Understated, livable, yet always effortlessly chic.

Having traveled outside of Paris on a handful of occasions, whether it has been in Provence, Normandy or the Loire Valley, paired with watching oodles of hours of French series set out in different villages, towns and regions of the country, I often see common wardrobe and accessory choices, and each look stylish and also effortless. And while some sartorial are similar to what you will see in Paris on Parisians (not visitors or tourists), scarves for example and button-up shirts (often oversized), along with blazers, what is often different between Parisian and non-Parisian wardrobes is the utilitarian-ness of the selection.

This is not to say that style isn’t a priority for non-Parisian, of course it is, as the French continue to always bring the style quotient to their wardrobe wherever in the country they may call home, but what I appreciate when I observe the programs filmed in France of people going about their lives and work is that even when one dresses for functionality and everyday life, we can dress very well indeed, and look effortlessly put together.

So today’s post is one I have been futzing over all summer as I have been examining my own wardrobe, taking stock and coming up with a slightly new approach to the items I am in need of and want to pair with what I already have. And as I too have looked up “essential French style details/items” as I tried to ensure I wasn’t missing a helpful detail or two, I found it quite interesting what was missing that I was constantly seeing the French actually wear, albeit, nearly never in Paris, or what was included but I never saw the French actually wear (aside from outliers).

Regarding the French television programs, observing Astrid Veillon’s Léa Soler in Tandem, or Claire Nebout’s France Pelletier in Blood on the Vine to Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu who stars as the namesake of the Brittany-based mystery series Agathe Koltès and any of the women in the now 14 seasons’ long Murder In, you will see similar wardrobe selections, all of these series are set in a myriad of different towns throughout France and none in Paris. Nothing is gauche (which is why I don’t include Candice Renoir in this list, although I adore her character and the show), and it’s quite repetitious and always looks great while not overshadowing the character and the role any of them are playing.

What you will find in the list below are both clothing and accessories (shoes, handbags, glasses and jewelry) that are essentials for year-round style to mix and match accordingly that upon buying well for your physique, skin-tone and preference/style, you will be able to enjoy wearing for years to come knowing your ensembles will be timeless and well put-together, enabling you to not only look your best but do what your daily schedule asks of you.

~You may remember that one of the first and also most popular episodes of the podcast, episode #32, shared The French Capsule Wardrobe: The 14 Essentials, and while that list and today’s list will have cross-overs, I will be sharing more detailed items and now updating the hand-picked shopped items.

Let’s take a look at the list along with hand-picked items to kick off some exploratory shopping.

1.High-waisted jeans in a flattering leg style for your stature

To choose just one ‘style’ is to dismiss that we all have different body shapes and statures, but the one consistent choice I regularly see is the high-waisted, at least nothing low (so sometimes mid, but not often). The jeans may have a shirt tucked into it, or the shirt might be untucked (or the worth trying French tuck). The key is to choose a style of pant that flatters your leg, by which I mean elongates it.

Alex Mill’s The Carla High-Rise Straight Leg jean

2. Blazers, often oversized

Across the board, blazers appear on nearly everyone, and whether worn as a coat or as the ensemble’s layering top piece look incredibly chic, yet also effortless. Whether you keep the arms at length (make sure they reach your wrist bone at least), or you roll and push back to your elbow, you can never go wrong with a blazer. Oversized is more frequently seen, but this again depends on your stature (height). You want the blazer to, like the jeans, elongate, so depending upon where the bottom of the blazer hits you on your body and your hip silhouette, this will determine your decision.

Nili Lotan’s Diane Blazer

Everlane’s Oversized Blazer in Buttersmooth (many colors and prints/stripes)

3. Button Up Shirt (sometimes oversized)

A classic hued button-up can be seen all over France, Paris included. It looks understated, but sensual at the same time depending upon how you wear it and the size of the shirt. This is where we often will see a French tuck taking place (tucking in the front and not the back). Don’t forget your belt when you do this, and paired with your shoe of choice, a crossbody worn across your body and your eye glasses with simple gold hoops, you are looking quite chic and ready to comfortably move through your day.

