We’ve covered French-girl style enough times to dress Parisians from memory at this point: the trench, the small gold hoops, the trousers that do all the work. What we haven’t done is watch her actually shop, so we put her in front of Shopbop for the first time to see what she’d click on.
My guess is she skips the going-out dresses entirely and heads straight for the coats and the jewelry because that’s where French-girl logic always lives—in the pieces you reach for without thinking. These are the 28 items she’d have in her cart within five minutes, no import necessary.
Lioness
Penny Trench Coat
The trench is nonnegotiable, and this one gets the classic silhouette without the classic price tag.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Cotton Oxford Long Sleeve Buttondown
This is the shirt every French-girl wardrobe is secretly built around.
En Saison
Mischa Mini Dress
My ideal minidress for transitioning into fall when it’s still scorching out.
La Ligne
Cotton Poplin Colby Pants
White trousers feel like a risk until she actually wears them, then they’re the only pants that make a plain T-shirt look finished.
JENNY BIRD
Small Staple Hoops
They call them staple hoops for good reason.
This solves the getting-dressed decision entirely.
Source Unknown
Suki Collar Blazer
Yes, Source Unknown is finally at Shopbop.
AEYDE
Theo Leather Knee-High Boots
I wear boots like these daily in the fall, and a French woman would too.
Madewell
Oval Plaque Buckle Belt
A belt that makes any outfit look rich.
Stella McCartney
Falabella Sunglasses
Never underestimate the power of a phenomenal pair of sunglasses.
This skirt makes any look read polished, especially with the trench thrown over it.
Good American
Good Waist Palazzo Ankle Jeans
Tonal denim does the trick.
Still Here
Childhood Jeans
We can’t talk about French-girl style without mentioning denim.
Three strap options mean this one bag goes from shoulder to top handle depending on the day she’s having.
Reformation
Inez Flat Mules
No laces, no buckles—just slide on and go.
Guest in Residence
The Wild Rag Triangle Scarf
The fastest way to make any outfit look finished.
SHASHI
Carter Pendant Necklace
This single item does more for an outfit than a stack of five thinner chains.
Luv Aj
Baby Amalfi Tube Hoop Earrings
Small gold hoops are the one accessory a French-girl wardrobe genuinely cannot function without.
A navy blazer with gold buttons that reads more expensive than $99.
La Ligne
Solid Lean Lines Cashmere Sweater
A tan cashmere crewneck built for the kind of minimalism that actually takes restraint to pull off.
By Adina Eden
Bezel Charm & Colored Rope Necklace
This cord necklace with a single bezel charm looks like it was pulled from a Parisian flea market.
Guest in Residence
Cashmere Grizzly Jacket
A cashmere jacket does the cozy-chic thing without trying.
Madewell
Ruffle A-Line Midi Dress
This dress works on its own while it’s still warm in September but also as a layering piece under a cool jacket by late October.
Madewell
Porto Penny Loafers
Shoes that makes jeans look considered instead of thrown on.
Reformation
Dominique Knee Boots
This paired with a midi skirt and trench.
This looks like it belongs on a market run, whether along the Seine or in Union Square.
A delicate gold chain that’s built to layer and priced low enough to buy without thinking twice.
Le Specs
Subzero Sunglasses
The easiest outfit upgrade I can think of.