Gastronomy, raising kids, healthcare, cinema… The French do it better. Or at least, that’s what we’re told to believe. If these are open to debate, there’s one topic where there is a consensus that French are constantly getting it right: Fashion trends. From Rose Bertin – who dressed Marie-Antoinette – to Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Nicolas Ghesquière, French style has always been setting trends for the world to follow. For more on French fashion trends, check out the latest fashion and runway shows with Seasons 9 of Tendance XXI and Version Française on TV5MONDE September 2023 (and streaming on TV5MONDEplus).

So let’s take a look at what French fashion basics are in 2023 and which French trendsetters you need to follow.

Image

How to dress like a Parisian in 2023

French fashion trends are always about matching a timeless elegant style with a touch of modern or quirk, while refraining from appearing too hyper feminine or superficial. So are you ready to unlock the secrets of the effortlessly stylish Parisians? Grab your croissants and let’s delve into the world of jeans, nautical stripes and berets.

Master the Art of Effortlessness:

• Embrace the "I woke up like this" look. Parisians have a knack for appearing effortlessly put together, as if fashion just happens to follow them around.
• To do so, invest in well-fitted basics. A timeless white shirt, a tailored blazer, and a pair of high-quality jeans will be your go-to style for any rendez-vous with work friends or your petit ami. That’s French style for you.
• Add a touch of nonchalant charm by leaving a few buttons undone or rolling up your sleeves casually. Maybe only half-way tuck your shirt or have your hair in a loose bun for a little négligé effect.

Image

Try Unconventional Pairings:

• Mix unexpected elements to create a unique look while using timeless clothes and accessories. Pair a flowy floral dress with a leather jacket or wear sneakers with a chic blazer and tailored trousers.
• Embrace the quirky side of fashion. Rules are meant to be broken, and there’s nothing that the Parisian it-girls love more than showing their individuality and self-assurance to the world.

Accessorize…with moderation

• Here’s a French fashion trend that’ll never go away. French women won’t wear “in your face” necklaces or cutesy hair pieces. If you want to follow French style, opt for a soft gold necklace, oversized sunglasses, and a padded leather handbag just big enough for your phone and wallet. That’s all you need to elevate any outfit.
• Playful accessories like a vintage brooch or a whimsical hair pin can add that extra touch of quirkiness that Parisians effortlessly pull off.

Image

Know how to layer:

• Layering is a staple of French fashion. And one that’s not so easy to pull off. Master the art of combining different textures, patterns, and lengths to create effortlessly stylish outfits that are both cozy and chic.
• Start with a solid foundation, like a well-fitted simple T-shirt or a lightweight blouse. This provides a clean canvas to build your layers upon. From there, you can play with texture (soft knits with structured fabrics, silky tops with rugged denim) or with proportions (oversized sweaters with slim-fit jeans or pair a flowing maxi dress with a tailored blazer). The key, of course, is to always pick elements that will flatter your silhouette.

You live and breathe fashion, and you dream of the Parisian life à la Emily in Paris? Check out the only French-language entertainment network in America, TV5MONDE, and it's on-demand streaming service, TV5MONDEplus featuring lifestyle programs and documentaries. There's plenty to watch in French with English subtitles including the French fashion trend focused docu-series Tendance XXI,  Version Française, #ChicenVF, Démo de mode, and many more!

Lean more about TV5MONDE here

Image

French trendsetters and fashion influencers: who are they

Garance Doré, the casual it-girl

Image

Call her the ultimate French it-girl, the polka dots queen or the Parisian muse, but definitely follow her on Instagram. Armed with her camera and an insatiable curiosity, she unveils the hidden magic of everyday Parisian life, transforming mundane moments into works of art. If Garance doré is so popular, it’s because no one has ever made French fashion trends so approachable and casual.

Léa Seydoux, the heir

Call her nepo baby if you will but nothing could have stopped the French actress from being a fashion icon. Her mom was a model and fashion designer, and her dad was the son of the most famous French producer. Staying true to both sides of her family, Léa Seydoux pursued a career in fashion and cinema. She effortlessly exudes an air of sophistication in her fashion choices. Even in stolen paparazzi photos, she looks perfectly put together with classic silhouettes mixed with avant-garde designs and bold colors. She is now the muse for Nicolas Ghesquière, head of Louis Vuitton.

Camille Charrière, the teacher

Image

If you’re looking to better understand French fashion trends and overall French style, then Camille Charrière is your girl. She hosts the podcast "Fashion No Filter” and often writes for French fashion magazines. She is known for her bold fashion choices, her eclectic ensembles and unconventional silhouettes. Her fashion style perfectly matches her personality: quirky, joyful and witty. She’s able to talk about French fashion trends without taking herself and the world of high-fashion too seriously and that feels refreshing.

To learn more about the world of French fashion and what’s in style, including the Top 10 French Fashion Trends in 2023, take a look at TV5MONDE’s shows on French fashion and French art de vivre Tendance XXI and Version Française. A TV5MONDE subscription also gives you access to the network TV5MONDE Style, which showcases feature documentaries about fashion designers, artists, performers, sculptures, painters, chefs and visionaries who are creating the trends of today and tomorrow.

Subscribe now to TV5MONDE USA