I'm Perfecting My 'Je Nais Se Quois' Style With These French-Girl Finds on Sale for Cyber Monday
Here's how to hack the Parisienne look.
Every time I go to Paris, spending my days vintage shopping in Le Marais and people-watching along the Seine, I remember how accurate the cliché is that French women have fantastic style. Put-together but not too perfect, it’s that coveted je n'ais ce quoi that makes French girl style so interesting. I’m no Parisienne, but I can get pretty close to dressing the part with the right French-girl-coded pieces—like the 21 below, which also happen to be some of the best fashion deals on sale for Cyber Monday (quelle bonne chance!).
I can imagine an effortlessly chic woman sipping Sauvignon Blanc at a bistro in the 11th arrondissement wearing every item ahead, from the starched button-downs at J.Crew and Breton-striped shirts at Everlane to Rothy's sweet Mary Jane flats. Other standouts include Gap’s CashSoft turtleneck sweater in cherry red, which is timeless rather than trendy (a key tenet of the French-girl fashion philosophy), and the slouchy leather totes from Mango and Madewell that look just like the one I saw in a Parisian vintage store two years ago and am still pining over.
And again: while Black Friday has come and gone, every piece below is still heavily discounted for Cyber Monday, with some over 60 percent off at my favorite French fashion-inspired brands. To all my fellow Francophiles, consider the below edit an easy way to hack your je n'ais ce quoi style.
Every fashion editor I know loves J.Crew's Étienne button-down shirts. This cropped iteration in blue and white stripes is a great buy.
I have always been pro winter whites—which is why I'm here today, obsessing over this Gap turtleneck in frosty ivory.
An anonymous, all-black Chelsea boot in a slim pointed-toe shape will never steer you wrong.
Neither will the forever classic Breton stripe. This white and dark navy Everlane crewneck sweater does the French style code justice.
Mango's bags—particularly its large totes—might be my favorite hack for achieving a designer impression without the splurge. Case in point: this chocolate brown suede shopper.
A knit barn jacket is a surefire garment to help you look polished but not stuffy. This black wool option from J.Crew is one of my top picks.
There's a reason you're always hearing about the magic of Rothy's comfortable footwear. This bright ruby pair of Mary Janes just so happens to also tick the French-girl fashion box, too.
There's a reason a classic camel coat trends every cold-weather season. Don't forget to use the code 'LETSGO' for 50 percent off this wool Madewell option.
It's a misconception that French fashion is minimal and devoid of personality. Truly authentic French style is more classic with a twist—like these leopard-printed kitten heels.
That said, a solid foundation of neutral, wear-with-anything items is necessary, too, of course. This jet black turtleneck from Gap's Cyber Monday sale is a solid hero item to work with.
I'd wear this merlot-colored lady jacket with high-waisted, true-blue denim and a slip-on-and-go ballet flat. You'll want to use 'LETSGO' to access 40 percent off.
I am seriously eyeing this simple brown crossbody, which looks just like the designer bags from Celine and Toteme that I see all over Paris Fashion Week street style.
Swap your go-to black cardigan for this navy blue Gap Cashsoft option for a subtle yet effective color-pop.
Full disclosure, this slouchy Madewell tote is currently in my cart. I've been hunting for a new work bag, and this one strikes the perfect professional-yet-casual balance. (Don't forget to get 40 percent off with code 'LETSGO'.)
Without fail, every PFW in March, the streets are peppered with enviable women wearing boho faux fur jackets. This one from Mango is currently 35 percent off—comme c'est beau!
Seconding the above, this cropped faux-fur topper in jet black is also high up on my to-shop list.
Beloved by Jennifer Lawrence and almost every fashion girl I know, La Ligne is lauded for its French-inspired striped tees and knitwear.
Baggy jeans aren't part of a French fashion capsule. Instead, you'll find straighter-leg denim, like these discounted Everlane jeans.
The asymmetrical neckline on this dark brown going-out top executes the classic-with-a-twist rule of thumb I mentioned earlier. Don't forget to use the code 'CYBER' to earn an extra 60 percent off.
Katie Holmes adores this minimal Madewell bucket bag—and you can pick up the actress's go-to everyday bag for 40 percent off with code LETSGO.
Boat-neck silhouettes are also a core component of the French look. Mango's 43-percent off wine-colored mini dress is an easy option that can be dressed up with a slingback kitten heel or down with a comfy flat.
