Whenever you're struggling with a lack of ideas surrounding your outfit creation process, leave it to the French girls to completely reboot your inspiration. When you're simply trying to get through the throes of a grey winter, it's hard to come out on the other side feeling excited about New Year fashion. Everything has been grey, wet and unbelievably cold, so it's hard to have buttery and pastel knits top of mind or consider anything lighter than a down puffer coat. Fortunately, these French girl 2026 fashion trends are guaranteed to ignite the excitement for a new season.
I won't overwhelm you with flowery dresses and lightweight fabrics. No, as much as they are chic, French women always feature sleek functionality in their new-season outfits, too. Whether that's a well-styled jacket that doubles as another layer or a pair of shoes that are gorgeous but suitable for unreliable weather. This year's trends are no different. You can expect scarf belts that drape over anything you're wearing, knits that cater to both cooler and warmer days and tailored suits that work for the weeks that still feel far too wintery.
If you're ready to start updating your wardrobe for warmer seasons ahead (finally), scroll on for seven trends French girls are wearing in spring 2026 and beyond.
French-Girl Fashion Trends for 2026:
1. Off-the-Shoulder Tops
Style Notes: An off-the-shoulder top signifies the start of warmer days, and the more interesting and dramatic the better. Anne-Laure's example is perfection, sliding all the way down to the wrist, which gives your outfit extra texture and unique draping. There are no shortage of options, depending on your personal style, and they're a perfect introduction to spring as you can still opt for long-sleeve options when it's cold.
Shop Off-the Shoulder Tops:
This has "French style" written all over it.
Shorter sleeves for warmer spring days.
This also comes in cream and brick red too.
One for cooler spring days as it's made of cashmere.
2. Scarf Belts
Style Notes: Scarves are quickly becoming a favourite fashion-person accessory. And not just the thick, cosy scarves of winter. Silk and satin scarf belts first appeared on celebs last spring, and now they're back, being worn in a variety of creative ways. Franny's styling is superb, as it gives her jacket a trendy, waisted silhouette (even if it's not sewn that way). These can be styled as belts around your waist or hips, and can also be draped across your torso or shoulders. Have a play, and you'll find what works for you.
Shop Scarves:
Tie around your waist over maxi dresses and skirts for boho energy.
Such a cool, graphic print.
Toteme's scarf has become a classic.
Blue will be everywhere this year, and my eye is definitely on this sky blue Gucci scarf.
3. Elevated Loungwear
Style Notes: Winter is the season of loungewear, and if you're not ready to give up your cosy trousers and sweaters, there are ways to elevate them for spring. Just look at Sabina's take. Her striped trousers and collared jumper feel instantly more sophisticated thanks to her kitten heels and crescent bag. When you choose loungewear in sleek colours and made from luxe materials, it's easier to wear these pieces outside of your home.
Shop Loungewear:
Cosy enough to wear indoors, chic enough to wear out.
Wear with a blazer like this and your joggers are instantly elevated.
These cashmere lounge trousers scream quiet luxury. They come in four neutral colours.
This "borrowed from the boys" jumper slots nicely into your relaxed outfits and those you wear to dinner.
4. Sleeveless Short-Sleeve Knits
Style Notes: Time to swap the turtlenecks and thick cashmere jumpers for lighter knits. This year, French women have been opting for the very chic sleeveless knit, which gives you a layer of warmth without feeling overbearing for spring. I've spotted a penchant for both sleeveless and short-sleeve options this season, which work well with jeans, trousers and skirts alike.
Shop Knitwear:
A buttery ivory coloured knit is made for spring.
The knit to go with everything.
Pair it with a midi skirt, jeans or elevated trousers like Sylvie.
A cute button up always looks so fun and cosy.
5. The Updated White Blouse
Style Notes: A white blouse will forever remain a classic, but if you're slightly underwhelmed by your standard button-up, look to the style-forward influencers who always find ways of refreshing things. Anne-Laure's features a dropped balloon sleeve, which is immediately more interesting. Tuck it into wide-leg jeans or wear it over top of cropped trousers this spring.
Shop White Blouses:
This shirt comes pre styled as though it's being shrugged off your shoulders.
The ultimate French-girl silhouette.
An elegant option that's fully rendered in lace.
So pretty.
6. Silky Co-Ords
Style Notes: In my head, luxe materials all have a seasonal sibling. Silk, for example, is the perfect springtime replacement for cashmere. It's lighter than wool but not quite as light as linen, making it a great option for this season's mixture of cool and warm days. Amy's creamy white pairing offers up a gorgeous way of wearing a co-ord in this material. Pair with a trench coat (a total spring staple) and you're set.
Shop Co-Ords:
Camisoles are ideal for layering this season and beyond.
Perfect with matching trousers or jeans.
These trousers. work with so many different tops
7. Modern Suits
Style Notes: Spring doesn't fool any of us in the UK. Even on unseasonably warm days, we know that there will be a fair share of cold, back-to-winter temperatures too. That's why I love having a tailored suit on hand. Lena's choice of grey feels lighter than winter navy and black, but it still gives you enough coverage from the cold. There have been so many modernised tailoring items this season that feel fresher than the standard office attire—from waisted blazers to balloon suit trousers.
Shop Tailored Suit Pieces:
The shoulder pads make this feel so sophisticated.
These buckle at the hip for an adjustable fit.
A classic pair.
This will bring you from spring to summer as well.