What to Wear for Everyday French Style

November 8, 2023

It's no secret that many of us envy the effortless French style, that certain way that people dress in Paris and other cities in France that looks so elegant and yet so casual at the same time.

If you are looking to replicate that Paris street style for yourself, here are some of our favourite FW23 items that will help you build a wardrobe of French-inspired staples that will keep you looking chic for years to come.

1. The camel coat

First and foremost, it's all about the coat. Invest in a piece that you love in a timeless shape and colour that will look fresh every season, in materials that continue to look good the more it's worn. This hand-finished wool camel coat from Paris-based brand Grace & Mila is all we need to fit the bill. It's absolute perfection.

Woman wearing a wool camel coat

Image: Grace & Mila

2. A great pair of jeans

What is it about jeans that makes them a staple in the French wardrobe? They are easy to wear, go with anything, and the just right pair makes your lower half look ah-maz-ing. The perfect pair of jeans says "I'm not fussed" while at the same time proving that you know how to effortlessly pull a modern look together.

A woman wears a pair of black jeans

Image: Etica Denim

3. Elegant belt

A belt will elevate your look in a matter of seconds. Just say yes.

Leather belt

Image: Brave Belts

4. Classic button-down

It goes without saying but we'll say it anyway: a classic white button-down shirt should be in everyone's closet. Worn it on its own, under a sweater or sweatshirt, or even opened right up with another top underneath, you absolutely cannot go wrong.

White button-down shirt

Image: Fred Perry

5. Cozy sweater

In fall and winter, layering is the name of the game and a cozy sweater over your button-down is just the trick. We have a variety of colours, materials and styles to make this particular item a no-brainer when looking for something fresh.

Pink sweater

Image: American Dreams

6. Chelsea boots

Our westcoast climate is wet which means your boots should be both waterproof and stylish. A classic pair of Chelsea boots that keep your feet perfectly dry and look great? You know it doesn't get better than that.

Black Chelsea rainboots

Image: Tretorn

7. Lacy underthings

It doesn't matter what you have on top unless you know how sexy you are underneath — which has everything to do with mindset, by the way, but a matching set of pretty underwear never hurts! We could not love this set more from Montréal designer Mary Young ... gorgeous and comfortable, our two favourite words when talking about our smalls.

A woman stands in front of a mirror in lacy underwear.

Image: Mary Young

8. Chic pearl necklace

Pearls are elegant, classic and so on-trend right now. You could wear this with a burlap bag (or at least a tank top) and you would still be one of the chicest people around.

Pearl necklace

Image: Kara Yoo

9. Structured bag

Whether you wear it over your shoulder or cross-body, a bag with structure gives you room to put your things so they don't get buried, along with clean lines to complement your outfit.

Ela Saddle Bag

Image: Ela Handbags

10. Chic sunnies

Calm, cool French mystery can be yours with the right pair of sunglasses. Le Specs is a French-inspired Australian brand beloved by celebrities like Meghan Markle. Go for a classic black or tortoise to keep your look understated yet ever so chic.

Le Specs Bandwagon sunglasses

Image: Le Specs

11. Red lipstick

Of course, the pièce de résistance for any French-inspired outfit is a bold red lip. The Noto Multi-Bene sticks work not only for lips, but also cheeks, eyes ... anywhere you'd like a burst of colour. We wear ours every day.

Noto Botanics lip stain

Image: Noto Botanics

12. Magazine

The French are known for being well-informed conversationalists, ready to debate on any topic. We have an eclectic variety of circulating titles on a variety of subjects that will help fill up your brain with all kinds of interesting things to say.

Milk magazine