Parisian style never goes out of fashion, so with that in mind, we've found the French clothing brands that'll help you upgrade your wardrobe in an instant. Some you'll no doubt know, but there might be a few new names you need on your radar, too, so we'll help you brush up on your French and live that Parisian lifestyle.
We love British clothing brands, but there's something about the way Parisian style fashion that makes everyone want to follow suit. So much so, if you Google 'how to dress like...' the first option to come up is 'like a French woman'. And this is no surprise considering they possess the power to look effortlessly chic at all times. To nail this look, you'll want to curate a capsule wardrobe of staple pieces that don't rely on fashion trends and that will always look amazing. Classic pieces such as Breton tops, jeans and bouclé jackets.
Whilst the much-admired style has a lot to do with how Parisian women wear their pieces, French clothing brands also play a starring role. Meaning if you know where to shop, you too can have enviable French style. From the best wedding guest dresses at destination label Rouje, to La Redoute for summer outfits for work and the impeccable label Sézane for some of the dreamiest knitwear around, these are the French clothing brands that will inject instant chic to your style. Vive la France!
7 French clothing brands you need to know
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1. ba&sh
If you're looking for luxury pieces that will stay in your wardrobe forever, ba&sh will be one of the best French clothing brands for you. Made for women, by women, the label was created in 2003 so isn't a new brand, but it's one that's getting more popular every season thanks to its wearable designs and dedicated Instagram following.
Fashion editor's picks...
RRP: £260 | Sizes: 0-4 (UK sizes 6-14) | A fresh twist on the traditional denim jacket, this piece will pair well with a Breton striped top and your best white trainers.
RRP: £290 | Sizes: 0-4 (UK sizes 6-14) | Wondering what is boho style and how to execute it? Nicky Hilton has worn this perfect midi skirt several times, and it will become a year-round wardrobe staple.
RRP: £300 | The devil is in the detail on this saddle bag. Look closely and you'll notice the metal buckle and the pretty plaiting. The latter is done by hand, and this going straight on our list of affordable designer bags.
2. Claudie Pierlot
Created in the '80s, Claudie Pierlot launched her designer label 'for the women of Paris' and the brand soon became a worldwide hit. With elegant cuts, timeless silhouettes and actually wearable designs that won't require you to take out a loan, Claudie Pierlot is trend-led while also being conscious of the environment, with directional pieces that can be loved and worn forever.
Fashion editor's picks...
RRP: £329 | Sizes: XS-L | Everyone loves a Breton stripe tee, but this clever two-in-one dress gives you a whole outfit in one. Wear it with sandals for the last days of summer, switching to boots when autumn sets in.
RRP: £249 | Sizes: UK sizes 6-18 | Olympic legend Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill recently wore these trousers in Paris, and we love the pop of colour. If you're wondering what colour suits me, this coral-pink hue might just have your name written all over it.
RRP: £379 | Sizes: UK: 6-16 | A Chanel-esque tweed jacket is a capsule wardrobe essential, and we love the embossed gold buttons and braided trim on this luxury design. J'adore.
3. La Redoute
Looking for new workwear or want to update your existing wardrobe with key pieces? La Redoute will do the trick. They have impressive collaborations, big name brands, and the dreamiest homewear to help you embrace the Parisian lifestyle.
Fashion editor's picks...
RRP: £44 | Sizes: UK sizes 6-24 | If you're trying to work out how to style Birkenstock clogs, these Mom jeans are the answer. Dress them up for the office with a smart blazer, or keep them casual at weekend with a white t-shirt.
RRP: £42 | Sizes: XS-XXL | A Breton striped knit needs no introduction. This one's available in different colour combinations and will fit seamlessly into your white jeans outfits.
RRP: £160 | Sizes: UK: 6-24 | As we head towards autumn, it's sensible to start thinking about stylish outerwear. It doesn't get more classic (or more Parisian!) than a camel coat, and the cut of this one makes it look much more expensive.
4. Balzac Paris
Founded in 2014 by a trio of entrepreneurs, Balzac Paris only launched in the UK last year, and has already earned a reputation as experts in leopard print. So naturally, we're huge fans.
With over half a million Instagram followers, the label is one to know, and has become a cult French fashion label thanks to its stylish silhouettes and sustainable approach to fashion.
Fashion editor's picks...
