We can talk all day about how much we adore French fashion. From the best French fashion brands, which bring new meaning to the phrase ‘très chic,’ to the stars and street style gurus you should look to for excellent Parisienne takes on dressing, there's no shortage of inimitable designers propelling this epicentre of taste and culture.
Ranging from the established designer maisons—Dior, Saint Laurent, Chanel—through to the newer, sparkier high-street startups like Sézane and tastemaker-launched labels like Rouje, there is a veritable gamut of Gallic labels to get to grips with. And that's before we even get started on the incredible midrange section the French clothing industry has licked. Think of some of the names you know, such as Maje, Sandro, and Claudie Pierlot. They're just the cherry on top of a particularly tasty contemporary fashion sundae.
Of course, with the City of Light host to a plethora of style muses—Françoise Hardy and Camille Rowe are amongst this cohort—who deliver endless sartorial inspiration and are beacons of timeless outfits, it's only worthwhile to uncover the homegrown labels that they reach for when purchasing their French fashion essentials.
So to indulge our love for all things Français, we've brought together 48 of the best French fashion brands to covet. Some of these names you'll recognise and some you won't—just as you’ll notice an absence of comically stereotypical Breton striped tops appearing in this list.
What's key to note is that not only have we assembled the labels arguably serving as the acme of cool, but we're also giving you pointers on exactly what you should look out for when shopping any of these labels. For example, Jacquemus is our trusted go-to for It-girl-approved designer bags and avant-garde party shoes, but today we've chosen one of the brand's dresses that encapsulates the effortless femininity the region is globally revered for.
Indeed, to inject your wardrobe with je ne sais quoi and for pieces that will make you feel like you’ve just stepped out of a Jean-Luc Godard film, keep scrolling to see and shop from the 48 best French fashion brands of all time.
The 48 Best French Fashion Brands, According to Editors
- Best Overall French Fashion Brand: Maje
- Best Affordable French Fashion Brand: Sézane
- Best French Fashion Brand for Denim: A.P.C
- Best French Fashion Brand for Handbags: Elleme
- Best French Fashion Brand for Footwear: Bobbies
- Best French Fashion Brand for Shirting: Marie Marot
1. Rouje
Style Notes: Created by French style icon Jeanne Damas, Rouje is a blogger favourite for its barely there blouses, flirty sundresses and high-waisted denim. Taking inspiration from vintage aesthetics, the brand aims to create simple but elevated styles that exude femininity.
What to Buy: Dresses, especially linen styles or slinky slips that you can dress up or down.
Shop Rouje:
This gorgeous cherry hue will bring a touch of Marseille to any wardrobe.
2. Musier Paris
Style Notes: Created by French influencer Anne-Laure Mais of Adenorah in 2018, this is everything your favourite Parisians on Instagram will be wearing this season and beyond, making it one of the best French fashion brands for its ability to stand the test of time. Musier aims to use mainly natural materials such as linen, silk and cotton to create unique pieces you'll keep forever.
What to Buy: Perfect date-night tops.
Shop Musier Paris:
We love the look of this top styled with low-rise denim jeans and ballet pumps.
3. Jacquemus
Style Notes: Simon Porte Jacquemus is one of the most trailblazing designers on the global fashion scene. His ever-so-slightly surreal clothes and concepts never fail to impress editors, but there's something so inherently wearable and wantable about it all.
What to Buy: Bags, dresses, shoes and knitwear are all very popular Jacquemus choices.
Shop Jacquemus:
The split hem and brown crepe fabric are subtle enhancements to classic silhouettes that French designers do so well.
4. Celine
Style Notes: It's no secret that we're huge fans of Celine at Who What Wear. It may no longer have the accent above the e, but Celine is still one of the most influential designer labels in the world, creating some of the most popular cult items.
What to Buy: Who wouldn't love designer sunnies? Their bags are worth collecting, too.
Shop Celine:
She may have been American, but prolific author Joan Didion made these Celine oval sunglasses a part of her uniform, going so far as to front a campaign for the French fashion brand's eyewear range in 2015.
5. A.P.C.
Style Notes: Atelier de Production et Création is loved for its utilitarian basics and has been a minimalist's go-to since the '80s when the brand first launched during a time of great maximalism.
What to Buy: We have it on good authority that A.P.C. is currently serving up perfect everyday bags. We couldn't resist this classic beauty.