COS Oversized Tailored Shirt (handful of colors)

Jenni Kanye Boyfriend shirt (cotton)

4. Use of colors sparingly

The French are not known for being uber colorful in their clothing selections, opting rather for subtly and mastering of those details accentuate the person and let the person step forward first even while the clothing ensemble looks impeccable, it just doesn’t steal the show. Now, don’t get me wrong, if you too watch Tandem or Candice Renoir, you know the two leads often are wearing bright colors, but we have to remember, this is because they are the leads and the clothing department is dressing them to stand out for a particular reason. Otherwise, the colors are muted – neutrals abound, and if there is color, its volume is turned down or layered to complement, but not distract.

5. Slub tees (often for layering)

A regularly seen layering piece on Astrid Veillon’s character in Tandem, her wardrobe everyday without fail is a slub tee (often v-neck) worn under an oversized blazer with arms pushed back to the elbows, slim denim jeans and (a preview of #6 below), low-heeled ankle boots.

Slub tees are wonderful because of their movement, necklines that aren’t too tight (if they are a crew neck) and move well with the body without being constricting. Again, they create an effortless, I am not trying too hard, but really, they work beautifully with more structured pieces such as a blazer or fitted pants/jeans.

Rag + Bone slub crewneck tees (three colors) and then more colors, same style here.

Monrow Cotton Modal Relaxed fit V-neck tees (three colors)

6. Low-heeled ankle bootie (leather or suede)

I did not see many ballet flats that tend to be on so many “French essentials”. Yes, arguably, they are an item in the city, but I didn’t often see them either in everyday life or on the screen worn by locals going about their life. What I did see, beyond this boot, is included in #7 below.

The low-heeled boot (about 1/2 inch) works well during the seasons other than summer. They keep your ankles warm and protect your toes. You can even wear them with a dress or skirt.

J.Crew Piper Ankle boots in suede (two colors)

Cole Haan Leigh Bootie (three colors)

7. Slim loafers

This is the shoe of choice I would more regularly see worn. Often perhaps a hybrid of a loafer and ballet flat, slim loafers work with the denim or the pants or even the dress or skirts that are chosen to carry you through your day.

Tory Burch Ballet Loafer (many colors and prints)

Birdie’s The Vesper loafer (many colors)

8. Single solitary, fixed, diamond necklace (1 c/t or less)

This particular item is the one I didn’t see on anyone’s list, and ironically it what I regularly see as the simple everyday accessory worn with everything to finish an outfit without being too much, but definitely saying you know what you are doing.

Part of the reason this one might not be on many lists of French style essentials is because it can be expensive, but just like a luxury handbag or diamond anything, you will have it for your entire life. The good news is these are not the price of a luxury handbag as you can purchase a 3/4 c/t solitary lab-grown diamond for under $1000.

For sustainability and ethical purposes, choosing a lab-grown diamond is the best option, and it actually will save you money, at least a quarter (sometimes more) less than a natural diamond. And why I love this inclusion in one’s jewelry capsule is because you can wear it with absolutely everything. If you want no other necklace, then choose this style and be done with it. Decide where you want it rest on your clavicle or just below (typically 16″ or 17″), make sure it’s fixed (so it won’t slide on the chain – and choose a solid gold chain or rose gold or silver, delicate), and that’s it. Jewelry decisions are done.

Another way to save money and ensure you find the exact fit and style you will love for years is to visit your local jeweler. Here in Bend, I will visit a trusted local jewelry who I have worked with on a variety of pieces, and their prices are always competitive. As well, if I ever need anything cleaned, it is free of charge.

Vrai Solitaire (fixed) Necklace (varying chain colors and karats)

Stone & Strand’s Strength in Solitude (multiple diamonds – not a single stone, this will make it less expensive)

9. Simple, leather (faux leather) crossbody bag

Do you remember when TSLL’s shopped Nancy Carroll’s wardrobe seen in Murder in Provence? The only handbag her character ever used was a simple navy leather crossbody bag, and it was from a French company – Bleu de Chauffe. Simple, understated, well-made and well-priced. I have been using mine ever since I wrote that post and love it.

