7 French clothing brands worn by the chicest women

Say bonjour to our favourite French fashion brands

Rouje, Sezane, Balzac Paris models
(Image credit: Rouje, Sezane, Balzac Paris)

Parisian style will always be on trend. From Breton stripes to boucle jackets and pops of red, French women have a way of making it all look effortless. So with that in mind, we've found the French clothing brands that will help you upgrade your wardrobe in an instant.

Some you'll 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 and American clothing brands too, but there's something about Parisian fashion that makes everyone want to follow suit. In fact, 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 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 will always look amazing.

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 Sezane for some of the dreamiest knitwear around, these are the French clothing brands that will inject instant chic into your style. Vive la France!

7 French clothing brands you need to know

1. La Redoute

Three models wearing La Redoute outfits

(Image credit: 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...

2. Sezane

three models wearing Sezane items

Sezane has stores in London's Notting Hill and Marylebone

(Image credit: Sezane)

Parisian brand Sezane 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, Sezane is just one of several places to shop Kate Middleton's style.

Fashion editor's picks...

3. ba&sh

two model shots and a cut out image of ba&sh products

(Image credit: 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...

4. Claudie Pierlot

3 Claudie Pierlot outfits on models

(Image credit: 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...

5. Balzac Paris

Three models wearing Balzac outfits

(Image credit: Balzac)

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...

6. Rouje

A Rouje bag, skirt and white jeans

(Image credit: 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...

7. Maje

Three Maje outfits on models

(Image credit: 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...

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.

Caroline Parr
Fashion Ecommerce Editor

Caroline is Fashion Ecommerce Editor for woman&home.com, and has been a fashion writer and editor for almost twelve years.

Since graduating from the London College of Fashion, she has spent more than a decade tracking down and writing about celebrity outfits, covering events ranging from the Met Gala to the King’s Coronation.

She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of brands, but always likes to know about new and under-the-radar labels.