4 min readWe’re squarely in that time of year when in-between dressing becomes a true art form—curating a closet nimble enough to handle tinges of summery, 70-degree weather one day and brisk, gray skies the next. And where better to draw inspiration for this delicate balancing act than the Parisian street style scene?
It’s often said you can spot a French woman by the effortless, slightly undone nature of her look—from barely-there makeup to a breezy, few-minute updo to styling that feels intentional without ever appearing too try-hard. And while observing the stylish showgoers—whether locals or visitors channeling that certain je ne sais quoi—at this season’s Paris Fashion Week shows, that throughline rang especially true.
One of our key takeaways from the French-girl playbook? Lean into understated yet intriguing silhouettes—a funnel neck here, an off-kilter hem there—and thoughtful layering that makes even the most basic pieces feel fresh again.
Ahead, eight French girl–inspired looks to embrace wholeheartedly this spring.
Compelling Proportions
Uneven lines and exaggerated details are an easy way to draw the eye—especially when working with monochrome pieces. An asymmetrical skirt paired with a button-down with extended cuffs creates artistic flair, while layering a simple cardigan or shacket makes the look even more intriguing (and adds a welcome dose of warmth on cooler days). Pro tip: Tie the cardigan around your neck or drape it across your body to keep things chic while ensuring that extra layer is always within reach.
Ralph Lauren Extended-Cuff Cotton Shirt
Lands’ End Milano Blazer Sweater
Now 50% Off
ZW Collection Asymmetric Short Skirt
Gucci 54mm Rectangular Sunglasses
Everlane Almond-Toe Pump
Pops of Red
This season, swap your chunky black turtlenecks for breezier, transitional-weight knits in a vibrant hue—like fire-engine red. A deep taupe blazer helps ground the look while still keeping things airy, and lace-up leather flats add a subtle dose of edge (and will pair just as well with flouncier dresses come summer). And if the Paris Fashion Week street style set is any indication, Ray-Ban’s classic, affordable Wayfarers are cooler than ever.
Veronica Beard Wyeth Ribbed Turtleneck
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Everlane The Oversized Blazer
Gap
Low Rise ’90s Loose Jeans
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Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic
Madewell The Mylie Lace-Up Glove Flat
Leather and Lace
Do the striking leather-and-lace combo the French-girl way by opting for an au courant funnel-neck coat and a pink satin slip skirt, which together create an edgy yet balletic vibe. Vintage pendant earrings and oversized aviators add just a touch of bold glamour to the otherwise streamlined look.
AllSaints Ryder Jacket
Reformation Carolina Silk Midi Skirt
Elisa Johnson Val Sunglasses
Mejuri Stevie Ripple Studs
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Mango Nylon Handbag with Double Straps
A Military Jacket
Among all the retro trends making a comeback this season, we’d crown the military jacket spring’s true pièce de résistance. It embodies that rare duality of soft elegance and commanding presence, while also feeling more unexpected—something we truly haven’t seen in a while, making its return all the more delightfully nostalgic. Throw it over a T-shirt and baggy jeans, and your look is made (though it’s also just as easy to dress up for more formal occasions). Finish with punchy, low-profile sneakers for a sporty twist.
Eb Denim
Calla Jacket
Cos
Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt
H&M Wide Leg Regular Waist Jeans
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66
Balenciaga
Le City Crossbody Bag
Fringe Benefits
For days when you want something a little more playful than jeans, fringe skirts are firmly back in rotation, as seen on recent runways and across the international street style crowd. We love the idea of leaning Western with a denim fringe skirt and snip-toe ankle boots. Up top, a bright open-knit or crochet sweater paired with artful drop earrings makes for a nuanced, distinctive outfit.
Gaelle Crochet Pullover
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Michael Kors
Noemie Leather Boot
Marge Sherwood Shopper Bag
Twinset
Fringed Mini Skirt
Shashi
Petunia Earrings
Modern Florals
Tempted to give up on spring’s oversaturated florals altogether? Here’s a look that might just make you reconsider, inspired by a guest outside Miu Miu’s latest runway show. A boxy A-line skirt in a fresh, ditzy floral print gives the motif a decidedly modern spin, especially when paired with a sleek suede jacket, buckled heels, and soft crew socks. Together, the look creates a dynamic mix of tones, textures, and sartorial references.
Yellowstone Jacket
Zara Limited Edition Printed Midi Skirt
Nordstrom Casual Rib Crew Socks
Nomasei Silencio Pumps
Miu Miu Arcadie Mini Bag
A Statement Trench
A cropped trench, capris, and block-heel mules make for an undeniably sleek formula. Bonus points if you opt for a striking high-neck, drop-waist, or bubble-hem version—but swap the capris and mules for your favorite jeans and loafers, and the ensemble still looks just as impeccable.
Mango
Funnel Neck Trench
Aire Avior
Jacquemus Le Turismo Bag
Trim and Tailored
While you may have once reserved full suiting for the office, this season’s sculptural takes strike a slightly different chord, making them ready for just about anything. Take cues from designers like Mugler, Givenchy, and Jean Paul Gaultier and lean into ultra-feminine hourglass silhouettes—or follow street style influencers and opt for a crisp button-up jacket with oversized pockets. Trade your waist-cinching pencil skirt for a low-slung or wrap alternative that feels a bit more relaxed, then finish with a cashmere polo and scrunchie flats to take the look from the desk to weekend brunch with ease.
Aritzia Little Cropped Jacket
Aritzia Babaton Advent Skirt
Rag & Bone Spire Ruched Leather Mary Jane Flats
Arch4 Jennifer Cashmere Polo Shirt
Coach Emily Shoulder Bag
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