French Style
Dec 14, 2023

I Went to France and Saw Everyone Wearing These 5 Basics on the Streets of Paris

by Bobby Schuessler

I recently took a lovely holiday to Paris. When I got back, my friends and family asked me about my favourite part of the trip. I naturally rattled off all of the delicious food I ate and the museums I visited. But I also noted my adoration for simply sitting at a cafe and watching the street style. As a lover of French style (that effortless je ne sais quoi is just so covetable), I adored seeing how Parisians dress in their day-to-day.

While the types of looks I saw ran the gamut, many of the ensembles featured effortless basics that Parisians are known for wearing to look chic. There were actually five specific styles I spotted the most on the streets of Paris. Below you’ll uncover the list, along with visual inspiration. I also shopped out each of the basics in question if you’re interested in adding a fresh style to your wardrobe.

French people best basics: @frannfyne wears a double-breasted blazer

Photo:

@frannfyne

Style Notes: The temperature was in the 10s for most of my time in Paris, so layering pieces were key. I saw double-breasted blazers everywhere—especially with simple tops and jeans. A blazer brings instant polish to any look.

Shop the look:

COS Double-Breasted Wool Blazer

Double-Breasted Wool Blazer

Navy is just as versatile as black.

The Frankie Shop Bea Single-Breasted Canvas Jacket

The Frankie Shop

Bea Single-Breasted Canvas Jacket

The Frankie Shop knows all about epic blazers.

H&M Textured-Weave Jacket

Textured-Weave Jacket

Tweed textures are big for winter.

Mango Double-Breasted Suit Jacket

Double-Breasted Suit Jacket

Black blazers always feel fresh.

Sézane Christie Jacket

Christie Jacket

For an authentic touch, look to French brands like Sézane.

French people best basics: @annelauremais wears a simple midi skirt

Photo:

@annelauremais

Style Notes: Skirts were incredibly popular teamed with sneakers, flats and boots. The style sort of ranged—either simple knit styles or in satin.

Shop the look:

Mango Long Knitted Skirt

Long Knitted Skirt

I'm very into this whole co-ord.

Ghost Adrianna Satin Maxi Skirt

Adrianna Satin Maxi Skirt

A maxi slip skirt is high on my wish list.

Jigsaw Leather Midi Asymmetric Skirt | Green

Leather Midi Asymmetric Skirt | Green

Style with knee-high boots for on colder days.

French people best basics: @aidabadji_ wears a relaxed white shirt

Photo:

@aidabadji_

Style Notes: The button-up shirt (particularly in relaxed cuts) reigned supreme in every neighborhood I visited. I noticed a plethora of classic white styles and also blue-striped silhouettes.

Shop the look:

COS Oversized Shirt

Oversized Shirt

This COS number is a real stand out.

Oversized Poplin Shirt

Oversized Poplin Shirt

I still can't believe this is under £20.

River Island Plus White Poplin Oversized Shirt

Plus White Poplin Oversized Shirt

A classic white shirt features in so many of my outfits.

French people best basics: @sylviemus_ wears a denim jacket

Photo:

@sylviemus_

Style Notes: Given the slightly cooler temperatures when I visited Paris (especially in the morning and at night), denim jackets seemed to be a go-to choice (in addition to blazers). I noticed many looks where the jacket was buttoned all the way up—almost like an alt to a top.

COS Cropped Denim Jacket

Cropped Denim Jacket

The cropped design adds a directional feel.

We The Free Denim Barn Coat

Denim Barn Coat

The dropped shoulders add a relaxed feel.

Levi's '90s Denim Trucker Jacket

'90s Denim Trucker Jacket

A classic denim jacket never dates.

Arket Denim Jacket

I love the pocket detailing on this.

French people best basics: @salome.mory wears a pair of baggy trousers

Photo:

@salome.mory

Style Notes: I saw baggy trousers and denim everywhere—styled most often with flats or sneakers.

Shop the look:

Agolde Low Slung Baggy Jeans 28"

Low Slung Baggy Jeans 28"

We've heard great things about Agolde denim.

H&M Wide Trousers

Another stand-out style from H&M.

Me+Em Flannel High-Waist Wide-Leg Pant

Flannel High-Waist Wide-Leg Pant

The pleating on these trousers is pure perfection.

Mango Low-Waist Wideleg Trousers

Low-Waist Wideleg Trousers

This pair looks great with heeled ankle boots.