There’s no denying it, French women have cracked the fashion code. Anyone with the slightest interest in fashion can name at least three items they’d associate the typical Parisian wardrobe with in the blink of an eye. What’s more, their sartorial identity seemingly defies time - the French girl look is as popular and relevant now, as it was 60 years ago when Brigitte Bardot was the it-girl du jour.
The perfect pair of blue jeans, the basket bag, floral midi dresses, Breton stripes and romantic knits have become their universally recognisable uniform, and a wardrobe inspiration for anyone who aspires to be as laissez-faire when it comes to getting dressed in the morning as some of the world’s most stylish women, such as Carine Roitfeld or Jeanne Damas. Their take on the capsule wardrobe is devoid of trends and relies on the forever appeal - without being minimal or general snooze.
And that success largely beckons on the account of a flurry of established French fashion brands that have long influenced how we all dress. Take Maje for example. The brand has been around since 1998, exporting a quintessentially Parisian wardrobe to the rest of the world, offering hardworking denim and its joyous signature bags. Sandro, Ba&sh, Claudie Pierlot and Zadig & Voltaire, too, are contributing a fair bit to the French-ification of Sunday best.
There are also brands that have entered the scene in recent years that are equally as influential. Rouje, founded by Jeanne Damas, is one of them. Capturing the essence of what we understand typical French fashion to be, the label has become a steadfast go-to for every Francophile. Bookmark smaller brands like Marie Marot for shirts that add the perfect touch of insouciance to any look, or Balzac Paris for sustainably-minded products the have artisanal appeal.
Keep scrolling to find Grazia’s edit of the most covetable French fashion brands that French women trust- all at a glance. From where to find the best leather jackets, to the brands’ backstories and their environmental efforts, consider this your cheat sheet to everyone’s favourite French labels.
Sézane
Best known for its delectable knits like the Betty cardigan, boho blouses and the Clyde trenchas of late, Sézane was founded back in 2013 by Morgane Sézalory and has since grown into a cult French clothing brand and wardrobe staple for anyone with an affinity for the classic French girl look.
What’s more, next to a fervid fandom featuring names such as Sienna Miller, Kate Middleton and Selena Gomez, Sézane has is putting a huge focus on its environmental impact, having certified as a B Crop label.
Maje
Believe it or not, butMaje - founded by the Moroccan-born designer Judith Milgrom (sister to Sandro founder Evelyne Chetrite) - has been around since 1998, delivering deliciously refreshing and quintessentially Parisian wardrobe workhorses. But don’t be mistaken, the Moroccan influence can still be felt throughout, amalgamating her most succinct cultural pointers. The result? Joyous bags, tweeds and seriously good resort wear.
Rouje
There’s a certain level of chic that only a select few can conceive of and Jeanne Damas is one of them. Good news then, that she is teaching us her ways via her label, Rouje, which launched in 2016. But we’re not just talking clothes, Rouje has also expanded into a beauty line, helping us to further explore our French side by ways of a red lip. Bookmark Rouje for anything you’d associate with a the perfect French girl wardrobe: romantic floral midi dresses, undeniably cool jeans, effortless knits and accessories you’d expect to spot on a Sunday morning flea market on a stroll through Paris.
Marie Marot
The perfect shirt? Are you still looking for it? Marie Marot has created her namesake brand around this surefire staple - menswear-inspired button downs that are unapologetically sexy. Keep an eye out for the contrast collar shirts, they’re a definite hit.
Balzac Paris
Sometimes good things take time. At least that was the case with the label Balzac Paris. Even though it was already founded ten years ago, it only made it across the canal to the UK in October last year but - unexpectedly so - it’s received a warm welcome from everyone here. Not least due its eco-friendly approach to producing its collections. Designed in the Paris atelier, the team at Balzac believes in small-batch productions, which means once something is sold out, well, it’s sold out. So, best be quick if you really like something. And chances are, you will find something you like.
Musier Paris
Another brand founded by a French Muse, Anne-Laure Mais, Musier Paris ticks all the boxes for anyone who prefers a soupçon of francaise in your wardrobe. But, do take note, if you’re just after floral midis and basket bags, Musier offers an updated take on the above, with a sexy Noughties spin. The perfect hot summer night outfits? You'll find them here.
The Frankie Shop
Latest since lockdown, The Frankie Shop has become a fashion editor mainstay, delivering on the quiet luxury front, having had some sell-out cult pieces like the padded shoulder T-shirt and the oversized blazer. Now, it’s become a one-stop-shop for all your capsule wardrobe needs and more. Founded by ex-journalist Gaëlle Drevet in 2014, The Frankie Shop started as a boutique in New York City’s lower east side before moving across the Atlantic to Paris in 2017. Now, TFS is gearing up for a store opening in London - until then, you can find all the hero pieces online.
Sandro
Launched by sister of Maje’s founder, Evelyne Chetrite first established Sandro in 1984 with the goal to dress the women of Paris in wardrobe staples with forever appeal. And to this day, this is what Sandro is best known for. Loved for its sumptuous leather jackets, you can find all your too-cool-for-school essentials here. And it’s not just for her - Sandro also offers a menswear line.
Claudie Pierlot
Claudie Pierlot, too, set out to dress the women of Paris when she first introduced her namesake label. But her approach has always been a tad less Sunday market stroll, but a bit more punk rock meets basket bag instead. Claudie Pierlot’s designs are defiantly cool and ultimately covetable. Pierlot herself has handed over the reins but you can count on the expert design team at the brand for excellent blouses, Breton stripes but also biker jackets and leather brogues.
Ba&sh
Dreamed up by Sharon Krief and Barbara Boccara, Ba&sh first saw the light of day in 2003. And who is the Ba&sh customer? The brand’s maxime has remained the same over the two decades it's been in business: women who place importance on comfort but don’t want to make any style sacrifices. Boho meets daytime-wear apt for the office and the afterhours. Available in over 400 stores worldwide, Ba&sh has also had investment by fashion conglomerate LVMH - making it readily available here in the UK,too.
Zadig & Voltaire
The French are experts in Bardot-inspired fashion. But their effortless cool also applies to the grunge aesthetic which reigns supreme at Zadig & Voltaire, founded in 1997. Looking for something off the beaten track? You’ll find it here.
Ami
Famous for its instantly recognisable ‘ami de coeur’ ace of hearts logo, Ami began as a menswear brand, founded by Alexandre Mattiussi, but expanded into womenswear in 2018. Hyped in the world of streetwear, Ami has long made a high fashion name for itself, having made a noticeable guest appearance in Emily in Paris. It counts countless celebrities to its fervid fans and if you’re looking for impeccable tailoring in luxurious fabrics, Ami is the brand for you.
Elleme
On your search for the perfect everyday bag, you might have already come across Elleme, that already cemented itself as an accessories brand before branching out in ready-to-wear, too. So, bookmark Elleme for do-it-all bags, trend-inspired outerwear or stylish dresses.