French Women Know That These 6 Basics Are the Key to Creating Chic Looks

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

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

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

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

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

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

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

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

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

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(Image credit: @estellechemouny)

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

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(Image credit: @lenafarl)

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.

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Assistant Editor

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Grace has always been a lover of all things fashion and beauty. Upon receiving her first degree in visual communications from FIDM in Los Angeles, she moved to New York City and continued her education at LIM College, majoring in fashion media with a minor in society and culture. Grace has worked for PhotoBook magazine, Insider, and Harper's Bazaar. As a writer, Grace has had pieces published covering topics including racial justice, fashion, politics, and current events. During her free time, she loves wine tasting, creating content for her social media, spending time with friends, traveling to new places, and Pilates, and has a love for reality television, especially The Real Housewives. Grace is the person in your friend group everyone goes to for recommendations for the best place to grab drinks in NYC on a Friday night or the best hotels and restaurants to try when traveling to a new city. While fashion is her main love, she loves all things wellness and lifestyle as well. Her ideal sunday is brunching with friends then walking around furniture shopping and listening to a podcast. As the assistant shopping editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Grace loves finding the best buys out there for the WWW readers.