I Went to France and Saw Everyone Wearing These 6 Basics on the Streets of Paris

I recently took a lovely holiday to Paris. When I got back, my friends and family asked me about my favourite part of the trip. I naturally rattled off all of the delicious food I ate and the museums I visited. But I also noted my adoration for simply sitting at a cafe and watching the street style. As a lover of French style (that effortless je ne sais quoi is just so covetable), I adored seeing how Parisians dress in their day-to-day.

While the types of looks I saw ran the gamut, many of the ensembles featured effortless basics that Parisians are known for wearing to look chic. There were actually five specific styles I spotted the most on the streets of Paris. Below you’ll uncover the list, along with visual inspiration. I also shopped out each of the basics in question if you’re interested in adding a fresh style to your wardrobe.

The Best Basics That French People Rely On:

1. Double-Breasted Blazers

Style Notes: The temperature was up and down for most of my time in Paris, so layering pieces were key. I saw double-breasted blazers everywhere—especially with simple tops and jeans. A blazer brings instant polish to any look, and it's the ideal evening outerwear.

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2. Simple Skirts

Style Notes: Skirts were incredibly popular teamed with sneakers, flats and boots. The style sort of ranged—either simple knit styles or in satin.

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3. Relaxed Button-Up Shirts

Style Notes: The button-up shirt (particularly in relaxed cuts) reigned supreme in every neighborhood I visited. I noticed a plethora of classic white styles and also blue-striped silhouettes.

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4. Denim Jackets

Style Notes: Given the slightly cooler temperatures when I visited Paris (especially in the morning and at night), denim jackets seemed to be a go-to choice (in addition to blazers).

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5. Baggy Jeans/Trousers

Style Notes: I saw baggy trousers and denim everywhere—styled most often with flats or sneakers and I'm fully on board.

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6. Black Dress

Style Notes: layered up or down, a little black dress is one of the most hard working pieces you can own.