Paris - Top 10 French Girl Essentials
Courtesy of Siena Kitch
Written By: Siena Kitch
Paris, the city of light, love, and fashion. Considered by many as the “fashion capital of the world,” Parisian women have a certain attitude when it comes to dressing for a long day of walking the Paris streets. And no, you won’t find any Emily in Paris outfits here.
Studying abroad in Paris for over a month now, I feel like I have gotten the “French girl” style down. As the weather gets colder, clothing gets darker, with an emphasis on four basic colors: black, gray, white, and hints of blue. As a result, here is a breakdown of the top 10 French girl essentials for creating a true Parisian look when heading to class.
1. Levi 501 Jeans
Not just any jeans will do, but true Levi 501 jeans are the way to go. Comfortable for walking out and about yet form fitting and cute. These jeans have seen many a café lunches and museum tours. Bonus points if you thrifted them from a local vintage shop.
2. Trench Coat
When the weather gets cold, trench coats come out in the masses. In particular, the Burberry Trench Coat is the most popular. Rather than having an excessive amount of clothes, French women tend to stick with a smaller capsule wardrobe with more investment pieces. Next time the weather gets nasty, grab for that long awaited classic jacket.
3. Striped Shirt
I recently had the pleasure of going to the Saint James store in Paris to purchase the authentic “OG” striped shirt. In 1858, the striped Breton shirt became the official uniform of the French Navy, and Saint James became the weapon of choice. Since then, French men and women have been flocking to the brand to get the best striped shirt on the market. Grab one of these long sleeve shirts for a good layering piece in between seasons.
4. Canvas Tote Bag
Rarely, if ever, will you see a French person holding a plastic bag. It simply is taboo here. Thus, canvas tote bags are extremely popular. Whether it be for groceries, as a book bag, or a catch all for random items, the canvas tote bag can be seen on nearly every Parisian woman’s shoulder. Bonus points if its from a local bookshop or café.
5. Red Nail Polish
Contrary to popular belief, red nail polish is extremely popular here. I would have sworn that baby pink or burgundy nails would have been more popular, but the majority of nail polish is red. No crazy designs or extensions to be found here, just a clean/crisp red nail. Any sign of chips means that the polish should come off and be repainted on!
6. Blazer
I am in love with the look of jeans, a black t-shirt, and a good tweed patterned blazer. Moving from summer to fall, this seems to be an extremely popular jacket. Zara is king, and as a result, the racks are stocked with lots of different options. Similar options can be found in the U.S.!
7. Oxford Slides
A good sturdy shoe capable of walking many miles is a must. The black oxford slide is a popular option, mostly because it is comfortable, yet cute styled with jeans and a t-shirt. The Gucci loafers and slides are most often seen, again, going back to the idea of investment pieces rather than trend setting pieces that won’t last as long.
8. Black “Going Out” Clothes
If you’re planning a night on the town, maybe leave your sequin dress behind. Black is king in Paris, especially when it comes to night life. A little black dress or jumpsuit is a great option for going out clothes. If you’re dying to add some color to the outfit, go for a bolder lip or eye makeup look, or even experiment with some more colorful shoes.
9. Black and White T-Shirt
Need I say more? These are absolutely perfect for creating the French girl style. Because neutrals are so popular, these shirts allow you to create several different looks without taking up as much space in your closet (a serious problem in the tiny apartments of Paris). Zara, once again, takes the crown as being a popular location to find good, basic staples.
10. Thick Scarves
Even in the early days of autumn, scarves are extremely popular. Men and women love wearing this accessory, not only do they keep you warm, but they can also help when traveling on the metro and in crowed places with little ventilation. Scarves are taken off when inside, but outside, they are a classic item to throw on for colder mornings or nights.
And with that, you’re ready to head out the door with a little more Parisian flair to your outfit. Don’t be afraid to grab a coffee (hot of course) and a croissant to complete the look (but definitely sit and enjoy your meal, it’s what the French would want!)
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