I'm something of a dress fanatic (they make up approximately 80% of my wardrobe), but skirts and I have a longstanding history too. Once coined a "skirt girl", I was heavily inspired by '50s silhouettes and my obsession with Audrey Hepburn, so there was a time when I wore overstated fit-and-flare skirts at any opportunity. Now, however, I've (somewhat) retired from those pronounced styles and have come to appreciate other skirt shapes and lengths.
Since moving to Paris, I've grown increasingly inspired by French women's wardrobe combinations. Come spring, much to my delight, their beloved jean pairings are routinely swapped for skirts, and once the weather becomes a touch balmier, they take every opportunity to celebrate styles that are less dependent on the weather. When it comes to skirt styles, French women are typically known for leather minis, denim cut-offs, wrap skirts and slip silk pieces, but I've observed the integration of edgier pieces such as crinkled fabrics and shrunken A-line skirts (in the wake of the micro-mini trend).
Keep reading to explore and shop the types of skirts French women are currently wearing.
1. Crochet Top + Full Skirt + Ballet Flats
(Image credit: Future)
Style Notes: Granted, the peek-a-boo trend was a favourite many years ago, but I've noticed just how many trend-led pieces (especially those with a hint of Y2K) have been adopted by French fashion people. Add a full-volume skirt, Mary Janes and a baguette shoulder bag for a fashion-forward yet classic look.
Shop the Look:
RÓHE
Crocheted Cotton-Blend Top
This peek-a-boo knit is a stylish transitional piece.
Baukjen
Renee Upcycled Skirt
Don't sleep on sustainable brand Baukjen; it masters high-quality basics.
NEOUS
Phoenix Baguette Leather Shoulder Bag
The Baguette bag is inherently French, and this Neous style is so contemporary.
AEYDE
Darya Leather Flats
I've bumped these directional Mary Janes up to the top of my wish list.
2. White Shirt + Linen Miniskirt + Trainers + Basket Bag
Style Notes: It's time to reintroduce miniskirts back into your arsenal—French women have been wearing them for some weeks now. Add bold jewels, a basket bag (it's almost that time, after all) and a pair of Parisian-favourite Vejas to make your outfit more intentional.
Shop the Look:
Arket
Relaxed Ramie Shirt
Throw a white button-down over your bandeau as a light layer.
LIBEROWE
+ Net Sustain Maha Linen Mini Skirt
Pair this skirt with the above shirt, tucking it into the waistband.
DAPHINE
Margarita Earrings
A pair of bold earrings will finish all your summer outfits.
COS
Oval Sunglasses
These sunglasses remind me of a designer pair I own.
LOEWE X Paula's Ibiza
Small Leather-Trimmed Woven Raffia Tote
It's fair to say Loewe spearheaded the basket-bag trend over the past few years.
VEJA
+ Net Sustain Esplar Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers
There are many Veja stores dotted around Paris and it's no wonder why. The trainer brand really is favoured by Parisians.
3. Fancy Top + Slip Skirt + Heeled Sandals
(Image credit: Future)
Style Notes: I've adopted the scarf detail as part of my uniform, and luckily for me, we're seeing it permeate "going-out" tops. Pair this sleek top below with a silken skirt in sunshine yellow and heeled sandals. Seal the look with a minimal hobo shoulder bag—another French favourite.
Shop the Look:
JACQUEMUS
Maestra Scarf-Detailed Knitted Top
Light woollen pieces are great for transitional-weather days.
Arket
Maxi Satin Skirt
This colourway is so unique.
JACQUEMUS
Les Boucles Gold-Tone Earrings
TOTEME
+ Net Sustain the Belted Croco Flip-Flop Croc-Effect Leather Mules
A modern croc-effect sandal with gold accents.
Arket
Crescent Shoulder Bag in Dark Brown
Arket's leather bags look so much more expensive than they are.
4. Maxi Skirt Co-ord + Sandals + Basket Bag
(Image credit: Future)
Style Notes: French women master the capsule wardrobe, but there's a common misconception that they favour monochrome. It's quite the opposite. I've been inspired to wear colour more since moving to Paris, and the best way to do so is with a coordinated look in muted tones (if, like me, you're easing your way into wearing a more varied palette). Pop on a pair of heeled sandals and gold jewels and your outfit is complete.
