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THE 10 MUST-HAVE FRENCH FASHION WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

“French fashion is all about mastering the art of looking effortlessly chic—something every French woman seems to do with enviable ease. Le secret? A collection of timeless, versatile pieces that form the backbone of their iconic style. These wardrobe staples aren’t just trendy items; they’re enduring essentials that stand the test of time.

As someone French, I find myself continually drawn to these key pieces, season after season. They mix and match effortlessly with everything in my closet, becoming my go-to for daily wear. For instance, a classic trench coat isn’t just perfect for unpredictable Parisian weather; it also adds an instant touch of elegance to any outfit. A well-fitted blazer, on the other hand, can elevate a simple jeans-and-tee combo into a chic ensemble fit for both a casual outing or a business meeting.

If you’re looking to refine your personal style or rebuild your wardrobe from scratch, today’s post is for you! I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of must-have French wardrobe essentials that will serve as a solid foundation for creating countless chic outfits.”

A Classic Trench

Although it hails from England, the trench coat—referred to as “un trench” in French—has become a staple in French fashion. It exudes classic elegance and seamlessly transitions through the seasons. Whether you’re navigating unpredictable spring showers or layering up for autumn, the trench coat is an essential piece. On those days when you feel like you have nothing to wear, it’s your ultimate go-to!

For a more modern twist, opt for an oversized, masculine-inspired trench coat. Some of my top picks include the Anine Bing Randy Maxi trench, the Sézane Clyde trench coat, and the Rosaé Paris Le Saturnin trench. These coats aren’t your typical styles; they’re modern, edgy, and break away from the traditional double-breasted, belted look. Their maxi length adds a fresh, statement-making touch.

Ballet Flats

Ballet flats are a timeless classic that never goes out of style, perfectly capturing the French flair for effortless seasonal transitions. They’re my go-to footwear for both spring and autumn, offering a combination of comfort and chic. As enduring wardrobe essentials, they remain trendy year after year. This season, mesh, embellished, and Mary Jane flats are especially fashionable. Some of my favorites include slingback flats, like the Carel Peche patent leather pumps, ideal for spring and summer. For a classic, timeless style, these embroidered mesh ballet flats by Magda Butrym are a stunning choice.

A Striped Top

The Breton striped top, or “la marinière,” is a true French wardrobe essential. Originally inspired by the uniforms of French seamen, this blue-and-white striped, long-sleeved cotton top has become a timeless symbol of effortless French style. To achieve the quintessential look, pair it with classic blue jeans, a navy blazer, and black leather loafers. This season, I’m loving Sézane’s Jacob jumper in navy/ecru – it offers a modern twist on the classic design. For those who prefer something more traditional, the Noan marinière is a flawless choice.

A Cross-Body Bag

A black or camel leather cross-body bag is an essential and versatile accessory that every wardrobe needs. It’s perfect as a day bag to carry your essentials, an elegant choice for evening outings, or a reliable companion for travel. The value of a high-quality leather bag is unmatched, as it’s built to last through the seasons. I’m particularly fond of my vintage Celine Triomphe bag in black leather, which seamlessly complements every outfit. For those exploring options, Parisian brands like Sézane, A.P.C., and Polène offer fantastic choices. Right now, I’m in love with the Emilie small bag by French Maison Le Tanneur—it’s a definite wishlist favorite.

An Oversized Blazer

A blazer is a cornerstone of the Parisian wardrobe, instantly elevating any outfit with its refined touch. It’s the ultimate versatile piece, perfect layered over a classic white shirt or a turtleneck, paired with skirts or jeans. Whether dressed up or down, the key is the fit: a slightly oversized silhouette with strong shoulders is the current trend. For a touch of femininity, cinch it at the waist with a chic belt, like Isabel Marant’s Lecce leather belt. Stick to classic hues like navy (I love my Sandro double-breasted blazer, which I wear on repeat), black, beige (Blazé Milano’s double-breasted wool blazer is a great choice), or brown for a blazer that complements any outfit with ease.

Chic Ankle Boots

There’s no safer footwear option than classic ankle boots, or “les bottines à talons.” These versatile shoes are perfect for nearly any time of year, effortlessly suiting a variety of looks that can be dressed up or down. Whether paired with straight-leg jeans or pleated tailored pants, ankle boots add an instant touch of sophistication to any outfit. This season, consider ankle boots with a patent finish, like the iconic Estime ankle boots by Carel Paris. I recently purchased two pairs of Carel boots—one in bright red patent leather and another in navy blue and white leather. The block heels are just the right height, making them incredibly comfortable to wear. I absolutely adore them!

A Tweed Jacket

The tweed jacket, made iconic by Chanel, is one of my favorite outerwear pieces for mid-season. Its textured fabric and elegant silhouette add a sophisticated touch to any outfit, making it incredibly versatile. If you’re after that signature Parisian chic look, this jacket is a must-have!

For a stylish daytime look, pair it with cropped blue jeans and ballet flats, or go for a midi skirt and chunky loafers. For an elegant evening outfit, simply drape it over a mini dress. If you’re looking for the perfect jacket this season, I highly recommend choosing one in soft, neutral tones. Some of my top picks include the stunning Sandro tweed jacket, the Rosaé Paris Le Pépin chasseur jacket (which is on my wishlist), and the J.Crew tweed lady jacket in natural.

