Every time I go to Paris, spending my days vintage shopping in Le Marais and people-watching along the Seine, I remember how accurate the cliché is that French women have fantastic style. Put-together but not too perfect, it’s that coveted je n’ais ce quoi that makes French girl style so interesting. I’m no Parisienne, but I can get pretty close to dressing the part with the right French-girl-coded pieces—like the 21 below, which also happen to be some of the best Black Friday fashion deals (quelle bonne chance!)
I can imagine an effortlessly chic woman sipping Sauvignon Blanc at a bistro in the 11th arrondissement wearing every item ahead, from the starched button-downs at J.Crew and Breton-striped shirts at Everlane to Rothy’s sweet Mary Jane flats. Other standouts include Gap’s CashSoft turtleneck sweater in cherry red, which is timeless rather than trendy (a key tenet of the French-girl fashion philosophy), and the slouchy leather totes from Mango and Madewell that look just like the one I saw in a Parisian vintage store two years ago and am still pining over.
And again: every piece below is heavily discounted for Black Friday, with some over 60 percent off at my favorite French fashion-inspired brands. To all my fellow Francophiles, consider the below edit an easy way to hack your je n’ais ce quoi style.
J.Crew
Étienne Cropped Button-Up Shirt in Striped Cotton Poplin (Was $98)
Every fashion editor I know loves J.Crew’s Étienne button-down shirts. This cropped iteration in blue and white stripes is a great buy.
Gap
Cashsoft Shaker-Stitch Turtleneck Sweater (Was $79.95)
Some people moved on from the cherry red color trend. Me? I’m still here, obsessing over this delectable Gap turtleneck.
Nordstrom
Ainsley Chelsea Boots (Were $129.95)
An anonymous, all-black Chelsea boot in a slim pointed-toe shape will never steer you wrong.
Everlane
The Boxy Crew in Cashmere (Was $228)
Neither will the forever classic Breton stripe. This white and dark navy Everlane crewneck sweater does the French style code justice.
Mango
Suede Leather Shopper Bag (Was $219.99)
With the code ‘EARLY30’, you can snag this soft and slouchy suede shopper for 30 percent off.
J.Crew
Short Barn Jacket in Vintage Wool (Was $228)
A knit barn jacket is a surefire garment to help you look polished but not stuffy. This black wool option from J.Crew is one of my top picks.
Rothy’s
The Square Mary Jane (Was $159)
Madewell
Double-Faced Brushed Long Coat (Was $369)
There’s a reason a classic camel coat trends every cold-weather season. Don’t forget to use the code ‘LETSGO’ for 40 percent off this wool Madewell option.
Sam Edelman
Bianka Slingback Pumps (Were $$170.00)
It’s a misconception that French fashion is minimal and devoid of personality. Truly authentic French style is more classic with a twist—like these leopard-printed kitten heels.
Gap
Fuzzy Oversized Turtleneck Sweater (Was $79.95)
That said, a solid foundation of neutral, wear-with-anything items is necessary, too, of course. This white and woolly turtleneck from Gap’s Black Friday sale is a solid hero item to work with.
Madewell
Tweed Collarless Jacket (Was $198)
I’d wear this merlot-colored lady jacket with high-waisted, true-blue denim and a slip-on-and-go ballet flat. You’ll want to use ‘LETSGO’ to access 40 percent off.
Mango
Crossbody Bag With Flap (Was $89.99)
Gap
CashSoft Oversized Chunky Cardigan (Was $79.95)
Swap your go-to black cardigan for this navy blue Gap Cashsoft option for a subtle yet effective color-pop.
Madwell
The Lexington Oversized Tote (Was $228)
Full disclosure, this slouchy Madewell tote is currently in my cart. I’ve been hunting for a new work bag, and this one strikes the perfect professional-yet-casual balance. (Don’t forget to get 40 percent off with code ‘LETSGO’.)
MANGO
Faux-Fur Cropped Jacket (Was $179.99)
Without fail, every PFW in March, the streets are peppered with enviable women wearing boho faux fur jackets. This one from Mango is 30 percent off with the code ‘EARLY30’.
Mango
Suede-Effect Faux-Fur Jacket (Was $219.99)
Seconding the above, this faux-fur trimmed suede topper is also high up on my to-shop list.
La Ligne
Lee Sweater (Was $195)
Everlane
The Column Jeans (Were $168)
Baggy jeans aren’t part of a French fashion capsule. Instead, you’ll find straighter-leg denim, like these discounted Everlane jeans.
J.Crew
Jules Ruffle-Collar Shirt in Cotton Poplin (Was $105.99)
The sweet frill on the collar perfectly executes the classic-with-a-twist rule of thumb I mentioned earlier.
Madewell
The Essential Bucket Tote (Was $198)
Katie Holmes adores this minimal Madewell bucket bag—and you can pick up the actress’s go-to everyday bag for 40 percent off with code LETSGO.
Mango
Boat-Neck Ruched Dress (Was $79.99)
Boat-neck silhouettes are also a core component of the French look. Mango’s 30-percent off wine-colored mini dress is an easy option that can be dressed up with a slingback kitten heel or down with a comfy flat.