There’s something so classy and elegant about the way the French carry themselves. From the dawn of French history, we’ve looked to our more stylish European brethren for fashion inspiration and style guidance. In the hopes that a bit of their je ne sais quo rubs off on us, we’ve rounded up French fashion essentials to get you looking like a Parisian local. 

French Fashion Essentials: How Parisians Do Cute Outfits

If you think about famous French women in history — Marie Antoinette, Carla Bruni, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Juliette Binoche, Audrey Tatou, and so many more — the first thing that comes to mind is most likely their beauty, then their hair, and last, but not least, their wardrobe!

French fashion has a distinct look to it — upon first glance, it’s effortless, put together, and so damn chic it hurts; but upon further inspection, one realizes that their wardrobe is made up of basics that come together to form a glorious whole. The French are living proof that less is more and croissants might just be the fountain of youth and happiness. But that’s a conversation for another time.

If you’re dying to know the secret to French fashion and, ultimately, way of life, this guide will help point you in the right direction. Featuring wardrobe essentials like a plain white tee, denim jeans, and a blazer, this guide will show you how simple wardrobe combinations can make for killer street style.

Ready to look like a local?

The best part about a French wardrobe is that it’s easy to recreate and even easier to maintain. The trick is to keep the outfit itself simple and customize with accessories or makeup (opt for either a winged eye or red lip). When it comes to French fashion, we always recommend looking to French icons like Anna Karina, Brigitte Bardot, and Edwige Belmore for inspiration. It’s also important to note that the biggest draw of French fashion is the confidence French women exude. With confidence, you can wear and do anything.

Now you’re ready to walk the streets of Paris like a local, ladies, but before snapping that selfie, we want to know: Who’s your favorite French style icon of all time?

Tell us in the comments below or on Facebook!

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