French Wardrobe Basics

I have a confession to make: I’ve never felt fully comfortable with my wardrobe.

Over the years, I’ve made several round-trips to Paris. Sometimes I had too many tops and not enough bottoms. Other times, it was the opposite. At least once during each trip, I would be missing a key item needed to complete the outfit I had in mind: sometimes it was a pair of shoes, and other times it was a spring jacket.

Here’s the thing about certain basics: You see them everywhere when you don’t need them, but when you do, they’re either not in your size or they’re not in your budget!

I decided to take the French approach to curate my wardrobe about a year ago, and although it’s taken some time and I’m still not finished, I’m very pleased with the results so far!

The French wardrobe philosophy involves curating a high-quality wardrobe with classic, timeless pieces. French women don’t mind investing in clothing, shoes, and accessories as long as they are items that will not go out of style any time soon. If you’d like to learn more, then be sure to read my guide to getting started with the 5-Piece French Wardrobe.

Now, I’ve already written about the French wardrobe essentials in most French women’s closets, and that’s a great place to start building your French wardrobe, but if you’ve already got those essentials down, then it’s time to ensure you’ve got all the other basics.

Here is the list I am working off of to ensure my closet is ready for anything life throws at me. This list of French wardrobe basics will cover me in all seasons, year-round. It’s been helpful in my search to design my wardrobe around the French girl style.

Now, I know that one of the cardinal French style rules is to invest in quality basics, but building a foundational wardrobe from scratch can get quite expensive, so it’s okay to save yourself some money and purchase what’s within your budget for these basics. Hopefully, as time goes on, we’ll both be able to replace them with the higher-quality basics we really want!

Tops

T-Shirts

(1 black, 1 white, 1 blue and white striped)

My basic cotton t-shirts are mostly from Petit Bateau and H&M, and they have held up quite well.

Long Sleeve Button-up Shirts

Also called Oxford shirts, I have a least 1 in blue and 1 in white. I used to get these button-up shirts from Gap, but recently I upgraded to high-quality ones from Figaret in Paris. The cotton is thicker, and they have a firmer look to them.

Silk Button-up Shirts

(1 black, 1 white)

My silk button-up shirts came from Banana Republic and have a beautiful silk tie around the collar to make into a 70s-style bow.

You can opt for a simple button-up shirt or a chic silk pussy-bow shirt.

Silk Camis

(1 black, 1 white, silver, or off-white)

Silk camis can be worn with so many different outfits! I got a black silk cami from Grana, a white one from Cami NYC, and a silver one from Fleur du Mal – definitely a splurge, but the silk is such high quality.

Bottoms

Straight-leg Jeans

(1 dark wash, 1 light wash)

I have a bit of a jeans addiction, but my favorite jeans all came from Reformation and AGOLDE. The cut is phenomenal, and the prices are fair – especially the High Straight jeans.

I did purchase 2 pairs of Levi’s classic 501 jeans, but unfortunately, neither pair fits me correctly.

Jeans are really very personal, and I think some brands work well for some people while they don’t for others. I believe you have to try many brands before you find one that is “made” for you!

High-Waisted Pants

(1 black, 1 navy, green, or burgundy)

My high-waisted pants came from Nathalie Dumeix, a Parisian designer. They are 185 euros each, and definitely worth it because you cannot find this style and quality elsewhere! The pants are made in France, too, so they should last me a while.

I bought simple, straight-leg black pants from Banana Republic.

Jean Mini Skirt

My 2 jean mini skirts came from A.P.C. and Reformation. I found a good deal on solid-colored suede mini skirts from H&M last fall, and they have become essential to my wardrobe.

Brown Suede Mini Skirt

If you live in a cold climate, a brown suede mini skirt is a handy basic. I got mine from Sezane in Paris.

Black Mini Skirt

A classic black mini skirt can be easily paired with many evening outfits!

Jean Shorts

My jean shorts came from Levi’s, and I’m happy with them except for the sizing, which is not at all standard – order two sizes if you’re unsure.

Beige Linen Shorts

I have a great pair of beige linen shorts from Reformation. They get many wears in the summer!

White Linen Skirt

Another easy-to-wear piece, the white linen skirt is indispensable come summertime in the south of France!

I’m currently on the lookout for a cute white linen skirt to round out my skirt wardrobe.

Read about the French girl pants, skirts, and shorts I recommend buying.

Dresses

Read more about the French girl dresses to own.

Midi Dresses

I’m in love with Reformation midi dresses, so that’s typically where I buy mine.

I also own the popular Rouje Gabin dress in a bright red floral fabric.

Mini Dresses

Linen mini dresses are great for beach walks during the summer.

Evening Dresses

Two or three evening dresses are a must for your wardrobe basics. Ideally, one is for spring/summer, and the other is for fall/winter.

Black Silk Slip Dress

A black silk slip dress is a great “little black dress” staple to have in your closet at all times.

