The French have always been revered for their fashion iconography. When you think of their fashion, brands like Chanel, Hermès and Louis Vuitton usually spring to mind. These houses have made a lasting impact on fashion history and trends, but only in principle. French girls don’t follow the trends or drown themselves in labels, they keep it simple.
The idea behind the French Girl aesthetic is less is more. The style is admired for focusing on a few simple pieces that are effortlessly chic. I would equate it to a mix of quiet luxury with a hint of street style and some pops of the maximalist aesthetic.
Easy to admire, the trends have managed to survive through fast fashion and multiple decades. The first wave of this aesthetic came from celebrities like Jane Birkin, Francoise Hardy, and Audrey Hepburn, to name a few. Now, you can see it on Alexa Chung, Jeanne Damas, Lou Doillon, and Sofia Richie. Because it's so focused on simplicity, it's so easy to recreate with a few key pieces with things that are already in your wardrobe. With that said, we've broken down some key pieces you need to include if you haven't already
There are a few staple tops to make sure you have on hand if you're inspired by this aesthetic. Basics like plain white tees and button-downs are the quintessential base layers to build on. The focus is on the quality and tailoring, but also how it pairs well with other parts of your outfit. If you're looking for tops that have more character or visual interest, maybe opt for a graphic tee, but still keep it simple and avoid making it the focal point of your outfit.
Much like tops, focus on the basics that can be mixed and matched with other components of your outfit, much like a capsule wardrobe. A good pair of flare jeans, relaxed-fit trousers, or even a nice midi or maxi skirt are great to have and rotate between for multiple looks. These are great pieces to have in your closet regardless, but especially if you're trying to create an effortlessly chic look.
What better way to dress up your outfit for work or a night out than with a blazer? Or, if you want to keep it casual and more feminine, try a cardigan. Layers are such a great way to build interest with a look. Even simple and basic colors look so effortlessly chic if they are well-tailored and fit your body well. And there are no rules on how to wear them. Have it sit over your shoulders like a cape, or tie the sleeves around your shoulders instead. What makes it the French Girl style is the ability to have fun with it and follow your own rules.
There are so many ways to accessorize a French Girl look. For shoes, opt for ballet flats or loafers. They're comfortable and still stylish. Another sign of the French Girl aesthetic is the pop of red. Whether that's from a bold lip, a bag, a scarf, or something else, having a pop of color paired with neutrals makes the outfit so much more interesting, but still simple and chic.