The key with a crossbody bag is again, keep it simple, versatile and something that holds just enough, but isn’t too large and bulky, yet not too small and inefficient.

Bleu de Chauffe Pastis crossbody (four colors, unfortunately, they do not make the navy anymore)

Luxury purchase: Proenza Schouler City Small Napa Leather Shoulder bag (black)

Mansur Gavriel Hera Bag (multiple colors, shoulder and crossbody strap)

10. Simple leather belts

The theme is clear, simplicity runs through nearly every item on the list. And that includes the belts. These don’t need to be skinny belts, but the belts themselves don’t have intricate designs, the buckles are understated, but high-quality and the leather is supple and of high quality as well. Used for wrapping your shirt dress as mentioned above, your blazer if oversized, worn through your belt loops, anything that completes the outfit without being the star of the ensemble (which is you!).

Vaincourt Paris navy leather belt (olive also available)

Saint Laurent Brown Leather Belt

Altuzarra’s Horsebit Belts (three colors)

11. A simple pendant necklace

Sharon Santoni from time to time will spotlight a French jewelry designer who makes pendant necklaces, and each one is simple yet stunning. Nothing too showy, yet, if you are wearing a solid color shirt or dress, wearing a pendant breaks up the monochromatic color and draws attention to your face. Whether worn with a button-up shirt or over the top of a dress, I have only one pendant and it is my go-to whenever the outfit calls for it, and yep, it was from one of Santoni’s My French Country Home boxes.

Lovely Day Bijoux Sautoir 7 Chemins 

12. Simple, small gold hoop earrings

I used to wear a lot of earrings, costume, and have a ton of fun selecting which I would wear for a day of teaching. The students enjoyed them and so did I, so we really do want to dress for the job we have and love. Now that I am not teaching, I have three or four earrings I choose between on any given occasions, all are gold, and all but one are quite small and delicate, all are hoops.

This style can be worn with anything – dressed up or down. Keeping it simple allows you to shine, your work to shine, your actions, your words, etc.

Louise Damas small hoop earrings 24 karat gold finish (My French Country Home)

I often wear these as my earring of choice.

13. Scarves (large and warm for winter), simple and silk for style

While the French make scarf selection and wearing an Olympic sport all of its own, for everyday use, having seasonal scarves is a must to add warmth or protection from the sun (linen also is wonderful in summer, but can be lovely in winter too). In winter, a large wool/cashmere scarf is at the ready – think neutrals – grey, beige, black or camel (solid or prints), so that they go with whatever you might be wearing, and in warmer months, to finish a look or be your accessory, choose silk, cotton or viscose, anything that feels good against your skin.

Eric Bombard cashmere Tartan Stole (all and each of this French company’s scarves are a quality purchase that will last for many, many years)

14. Eyeglasses – understated, but a carefully considered finishing detail

If you need vision correction and don’t want to always rely on contacts, having a pair or two (or three!) of optical glasses is a wonderful way to accessorize as well as ensure you function well throughout your day (i.e. see clearly!). While I don’t see this style choice as often in France, I have begun to see it more regularly, from oversized wire rimmed frames on Lèa Soler in Tandem in the latter seasons to Agathe Koltès tortoise shell classic frames. And now that we can shop more easily designer frames from all sorts of shops that offer great prices (here, here and here is where I purchased my most recent Burberry pair and wear every evening), adding this effortless (once we figure out our size and best style for our face) detail to our wardrobe elevates it entirely.

15. A straw hat

From a classic Panama (about 6 1/2-7 1/2″ brims), to a larger wider brimmed sun hat, for any day with sunshine, especially in the summer and in the south of France, a hat is a must and seen more ubiquitously than sunglasses. Figure out your size, and then shop away, always having your hat handy so you can stroll leisurely and in comfort with not only your eyes protected but your face and chest as well.