A Little Black Dress

The little black dress, or “la petite robe noire,” is a timeless staple in French women’s wardrobes, perfect for any special occasion, whether it’s a chic dinner, cocktail party, or romantic soirée. The ideal little black dress should never be too short, tight, or revealing. French women typically choose between a shorter style or one with a tasteful décolletage. The key is to find the one that makes you feel most comfortable and confident for any special event. One of my favorites is the Sézane Harper dress (which the guest is wearing in the photo), available in a shorter version as well. I also adore this stunning Sandro dress with a jewelry collar, which is currently on my wishlist. Pair it with ballet flats or evening heels, sheer black tights, and a crossbody bag for a look that exudes unparalleled chicness.

A Button-Up Shirt

The button-up shirt, or “la chemise” in French, is an essential piece for any well-curated wardrobe. For that chic Parisian look, opt for a slightly oversized version in white, light blue, or stripes. This versatile piece easily transitions from day to night, making it a staple in your closet. For a polished yet relaxed office look, pair it with classic blue jeans, loafers, and a slightly oversized blazer. When evening comes, swap the loafers for Mary Jane pumps and pair the shirt with a flowing skirt. Finish off the look with a sleek black satin blazer.

Some of my favorite options include the Sézane Max shirt in classic white, The Frankie Shop Lui cotton-poplin shirt, and the Anine Bing Mika shirt in blue. For a unique Parisian touch, check out the shirt collections from Marie Marot. For even more recommendations, be sure to check out my post on the best Parisian shirt brands.

Classic Jeans

Every French woman knows that her wardrobe isn’t complete without the perfect pair of blue jeans. The Agolde Riley high-rise straight-crop jeans are a classic option, offering a flattering fit for most body types and enough versatility to work for any season or occasion, all while providing unbeatable comfort. For a nod to ’90s style, try the light-wash Agolde 90’s mid-rise straight jeans, which channel Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s iconic look and are making a strong comeback. If comfort is your top priority, go for wide-leg jeans that exude effortless chic, especially when paired with crystal ballet pumps. Complete the look with a sleek, long black coat and a black leather crossbody bag for the epitome of French chic.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the French wardrobe is built on timeless, versatile pieces that seamlessly transition through seasons and occasions. By investing in a few key essentials, such as a classic trench coat, the perfect little black dress, and chic ballet flats, you can create a wardrobe that effortlessly combines style, comfort, and elegance. These pieces not only elevate any outfit but also form the foundation of a wardrobe that reflects the sophistication and ease of French fashion. Whether you’re refining your personal style or simply seeking to build a wardrobe that works for you, these French wardrobe staples will never steer you wrong.

THE EASIEST FRENCH ALMOND PASTRY CREAM

Frangipane may sound sophisticated, but this rich almond cream is incredibly easy to make and will have you feeling like a contestant on The Great British Baking Show. A staple in French pastries, it’s the perfect filling for almond croissants and fruit tarts. Once you’ve mastered it, this versatile recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking collection.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MARZIPAN AND FRANGIPANE?

Marzipan is a smooth, dense almond paste made from almonds, sugar, glucose syrup, water, and sometimes egg whites. It can be homemade or bought in cans or tubes. Typically used for cake decorations or molded into candy-like shapes, marzipan has a sweet, firm texture.

Frangipane, on the other hand, is sweeter than almond paste but less sugary than marzipan. It’s a soft, spreadable cream made from almonds, butter, sugar, and eggs. This classic French filling is used in pastries like bostock, almond croissants, pithivier, and British bakewell tarts.

IS FRANGIPANE THE SAME AS ALMOND PASTE?

While almond paste shares some similarities with marzipan, it’s more like frangipane in that it’s less sweet and has a richer almond flavor. Almond paste is also a bit crumbly and coarser in texture, often used in baked goods like pignoli cookies.

HOW TO USE FRANGIPANE

Frangipane is incredibly versatile. Beyond its traditional uses, it’s fantastic spread on thick-sliced bread, topped with fruit, and baked for a delightful morning toast. You can also spread it on puff pastry or galette dough, then add fresh fruit to create a simple tart. For a twist, fold a few spoonfuls into muffin or quick bread batter, or even baked oatmeal, for extra flavor before baking.

INGREDIENTS

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 1 1/4 cups almond flour or meal
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Cut 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter into 3 pieces and place them in the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl if using an electric hand mixer). Let the butter sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes until softened.
  • Add 1/3 cup of granulated sugar to the softened butter. Beat on medium speed with the paddle attachment until pale and fluffy, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a flexible spatula.
  • With the mixer on low, add 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring the first egg is fully incorporated before adding the second.
  • Scrape down the sides of the bowl again. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract (if using) and beat on medium speed until just combined, about 1 minute. The mixture may look curdled, but that’s perfectly fine.
  • Add 1 1/4 cups of almond flour and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Beat on low speed until just combined, about 30 seconds. Use the spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and finish folding in the flour until the mixture is smooth.

RECIPE NOTES

  • Almond flour substitute: You can replace almond flour with an equal amount of other nut flours, such as walnut, pecan, or hazelnut. If using a different nut flour, skip the almond extract.
  • Storage: Frangipane can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 2 months. To use from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let sit at room temperature before spreading to make it easier to work with.