9 Ways To Master Effortlessly Chic French-Girl Style
What does everyday chic on the streets of Paris really look like? COLLEEN ROSS speaks to style stars Franny Monzemba, Monica de La Villardière and Violette Serrat to find out
Let’s address the elephant in the room: countless articles, coffee-table books and TikTok videos are already dedicated to decoding the art of dressing ‘like a French girl’ – all heavy on the word ‘chic’ and all claiming to reveal the secret to wearing clothes with apparent nonchalance. So, why are we adding to the noise?
Well, what still feels somewhat elusive to outsiders is what Parisian women are really wearing as part of their modern daily uniform. Tropes and clichés aside (no Breton tees or berets here), we want to know about the key wardrobe essentials that will be hanging in the closets of well-dressed Parisian tastemakers (both native and honorary), so we turned to Franny Monzemba, Monica de La Villardière and Violette Serrat to share nine of their go-to staples for this season and beyond.
FRANNY MONZEMBA
“For me, Parisian style is a true ode to diversity, reflecting the many nationalities and cultural influences that make up life in Paris,” says French content creator Franny Monzemba. “As a Parisian, I find real pleasure in expressing myself through fashion, mixing a touch of vintage with a modern approach,” she adds. “For me, simplicity is essential.”
A tailored blazer
“A blazer is a wardrobe must-have. Its versatility allows me to wear it for both professional meetings and evening events,” says Monzemba, who is looking to add Max Mara’s ‘Palanca’ style to her ever-growing collection this season. “It brings a touch of sophistication to any outfit with a subtle mix of masculine and super-feminine cuts,” she adds. Emulate Monzemba’s chic evening look by styling yours with a pleated midi skirt and colorful tights, finishing off with heels and a chic top-handle tote. Alternatively, for daytime, wear it with a simple white tee and tailored pants.
Wide-leg jeans
“I get inspired by certain people when I go out onto the streets of Paris, but I always come back to my timeless basics. My style remains consistent, and I always try to buy pieces that will last over time,” says Monzemba. One such piece is a great pair of wide-leg jeans. “I invest in a classic palette of black, white, dark gray and blue, as they’re easy to style for all occasions,” she adds. One of her go-to looks is relaxed wide-leg jeans paired with a crisp shirt or tee, a blazer and loafers – a fail-safe formula that she always makes her own with a few personal touches, such as jewelry.
Statement gold jewelry
Regardless of what she’s wearing, Monzemba always elevates her look with a good accessory: “a beautiful scarf tied around my neck or in my hair, an original bag (very often vintage) or a bold piece of jewelry can make all the difference – and easily transform a simple outfit into something really stylish,” she says. Follow her lead by framing the collar of your shirt with a statement gold pendant; or add interest elsewhere with a selection of earrings, bracelets and rings that feel personal to you.
MONICA DE LA VILLARDIÈRE
As a Canadian who has lived in Paris for the past 10 years, writer Monica de La Villardière offers an outsider’s perspective on French style, which she writes about often and shares weekly with her followers on Substack. “Keeping it simple is fundamental to French style,” explains de La Villardière. “As Coco Chanel once said: ‘always take one thing off’. But, also, have the foresight to invest in classics that you can always fall back on. It’s not that French women never flirt with trends, they just always have their timeless essentials at the ready – and, most days, this is what their outfits are made up of.”
The button-down shirt
When it comes to her own style, de La Villardière takes inspiration from characters in movies and old photographs – both of iconic muses, such as Lee Radziwill and Jackie Onassis, and her grandmother. “She was British but spent formative years as a model in Paris. This showed in her style, which was incredibly simple yet always elegant,” she remembers. Something all these women have in common? A penchant for a button-down shirt. “Sharp, chic and simple, wear it buttoned up to look professional – or unbuttoned with a bit of bra showing to look sexy at dinner. It’s the ultimate day-to-evening passe-partout,” says de La Villardière, adding that an oversized silhouette is best – “borrowed from the boys, as most great French essentials are.”
The crew-neck knit
A crew-neck knit is a non-negotiable in de La Villardière’s wardrobe. “The simpler the better. Ideally in cashmere – but not necessarily – and great in whatever color suits you best,” she says of this everyday staple. As for styling, she suggests wearing a round-neck white tee or a button-down shirt underneath – “and always buy one size up. I’m not saying I love oversized fashion (I don’t), but there’s nothing worse than looking squished into something.”
Low-heeled ankle boots
“Paris is very much a walking city, and with only a tiny bit of a heel and great construction, these are the perfect boots for looking chic all day without having to think twice about changing location on foot or taking the Metro,” says de La Villardière of this trusty footwear staple. Her favorite boots are by Berlin-based label Aeyde – “the perfect balance between style and comfort, plus the price is right” – which she often styles with straight-leg jeans by Agolde or corduroy pants.
VIOLETTE SERRAT
“For us [French women], what makes something truly chic starts with quality – with impeccable tailoring and the best fabrics (I try to avoid synthetics) as the foundation, it’s hard to go wrong,” says New York-based makeup artist and Violette_FR beauty founder Violette Serrat. “However, this quality is never displayed in an ostentatious way. For instance, it might be a beautiful lace bra peeking through a white shirt; or a statement earring slightly hidden behind the hair,” she adds. “We always want to ensure our look reads as truly effortless. We never want it to look like we’re trying too hard – whether it’s our makeup, our wardrobe or even our attitude.”
Elevated denim
“Similar to how I approach beauty, I gravitate towards effortless, everyday essentials with a twist,” Serrat explains – an approach shared by her style muses, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Jane Birkin. “For my wardrobe, that translates to updated denim in an interesting shape like slouchier styles from Frame, Agolde and Alaïa. And if I’m wearing something more voluminous on the bottom, I’ll throw on a fitted white tee or tank to balance it out – Éterne and Toteme really pay attention to the cut, making even the basics feel supremely chic. As for accessories, Serrat will elevate her look with a timeless belt or sunglasses – plus, a rouge-tinted lip and her signature French-girl fringe.
Ring stacks
“I love layering rings,” says Serrat, who is drawn to statement designs in warm gold tones and sculptural shapes, which she’ll complement with a flawless red manicure, as well as her engagement and wedding rings. “A few of my current obsessions include styles by Spinelli Kilcollin and By Pariah.”
Classic tailoring
“When I go out at night, or if I need to get ready for an event in a pinch, I don’t dress much differently than I do during the day. Instead, I’ll throw on a well-tailored jacket, a suit or a matching pant set to feel elevated,” reveals Serrat, who always prioritizes comfort – whatever the occasion. “I love blazers by Isabel Marant, The Row, Blazé Milano, Loewe and Victoria Beckham – all foundational pieces with serious ROI. Paired with a gorgeous black bag, there is truly nothing chicer.”