Pachacuti Panama Hats (men and women), all customizable

16. Shirt Dress (varying lengths of hems and sleeves)

Seen being worn year-round, changing only in fabric and sleeve length, a shirt dress is timeless, flattering and highly functional for a variety of occasions. Often a solid or stripe, but can be in a pattern or print, wrap your waist with a simple leather belt (an essential item mentioned below), don a single single piece of jewelry (also shared below), sling over your shoulder you handbag, and you are set.

J.McLaughlin’s Orla shirtdress (black also available)

Luxury Item: Caroline Herrera Striped Cotton-blend short-sleeved shirt dress

Tanya Taylor Shiv cotton-blend shirtdress, olive

17. A trench coat of your preferred length

Depending upon our job and our schedule, the length will vary, but by choosing a neutral hued, solid trench coat, everything will work with it. the coat of choice for fall and spring, buy well, buy once.

Rag + Bone Beverly Cropped Trench Coat

J.Crew Relaxed Heritage Trench

Polo Ralph Lauren Twill Double-Breasted Trench Coat

18. Warm knee length wool coat, classic style

In winter and the chillier months of autumn and early spring, a warm wool coat is a must – whether a pea coat such as Agatha Koltès wears, or a longer wool coat, again, choose a neutral hue, often darker, and you are set.

Theory Double-Faced Wool-Cashmere Wrap Coat (two colors)

While purchased nearly eight years ago, I have this one in gray and absolutely love it.

19. Linen pants, shirts and/or dresses for summer (scarves too!)

Something we have talked about and that has been shopped in many of the summer Outfits of the Month posts this year (and in previous years as well) is the necessity of linen in the wardrobe. While the concept is not France’s alone, many other cultures and countries regularly are seen donning this breathable and durable fabric, France with its fields of flax in Normandy and Belgium’s nearby fields as well, has direct access to the creation of a fabric that can be worn year round (or slept on year-round) because it allows the skin to breathe, but also sagaciously keeps the body warm when necessary.

And this is also why it is often expensive, not only because it is not easy to mass produce, but because the products made from it, last a long time. Whether you have linen pants, linen shirts or dresses, and yes, even scarves, they will never go out of style, and always provide comfort to keep you cool in the summer as well as protect you from the sun.

~I shared more finds of linen clothing here in a recent post.

Jenni Kayne Linen Logan Shirt (more colors)

20. Cashmere sweaters, slightly loose fitting

Now to winter. Having comfortable on the skin sweaters to keep us warm is a necessity. So whether they are oversized, whether their neckline is a turtleneck, v-neck, boatneck or crew, having well-made cashmere sweaters are the simplest thing to throw on whether with a pair of jeans for a more casual outfit, or paired with crepe pants for a work event. Make sure the sleeves are the length you need, the color flatters your skin tone and you almost forget you are wearing it because it is so soft and comfortable and then get about your daily activities.

Joseph Soft Wool High Neck Jumper, Oak

The Row’s Stepny Wool-Cashmere Turtleneck Top (three colors)

Eric Bombard v-neck oversized sweater (three colors)

21. Nautical stripes in subtle compositions

I didn’t forget them! But, as shared, not the traditional Breton shirt. Again, I will refer to Agathe Koltès because she demonstrates it well, the stripes are nautical, but they are present. They break up the solid layering of the dark black wool coat, and create interest that draws you to her face. Keep your eyes open for the stripes that do this for your style as you will know how you are layering them. I love to wear a nautical stripe sleeveless camisole under a blazer as you see just enough stripes without being too much.

Eric Bombard textured striped round-neck cashmere sweater

Amor-Luxe Turtle-neck jumper

Me + Em black/white stripe ribbed cami

La Ligne NYC Leo tank, navy/cream

And while transforming our entire closet or updating as we would like will take time, having clarity about what we are looking for and knowing that when we do find it, it will be able to be worn and mixed and matched well for years makes shopping and gradually building our effortless capsule wardrobe all the more enjoyable.

Be sure to stop by on September 1st for the Annual Fall Shopping Guide where some of the finds above will be included.

EXPLORE All of the Posts Shared during This Year’s French Week