Brittany Davy
Pre-Instagram, we might've had to rely on fashion week for our street style roundups, but when it comes to experiencing global style in 2024, we're spoilt for choice. Not only does social media allow us to see the outfits of people on every continent at the click of a button, but it also gives us a chance to reassess the sartorial tropes that have developed around certain countries.
One of the most well-worn fashion stereotypes has to be that of the French girl. This classic French fashion type is characterised by expensive basics, Breton tops, silk shirts and tasteful yet subdued occasionwear—all of which is embodied by the likes of Carine Roitfeld and Emmanuelle Alt.
While there are many who still love the traditional, pared-back aesthetic, Instagram proves that it is no longer representative of the average fashion-loving Parisienne, with influencers such as Sylvie Mus and Ellie Delphine from Slip Into Style bringing a more experimental approach to the table while still managing to be chic at all times, of course.
"We love a statement shoe, an extravagant piece of costume jewellery, a flashy print or one piece that will make heads turn," says Ellie.
To get a better sense of what classic French style looks like in Winter 2024, we scoured the feeds of our favourite Gallic girls to see the outfit formulas they wear on repeat. From cool leather separates to ballet flats with everything, scroll down to see what it takes to perfect classic French style now.
7 Classic French Fashion Outfits Parisians Wear on Repeat for Winter 2024:
1. OVERSIZED BLAZER + JEANS + RIDING BOOTS
Style Notes: The best classic outfit combinations are made up of key wardrobe staples, and none are more versatile than blazers and jeans. Aïda ensures her pairing stays on the interesting side by opting for an oversized blazer silhouette in a hue that compliments her dark-wash denim.
Shop the Look:
A brown blazer is a winter wardrobe must-have.
So many of our editors have this exact knit.
The A-list approved jeans.
Wear with jeans, skirts and dresses alike.
You can never go wrong with a classic black bag.
2. LEATHER SEPARATES
Style Notes: Parisian style is all about balancing coolness with polish, and pairing a matching leather jacket and pencil skirt is a perfect way to do it. To add interest, opt for shades like burgundy or chocolate brown as Loïcka has.
Shop the Look:
An easy introduction to the leather look.
This could easily go from day to night.
Bonus points for the kitten heel, which is trending this year.
3. KNIT DRESS + ANKLE BOOTS
Style Notes: Jules is usually one to throw out the French style rule book, but sometimes, she sticks to classic wardrobe staples. The knit dress has become an essential over the past few years, and it's all about versatility. With ankle boots, loafers or ballet flats in the winter, it's a fail-safe option that'll deliver endless outfit opportunities.
Shop the Look:
A truly timeless dress.
These Khaite boots will work with everything.
This is at the top of my winter handbag wishlist.
4. SHEARLING JACKET + LEATHER TROUSERS + BOOTS
Style Notes: Shearling jackets are a cover-up French fashion types have long championed. With roots in the '70s aesthetic—something many Parisiennes subscribe to—they certainly fall into the classic style category. The same goes for leather trousers, which never seem to date.
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So many influencers are after this jacket.
I can attest to how amazing these leather trousers are.
French girls have very much embraced the Cowboy-inspired boot trend.
5. WOOL COAT + DENIM SKIRT + KITTEN HEELS
Style Notes: Denim knee-length skirts may be popping up in London, but French girls? They've been wearing them for a very long time. Never too tethered to a specific season, this is an item you can pull out year-round and style in a multitude of ways. My favourite combination involves a classic knit, kitten heels and a wool coat.
Shop the Look:
Such a versatile coat.
The ultimate base layer.
You'll reach for this all year-round.
Simply add tights when the temperature drops.
6. TRENCH + TRACK PANTS + BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: A trench coat and ballet flats may not seem very surprising when we're talking about French style, but it's no shock that Gallic girls have found a way to make this classic combo look effortlessly cool for Winter 2024. The answer? Add a pair of sporty track pants to contrast the sophisticated trench and ballet flats.
Shop the Look:
Supremely elegant.
Effortlessly cool.
There's just something so elegant about two-tone ballet flats.
7. JACKET + LONG-SLEEVE TEE + BAGGY JEANS
Style Notes: Clearly, it's not just us Brits who love a baggy jean. Ellie is proof that even the most traditionally Parisian dresser can enjoy the aesthetic. The secret is to pair your baggy denim with a slim-fit tee and chic jacket.
Shop the Look:
Tap into the French-girl aesthetic.
The ultimate base layer.
I'm such a fan of Agolde's denim.
I own these and they're so comfortable.
The perfect finishing touch.
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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