If there’s one thing French women are known for it’s their effortless sense of style. While a French woman’s style can never be duplicated, it can be emulated. Here are 12 staples to help you achieve effortless French style and add a little Parisian chic to your day.

1. Blazer

No French wardrobe would be complete without a blazer. It is one of the most essential and versatile pieces that form a foundational French wardrobe. A good blazer can take you from day to night and it can be dressed up or down, depending on what you prefer. If you’re looking for a classic French foundational piece, start with a blazer in a neutral colour, so that it can be paired with pieces you already own. I love a slightly oversized blazer. One that is not too forming-fitting, but also not so oversized that it looks like you intentionally bought it two sizes too big. A slightly oversized fit can be styled more casually than something that is fitted and may look too formal. The slightly oversized silhouette can be worn with both straight or slim jeans just as easily as it can be worn with a wide-leg jean or more tailored black trouser. Once you begin to grow your blazer collection, you can mix in other classic styles like a houndstooth or tweed pattern. You can find a blazer for just about every season, because they come in a variety of different materials and patterns.

2. Button-Down Shirt

A button-down shirt is an essential piece to add to your French wardrobe. It can be used as a basic piece or worn with a blazer and black trousers for a more formal look. You don’t have to stick to a cotton or poplin button-down either. Some of my favourite button-downs are in lighter, flowy fabrics. Find a style that works best for you.

3. Jeans

A pair of well-tailored jeans is also an important foundational French wardrobe piece. Classic and simple and something you feel comfortable wearing. A straight-leg jean is a classic silhouette because they can be worn with heels, boots, sneakers or flats. However, you can just as easily substitute that style for whatever style works best for you: slim, flared, wide-leg, cropped or even a barrel jean. What’s more important than the style of the jean is the wash of the jean. Classic colours like black, charcoal, indigo or a medium blue wash are neutral and can be mixed and matched easily with other pieces on the list.

4. Silk Camisole

A silk camisole is a perfect layering piece that can be worn casually under a cardigan or paired under a blazer to create a more sophisticated look. The fabric adds the perfect amount of texture to an outfit and contrasts nicely when paired under a knit or blazer. A camisole in a solid, neutral colour makes it a versatile piece that can be easily worn with different outfits. A camisole that is fitted, but not tight will allow it to drape nicely so you can wear it tucked into a pair or jeans or worn loosely under a blazer.   

5. White Sneakers

A pair of white sneakers is a great wardrobe staple that is functional and can pull together an outfit without taking attention away from the rest of the pieces.

6. Knit Cardigan

A knit cardigan is a classic wardrobe staple that can be mixed and matched with other foundational pieces to transform an ordinary outfit into something simple, yet sophisticated. Try pairing one over a silk camisole and couple it with a pair of black trousers and white sneakers for an effortlessly easy weekend look. You can also layer a chunky knit cardigan over a t-shirt and jeans with a pair of loafers for a classic look. For a more refined outfit, choose a finer-knit cardigan, as it delivers a more delicate look.

7. Structured Jacket

A structured jacket is a great piece for Spring, when the weather starts to get warmer, but it’s still not warm enough to leave the house without an extra layer. It can be worn with many of the same foundational pieces you can wear with a knit cardigan, however it offers a much more refined look. This will often be the focal point of the outfit, as many are decorated with gold buttons, making it the centre of attention.  Wear it with a classic dark denim or a pair of black trousers and ballet flats to complete the look.

8. Classic T-Shirt

A t-shirt is a foundational piece in any wardrobe. They are incredibly versatile and can be worn as a layering piece or on their own. One of the most iconic French t-shirts is a Breton striped shirt; a long-sleeve cotton t-shirt with horizontal strips that is reminiscent of the French navy.  When considering how to wear a t-shirt, if it’s a loose t-shirt, you can pair it with a slimmer pair or jeans and vice-versa. This creates a more balanced silhouette that is not too tight and not too loose. If you wear a crew or round-neck style, you can layer on some jewelry for a polished, but casual look.

9. Trench Coat

A trench coat is a staple in any French woman’s closet. Whether you’re transitioning from Winter to Spring or Fall to Winter, a trench coat is an important piece. There are several different styles and lengths, so pick the one that works best for you. A classic trench coat is a relaxed fit and hits at or just above the knee.

10. Black Trousers

In the last few years black trousers have transitioned from a mostly-only-workwear item to an almost-everywhere wardrobe essential. It really comes down to great tailoring. If you have a pair of tailored black pants, you can easily dress them down with a cardigan and sneakers or pair them with a silk camisole and blazer for a more formal look. A classic straight leg or slightly cropped slim pant is always a classic style, but I also love a wide-legged trouser that you can wear casually, but still delivers a refined and timeless look without looking like you’ve spent the whole day in workwear.

11. Ballet Flats

A pair of ballet flats can elevate an otherwise causal outfit. And while there are plenty of styles to choose from, one of the most iconic French ballet flats is the cap-toe flat. This timeless two-tone style made famous by Chanel, can add an extra bit or contrast or interest to an outfit, while still keeping it classic. A traditional cap-toe flat combines taupe and black, which means that this shoe can be paired with most outfits as a neutral. Pair ballet flats with straight-leg or slim jeans or black trousers that hit at the ankle. This pant length shows both the shoe and the pant in equal contrast and proportion to one another.

12. Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is another versatile piece that can take you through the seasons. It is versatile enough to wear casually over jeans and a t-shirt or you can dress it up over black trousers and a camisole. The leather can also add an extra bit of interest to an outfit, as it contrasts well against almost any other fabric you pair it with. A close-fitting motorcycle jacket that hits just below the waistline is a great style that can be worn with pants or a midi skirt.