Whether they’re bustling around the busy city of Paris or chilling out in southern France with a pastis in hand, the French fashion girls have a way of making everything look chic. And this includes the high-street hero buys that we all love and trust. Because of this, I often find myself using my favourite Gallic style influencers as a reference point, whether I’m shopping in-store or online. So on my recent trip to Paris, I made sure to pay extra attention to the clothing items that the chicest French women were wearing around the city.
@slipintostyle wears an H&M shirt, trousers and handbag.
And naturally, the minute I was back, I turned to my three favourite high street stores, Zara, COS and H&M to search for the French-coded buys I’ll be adding to my wardrobe this season. Very quickly, my basket was filled with a myriad of French-it-girl-inspired items that are elegant, easy to style and look way more expensive than they are. The key to elegant French dressing? Focus on intentional silhouettes in pared-back hues that manage to seamlessly toe the line between on-trend and timeless. And luckily for you, I’ve rounded up items that perfectly fit this description below.
Keep scrolling to shop the nine French-girl-approved Zara, COS, and H&M items that I’m adding to my spring wardrobe. Then take a browse at some more Gallic-inspired items I have my eye on.
9 Zara, H&M and COS Buys French Women Would be All Over
ZARA
High Neck Jacket With Elasticated Hem
High necklines are here to stay.
Every wardrobes needs a goes-with-everything shirt.
COS
Reprise Straight-Leg Jeans
Yes, to this entire outfit.
ZARA
Zw Collection Buttoned Jacket
The chicest high-street jacket I’ve seen in a very long time.
Burgundy leather will always get a yes from me.
ZARA
Zw Collection Contrast Flowing Skirt
This went straight into my basket.
COS
Minimal Leather Trainers
These sold out last year, so act quickly.
Shop More French-Coded Zara, H&M and COS Buys
ZARA
Striped Knit Cardigan
The French-girls love their Breton stripes.
COS
Twist-Detail Jersey Midi Dress
Dress season is almost upon us.
ZARA
Romantic Balloon Sleeve Blouse
This pale yellow hue feels fresh yet elegant.
COS
Relaxed Twill Wide-Leg Trousers
Perfect for in or out of the office.
Chocolate brown suede? Yes, please.
COS
Montmartre Bowling Bag
No one will guess this is from high street.
ZARA
Poplin Shirt With Pleats
This will add an instant sense of polish to your jeans.
Such an elegant trouser silhouette.
COS
Waisted Milano-Knit Cardigan
The collar! The buttons! The shape! There’s so much to love about this cardigan.
H&M
Lace-Trimmed Slip Skirt
Lace-trim skirts are in for spring 2026.
ZARA
Flat Leather Mule Shoes
These look way more expensive than their price tag.
Proof that you don’t have to splash out loads on expensive-looking sunnies,
An easy way to dress up jeans, skirts or Bermuda shorts.
These are a bestseller for very good season.