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 winter season and beyond.
TIMELESS FRENCH OUTFITS:
1. Trench Coat + Slingbacks
Style Notes: 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 (and add tights for extra warmth).
Shop the Look:
Trench coats are about as classically French as it gets.
We're seeing so many chic midi skirts out there right now, but this & Other Stories style might just be our favourite.
A classic black slingback will never go out of style.
2. Cropped Cardigan + Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: One of my personal favourites, this outfit looks best when the cardigan skims the top of your trousers. Très chic.
Shop the Look:
3. Breton + Skirt
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 winter, opt for a jumper iteration and add a jeans for the full French look.
Shop the Look:
I love to opt for navy or dark denim tones when black just feels a bit too heavy.
Thin gold hoops are making a comeback this year.
4. Double Denim
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.
Shop the Look:
This is a great example of how minimal details can make a piece more polished.
5. Leather Jacket + Straight Jeans + Boots
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.
Shop the Look:
A white shirt and jeans combo is a must.
These boots also come in suede and croc-effect leather.
6. Slip Dress + Heeled Mules
Style Notes: You don't need much to make a slip dress look great. Just add mules and a cute bag. In the evenings, layer a chunky cardigan or blazer on top.
Shop the Look:
7. Blazer + White Tee + Jeans
Style Notes: The ultimate everyday French outfit has to be a plain white T-shirt under a blazer with jeans.
Shop the Look:
8. White Blouse + Blue Jeans
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.
Shop the Look:
9. Co-ord + Sleek Boots
Style Notes: No matter the weather forecast, French women immediately turn to this timeless combo: A co-ord. Simple, easy to style and effortlessly chic, all this skirt duo needs is some simple fuss-free accessories to look impeccable from all angles.
Shop the Look:
10. White Shirt + Knit Skirt
Style Notes: A white shirt with a midi skirt is a quintessential French-girl combo. The relaxed fit of this knit style exudes effortless chic, while the crisp white shirt keep the look fresh and polished—a perfect mix of cosy and sophisticated.
Shop the Look:

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews 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 search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.
-
This Elevated Basics Brand Is Every NYC and London Fashion Person's Best-Kept Secret
And I just tried on nine pieces in its NYC pop-up.
By Eliza Huber
-
Chic Shopping Lists Are My Thing—31 Great Finds From Nordstrom, Zara, Banana Republic, Shopbop, and Ref
Jackets, dresses, flats, and more!
By Bobby Schuessler
-
Chic Shopping Lists Are My Thing—31 Great Finds From Nordstrom, Zara, Banana Republic, Shopbop, and Ref
Jackets, dresses, flats, and more!
By Bobby Schuessler
-
The "Wrong Shoe Theory" Has Gone Feral in NYC—and It's Actually Working
Unexpected but so stylish.
By Michelle Scanga
-
Every Stylish Parisian Is Wearing These 6 Shoe Trends This Spring
By Judith Jones
-
It's Spreading: Every Day, Another Chic L.A. Fashion Person Is Seen Wearing This Black Pants Trend With Ballet Flats
French girls also approve.
By Eliza Huber
-
Spotted on the Chicest Parisians: A Classic Basic Styled With Jeans, Skirts, and Trousers
Elegant looks ahead.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
In Case You Haven't Noticed, Everyone and Their Mother Is Wearing This Expensive-Looking Jacket
Rightfully so.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
9 Top, Jeans, and Shoe Outfit Combos That Fashion People Will Be Wearing This Spring
I plan to re-create these ASAP.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
10 Classic Spring Items Parisians Love to Wear With Jeans
Effortless, chic, and versatile.
By Judith Jones