Coco Chanel once said, “fashion changes, but style endures”. This seems to be the motto for most French women as many of them wear basics that can be found in a capsule collection. They make these particular items of clothing work in a myriad of ways, all the while looking stylish and chic. In particular, Parisiennes embody the sentiment by forgetting the trends and sticking to the classics. Below are ten pieces that most French women have in their wardrobes.
1. Le Smoking Suit
Iconic French couturier Yves Saint Laurent introduced his Le Smoking suit in 1966, pioneering tailored, minimalist menswear for women. It wasn’t long before the pantsuit was popularized by ready-to-wear designers all of the world.
2. Loafers
Again, Coco Chanel’s advice resonates with French women. She said, “A woman with good shoes is never ugly.” French women appear to heed this advice as they know that good shoes aren’t just about fashion, but also function.
3. Silk Scarf
For those Americans in New York City, Chicago, and Boston, scarves may seem like a winter accessory only, but the French treat a silk scarf as a year-round accessory and have perfected the everyday wear of thin silk.
4. Moto Jackets
Rather than buying into trends that tend to fade fast, French women embrace big-ticket items—like this leather moto jacket — that will last a lifetime. One way to instantly build a French closet is to invest in long-lasting, versatile pieces.
5. Trench Coat