Shop A.P.C:
A new take on the satchel bag.
6. Eres
Style Notes: Lingerie connoisseurs will be more than aware that Eres makes some of the best-quality underpinnings around. They're subtle and understated but luxe at the same time.
What to Buy: We're looking to sleek one-pieces for swimwear that'll go the distance. Turns out, the perfect black swimsuit does exist. Don't sleep on their pyjamas or cover-ups, either.
Shop Eres:
Alexa Chung has worn a similar style, but we adore this ruched bandeau front.
7. Ba&Sh
Style Notes: Ba&Sh, designed by the very chic Barbara Boccara and Sharon Krief, is for the true bohemian dresser. The brand aims to create clothing that boosts confidence and leaves you feeling ready for any occasion.
What to Buy: Both dresses and jumpsuits are big for the brand—and are particularly good for event dressing. The accessories are worth checking out, too.
Shop Ba&Sh:
This dress calls for a night out on the Côte d'Azur.
8. Chloé
Style Notes: No matter who's at the helm, though it is currently Chemena Kamali, Chloé manages to wow us with its collection every season. The brand is known for its bohemian and feminine aesthetic, shown through its floaty dresses, suede belts and leather accessories.
What to Buy: Any of the brand's iconic bags or shoes.
Shop Chloé:
Amal Clooney owns this piece in tan leather.
9. Bobbies
Style Notes: Bobbies' timeless leather footwear is classically Parisian, though each pair is handmade in Portugal. From cherry reds to leopard print and metallics, the brand's footwear screams 'Parisian chic'.
What to Buy: The brand's pretty Mary Janes are party perfection.
Shop Bobbies
Mary Jane flats are the flat ultimate shoe—even French girls agree.
10. Claudie Pierlot
Style Notes: Claudie Pierlot does a cute take on contemporary French style. Think sweet bows on blouses, patent miniskirts and slip dresses. It's more innocent than its peers.
What to Buy: Right now, it's a toss-up between the sophisticated jackets, tops and dresses that are perfect for winter events.
Shop Claudie Pierlot
A tweed jacket is France's answer to the blazer.
11. Givenchy
Style Notes: While we wait to see what Sarah Burton does with the house long term, this storied house is still on the top of wish lists for their sleek designs.
What to Buy: The bags are the best investment.
Givenchy created one of the world's most famous LBD's for Audrey Hepburn. Now, they're pioneering a classic LBB. (Little Black Bag, that is.)
12. Chanel
Shop Chanel:
Style Notes: What more can we say? Chanel is the Paris megalith that has, over the years via both Coco Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld, cemented some of the most important parts of many people's wardrobes. To this day, the brand's staples remain high in-demand with fashion people.
What to Buy: A pair of Chanel shoes will last you a lifetime.
After being designed in 1957, Chanel's iconic slingbacks have become a hallmark of taste and class for fashion lovers from Rue Cambon to Chelsea.
13. Iro
Style Notes: As Iro was founded by one-time music producers, it's understandable that there's such a strong rock-chic vibe running through each collection. From elevated bikers to classic LBDs, there's something for everyone looking to add interest to their wardrobes.
What to Buy: The perfect black dress, going out top, or a really chic jacket.
Shop Iro:
As Kate Moss and her model off-duty street style have proven time and time again, especially when she's in Paris, a sultry camisole is a great addition to any wardrobe.
14. Balmain
Style Notes: Balmain fans like their clothes tight, their hemlines short and their heels high. The crew that has assembled around the super-popular director Olivier Rousteing includes the likes of Gigi Hadid, Joan Smalls and Kim Kardashian.
What to Buy: Balmain always has a strong selection of party dresses and elevated tailoring.
Shop Balmain:
Case in point: This jacket's clean lines and gilded hardware elevates the humble tweed material to a luxurious stratosphere.
15. Dior
Style Notes: Dior is a cult favourite in the fashion world, and since former Valentino designer Maria Grazia Chiuri took over the reins, many people (celebs included) have enjoyed seeing her classic and delicate style echoing through the brand.
What to Buy: Anything with the Dior logo on it is golden right now, but these slingbacks are at the top of our list.
Shop Dior:
From Monsieur Dior himself to Maria Grazia Chiuri, the J'adior Slingback Pump is an enduring classic.
