We just can’t help ourselves. Obsessing over French style – and of course the best French fashion brands – is a national past-time, and as we all look for effortless ways to dress this summer, naturally the Parisian influencers are showing us how it’s done.
Whether it’s timeless classics worn by grown-up icons such as Françoise Hardy or Ines de La Fressange, or next-gen stars such as Lily Rose Depp or Jeanne Damas working le nouveau chic, there is something French women instinctively know about putting together a look. And we want in.
Of course, we know this is a huge generalisation. Not every French citizen knows how to pair a blazer and ballet pumps, or team a ditsy print tea dress with espadrilles and insouciant ease. Some of the oldest design Maisons were founded in the City of Love, so it’s understandable that great style stems from Paris with all its history and heritage but, not every French woman has access to handbags that cost more than a car… yet they still look incredible.
How? By filling their wardrobes with excellently sourced basics. Fast fashion is so not chic and French style revolves around the classics. Slouchy white T-shirts, crisp shirts, high-waist trousers, trench coats and impeccably cut jeans. Instead of swaying to new trends every season, mid-range contemporary brands that offer a little *zhuzh* are the go-to for chic French women.
Look across the channel for your own style inspiration from GLAMOUR’s edit of the ultimate French fashion brands, because while you might not be able to pop over to France every time you want to shop, you can find all these amazing brands online. No passport required.
ICYMI: Read about the best British fashion brands and best Chinese fashion brands too.
Once designed by Michael Kors, Celine had a bourgeois vibe before it had a rock star makeover. Now, the Maison has returned to its classicism (with a twist, of course) and you’ll find elegant pieces such as exquisite leatherwear, minimalist handbags, and viral sunnies on its boutique rails. The Triomphe belt is all over our feeds RN – and promises to inject the perfect amount of Parisian style.
You can recognise an AMI Paris item from their signature heart logo knitwear and T-shirts. Sweet. The unisex sizing means you can mix and match if there’s a willing man in your life (although we suggest you might want to keep these pieces all to yourself…)
This label’s ‘Born in Paris’ provenance won’t get lost in translation – Sezane’s commitment to sustainability is clear. All leather goods are vegetable-tanned, a more responsible process than traditional methods that use heavy metals, and they are FSC certified. But more than that, their designs have a vintage vibe that makes them timeless. The antithesis of throwaway fast fashion.
The fold-up Le Pliage bag was the original bag-for-life before the phrase was even invented. Now this French accessories label is introducing more sustainable processes, with recycled and upcycled materials, all in an array of joyful colours and silhouettes that make carrying your essentials a far chicer experience.
Cult doesn’t begin to cut it when describing Simon Porte Jacquemus’ designs. The 35 year old has perfectly distilled the minimal mood of the moment (seen through a millennial lens) with his cut-away dresses, going out-out tops and oversized blazers. And the mini-bags and clutches? Icons already.
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After spending her early career working in vintage shops, Evelyne Chetrite set up Sandro in 1984. Chetrite’s vintage experiences still influence her designs with considered fabrics, unusual prints and beautiful embellishments all hallmarks of Sandro’s individual style.
Created in 2014, Balzac Paris is a family adventure, resolutely committed, driven by the desire to be “Always More Responsible” while maintaining the humble conviction that it is always possible to do more and improve. To stay the course, the brand relies on three main pillars: Ethics, Transmission and Respect for the environment. We love them for their laidback yet on-trend separates, so if they’re slightly better for the environment too then we’re all in.
One of our favourites for neat bouclé tweed jackets, suits and tailoring that never feels stuffy (and all look far more expensive than they are!), Maje was founded in 1998 by Moroccan-born designer, Judith Milgrom.
Save when you shop for the best French fashion brands with these Selfridges discount codes at checkout.
What French labels do brilliantly is veer away from cheap, throwaway fashion and focus on well-made styles with longevity – but which are never boring. Claudie Pierlot fills this sweet spot.
Everyone knows the impact of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel’s game-changing approach to women’s fashion… From Breton tops, comfy jersey fabrics, trousers for women (shocker!), the LBD and the iconic double CC logo, Maison Chanel is responsible for some of the most important innovations in fashion’s history. It’s a mission continued by current creative director Matthieu Blazy.
