(Image credit: @ruerodier)
I'm something of a dress fanatic (they make up approximately 80% of my wardrobe), but skirts and I have a longstanding history too. Once coined a "skirt girl", I was heavily inspired by '50s silhouettes and my obsession with Audrey Hepburn, so there was a time when I wore overstated fit-and-flare skirts at any opportunity. Now, however, I've (somewhat) retired from those pronounced styles and have come to appreciate other skirt shapes and lengths.
Since moving to Paris, I've grown increasingly inspired by French women's wardrobe combinations. Come spring, much to my delight, their beloved jean pairings are routinely swapped for skirts, and once the weather becomes a touch balmier, they take every opportunity to celebrate styles that are less dependent on the weather. When it comes to skirt styles, French women are typically known for leather minis, denim cut-offs, wrap skirts and slip silk pieces, but I've observed the integration of edgier pieces such as crinkled fabrics and shrunken A-line skirts (in the wake of the micro-mini trend).
Keep reading to explore and shop the types of skirts French women are currently wearing.
1. Crochet Top + Full Skirt + Ballet Flats
(Image credit: Future)
Style Notes: Granted, the peek-a-boo trend was a favourite many years ago, but I've noticed just how many trend-led pieces (especially those with a hint of Y2K) have been adopted by French fashion people. Add a full-volume skirt, Mary Janes and a baguette shoulder bag for a fashion-forward yet classic look.
Shop the Look:
Baukjen
Renee Upcycled Skirt
Don't sleep on sustainable brand Baukjen; it masters high-quality basics.
NEOUS
Phoenix Baguette Leather Shoulder Bag
The Baguette bag is inherently French, and this Neous style is so contemporary.
2. White Shirt + Linen Miniskirt + Trainers + Basket Bag
(Image credit: Future)
Style Notes: It's time to reintroduce miniskirts back into your arsenal—French women have been wearing them for some weeks now. Add bold jewels, a basket bag (it's almost that time, after all) and a pair of Parisian-favourite Vejas to make your outfit more intentional.
Shop the Look:
LIBEROWE
+ Net Sustain Maha Linen Mini Skirt
Pair this skirt with the above shirt, tucking it into the waistband.
LOEWE X Paula's Ibiza
Small Leather-Trimmed Woven Raffia Tote
It's fair to say Loewe spearheaded the basket-bag trend over the past few years.
VEJA
+ Net Sustain Esplar Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers
There are many Veja stores dotted around Paris and it's no wonder why. The trainer brand really is favoured by Parisians.
3. Fancy Top + Slip Skirt + Heeled Sandals
(Image credit: Future)
Style Notes: I've adopted the scarf detail as part of my uniform, and luckily for me, we're seeing it permeate "going-out" tops. Pair this sleek top below with a silken skirt in sunshine yellow and heeled sandals. Seal the look with a minimal hobo shoulder bag—another French favourite.
Shop the Look:
JACQUEMUS
Maestra Scarf-Detailed Knitted Top
Light woollen pieces are great for transitional-weather days.
TOTEME
+ Net Sustain the Belted Croco Flip-Flop Croc-Effect Leather Mules
A modern croc-effect sandal with gold accents.
Arket
Crescent Shoulder Bag in Dark Brown
Arket's leather bags look so much more expensive than they are.
4. Maxi Skirt Co-ord + Sandals + Basket Bag
(Image credit: Future)
Style Notes: French women master the capsule wardrobe, but there's a common misconception that they favour monochrome. It's quite the opposite. I've been inspired to wear colour more since moving to Paris, and the best way to do so is with a coordinated look in muted tones (if, like me, you're easing your way into wearing a more varied palette). Pop on a pair of heeled sandals and gold jewels and your outfit is complete.
Shop the Look:
Missoma X Lucy Williams
Medium Chunky Ridge Hoop Earrings
Lucy Williams X Missoma collaborations are always worth noting.
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French Style