16. Isabel Marant
Style Notes: The modern high priestess of boho lovers and rock chicks alike, Marant spans every possible department with her must-haves, from party dresses to boots.
What to Buy: I always head to Isabel Marant for hero footwear.
Shop Isabel Marant:
The fusion of suede and leather is just one example of an excellent French fashion paring.
17. The Kooples
Style Notes: When The Kooples first landed in the UK a few years back, it was all about androgynous dressing. While tailoring is still key, you'll find more feminine pieces in the mix these days.
What to Buy: I really rate The Kooples’ slip dresses, but their tailoring is so sleek, too.
Shop The Kooples:
Masterful French tailoring is on display with this piece.
18. Zadig & Voltaire
Style Notes: If you want to capture the Parisian rock 'n' roll attitude, look to Zadig & Voltaire. These sultry styles capture the effortlessness of the enviable French aesthetic, but always have a slightly undone, grungy edge.
What to Buy: It's where I'll turn to for evening attire.
Shop Zadig & Voltaire
Just style with a hint of leather.
19. Lanvin
Style Notes: Founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin, it has always been a source of fantastic evening wear. When Alber Elbaz stepped down in 2015, Bouchra Jarrar replaced him, followed later by Olivier Lapidus, a Balmain Homme alumnus. As we await the next creative director, Lanvin still remains a go-to for elevated evening wear.
What to Buy: It's a brand known for its glam, so this dress still lives up to the spirit of the name.
Shop Lanvin:
Oh, to be wearing this at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc while drinking an Aperol Sprtiz..
20. Lemaire
Style Notes: Christophe Lemaire has been around for some time, but it's only in the past few years that his name has shot into our collective style psyche.
What to Buy: The Croissant bag is undeniably French, but their modern take on tailoring is not to be missed, either.
Shop Lemaire:
This silhouette is as scrumptious as the buttery pastry it's styled after.
21. Louis Vuitton
Style Notes: With Nicolas Ghesquière leading the charge, LV has become a trusted source of burgeoning trends and directional fashion, from the incredible leather jackets down to the equally intricate footwear.
What to Buy: From origins creating trunks, Louis Vuitton knows how to make a great bag.
Shop Louis Vuitton:
As an homage to it's travel foundations, this style is an ode to life on the move, making it the perfect city companion.
22. Maje
Style Notes: Judith Milgrom founded Maje in 1998. Inspired by the women of Paris. this French fashion brand has plenty to offer across the board, but we often gravitate toward the more rock-chic pieces the brand specialises in.
What to Buy: This amazing cute pinafore dress, their tailored sets or any of their holiday-ready styles when summer rolls around.
Shop Maje:
The best French fashion brands have a knack for taking something rather innocent and dialling it up with a touch of sensuality, like this short dress here.
23. Sandro
Style Notes: Mid-priced Sandro should be on your list for when you're looking for staples with a twist. The brand knows what people like wearing on a day-to-day basis and gives each of those items a little extra oomph every time.
What to Buy: Sandro does a great spin on a classic, so look for dresses, skirts and blouses that will add a fresh touch to your capsule.
Shop Sandro:
This floral dress t is the perfect example of that.
24. Saint Laurent
Style Notes: Saint Laurent is designed by Anthony Vaccarello, and boy, is he bringing the sensual Parisian out of us all or what? Thigh-high slits, plenty of leather and all of the vital accessories to be our most glam selves 24/7.
What to Buy: Saint Laurent may specialise in super sexy accessories, but their sleek staples are worth investing in, too.
Suede bags are having quite a moment, but this investment piece is for all seasons.
25. See by Chloé
Style Notes: Naturally, we love Chloé's mainline collection, but there's something particularly exciting again about the diffusion collection. It has the floaty attitude of Chloé with a more accessible price point.
What to Buy: A timeless bag or shoes with all the traits of classic Chloé collection.
Shop See By Chloé:
A block heel is so chic.
26. Sézane
Style Notes: Set up initially as an online-only fashion store in 2013 by Morgane Sezalory, Sézane has been breaking boundaries and supplying great casual clothes for the past few years.
What to Buy: The versatile shirts and effortless dresses.
Shop Sézane:
A white button down is a true blank canvas for you to build an outift upon.
