Popsugar Fashion Street Style The Key to Getting That Covetable French Girl Style Style Rules To Steal From French Girls 28 October 2019 by Avery Matera Image Source: Getty / Christian Vierig As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work. French girls have always had this . . . je ne sais quoi . . . this air of elegance that is largely unmatched. A Parisian beauty seems to simultaneously look like she only just emerged from her featherbed, but also that she's so flawless it's hard to imagine effort was not invested. The truth is, it doesn't take much coiffing to master that French girl style. And it's all about the classics. While they often look like they truly rolled out of bed looking like the best version of themselves, they're simply following a few key rules of style that have yet to steer them wrong. From effortless footwear to the accessories that will turn your entire outfit around, find five style secrets all French girls know—and we're sharing with you. Because, armed with the perfect leather jacket, a classic Breton stripe, and a pair of ballet flats, we really can all conquer the world. 1 Ditch the heels Image Source: Getty Images Ok, maybe not all the time, but the sentiment remains that every chic girl should have an arsenal of stylish flats to take her through the days, months, and years. Find a pair of ballet flats you love? Buy them in more than one colour. A loafer you can't get enough of? Shop for them in a material that feels a little more unexpected. They'll take you anywhere you have to go with ease, and you'll look killer all the while. 2 Margaux Image Source: margauxny.com Margaux x Gal Meets Glam The Demi ($155). Margaux x Gal Meets Glam The Demi $155 from margauxny.com Buy Now 3 Gucci Image Source: mytheresa.com Gucci Princetown Canvas Slippers ($785). Gucci Princetown Canvas Slippers $785 from mytheresa.com Buy Now 4 Zara Image Source: zara.com Zara Patent Finish Loafers with Bow ($30). Zara Patent Finish Loafers with Bow $30 from zara.com Buy Now 5 Collect classic shirting Image Source: Getty Images In oxford, poplin, and silk, make sure to have more than one classic button-down shirt on hand. It could be a bright white, perhaps piped or contrasted at the cuffs; or maybe it's a menswear-inspired stripe that you're after. You can button it up, leave it open, tie it at the waist, or layer it over a tank. The possibilities are endless. 6 Equipment Image Source: farfetch.com Equipment Slim Signature Shirt ($333). Equipment Slim Signature Shirt $333 from farfetch.com Buy Now 7 Madewell Image Source: madewell.com Madewell Puff-Sleeve Popover Shirt ($72). Madewell Puff-Sleeve Popover Shirt $72 from madewell.com Buy Now 8 J.Crew Image Source: jcrew.com J.Crew Classic-Fit Boy Shirt ($70). J.Crew Classic-Fit Boy Shirt $70 from jcrew.com Buy Now 9 Invest in a go-to layering piece Image Source: Getty Images Whether it's a leather jacket or a blazer, depending on your preppy-meets-edgy personal style, it's important to have that single piece you can throw over everything from a pair of jeans to a cocktail dress. Above all, though, make sure it's well-tailored: a poorly-fitted jacket is no one's friend. 10 Mango Image Source: shop.mango.com Mango Zipped Biker Jacket ($60). Mango Zipped Biker Jacket $60 from shop.mango.com Buy Now 11 Nili Lotan Nili Lotan Diane Prince of Wales Checked Wool-Blend Blazer ($850). Nili Lotan Diane Prince of Wales Checked Wool-Blend Blazer $850 from net-a-porter.com Buy Now 12 Maje Image Source: us.maje.com Maje Leather Biker-Style Jacket ($595). Maje Leather Biker-Style Jacket $595 from us.maje.com Buy Now 13 Classic denim is a non-negotiable Image Source: Getty Images We love a crazy denim trend as much as the next style-lover, but it's important that you start by investing in the classics. It could be a pair of splurge-worthy designer jeans, or perhaps a more affordable pair from your local vintage store, but there's nothing quite like a go-to pair of straight-leg or skinny jeans that will feel like a second skin, whether you're feeling your best or your worst when you wake up in the morning. 14 Levi's Image Source: farfetch.com Levi's Wedgie Straight Jeans ($98). Levi's Wedgie Straight Jeans $98 from farfetch.com Buy Now 15 Raey Image Source: matchesfashion.com Raey Press Straight-Leg Jeans ($150). Raey Press Straight-Leg Jeans $150 from matchesfashion.com Buy Now 16 Brock Collection Image Source: modaoperandi.com Brock Collection Wright High Rise Straight-Leg Jeans ($475). Brock Collection Wright High Rise Straight-Leg Jeans $475 from modaoperandi.com Buy Now 17 Stripes are paramount Image Source: Getty Images Stripes, in any way, shape, or form, are a no-question wardrobe essential when it comes to French girl style—and it should be for you as well. A pattern that also serves as a neutral, you can effortlessly make a great Breton tee the statement piece in your look, or mix it in with contrasting prints, like a floral skirt or leopard flats. Mark our words: stock up. 18 Saint James Image Source: shop.nordstrom.com Saint James Minquiers Moderne Striped Sailor Shirt ($79). Saint James Minquiers Moderne Striped Sailor Shirt $79 from shop.nordstrom.com Buy Now 19 La Ligne Image Source: lalignenyc.com La Ligne Charlotte Tee ($115). La Ligne Charlotte Tee $115 from lalignenyc.com Buy Now 20 H&M Image Source: www2.hm.com H&M Boat-Necked Jersey Top ($15). H&M Boat-Necked Jersey Top $15 from www2.hm.com Buy Now Street StyleShoppingShoppableStyle How-To