Want to start dressing like a French girl but aren't sure where to start? We’ve put together some of our favourite styles inspired by Parisian style muses from various eras to help you on the way to dressing like you're French, even if you’re not!

What is Parisian Style?

Generally, to dress like a Parisian is to try and look as effortless as possible: wearing minimal makeup, sporting undone hair, and avoiding over-accessorising at all costs. There are some overarching ‘rules’ involved with trying to look French, most often centred around making your outfit look put together without looking too put together.

While dressing as effortlessly as possible sounds easy in theory, treading the line between looking underdressed and overdressed can be tricky. French girl style muses are often hailed for their chic, minimalistic looks that centre around high-quality, timeless pieces.

Parisian Style Guide

Tricking the world into believing that you didn’t think about your outfit at all while still looking chic and composed is easier than it sounds when you invest in great quality wardrobe classics and mix them with your favourite vintage or statement pieces.

Curating a wardrobe full of clothes that you love and wear season in, season out is something we believe in wholeheartedly at Joanie - and this belief hugely informs the styles we design!

In homage to four of the most recognisable French girl style icons of the last 70 years, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite Parisian style-inspired Joanie pieces to make getting some of that coveted je ne sais quoi easier than ever!

Parisian Style Icon: Brigitte Bardot

Known for her tiny waist and long blonde hair, Brigitte Bardot has become synonymous with some of the most well-known silhouettes of the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Born in Paris in 1934, Bardot was, at one point, dubbed the most photographed woman in the world, and pictures of her outfits at the height of her fame still make for great French girl style inspiration today!

Peggy Black Trousers, Lou-Lou Scallop Trim Breton Stripe Top

Lou-Lou Scallop Trim Breton Stripe Top

One of the easiest pieces to incorporate into your wardrobe if you’re not sure where to start with French girl dressing is a classic Breton tee. This staple top features a round neckline and traditional marinière features, including a split side hem and bracelet-length sleeves.

Peggy Black Trousers

The Peggy Trousers feature a flattering high waistline and slightly cropped leg length, similar to the pairs of Capri pants Bardot was frequently pictured in. Pair with your favourite vintage sunglasses and ballet flats for a covetable ‘50s French girl look!

Parisian Style Icon: Jane Birkin

Even though she was born in London, Jane Birkin is one of the most recognisable icons of effortless French girl style. Her relationship with Serge Gainsbourg meant that she has lived in France since her mid-twenties, well and truly earning her (Breton) stripes as a certified French girl style muse!

Baxter Denim Short Dungarees, Brett French Fries Breton Stripe Top

Baxter Denim Short Dungarees

Jane Birkin is known for making good-quality basics look cool, often pictured wearing denim shorts and a plain white tee at the French seaside. For a slightly more practical spin on a white tee and denim, our Baxter Short Dungarees are perfect for throwing on and go, making effortless French girl chic more effortless than ever!

Brett French Fries Breton Stripe Top

One of the outfits Jane Birkin is most known for wearing is a simple t-shirt tucked into a pair of denim jeans. Pair this classic Breton stripe with your favourite basket bag and vintage scarf for extra Parisian style points!

Parisian Style Icon: Caroline de Maigret

Caroline de Maigret is a Parisian model, music producer, and co-author of two books on how to best embody the French girl aesthetic; ‘How to be Parisian’ and ‘Older, But Better, But Older: The art of growing up.’

Since signing with an international modelling agency in the early ‘90s, her model-off-duty style and perfectly Parisian runway looks have cemented her place in the French girl style hall of fame!

Brittany Breton Stripe Jumper, MacDougal Indigo Denim Long Sleeve Boilersuit

Brittany Breton Stripe Jumper

No Parisian style round-up would be complete without including a classic Mariniere fisherman knit! Pair this navy blue stripe jumper with black jeans for effortless French girl chic.

MacDougal Indigo Denim Long Sleeve Boilersuit

Nothing says ‘I just threw this on’ like a boilersuit! In classic dark-wash denim, Macdougal is the perfect piece to have in your wardrobe season after season. Wearing block colours is one of the tips in de Maigret’s ‘How to be Parisian,’ so follow her lead for guaranteed French girl style!

Parisian Style Icon: Jeanne Damas

Jeanne Damas is a model, a writer, and the founder of Parisian fashion label Rouje. She's known for her pared-down take on French girl style, mixing high-end and vintage pieces to create minimalistic and modern outfits.

She’s as well-known for her makeup looks as she is for her outfits, making her a real poster child of 21st-century Parisian style.

Lottie Floral Button Tea Blouse, Santo Button-Down Tea Dress

Lottie Floral Button Tea Blouse

Jeanne Damas is known for putting a modern spin on traditional French girl dressing, often wearing vintage ditsy blouses. Pair the Lottie Blouse with jeans for an effortlessly chic Parisian look!

Santo Button-Down Tea Dress

Jeanne Damas is known for wearing vintage button-down midi dresses, so Santo is a great option if you're looking for something easy to wear and style! Pair with a vintage bag and oversized trenchcoat for an effortless Parisian outfit.

Looking for more French Girl Style inspo? We have our very own category dedicated to helping you mimic that undone Parisian style! Shop the French Girl Style edit here.