27. The Frankie Shop
Style Notes: Frankie Shop is the boutique to visit in Paris these days. It stocks other brands, but its in-house label has all of the trend-setting tailoring, separates and dresses that you'll find dotted around the most stylish Instagram feeds.
What to Buy: It started the whole shoulder-pad T-shirt thing, but now, its blazers are the hot-ticket item. Just ask Who What Wear UK's editorial team after an extensive haul and try-on of The Frankie Shop's latest arrivals.
Pair your outerwear of choice with these tapered trousers and black boat shoes.
28. Veja
Style Notes: This conscious sneaker brand has really boomed in the past few years, with celebrities, royals and influencers flocking to Veja trainers. . Sustainability and ethical practise are at the fore-front of the pared-back (and super-comfy) styles, making it one of the first sustainable trainer brands in the world.
What to Buy: Literally any pair.
The coolest French woman say these are the trainers to know.
29. Balzac Paris
Style Notes: For a decade now, Balzac Paris have bridged the gap between French style and sustainability, with their collection of wardrobe essentials designed with the people and planet front of mind. After seeing the brand dominate your feeds, you can now shop pieces in-person at their new Marais boutique.
What to Buy: The softest, consciously-made knit.
Pair this pink cardigan with a pair of snakeprint trousers or shoes.
30. Elleme
Style Notes: One of the cooler under-the-radar French bag brands around right now, Elleme has a new take on bag silhouettes that is a welcome change. The brand name is a merge of the French conjugation “Elle aime”, meaning “She Loves”, perfectly summing up the brand's ability to create beautiful handbags you'll wear on repeat.
What to Buy: Any of the top-handle bags.
If you adore the look of Bottega Veneta's Sardine bag but were looking for a fabric other than leather, this is the style for you.
31. Alexandre Vauthier
Style Notes: There's a common misconception that French clothing isn't particularly sassy, but Alexandre Vauthier proves otherwise. From dresses to boots, this sharp take on French dressing really gives the wow factor.
What to Buy: A fabulous statement shoe.
You'll be unmissible on the dance floor with these eye-catching heels.
32. Courrèges
Style Notes: A more laid-back brand, the Sixties brand Courrèges has been revived with cool separates that are ideal for everyday wear. The brand now seamlessly merges, '60s classics with a modern-day edge to create timeless pieces you'll keep around forever.
What to Buy: Their leather and vinyl pieces get out vote.
From the 60s to now, Courrèges jackets never go out of style.
33. AMI Paris
Style Notes: If you're more into elevated French streetwear than haute couture, you don't want to dismiss AMI Paris. The brand was founded in 2011 by Alexandre Mattiussi, and aims to bring Parisian street fashion to the masses.
What to Buy: Sensationally good knitwear or t-shirts.
Think: Jacob Elordi in Saltburn, if he went on a vacation to the French alps.
34. Coperni
Style Notes: Founded by former designers Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant, who met during their studies, Coperni’s designs are minimal but playful, exploring silhouette and texture in new and unexpected ways.
What to Buy: The handbags that are trendy yet timeless.
After the Swipe bag, this is the next big thing.
35. Roger Vivier
Style Notes: Known for creating the first modern stiletto heel in the 1950s, Roger Vivier has long been the reigning sophisticated French shoe brand. However, this season their sleek styles with a high fashion twist feel particularly en vogue.
What to Buy: Ballet flats or Mary Janes will serve you well this season and for years to come, but the bejewelled heels are perfect for parties.
35. Roger Vivier
Don't let the beautiful embellishment sway you, these mules suit everyday wear.
36. Soeur
Style Notes: Inspired by jetsetting, 1950s Scandi aesthetics and French New Wave cinema, Soeur is a great Parisian brand to turn to for the kind of forever staples you'll always be happy to own.
What to Buy: Any wardrobe staples you may be missing.
This bag is on my wish-list.
37. Mugler
Style Notes: The ultimate sexy label enjoyed a recent renaissance. With super svelte bodysuits spotted on A-listers and a recent H&M collab, the 80s powerhouse has been brought to the brand mainstream. Sensual cut-outs and super tight silhouettes are the signature.
What to Buy: Anything with a corset detail.
The late Manfred Thierry Mugler wasn't called the King of Skin for nothing.
38. Patou
Style Notes: The Parisian couturier Jean Patou revolutionised the fashion world in 1914 when he abandoned the strictly corseted looks of the era. Today, Patou continues to embrace that rebellious spirit with airy, voluminous styles that can be dressed up or down.
