I'm a Brit Living In Paris—5 Workwear Looks I Always Spot French Women Wearing
Call it the back-to-school effect or the change of seasons, but September comes with the desire to refresh and streamline our clothing—pulling long-forgotten pieces from storage and thinking up ingenious methods to squeeze the most out of our summer wardrobes, particularly within office settings. Although French women's style isn’t directly associated with workwear, the "je ne sais quoi” we’re all keen to embody encompasses an aesthetic that’s easily transferable to the workplace—making French women's style an apt reference for workwear. It’s no secret that workwear of the past has felt a little lacklustre (and akin to the prickly trousers we had no choice but to wear in school *shudders*) but now there are a plethora of examples of how to elevate office looks, many of which you can find most in a typical French capsule.
Between the tailoring, 90s-inspired elements and refined silhouettes, you’re bound to discover inspired workwear outfits when observing French women. Whilst living here, I’ve noticed that during their morning commutes, French women are clad in pieces that you’ll likely see them wear for off-duty days but of course, dress codes differ depending on an individual's line of work and journeys there. Women situated in Paris frequently cycle to work and boast relaxed apparel to match.
You’ll witness many a power suit with a modern lilt (read; slouched blazers, as opposed to form-fitting single-breasted styles) wide-leg tailored trousers and puddle pants, trainers, free-flowing dresses and on occasion, straight-fit jeans and long-sleeved Breton tops. The magic is also in the juxtaposition of textures, lengths and styles.
I strongly believe French women have struck the ultimate balance between formal and relaxed apparel for work. They are the masters of nonchalant dressing, after all. From tailored skirting paired with detailed blouses to Bermuda short suits, I’ve pulled some inspirational workwear outfits from some of our favourite French Sartorialists. Keep scrolling for workwear outfits you’ll feel comfortable and stylish enough in, which will no doubt enable you to put your best foot forward!
1. Belted Blazer + White Maxi Dress
Style Notes: Gallic woman are renowned for their staple styles but they've inherited some subtle trends over the last few years. Que the full-skirted dress. Pair it with a streamlined blazer and swap the sandals for slip-on shoes. There's still time to wear this style of shoe!
Shop the Look:
Sleek, sharp and sophisticated.
2. Victoriana Blouse + Tailored Skirt + Pointed Mules
Style Notes: Autumn is time to amp up the gothic vibe and who's to say you have to save these looks for non-working days? Instead, incorporate elements of Victoriana into your workwear capsule with this season's tailored skirt, pointed mules and a detailed blouse. The more pronounced the collar, the better.
Shop the Look:
Column skirts are easily one of the most worn items in my wardrobe.
It may be subtle but the knotted detail transforms this piece from a simple into a fashion-forward accessory.
3. Blue Poplin Shirt + Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: You can't go wrong with the shirt and tailored trousers formula. It may be pared-back but it wins every time. As per most French women's wardrobes, it's also timeless.
Swap your white shirts for a touch of blue. It's a welcomed addition to a workwear capsule.
4. Boxy Blazer + Jeans + Woven Bag
Style Notes: If you're lucky enough to have a relaxed office dress code why not don a blazer, shirt and jeans combination? It bears both relaxed and tailored elements. This look also comprises the basket bag, which you can cleverly integrate into autumnal looks. Many of the Dragon Diffusion styles feature an under-arm nook, which is roomy for laptops and such.
Shop the Look:
I very seldom wear jeans but I love the cut and shade of this pair and not forgetting the '70s influence.
5. Bermuda Shorts + Cropped Blazer
Style Notes: A Bermuda-shorts-and-blazer combination is an alternative workwear look that French women appreciate. Size up for a slouchier fit and pair the suit with tights and a coat when the weather gets chillier.
Shop the Look:
The lace trim is undeniably French.
French-based Stylist Sylvie Mus often pairs pin-bearing styles with tights in the winter and it looks so chic.
Coming Up: My 7 Favourite Street Style Trends From New York Fashion Week
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK and Stylist.
-
This Designer-Passing High-Street Bag Is About to Be the It Buy of Summer 2025
It won't stay in stock for long.
-
Sure, Black Dresses Are Timeless, But Everyone With Great Taste Is Wearing Chic Styles in These Pretty Colours This Summer
It's time to brighten up your wardrobe.
-
Goodbye, Jeans—I Just Tried On the High Street's Comfiest, Chicest Pull-On Summer Trousers
They've already sold out once.
-
Chic Dresses! Light Linens! Elevated Accessories! 24 Affordable Summer Buys You Need to See Right Now
The high street does it again.
-
Trust Me—I've Tried It On: This High-Street Top Is Shockingly Designer Looking
Spring dressing just got chicer.
-
I Wore These High-Street Flats All Week in London—Everyone Asked Me Which Designer They Were From
Safe to say they're my new favourites.
-
Forget Adidas and New Balance for a Sec—I'm Buying These High-Street Trainers While They're In Stock
Get them while they're hot!
-
European Women Have Convinced Me That This Is Spring 2025's Most Elegant Jacket Trend
And it goes perfectly with jeans.