If you love French style and shopping at an affordable price point, then you’ve come to the right place! I’m a French woman at heart, especially when it comes to my style choices. I’m forever on the lookout for fresh pieces that embody that nonchalant yet polished aesthetic the French do so well.
So if effortlessly cool French style is what you’re looking for this season, and you don’t want to spend a fortune on a fresh wardrobe, then it’s worth taking a peek at H&M right now. From chic tank tops to straight-leg jeans and sleek skirts, the affordable brand has a host of classic yet trend-forward finds ideal for the current in-between-seasons weather.
Keep scrolling for our guide to what our Parisian fashion friends are likely to buy from H&M and the items they would likely say “non, merci” to.
Buy: Chic Vest Tops
Skip: Over-the-Top Party Tops
Style Notes: French women rely on chic and easy tank tops all year round. Skip the over-the-top party tops and pair an elevated tank with jeans and midi skirts instead.
H&M
Ribbed Vest Top
£7
Incredibly affordable.
H&M
Defined-Waist Vest Top
£11
Simple yet effective.
H&M
Ribbed Vest Top
£13
Add a point of difference to all your other vests.
Buy: Relaxed Button-Down Shirts
Skip: Tunics
Style Notes: If there’s one item stylish French women wear year-round, it’s a relaxed and effortless button-down shirt. Set the tunics aside and opt for a button-down in white, blue, or stripes for the utmost versatility.
H&M
Oxford Shirt
£19
I often turn to H&M for great, affordable shirts.
H&M
Oversized Cotton Shirt
£22
So many great outfits call for a white shirt.
H&M
Linen-Blend Shirt
£28
This looks so much more expensive than it is.
Buy: ’90s Straight and Loose Leg Jeans
Skip: Super Skinny Jeans
Style Notes: Jeans are a staple for French women, and you’ll always find a ’90s-inspired high-waisted straight-leg silhouette in their wardrobe. Bypass the super-skinny styles and go for a more relaxed cut.
H&M
Straight Low Jeans
£20
This pair strikes the balance of straight yet relaxed in an ideal way.
H&M
Wide Denim Trousers
£38
These have the perfect slouch.
H&M
Baggy Wide Low Ankle Jeans
£38
This particular wash is a personal favourite of mine.
Buy: Sandals
Skip: Sky-High Platforms
Style Notes: For wandering around Paris, flat, or at least comfy, shoes are a must and we’ve noticed our French friends are partial to a pair of classic sandals or a simple slider. These versatile shoes can be styled with dresses, tailoring and jeans alike, and H&M has a ton to choose from right now.
H&M
Leather Slides
£50
This simple style will serve your looks for years to come.
H&M
Strappy Leather Sandals
£45
These look so expensive.
H&M
Braided-Strap Sandals
£28
I did a double take at this pair.
Buy: Shoulder Bags
Skip: Micro Mini Bags
Style Notes: For summer it’s all about the basket bag ‘en France’, but come autumn these are put away for their classic counterparts: the shoulder bag. Classic designs with room for the essential are a go-to.
H&M
Shoulder Bag
£18
I still can’t believe this is from the high street.
H&M
Shoulder Bag
£19
This went straight in my basket.
H&M
Small Shoulder Bag
£11
The refined minimalism add a 90’s touch.
Buy: Minimal Skirts
Skip: Leggings
Style Notes: Sleek and elegant. This season, opt for streamlined slip skirts, maxi silhouettes, or minis that will transition seamlessly from day to night.
H&M
Twill Skirt
£43
A maxi length feels so directional.
H&M
Rib-Knit Skirt
£13
I’m into this whole look with the matching tube top.
H&M
Pleated Chiffon Skirt
£33
This looks so luxe.
Buy: Textured Jackets
Skip: Quilted Jackets
Style Notes: When it comes to jackets, skip more practical-looking quilted styles for elegant bouclé-style jackets. Whether it’s a black cropped version or longer length tweed, this feminine jacket style is inherently Parisian (Coco Chanel did invent it, after all) and it will make any outfit feel polished.
H&M
Textured Bomber Jacket
£45
Black is timeless.
H&M
Bouclé Jacket
£38
This cream style won’t stick around for long.
H&M
Textured Blazer
£75
I’d wear this blazer with baggy jeans and ballet flats.
Buy: Striped Tops
Skip: Tie-Dye Tops
Style Notes: Yes, it’s true. French women love stripes. They generally favour striped tops and sweaters more than tie-dye or geometric designs. Simply add a pair of high-waisted jeans, a belt, and ballet flats, and you have one chic-looking outfit.
H&M
Puff-Sleeved Top
£12
I’m a big fan of puff-sleeved tops.
H&M
Linen-Blend Shirt
£28
There’s something about the mix of crean and white that feels so premium.
H&M
Zip-Top Jumper
£33
An easy style you’ll call on time after time.
This story originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. and has since been updated.
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