My Friend Wants to Look More Parisian—I Suggested She Wear These 4 Pieces

By Kim BrowneAugust 17, 2025

A French woman wearing a striped shirt around the waist

As the resident fashion person in my friend group, I act as a personal stylist and shopper. I often refer to pieces I recommend as being "so French," meaning they're effortlessly chic and definitely worth considering. One of my friends then asked how she could look more Parisian (aka, chic). I told her it's easy—you just need to opt for easy pieces that feel, you know, je ne sais quoi.

Below are four elevated yet no-fuss items I suggested that French women are wearing right now. Each item has the ability to upgrade a look and make it feel cool and relevant. Keep scrolling for more, along with shopping and visual inspiration from some of the chicest Parisians.

1. Short-Sleeve Knits

There is something about a short-sleeve knit that exudes elegance—especially during transitional weather. I told my friend to go for one with either trousers or a white skirt for a chic look.

ANINE BING

Jackson Sweater

MANGO

Short Sleeve Crop Sweater

Banana Republic

Lightweight Cashmere Short-Sleeve Sweater Polo

Vince

Cotton Ringer Sweater T-Shirt

2. Polka-Dot Separates

Fashion people (Parisians included) continue to embrace polka dots (which always feel very French). Skirts are a stylish way to test out the look with a simple shirt, but there are also forward polka-dot jackets and tops too.

MANGO

Polka Dot Flare Linen Blend Skirt

LIONESS

Ford Dot Print Funnel Neck Plissé Top

ASTR the Label

Satin Slip Skirt

ZARA

ZW Collection Polka Dot Midi Skirt

3. Sculpted Jackets

A great blazer is a Parisian staple. It's the structured and sculpted silhouettes that are front and center as a sleek and modern pick.

Helsa

The Curvilinear Blazer

Avec Les Filles

Hourglass Blazer Coat

Donna Karan New York

One-Button Blazer

Naked Wardrobe

One-Button Blazer

4. Striped Shirts

I couldn't write a story about French-feeling picks without featuring a trusty striped shirt. While you could obviously wear one as is, I love this styling trick of tying one around the waist for an effortlessly cool vibe.