Trends

7 Classic and Interesting French Outfits We Plan on Copying in 2022

Pre-Instagram, we might’ve had to rely on fashion week for our street style round-ups, but when it comes to experiencing global style in 2022, we’re spoilt for choice. Not only does social media allow us to see the outfits of people on every continent at a click of a button, but it also gives us a chance to reassess the sartorial tropes that have developed around certain countries.

One of the most well-worn fashion stereotypes has to be that of the French girl. This classic French fashion type is characterised by expensive basics, Breton tops, silk shirts and tasteful yet subdued occasionwear—all of which is embodied by the likes of Carine Roitfeld and Emmanuelle Alt.

While there are many who still love the traditional, pared-back aesthetic, Instagram proves that it is no longer representative of the average fashion-loving Parisienne, with influencers such as Camille Charriere and Ellie from Slip Into Style bringing a more experimental approach to the table while still managing to be chic at all times, of course. 

“We love a statement shoe, an extravagant piece of costume jewellery, a flashy print or one piece that will make heads turn,” says Ellie. 

To get a better sense of what classic French style looks like in 2022, we scoured the feeds of our favourite Gallic girls to see the outfit formulas they wear on repeat. From cool co-ords to trainers with everything, scroll down to see what it takes to perfect classic French style now. 

1. SHORT SHORTS + FLAT KNEE-HIGH BOOTS

Classic French fashion: Camille Charriere wearing Bash Paris blazer and jeans

Photo:

@camillecharriere

Style Notes: Camille feels so passionately about the liberating joy of miniskirts and shorts that she’s even written an article on the topic. Shorts, when teamed with basics, become an all-year-round essential that has the power to elevate the simplest of looks. For winter, it’s all about adding the snug factor with cashmere knits and comfy flat boots.

SHOP THE LOOK
& Other Stories Tailored Linen Shorts
& Other Stories
Tailored Linen Shorts
£65
Shop Now

We love this pair.

Essēn The Riding Boot in Black
Essēn
The Riding Boot in Black
£399
Shop Now

So chic.

Arket Oversized Cashmere Jumper
Arket
Oversized Cashmere Jumper
£135
Shop Now

A wardrobe staple.

2. KNIT DRESS + ANKLE BOOTS

Classic French fashion: Slip into Style wearing Levis jeans and denim jacket

Photo:

@slipintostyle

Style Notes: Ellie from Slip Into Style is usually one to throw out the French style rule book, but sometimes, she sticks to classic wardrobe staples. The knit dress has become an essential over the past few years, and it’s all about versatility. With ankle boots in the winter and sandals in the spring, it’s a fail-safe option that’ll deliver endless outfit opportunities. 

SHOP THE LOOK
& Other Stories Rib Knit Midi Dress
& Other Stories
Rib Knit Midi Dress
£85
Shop Now

Thank you, & Other Stories, for creating the perfect jumper dress.

Wandler Marine Leather Ankle Boots
Wandler
Marine Leather Ankle Boots
£420
Shop Now

Hello, dream boots.

Thomas Sabo Hoop Earrings Small Gold
Thomas Sabo
Hoop Earrings Small Gold
£169
Shop Now

The subtle detailing makes these look so expensive.

3. TAILORING + TRAINERS

Classic French fashion: Aïda wearing Veja trainers and grey coat

Photo:

@basicstouch

Style Notes: While the misconception may be that Parisian women totter around in heels at all times (some might), this often isn’t the case. Trainers are a key element of every cool girl’s everyday uniform, so naturally, they’re high up on the list of essentials for French girls. 

SHOP THE LOOK
Arket Oversized Double-Face Wool Coat
Arket
Oversized Double-Face Wool Coat
£250
Shop Now

The silhouette of this is so striking.

Elleme Vague Orange Leather Shoulder Bag
Elleme
Vague Orange Leather Shoulder Bag
£355
Shop Now

Add a pop of colour.

