Wondering what are the biggest French fashion clichés? Today I’m going to share the wardrobe pieces most associated with the “cliché” French girl style. Do French people actually wear them? Well, that’s something you’ll have to go to France to see for yourself and find out!
French Girl Clichés
Even though the French prefer timeless fashion, sometimes a style can become a little too classic and stick around for a bit too long – becoming a cliché! Today I’ll share the most famous French fashion clichés to watch out for. You don’t want to commit a fashion faux pas as Emily Cooper does pretty much every day!
Beret
The French beret is the most cliche thing about French style! I honestly can’t believe that this old wool hat is still so closely associated with modern French fashion. It’s truly the biggest cliche out there. I go to Paris all the time and trust me I never see anyone wearing a beret. This is one French fashion cliché that we need to put to rest!
Breton Striped Top or Marinière
On the other hand, the Breton striped shirt, also called the marinière, is still very popular in Paris and all over France in fact. This classic navy blue and white striped t-shirt has been a French fashion staple for decades. I see women wearing these classic tops in t-shirt form as well as sweater form. It may be cliche but it’s true that the French really can’t get enough of their stripes!
Ballerina Flats
Another big French fashion cliché is the ballerina flat. Americans have this idea that all French women, especially in Paris, go prancing around the cobblestone streets wearing ballerina flats. Besides the fact that these shoes have absolutely no arch support, they’re super uncomfortable for walking.
As much as I love flats myself, I can assure you that French people don’t go around Paris wearing flats all day. They would have blisters on their feet if they actually did this.
Let’s be honest – flats are totally uncomfortable and not exactly practical footwear for modern-day life. This is one cliché we should probably leave in the past!
The Silk Scarf
Blame it on Hermès, but the silk necktie scarf is another huge French girl fashion cliché. Whether tied around the neck or worn on top of the head and tied beneath the chin, our vision of the cliché French woman simply must include a scarf, oui?
While French women do wear silk scarves more than Americans, it isn’t nearly what you’d imagine. They wear them here and there but not every single day!
Bold Red Lipstick
A bold red lip is the epitome of the French girl style. It’s classic, timeless, and can be worn with any outfit. While it may not be the most practical choice for everyday wear, it’s perfect for a night out or a special occasion. This is one French girl cliché I don’t see going away anytime soon!
Vintage Cardigan
A vintage cardigan is another French fashion cliché that has been around for quite some time. French girls love their vintage clothing and cardigans are one of the easiest pieces to find. Vintage cardigans can be worn with a pair of straight-leg jeans or over a midi dress look. While the vintage cardigan is not totally outdated, vintage cardigans have definitely become more popular in recent times.
Birkin Basket Bag
The Birkin basket bag is a French fashion cliché that has been around for decades. Jane Birkin got hers from a fishing village in Portugal. It’s typically worn with a pair of wide-leg jeans and a cute white top and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Jane Birkin even famously wore one on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival! She also wore her woven basket bag with a brown fur coat in winter. While it’s not necessarily outdated, it has definitely become more of a trend in recent times in Paris!
Trench Coat
The classic trench coat is a French fashion cliché that has been around for decades. It’s often worn with a pair of black skinny jeans and a cool white tee in Paris. From Audrey Hepburn to Carla Bruni, the trench coat is about as ubiquitous in France as buttery croissants!
Floral Wrap Dress
The floral wrap dress is one of the most popular items associated with the classic French girl style. It’s timeless, feminine, and can be styled casual or fancy depending on the occasion. While it may be a bit of a French girl cliché, the floral wrap dress is still a staple in many French summer wardrobes. It’s the centerpiece to Jeanne Damas’ Rouje collection – the Gabin dress.
Levi’s 501 Jeans
Another fashion cliché associated with French girls is a pair of vintage Levi’s 501 jeans. This style of denim is classic, versatile, and can be dressed up or down. Some people believe that Levi’s 501 jeans are too casual and outdated. While they may not be as popular as they once were, Levi’s 501 jeans are still a must-have in many French wardrobes.
Chanel Bag
The Chanel bag is one of the most iconic French fashion clichés. It’s luxurious, classic, and timeless. Lots of French people believe that the Chanel bag is overpriced and not worth the investment. While it may not be as popular as it once was, the Chanel bag is still a coveted accessory in many French wardrobes.