Outerwear

Outerwear is the most difficult to buy when curating your French wardrobe basics. Brands only release a few styles each year, and they can sell out fast.

Cashmere Sweater

My beige cashmere sweater from Nordstrom has served me well so many times! It has started to pill, but that’s nothing a fabric shaver can’t fix.

Navy Wool Sweater

On the darker side, my COS navy wool sweater has come in handy just as often.

Beige or off-white wool cardigan or button-up sweater

I’m currently looking for a beige or off-white wool cardigan to wear in the spring. I’d like for it to be button-up so I can open and close it as needed.

Trench Coat

A French-style trench coat is a must for early spring rain.

I have my eye on the classic Burberry Kensington Trench Coat, but I’m currently super happy with the less expensive but high-quality A.P.C. version!

Read my A.P.C. trench coat review for more information.

Blazer

A daytime blazer is wonderful for chilly fall days.

Black Evening Jacket

The black evening jacket is another item on my to-find list. One option is the classic YSL Smoking Jacket, but it’s a bit too masculine for my taste.

Wool Wrap Coat

(in beige, navy or black)

Lastly, a cozy, wool wrap coat is a wonderful way to dress warm and chic all winter long.

I am considering the gorgeous beige Max Mara wrap coat, but unfortunately, all the coats I’ve tried on have sleeves that are too short!

Read my French girl outerwear checklist to compare your closet!

Shoes

Learn about the French girl shoes every Parisian owns.

Flats

My collection of flats is essential to my wardrobe. Since I don’t wear sneakers, I turn to flats as my everyday walking shoe.

Beige flats are the first color I would buy. Then, you can add a pair of black flats and finally a pair of patent red leather flats. Some have heels, and some don’t. Repetto is the brand of choice here.

Brown Leather Strappy Sandals

Brown leather strappy sandals are great for vacation trips. Saint Tropez-based K.Jacques is the brand of choice for French girls. The Epicure flat with its brown leather straps can be spotted on the feet of French girls all summer long.

Low-heel Espadrilles

I absolutely love espadrilles! I have 1 navy and 1 ivory by Castañer.

I have Castañer Carina espadrilles in both ivory and navy and wear them very often!

Read my Castañer review for more information on this shoe.

Brown Ankle Boots

Brown ankle boots are my go-to fall shoe. I have some Isabel Marant suede boots, which are heeled, but walkable.

Gold Strappy Sandal Heels

For special occasions, there are three ideal evening shoe basics.

The first is a gold strappy sandal for dressing up in spring or summer.

Black Heels

The second is a pair of black ankle strap heels I purchased from Jonak in Paris a while ago.

Black Patent Leather Boots

Lastly, for winter, I have a pair of black patent leather boots, perfect for holiday parties!

Sneakers

Veja white sneakers are all the rage in France, ever since they were seen on actress Marion Cotillard. I have yet to invest in a pair of Vejas, since I’m not really a sneaker fan.

You could go with a simple pair of Supergas or Keds for your French girl sneakers.

Accessories

These are the main French girl accessories to ensure you have at home.

The basic handbags I own serve to complement the majority of my outfits.

Leather Handbag

(Brown or red)

I have a warm brown leather bucket bag from Staud that I use often. I also use my camel leather Polène bag often.

I also have a rich red A.P.C. leather crossbody bag, which adds a nice pop of color to my neutral outfits.

Basket Bag

I love my Jane Birkin-style wicker basket bag for summer errands and trips to the market.

French Straw Market Tote Bag

My straw tote bag with brown leather handles was purchased in France. You can find them easily at most markets. If you can’t make it to France, there are a few for sale on Etsy.

Black Tote Bag

My everyday French tote bag is from Longchamp.

Evening Handbag

I have a cute minaudière by Roger Vivier for evenings out. A simple black evening bag would be great.

Leather Belts

(1 black, 1 brown)

I have two very simple leather belts in brown and black, each with gold/brass buckles. One is from Sandro and the other is from a market in the south of France.

Scarves

Printed Silk scarves are always good to have on hand to spice up a boring or simple outfit.

Jewelry

I have a few core jewelry pieces, including 1-2 rings, 1 coin necklace, and one pair of gold hoop earrings.

I have a simple gold pendant necklace that I wear often. It helps to break up solid-colored sweaters and draw attention upwards to the face.

Sunglasses

I also own several pairs of French-style sunglasses.

The ones I wear most often are black cat-eye sunglasses from Celine, as well as tortoiseshell.

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That was a long list of basics, but I hope it will help you start putting together your dream wardrobe!

Where to Shop for French Basics

Many of you asked me on Instagram what the best shops for French basics are. There are lots of places to shop for French wardrobe basics online. I’m going to share my favorite options with you. Most of these stores are affordable, too!

• Gap
• COS
• & Other Stories
• Everlane
• Grana
• Cuyana
• Banana Republic
• Arket

Let me know if you guys have any more questions on French wardrobe basics in the comments below!