French girls just get it. No matter what occasion they’re dressing for, that je ne sais quoi just shines through in every outfit they seem to throw together. Given our sartorial fascination with this set, we thought we’d dig a little deeper into how they consistently make their outfits seem, well, for lack of a better word, French (aka effortless and chic). We tapped Parisian influencer Aïda Sané (the mastermind behind the IG account @basicstouch) to fill us in.
Ahead, she highlighted the styling tricks she swears by to make her daily ensembles feel elevated yet pared back. As you’ll see, she also put her tips into action with a few outfit examples that showcase her Parisian style sensibilities.
With all that in mind, keep scrolling for a bit of visual and shopping inspiration if you’re interested in dressing like a French girl.
“Wearing a dress as a top is one of my tricks when I’m not motivated to wear a dress, when the dress is actually a bit short, or during winter when it’s too cold and I’m too lazy to be self-conscious about my legs. So tucking is a good deal, however, the dress must be a bodycon or a silk dress—it’s easier to adjust and it doesn’t look bulky under your high-waisted jeans.”
“The perfect oversize menswear blazer is what I’m looking for every time I’m going vintage shopping around Paris. But I’ve also thrifted a lot of very good blazers from my dad’s closet. I love wearing my blazer with jeans and a turtleneck or with a printed dress for a good contrast—perfect for spring.”
“Men’s shirts are always the best fit for me. They are more comfortable in my opinion and give you such a cool and sexy look at the same time. I like to unbutton a little bit and accentuate the oversize fit with a belt with jeans or wear the shirt on its own as a dress.”
“Another trick that I love recently is wearing my cardigan as a top. A cardigan can have a little grandma vibe, so the fact that you’re tucking into your jeans, shorts, or skirt is a great update and a way to not get bored of your clothes too easily. This can be layered with a turtleneck or a lace bra underneath for a feminine and vintage kind of vibe.”
“The oversize coat. Again, I like to wear it big and most of the time vintage. I love the masculine fit because it feels cozier and it looks structured and minimal. You also usually have multiple inside pockets, which is a big point because you don’t have to carry around a massive bag and your phone and wallet are safe. I just make sure to take off the shoulder pads because otherwise it looks bulky and not as flattering.”
“Sweater tucking into high-waisted jeans has been my go-to since I was in high school, especially when it’s a bit too long for me. It’s perfect when on a casual day paired with sneakers or with kitten heels for an instantly casual chic look.”