From eponymous founder Yves through to current creative director Anthony Vaccarello, Saint Laurent has always looked to popular culture, political and societal change for inspiration. These classic pieces never look staid (Saint Laurent has a sexy, rock chick edge) but are still investments you’ll want to wear forever.
Founder Pierre Balmain introduced full silhouettes and neat jackets after World War II and during the sixties, Balmain dressed socialites, royalty and celebrities – but it’s under the creative direction of Olivier Rousteing that Balmain has risen to the ranks of super brand. Those classic tropes are still there but reimagined with extra glamour, sexiness and power. It’s not a coincidence fans are nicknamed the ‘Balmain Army.’
The French mail-order brand is known for causing a stir over its Instagram-able interiors collections but they also do clever fashion collaborations. The own-label designs are next level chic and – bonus if you don’t like everyone knowing exactly where you bought your dress / top / jacket – they won’t be as instantly recognisable as some bigger high street brand’s viral hits.
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Since 1946 the heritage maison, founded by Christian Dior, has created truly iconic fashion classics. With Maria Grazia Chiuri at the helm, this continues, but there is a feminist slant to her creations. The house aims to bring the spotlight on artisans and craftspeople around the world.
French women never look out of style, and that’s because they concentrate on building a wardrobe that transcends the trends. BA&SH designers Barbara Boccara and Sharon Krief and united in their vision of creating a brand with “freedom and joyful elegance” (at not inaccessible price points.)
We sincerely challenge you to have not heard of Hermes. Arguably the luxury French fashion brand, it was founded in 1837 and became renowned for its high-quality leather goods, silk scarves, ready-to-wear clothes and homewares. Hermes is meticulous in its craftsmanship and timeless designs, which is why it’s so difficult to get your hands on its bestselling bags – namely the Birkin and the Kelly – unless you buy them second-hand.
If boho-cool sums up your fashion sense, then Isabel Marant is the French clothing brand for you. Awarded Fashion Designer of the Year at our very own Women of the Year awards back in 2012, the label has been one of our wardrobe staples ever since.
Founded by three brothers in 2008, it makes sense that The Kooples major on menswear influences and androgynous tailoring, which French girls wear so well. A classic French styling trick is to take something boyish and team it with an ultra pretty piece for a quirky contrast. Try a logo t-shirt and cap with a silky slip skirt and heels…
Although this label was founded in 1937, the iconic shoes still look ultra-fresh and offer the perfect finishing touch to any simple look. Style icons including Catherine Deneuve, Brigitte Bardot and Queen Elizabeth II have all worn Vivier and their neat pumps, with signature oversized buckle, will be a forever purchase.
Blazers over slip dresses, camisoles with jeans… these outfits sound super simple but that pared back ease is what defines French style. At Zadig & Voltaire you’ll find all the most useful foundation pieces to build chic outfits from.
The late Paco Rabanne defined 1960s space age chic with super-sized sequin mini-dresses and innovative chainmail creations. Fast forward to 2025 and with Julien Dossena as creative director, Rabanne – as it’s now known – is back at the top of the fashion pack’s wishlist. By echoing the mod mood of the archive, Dossena has also made it completely right for right now and the collection is full of glamourous after-dark options. Emily Ratajkowski is a fan.
Yes, this is swimwear that costs as much as a coat, but it’s worth it. (Just make sure you always rinse out your cossie after swimming, to help the fabric last…) Eres’ unique peau douce material, quick-drying properties and thoughtful construction mean that you’ll look your best, even when you’re wearing the least.
Founder Gaelle Drevet has an uncanny knack for knowing what we want to wear, before we’ve even thought about it… From studying journalism in Paris to moving to New York and founding her label, The Frankie Shop’s oversized blazers are a cult buy but basically we want it all.
Chloé will always be the French house with relaxed feminine style at it’s heart. Under creative director Chemena Kamali’s recent lead, it remains one of the biggest high-end champions of sustainability and considered production – something we hope will remain in it’s style DNA forever.
After a red-hot collaboration with H&M a few years ago, Mugler has become a household name again – although it was already a darling of the fashion pack. The signature twisted seams, nipped-in waists and sculptural shoulder-lines that founder Thierry Mugler designed still remain, under current creative director Miguel Castro Freitas’ eye.
For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