RRP: £130 | Sizes: 23-34 | Never underestimate the power of a pair of leopard print jeans. They've been a huge trend so far in 2024, but wear them as they're modelled here - with a pair of ankle boots and a cosy knit - and they'll be a go-to in your autumn capsule wardrobe.
RRP: £100 | Sizes: 34-44 - see the size guide | This blue and white stripe shirt looks effortless with jeans, but it would look incredible teamed with a full silhouette skirt and red heels. A true classic.
RRP: £91 | Sizes: One size | What good is the perfect ensemble without accessories to go with it? Jewellery is something French clothing brands do really well, and this necklace will provide the ideal finishing touch to your pared-back basics.
5. Rouje
Founded by Parisian style icon Jeanne Damas in 2016, the label became an instant success, as women clamoured to get a slice of her wardrobe. From could-be-vintage printed midi skirts to tea dresses and relaxed knitwear, the brand has everything to add a feminine feel to French dressing. Holly Willoughby's a fan!
Fashion editor's picks...
RRP: £385 | Sizes: One size | A crossiant-shaped bag? Say no more. This is roomy enough to hold all your essentials and looks absolutely delicious. Bon appetit!
RRP: £215 | Sizes: 34-44 (UK 6-16) | Rouje does dresses really well, and this wrap over shape is a very flattering silhouette. The floral print makes it one of the best wedding guest dresses we've seen this season.
RRP: £160 | Sizes: 24-34 | Have we found the perfect white jeans? The shape, the pockets, the cotton composition... these need only a pair of ballet flats to look extremely stylish.
6. Sézane
Sezane has stores in London's Notting Hill and Marylebone
Parisian brand Sézane is renowned for its distinctive luxury knitwear. Founded in 2013, the label aimed to create pieces with a designer feel but without the hefty price tag. Now, the French brand is loved worldwide (especially by London women), and has even been worn by the Princess of Wales - so if you're a Royal Family fan, Sézane is just one of several places to shop Kate Middleton's style.
Fashion editor's picks...
RRP: £160 | Sizes: UK 2-9 | How incredibly chic are these shoes? With a small blocky heel they'd make the most comfortable wedding guest shoes, and the contrast toe is really giving us Chanel vibes.
RRP: £95 | Sizes: XXS-XXXL | Crafted from a mohair and angora blend, this pretty cardigan comes in countless different colours. Sezane's cardigans once boasted a waisting list of 30,000 people, so they can't all be wrong. Size down in this style, and use it to add a pop of colour to the best jeans for your body type.
RRP: £275 | Sizes: UK 4-20 | A beautiful alternative to the iconic Burberry trench coat, the beige version of this style has been worn by Sienna Miller, no less. Ooh la la!
7. Maje
Maje can count A-listers and royalty amongst their fans so you're bound to find something to add to your forever style essentials list.
Judith Milgrom created a brand that, according to the website "understands women and changes with them. It reinvents the idea of the uninhibited Parisian woman, a woman who is comfortable with her decisions, choosing to be elegant one day, vivacious the next, and then funny, then mysterious, but always captivating... A woman who is fundamentally free."
Fashion editor's picks...
RRP: £149 | Sizes: UK 8-12 | Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill recently wore this when commentating at the Olympics, and she definitely got the Parisian styling memo. The gold buttons, the stripes... très jolie!
RRP: £449 | Sizes: UK 6-14 | There's a reason Maje can count the likes of Queen Letizia of Spain and our very own Princess Beatrice as fans. This metallic ruffled dress is a great example of their head-turning yet versatile occasionwear.
RRP: £259 | Sizes: UK 3-8 | These trainers are the perfect mix of comfortable and stylish. The silver colourway will work well with everything in your wardrobe, and the chunky design is a great alternative to the best white trainers.
FAQs
What are the famous French clothing brands?
Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent might be the huge French fashion houses that you've heard of, but if you're looking for an affordable way to dress like a Parisian woman, Maje, Claudie Pierlot, Zadig & Voltaire, Sandro and Sezane will be right up your street.
There have been some new additions to our list of covetable French brands in the last few years, like Balzac Paris, Musier Paris and Rouje too.
What is the French equivalent of Zara?
La Redoute is the French equivalent to brands like Zara or Mango, and is a go-to for affordable, everyday styles along with items you can dress up for after-dark too. It also has the best homeware so you can update your interiors at the same time.
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