What to Buy: A breezy skirt.
Layer with a light cardigan for the ultimate effortlessly elevated outfit.
39. Hermès
Style Notes: You can't talk about classic French clothing brands without mentioning Hermès. Founded in 1837, the brand focuses on minimalist yet distinct designs and to this day, is responsible for many cult styles of bags, shoes and belts.
What to Buy: The iconic Oran sandals.
Worth every cent.
40. Polène
Style Notes: Created in 2016, Polène focuses on timeless yet stylish handbags that can be worn for any occasion. From tiny top-handles to spacious totes, the brand has something to suit every taste and preference.
What to Buy: A roomy bag for work.
A French staple.
41. Chaumet
Style Notes: Known as the first-ever jeweller to set up shop on Place Vendôme, Chaumet has been praised for it's elegantly crafted French jewellery since in launched in 1780. Today, it's the place to go for timeless investment items that you'll keep forever.
What to Buy: An investment watch or a delicate piece from the iconic bee collection.
A romantic gesture has never been more elegant.
42. Marie Marot
Style Notes: Eponymous brand Marie Marot began after the founder's lifelong search for the perfect button-down turned up empty handed. Thankfully for us, her loss is our gain, with Marot crafting a slightly oversized shirt made by and for the modern woman. Just look at her inspirations—Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Lauren Hutton, and Charlotte Rampling—for evidence of her taste level.
What to Buy: The tailor-made shirt, obviously.
Shop Marie Marot:
French women adore the masculine-meets-feminine aesthetic, and this is ultimate example of that.
43. MaisonCleo
Style Notes: What happens to fabric left over from the workshops of French couturiers? Solving this need and saving these beautiful materials from landfill is MaisonCleo. Making each piece by hand in the north of France, look to this brand for romantic blouses, faux fur-trimmed wool coats and pointelle-knit basics.
What to Buy: A style you can treasure forever.
Shop Maison Cléo:
This blouse is oh so sweet.
44. Carven
Style Notes: While Carven has been around since 1945, it is the work of most recent incumbent creative director, Louise Trotter, that has pioneered the Parisian brand as guiding light of effortless luxury. Structure and laissez-faire are the leading principles of this Maison.
What to Buy: A wardrobe staple, rendered with a twist.
Shop Carven:
The pearl embellishment puts this piece at the top of our wishlist.
45. Jean Paul Gaultier
Style Notes: From cone bras to maritime references and coveted mesh pieces, Jean Paul Gaultier is fashion's original le enfants terribles. As a pioneering disrupter, the iconoclast designer redefined codes of dressing through a playful, exaggerated and extravagant lens, cementing himself as one of the best French fashion brands of all time.
What to Buy: A cheeky basic.
Shop Jean Paul Gaultier:
A tank top and dungarees cocktail.
46. Christian Louboutin
Style Notes: It's hard to imagine that the iconic red sole synonymous with Christian Louboutin was once applied with nail polish. Such is the story of how the admired French footwear label's most famous signature came to be. This innovative spirit is stamped onto each of the brand's designs, from the new ballet-inspired bow-detailed satin-crepe pumps
What to Buy: A pair of So Kate.
Shop Christian Louboutin:
Named after Kate Moss and loved dearly by Zendaya, what more is there to say?
47. Rabanne
Style Notes: An eclectic and energetic mix of metals, prints and textures remains at the core of Rabanne. In the 1960s, these groundbreaking designs took a sci-fi route with an almost armour like quality, making them beloved by Hollywood leading throughout time like Jane Fonda and Anya Taylor-Joy.
What to Buy: Their chintzy handbags.
Shop Rabanne:
This retrofuturistic style feels as modern as ever, despite debuting in 1969.
48. Alaïa
Style Notes: In the words of Clueless' Cher Horowitz, Alaïa is "like a totally important designer". More so than this Valley Girl description, Alaïa is a legendary French maison that crafts silhouette with expert precision and magnification for the female form. Now at the helm of Pieter Mulier, the brand continues to astonish with a commitment to artistry.
What to Buy: A veritable It bag.
Shop Alaïa:
A follow up to Alaïa's viral mesh flats, this shoulder bag has already sold-out countless times and is set to define the season. Oh, and it's inspired by dachshunds, too.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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