Shop the Look:
Ninety Percent
Limini Top in Chestnut
You'll find many ways to style this piece.
Ninety Percent
Flute Skirt in Chestnut
I live in pieces like this throughout the summer.
Missoma X Lucy Williams
Medium Chunky Ridge Hoop Earrings
Lucy Williams X Missoma collaborations are always worth noting.
DRAGON DIFFUSION
Bamboo Triple Jump Woven Leather Tote
You won't regret this handbag investment.
Arket
Slip-In Leather Sandals
Contemporary sandals to wear for many summers to come.
French women go with a light breathable fabric like linen for their summer blazers. Pick a neutral color that can be worn with jeans, denim shorts, or even linen trousers.
French women go with a light breathable fabric like linen for their summer blazers. Pick a neutral color that can be worn with jeans, denim shorts, or even linen trousers.
What Is French Minimalist Style? French minimalist style is simply classic and timeless styles in mostly solid, neutral colors. Such pieces are a white tee, striped tee, straight leg jeans with no distressing, ballet flats, casual sneakers, a black blazer and trench coat.
– Look for natural fabrics as they are the chicest. Choose necklines that suit you. If you are busty, you may look better in a v-neck or scoop neck rather than a crew neck. Dark jeans – The French mostly avoid jeans that are torn or faded.
They choose accessories like a scarf, necklace, or watch but keep that simple too. No makeup except lipstick and mascara maybe. They layer their clothes, wearing a nice coat, jacket, dress, or elegant sweater with a skirt or pants and a scarf of course.
Whether it's a great basic white tee with a hint of sheerness, a ribbed henley, a cute little graphic tee or a classic stripe, a good tee is often the jumping off point of many French-inspired outfits. Don't forget to make sure you have a great white button down on hand as well.
For more casual dinners in Paris, this outfit is often my formula. I'll wear a cropped lady jacket with ankle cropped jeans and then a low pair of heels. If I was planning to do more walking that evening, I'd swap the kitten heel for a block heel or ballet flat.
If you are eating at a Michelin-star restaurant or a luxury hotel, you probably want to look at the restaurant website to see if there's a dress code, if you aren't quite sure. If you are eating at a café, there's no dress code and jeans are always acceptable.
I don't know the original source, but it's been around for several years now. The way the system works is that you focus on purchasing 5 brand new items for your wardrobe every six months. This does not include replacing items that become worn or foundation garments such as socks and underwear.
Part of the mastery of French dressing is mixing casual pieces with more formal pieces so you never look overdressed or underdressed. A crisp pair of white sneakers that can be paired with skirts or elevated trousers instead of a fancier heel is the perfect example of this high-low type of styling.
In terms of fashion, women's French style is an effortlessly elegant way of dressing. It's characterized by neutral colors, clean lines and timeless basics. When you think of French girl style, visualize fashion and comfort coming together as one. No restrictively tight clothing or sky-high heels here.
In summer, people often wear T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, dresses or skirts. Pour se baigner, on porte un maillot. When swimming, one wears a swimming costume. S'il y a beaucoup de soleil, on peut mettre un chapeau ou une casquette et porter des lunettes de soleil.
I love a summer blouse that is thin, lightweight, and airy. A crisp white blouse paired with tailored denim, linen shorts, or pants is an excellent option for casual days. An oversized linen shirt is a perfect option for the beach on hot days.
You can definitely leave your jeans at home and look for more fresh fabrics. The Paris summer style consists of items like nice blouses or t-shirts and skirts or a couple of dresses to wear in Paris. Paris summer outfits do not include shorts. Shorts are uncommon in Paris; they are mostly seen at the beach.
DO: Pack the following: a great pair of jeans, a perfectly cut white t-shirt, a button down shirt (so versatile), a great pair of walking shoes, a swimsuit you feel great in, a hat, a couple pieces of jewellery that go with everything, a light jumper for unexpectedly cool nights, and sunscreen.
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