Arket Veja Campo
Arket
Veja Campo
£120
Shop Now

A classic.

4. CARDIGAN + HIGH-WAISTED JEANS

Classic French fashion: Jeanne Damas wearing cardigan and jeans

Photo:

@jeannedamas

Style Notes: Clearly, it’s not just us Brits who love a granny-chic knit. Jeanne Damas is proof that even the most traditionally Parisian dresser can enjoy the aesthetic. The secret is to pair your could-be-passed-down-from-granny cardigan with figure-flattering, high-waisted jeans and ankle boots.

SHOP THE LOOK
Loulou Studio Vilm Cable-Knit Silk-Blend Cardigan
Loulou Studio
Vilm Cable-Knit Silk-Blend Cardigan
£315
Shop Now

The perfect spring cardigan.

H&M Vintage Slim High Ankle Jeans
H&M
Vintage Slim High Ankle Jeans
£25
Shop Now

We love this cut.

Cos Pointed Leather Ankle Boots
Cos
Pointed Leather Ankle Boots
£180
Shop Now

The points are so chic.

5. DENIM SHIRT + JEANS

Classic French fashion: Adenorah wearing double denim

Photo:

@annelauremais

Style Notes: Double denim is back. We’re not talking about twinning in a Justin and Britney tribute, but instead, it’s a cool denim co-ord. High-low styling is a key characteristic of the modern French-girl style. Case in point? Laid-back denim separates dressed up with a top-handle bag and heels just like Adenorah. It works when you stick to luxe-looking indigo denim instead of light wash. 

SHOP THE LOOK
Nanushka Seint Denim Shirt
Nanushka
Seint Denim Shirt
£295
Shop Now

Such an elegant wash.

Nanushka Jane  Straight Leg Jeans
Nanushka
Jane Straight Leg Jeans
£275
Shop Now

Gabriela Hearst Aria Perforated-Leather Platform Shoes
Gabriela Hearst
Aria Perforated-Leather Platform Shoes
£790
Shop Now

How fabulous are these?

6. SKIRT SET + HEELS

Classic French fashion: Emmanuelle wearing checkerboard two piece

Photo:

@emmanuellek_

Style Notes: A co-ord is an easy way to achieve an on-point outfit with minimal effort, and we love a miniskirt pairing. Emmanuelle opts for a checkerboard set, and fellow French girl Ellie at @slipintostyle has been wearing the print du jour recently. There’s something about the black-and-white look that still feels oh so chic, even if it is a bold move. 

SHOP THE LOOK
Baum Und Pferdgarten Cristean Cardigan
Baum Und Pferdgarten
Cristean Cardigan
£229
Shop Now

This reminds us of Emily in Paris.

Nasty Gal Faux Leather Checkerboard Mini Skirt
Nasty Gal
Faux Leather Checkerboard Mini Skirt
£30
Shop Now

Checks are go!

Senso Mina
Senso
Mina
£159
Shop Now

The straps are just so cool.

7. SHIRT + ROLL-NECK

Anne-Victoire Lefevre wearing shirt over roll neck jumper

Photo:

@vikilefevre

Style Notes: A styling hack everyone should know for winter is the shirt over roll-neck. Clever layering is something French women do best, and this just so happens to be one of the coolest combos around this time of year. Extending the life of your favourite summer shirt and adding extra warmth with the roll-neck, what’s not to love?

Abercrombie & Fitch Linen Button-Up Shirt
Abercrombie & Fitch
Linen Button-Up Shirt
£52
Shop Now

Abercrombie creates amazing shirts.

COS Merino Wool Turtleneck Top
COS
Merino Wool Turtleneck Top
£45
Shop Now

COS does the best turtlenecks.

Monki Taiki Straight Leg Black Jeans
Monki
Taiki Straight Leg Black Jeans
£40
Shop Now

The baggy fit is just so cool.

Next up, The 11-Piece Spring Capsule French Women Swear By

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