French girl this, French girl that. It doesn't matter what girl, in what era, we're referring to — whether it's Françoise Hardy, Catherine Deneuve, or Caroline de Maigret. There's just something about her effortless je ne sais quoi attitude toward style that people can't stop breaking down, dissecting, and attempting to emulate. One quick Google search and an array of "how-to's" will surface, claiming that all one really needs to nail down that Parisian look is a striped shirt, a leather jacket, and a solid pair of black booties.
Well, no offense to the plethora of internet guides out there (our own included), but we've learned that French style is so much more than a few reliable basics. And there's no better time to see the diverse nature of aesthetics in the City of Light than at Paris Fashion Week. Over the past eight or so days, we've seen sheer layers, luxe athleisure, and pattern-mixing that prove there's no one look that defines how French women dress. Click through to see some of our favorites.
Subtle yellow and orange accents break up this all-black outfit.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
A regular old denim jacket goes a long way.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Cozy up in a parka this season. Kate Moss said so.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Add a neck scarf to any outfit for a playful pop of color.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Tweed looks best when paired with a solid-colored ensemble.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Tug your jacket slightly off your shoulders.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
While you're at it, tug your dress and shirt off your shoulder, too.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Sleeves are the ultimate statement-makers.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Let our global editor-in-chief, Christene Barberich, convince you this is finally the season to buy a silky suit set.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
The bigger the lapels, the better.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
A street style look you can actually wear to work? Yes, please.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Exhibit A: How to wear one of Google's most popular trends.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
When all else fails, crop your top.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
This one gets an A+ in the athleisure department.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Live in jeans? Why not try a pair that features some embroidery, embellishments, or leather stripes?
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
If you feel like you've already exhausted the bomber trend, take the look one step further with a fully sequined option.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
The ultimate fall-weekend uniform, as seen on Edie Campbell.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Are we the only ones who love a good dose of plaid in the cold-weather months?
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
If Sporty Spice did Paris Fashion Week.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Yes to these two different ways to wear metallics.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Neutral, but not at all boring.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
All those sheer pieces you don't know how to wear? Here's proof you can make them work.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
So. Many. Layers.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
For outerwear, stray away from the typical neutral hues. Instead, try something bold, like this highlighter yellow.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Not one, but two bows.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
#Twinning.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
"I hate to see you go, but I love to watch you leave..."
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Just one of those no-frills, no-thought-needed pieces.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Leave it to Olivia Palermo to serve up a serious lesson in print-mixing.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
More patterns! More ugly-cute shoes! More graphic tees!
Photographed by Christian Vierig.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Fall Outfit Inspiration, Courtesy Of Milan Fashion Week