Wanderlust hit yet again and 7 hours and over 5,000 km later I touched down in France, accompanied by my fiancé whose roots run deep into the south region of the country. A place where the Mediterranean embraces the sun-drenched shores, creating a vibrant meeting of land and sea. A nature’s love letter to us. Now that the homage to the beauty of French nature is out of the way, there is something I need to divulge, dear reader.
It is important to note that the decision to embark on this trip was a very calculated move by this author and her partner and a part of their annual pilgrimage to the land of croissants, Eiffel Tower, and very well-dressed people. No impulses played any role in the travel decision-making. (Which might not be the case when it came to the number of croissants and espressos consumed along the way, but I digress.) We are here to talk fashion. So, let’s talk about it by discussing what the fall French girl style is first.
An observant eye of yours truly never falters, and after a very careful consideration I would describe the French girl style as first and foremost “effortless,” yet somehow very intentional. Feminine and refined, casual and trendy all at the same time.
While French people are adamant about developing a personal style rather than being devoted followers of trends, I was actually rather surprised and entertained by some of the repeating trends I observed this time around. All so very chic, might I add, because I wouldn’t expect anything less. So here are some of the fall French girl style staples, you might want to incorporate into your wardrobe this season for that je ne sais quoi.
Fiercely Feline
Leopard print has swept through the streets of Paris, making a striking impact on everything from fashion to accessories. Some of my favorite leopard print pieces include chic dresses, statement jackets, bold handbags, and eye-catching shoes that effortlessly elevate any outfit:
- Musier Paris, Leo-Printed Pants Wild: https://musier-paris.com/en/products/pantalon-imprime-wild
- Rouje, Hubert Puffer Jacket: https://us.rouje.com/products/hubert-puffer-jacket-felindra-marron
- Balzac Paris, Manteau Gary léopard foncé: https://balzac-paris.com/en-us/products/manteau-gary-leopard-fonce
- Sézane, Paula Babies Baby Janes: https://www.sezane.com/us/product/paula-babies/leopard#size-5
- Rouje, Frenchy Bag: https://us.rouje.com/products/frenchy-bag-pan-beige?_pos=4&_sid=f2ac5bfc5&_ss=r
- Anthropologie, Dolce Vita Sylvie Shoulder Bag: https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/dolce-vita-sylvie-shoulder-bag?color=029&inventoryCountry=US&countryCode=US&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=US+-+Shopping+-+PMAX+-+Apparel+-+Accessories+-+Accessories&utm_content=&utm_term=&creative=&device=c&matchtype=&network=x&utm_kxconfid=vx6rd81ts&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxsm3BhDrARIsAMtVz6M6qXfuYga-OSfW6WVeTNbFqfd3k9vFIBYJBBw4zrsNgxVl5awUwd4aAjYtEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&type=STANDARD&size=One+Size&quantity=1
- Morgan De Toi, Printed top thin straps multicolored women: https://www.morgandetoi.com/en/printed-top-thin-straps-multicolored-women/32536301006480900.html
Square Affair
French women are masters of making bold fashion statements, and this fall’s must-have accessory is square eyeglasses. Pair them with chic vintage clip-on earrings, and voilà—perfection!
- Jimmy Fairly, The Lou: https://www.jimmyfairly.com/en-us/products/p0682-bcke-m-lou-m
- Dior, Minicdo S2i 48MM Square Eyeglasses: https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/product/Dior-Minicdo-S2i-48MM-Square-Eyeglasses-0400021401002.html?dwvar_0400021401002_size=No+Size&dwvar_0400021401002_color=CLEAR+BLACK&site_refer=CSE_GGLPLA:Womens_Clothing:Dior&country=US¤cy=USD&CSE_CID=G_Saks_PLA_US_Women%27s+Accessories_High+LTV:All+Women%27s+Accessories&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsoe5BhDiARIsAOXVoUuJPX5e5rmJT_g5rBCDOzg75LtFsVxCU1w9HALGc0RmIy4fvwtd-jgaAshREALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
- EyeBuyDirect, Heather Glasses: https://www.eyebuydirect.com/eyeglasses/frames/heather-black-l-21969
- Aperçu Eyewear, CLAUDE – Minuit: https://apercueyewear.com/collections/claude/products/claude?variant=43897104138481
Dreams & Stripes
Have a pair of striped pajama bottoms lying around? You have your hands on the hottest fashion trend this season! I have seen French girls rocking this garment at the airports and train stations looking so casually chic. Get ready to travel in style, while feeling right at home anywhere in the world.
