5 French Fashion Staples for Spring Outfits 

I am rounding up my top 5 French fashion staples for Spring outfits.  Warmer days are approaching, and it will soon be time to ditch the heavy sweaters and coats for light layers.  The cherry blossoms are blooming here, and this always get me excited for warmer days ahead.  So let’s cheer on sunny days and take a look at what French women are coveting this Spring.

Clasic style is rooted in French style; the similarities are remarkably close. The one exception I find with this is that French women typically opt for a pop of color, whereas American women, typically with a classic style, err on the side of wearing more neutral colors. I prefer a more neutral wardrobe; however, I will opt for a pop of color here and there with accessories. Parisian women are also the epitome of classic beauty style with a bare face and red lipstick, giving off that certain je ne sais quoi.

If a green Breton stripe button-down is your thing, go for it.  There is no one-size-fits-all here.  This is about having a starting point for your style and defining how that works for you.  Here are my top picks for French fashion staples for Spring.

French Fashion Staples | The Classic Trench Coat

The classic trench coat is a must. It is chic and can be worn casually around town, but it can also be easily elevated with a strappy gold sandal. Trench coats aren’t just for rainy days. I see them routinely during any given Paris trip I have taken recently. Not only do they make for great travel essentials, they are pieces that will stand the test of time. I have owned several of mine for over 15 years,

Since 2024, the trench coat has been resurging, with styles in all lengths and cuts. Choose the one that works for you. I love a good mid-length and a cropped length. It doesn’t get terribly cold here, so the longer length isn’t needed. So keep your weather and locale in mind when choosing. A trench coat is definitely a must on the “French Fashion Staples” list.

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​The Ballet Flat

Do ballet flats really ever go out of style?  Because of its classic style, ballet flats are a great pair of shoes you will wear on repeat.  Keep comfort in mind if you are going to be doing much walking in them (living/ working in a metro city vs. suburban or country life).  I typically opt for more comfortable walking shoes so that I can easily travel with them, too.  The style choices are endless, with ballet flats enjoying a recent upgrade with a Mary Jane strap, bolder colors, and various materials (think fabric or woven materials). And then there is the classic capped-toe look that Coco Chanel popularized and was further immortalized when Karl Lagerfeld, after becoming the head of the house, reinterpreted Chanel’s two-tone slingback pump into the flat ballet slipper, which debuted in the Spring/Summer 1984 collection. 

​Personally, I love a capped-toe ballet flat as I feel the cap just adds some extra French girl chic to the shoe.  The woven styles and metallics are also a favorite in my closet.  The streets of Paris are a runway of ballet flats.   And this is an easy way to create any French-inspired look.  Parisian women are the embodiment of the ballet flats.  I typically tend to splurge on my ballet flats, knowing that I wear them constantly and that they are also timeless pieces I will have in my closet for years to come.   I have chosen items at different price points for all budgets.

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French Fashion Staples | The Breton Striped Tee

I will be the first to admit that my closet has more stripes than necessary, but I have always been drawn to a striped tee shirt, sweater, or blouse. The slight pattern gives an otherwise more neutral wardrobe some flair. From tanks to capped sleeves to boatnecks to longer lengths, there is a style and color for everyone. Navy, red, and green are quite popular, with red and green adding that extra pop of color Parisian women are known for.

Spring is the perfect time to stock up on Parisian fashion. Tees and tanks can eventually be layered as the cooler weather starts to rear its head in Fall. I love pairing a Breton tee with a ballet flat and white jeans. It doesn’t get much more French girl cool than this. I typically add neutral cardigans or cashmere sweaters in Fall and Winter for a more layered and cozy fit.

Want a dressier option? Pair your striped top with a favorite pair of jeans, strappy sandal, and a denim jacket for an evening out. Stylish and chic, but equally comfortable. I recently purchased these gold sandals and am in love with them. And this denim jacket just dropped on sale, and it is becoming a favorite of mine.

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Denim Jeans

​Denim jeans have certainly not been a stranger to Parisian women.  In recent years, this more casual closet staple has gained popularity as a go-to French girl chic wardrobe must-have.  Denim looks great with ballet flats, a market tote, and a trench coat, making them look polished and sophisticated.  Designers have jumped on this trend, offering a diverse range of styles, cuts and rinses.  From straight-leg jeans to skinny jeans, cropped, wide-leg and high-waisted, we are seeing denim making a huge comeback in a sophisticated manner.  Denim is definitely one of the key pieces for any wardrobe, regardless of your style.  Denim jeans are versatile pieces that can easily go from day to night with a few accessory changes.  And they are perfect for Spring weather.  

​Pair with an ankle boot in early April when the weather can still be cool, or opt for a flat sandal in warmer weather months. A white sneaker is equally chic and comfortable and perfectly French girl-approved.  The thing I love most about denim is that with all the choices, you can find something comfortable yet stylish. Pair with a white tee, comfortable sneakers, a crossbody bag, and a cropped trench for a day out, or pair with a high heel, tweed blazer, and a button-down for an evening look; denim is a versatile closet staple.  

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French Fashion Staples | The Handbag

​Handbags are one of those things I think you either love (you own several) or you have because they are a must.  Whether you love a crossbody bag, a market tote, a convertible handbag that can go from day to night, a satchel, or a large tote bag, many beautiful options will blend seamlessly into your existing wardrobe.  Choose colors that speak to what you already own, and that will blend seamlessly.  If a pop of color in your closet is something you want to add, adding a handbag in a color that would work for what you already have is a fun way to add it.  

​I recently purchased this emerald green and gold clutch for evenings out.  It was under $30, and I get compliments on it every time I use it.  The rest of my outfit may be more neutral, so this is a fun way to add some color.  If you are tight on closet space, consider a bag that can do double duty (shoulder or crossbody, crossbody to clutch, etc.).  

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​The Spring months are something I always look forward to, and I enjoy a closet refresh and adding some new items, certainly a few of these French Fashion staples.  I hope these French fashion choices inspire you to create beautiful French girl Spring style outfits.  I highlighted items at different price points in case you are in the market for adding some new items into your Spring wardrobe.  I hope these have been helpful tips for you.

​Until next time,

​Kelly

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