Update Consent

The Key to Getting That Covetable French Girl Style

Style Rules To Steal From French Girls

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

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.

Image Source: Getty Images

2. Margaux

Margaux x Gal Meets Glam The Demi ($155).

Image Source: margauxny.com
Margaux x Gal Meets Glam The Demi
$155
from margauxny.com
Buy Now

3. Gucci

Gucci Princetown Canvas Slippers ($785).

Image Source: mytheresa.com
Gucci Princetown Canvas Slippers
$785
from mytheresa.com
Buy Now

4. Zara

Zara Patent Finish Loafers with Bow ($30).

Image Source: zara.com
Zara Patent Finish Loafers with Bow
$30
from zara.com
Buy Now

Watch This!

Pop Quiz

Watch the Cast of Fear Street Play a Creepy Game of Horror Movie "Would You Rather"

5. Collect classic shirting

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.

Image Source: Getty Images

6. Equipment

Equipment Slim Signature Shirt ($333).

Image Source: farfetch.com
Equipment Slim Signature Shirt
$333
from farfetch.com
Buy Now

7. Madewell

Madewell Puff-Sleeve Popover Shirt ($72).

Image Source: madewell.com
Madewell Puff-Sleeve Popover Shirt
$72
from madewell.com
Buy Now

8. J.Crew

J.Crew Classic-Fit Boy Shirt ($70).

Image Source: jcrew.com
J.Crew Classic-Fit Boy Shirt
$70
from jcrew.com
Buy Now

9. Invest in a go-to layering piece

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.

Image Source: Getty Images

10. Mango

Mango Zipped Biker Jacket ($60).

Image Source: shop.mango.com
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

Maje Leather Biker-Style Jacket ($595).

Image Source: us.maje.com
Maje Leather Biker-Style Jacket
$595
from us.maje.com
Buy Now

13. Classic denim is a non-negotiable

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.

Image Source: Getty Images

14. Levi's

Levi's Wedgie Straight Jeans ($98).

Image Source: farfetch.com
Levi's Wedgie Straight Jeans
$98
from farfetch.com
Buy Now

15. Raey

Raey Press Straight-Leg Jeans ($150).

Image Source: matchesfashion.com
Raey Press Straight-Leg Jeans
$150
from matchesfashion.com
Buy Now

16. Brock Collection

Brock Collection Wright High Rise Straight-Leg Jeans ($475).

Image Source: modaoperandi.com
Brock Collection Wright High Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
$475
from modaoperandi.com
Buy Now

17. Stripes are paramount

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.

Image Source: Getty Images

18. Saint James

Saint James Minquiers Moderne Striped Sailor Shirt ($79).

Image Source: shop.nordstrom.com
Saint James Minquiers Moderne Striped Sailor Shirt
$79
from shop.nordstrom.com
Buy Now

19. La Ligne

La Ligne Charlotte Tee ($115).

Image Source: lalignenyc.com
La Ligne Charlotte Tee
$115
from lalignenyc.com
Buy Now

20. H&M

H&M Boat-Necked Jersey Top ($15).

Image Source: www2.hm.com
H&M Boat-Necked Jersey Top
$15
from www2.hm.com
Buy Now

Want More?

POPSUGAR Would Like To Send You Push Notifications.