is inside.
-
Spotted at the Ritz Paris: The Flat-Shoe Trend Chic Parisians Wear With Capris, Miniskirts, and JeansA do-it-all type of shoes.
-
If Your Summer 2025 Goal Is to Look "More French," Buy These 8 Items ImmediatelyA great goal to have.
-
You Don't Have to Fly to the French Riviera to Look Like a Regular at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc—Just Wear ThisSofia Richie Grainge coded.
