10 Timeless and Elegant Outfit Formulas French Women Will Rely On This Year

We talk a lot about French style. But it’s understandable when French women appear to dress so well. With Instagram, we’ve been able to see easily the kinds of outfits that these women go back to over and over. So why wouldn’t we take a moment to do a deep dive into the timeless French outfits we always spot? Think of this as your ultimate guide to French dressing and the outfits French women love.

Below, I’ve found 10 classic ensembles that I always spot. Whether it’s a trench coat styled with classic slingbacks or a pair of jeans, a white tee and a blazer, there are just some outfits that French women will never stop wearing. Keep scrolling for the looks that will take you through the autumn season and beyond.

1. Trench Coat + Slingbacks

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: Autumn is on it's way, but with the unpredictable European weather, Parisians are bona fide experts in layering. Keep it classic with a neutral trench coat and a pair of slingbacks.

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2. Cropped Cardigan + Tailored Trousers

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(Image credit: @tamaramory)

Style Notes: One of my personal favourites, this outfit looks best when the cardigan skims the top of your trousers. Très chic.

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3. Breton + Skirt

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

Style Notes: The Breton is of course a French classic. It might seem a little cliché, but the striped top never fails to look jolie. For autumn, opt for a jumper iteration and add a jeans for the full French look.

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4. Double Denim

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Style Notes: A perhaps surprising contender, double denim is absolutely a timeless French outfit. Look to styles in similar washes to ensure it's as cool as possible.

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5. Leather Jacket + Straight Jeans + Boots

ruerodier

(Image credit: @ruerodier)

Style Notes: A leather jacket paired with straight jeans and ankle boots is a French-girl staple. The jacket adds effortless edge, while straight-leg jeans offer a laid-back balance. Ankle boots complete the look, blending casual cool with timeless polish—perfect for day-to-night transitions.

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6. Slip Dress + Heeled Mules

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(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

Style Notes: You don't need much to make a slip dress look great. Just add mules and a cute bag. In the autumn evenings, layer a chunky cardigan or blazer on top.

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7. Blazer + White Tee + Jeans

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(Image credit: @aidabadji_)

Style Notes: The ultimate everyday French outfit has to be a plain white T-shirt under a blazer with jeans.

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8. White Blouse + Blue Jeans

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(Image credit: @lenafarl)

Style Notes: Ever since Jane Birkin wore her iteration of this look, we've been hooked and have seen practically every French influencer wearing this outfit.

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9. Button-Up Shirt + Jorts + Woven Tote

@slipintostyle wearing a button-up shirt and jorts

(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Style Notes: When the weather gets warm, French women immediately turn to this timeless combo: A classic button-up and denim shorts. For an even more elegant take on this outfit, they opt for denim shorts in longer lengths and lighter colours such as white, cream or ecru.

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10. Oversized Jumper + White jeans

anoukyve

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: An oversized jumper with white jeans is a quintessential French-girl combo. The relaxed fit of the jumper exudes effortless chic, while the crisp white jeans keep the look fresh and polished—a perfect mix of cosy and sophisticated.

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This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her ownBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.

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