- Djerf Avenue, Breezy Pants Blue Stripe: https://djerfavenue.com/en-us/breezy-pants-blue-stripe/
- J.Crew, Cotton poplin pajama pant in stripe: https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens/categories/clothing/pajamas-and-intimates/pajama-bottoms/cotton-poplin-pajama-pant-in-stripe/CF504?color_name=candy-apple&N=MEDIUM&noPopUp=true&srcCode=Paid_Search%7CShopping_NonBrand%7CGoogle%7CPMG%5EG%5E99107568979_20301880231___c_pla_online__1023280&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_content=shopping_ads&utm_campaign=JCrew_Shopping_PLA_US_All_Sleepwear_PMax_Womens_Google+_X&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsoe5BhDiARIsAOXVoUvxSQBU38dt-XYii4NlD5ZqCyycDVFMP58BEPWYbb0HN1gCvFnSHjsaAqkrEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#no_universal_links#no_universal_links&colorProductCode=CF504
- Ex-Boyfriend Blue Striped Pants: https://ex-boyfriendbrand.com/products/ex-boyfriend-blue-stripes-pants
- Anthropologie, By Anthropologie Mixed Stripe Wide-Leg Pants: https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/by-anthropologie-mixed-stripe-wide-leg-pants?color=059&inventoryCountry=US&countryCode=US&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=US+-+Shopping+-+PMAX+-+Apparel+-+Bottoms+-+Denim/Pants&utm_content=&utm_term=&creative=&device=c&matchtype=&network=x&utm_kxconfid=vx6rd81ts&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsoe5BhDiARIsAOXVoUs9RgUWrwsIsCxbNHA0gt1EB3Kn3b786EJ9tWWFmNVkAAozp7Mrtj0aAth7EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&type=STANDARD&quantity=1
- White Fox Boutique, Just Stop Pants Blue Stripe: https://whitefoxboutique.com/products/just-stop-pants-blue-stripe?currency=USD&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google%2Bshopping&variant=41141462630460
Goyard & Golden Goose
Now this trend is more on an expensive side, but the South of France is all about pairing your Goyard tote bag with your Golden Goose sneakers. Seen mostly amongst the youth, this pairing is just so effortlessly cool. But don’t worry, we have a more affordable alternative for our readers.
- Goyard, Artois MM bag: https://www.goyard.com/us_en/sac-artois-mm.html#ARTOISMMLTY02CL02P
- Roberta Pieri, Byside MT: https://robertapieri.it/products/byside-mt-rocket-green?variant=45899261608220¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsoe5BhDiARIsAOXVoUspH9rVVr20ZQN0uip4mUuiV1rLUkBj1uELT6ckPeMMcgaYUCQ35JoaApQ-EALw_wcB
- La Tanneur, Camille large, horizontal tote bag in coated canvas: https://www.letanneur.us/products/camille-large-horizontal-tote-bag-monogram-canvas-brown_print?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsoe5BhDiARIsAOXVoUsPLchsP2nqeGs5HcMliPM28swneUALUQw74q_Kpd8X5A241uub3x4aAguOEALw_wcB
- Songmont, The Large Mont Tote: https://songmontofficial.com/products/the-large-mont-tote-nightfall?_pos=6&_sid=601cc2d68&_ss=r
- Golden Goose, Women’s Super-Star with gold sparkle foxing and metal stud lettering: https://www.goldengoose.com/us/en/women-s-super-star-with-gold-sparkle-foxing-and-metal-stud-lettering-cod-GWF00101.F000316.10272.html
- Vintage Havana, Alive – Vintage White Gold Multi: https://vintagehavana.com/products/alive-22-white-gold-multi?variant=44602620903674¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic
- Converse, Star Player 76 Leather: https://www.converse.com/shop/p/star-player-76-leather-unisex-low-top-shoe/A11590C_105.html?frt=16&cp=PLA_PRF_CNV_NA_Google_US—GOOGLE—PMAX—SHOES—UNISEX_NONE_NONE&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsoe5BhDiARIsAOXVoUtlmagR6cBj9UWeT4VZwc3CRz-L-rMfpIUQ4Dy-4Ol0YV9VM0CC_X8aAgbAEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
In the end, the essence of French fashion lies in its seemingly effortless ability to blend elegance with practicality, trends with timeless staples. From the bold leopard prints prowling the streets to the laid-back comfort of striped loungewear turned travel attire, French fall fashion serves as a masterclass in refined individuality. It’s not just about clothes—it’s a way of life, a celebration of personal expression.
As we bid farewell to this sartorial journey through France, remember: fashion isn’t just what you wear; it’s how you wear it. Whether you splurge on Golden Goose sneakers or opt for a more affordable alternative, the magic lies in confidence, creativity, and a touch of je ne sais quoi. So, wherever your wanderlust takes you next, pack light, dress right, and always leave room for an extra croissant (or two). Bon voyage—and happy styling!