We Just Created Our Perfect Parisian Wardrobe On A Budget, All From This Unexpected Brand
We used the word “chic” 327x in this article … and we stand by it.
by The Candidly Team
As realistic, comfort-seeking women who spend most of our days in some version of daytime pajamas, why is it we’d still use a genie wish on the wardrobe of a chic, Parisian woman?
We think the answer is this:
Chic, Parisian women are also realistic and comfort-seeking. They just have a sort of magic formula for making everything come together. And even though people like to call it a “je ne sais quoi,” it’s actually pretty formulaic.
Classic styles.
Quality materials.
Excellent fit.
Get your hands on the most foolproof French staples that meet these criteria, assemble them as you like on a daily basis, and voila! You’ve cracked the code.
And the best part is, because French fashion is more about quiet luxury, you don’t have to spend on labels. In fact, there is one stunningly affordable brand that is making ALL our favorite Parisian pieces at this very moment. You ready for it?
It’s J.Crew Factory. Wild, non?
We started to revisit the brand out of curiosity recently and were blown away by just how good everything was. Perfect cuts. Incredible size range. The classic elements are all right there - just at a far better price.
And so, coming to you completely unsponsored from one aspiring-to-be-chic dresser to another, here are the 11 J.Crew Factory pieces that have given us our fantasy French wardrobe.
1. The Marinière
There isn’t a single French woman in the world who doesn’t own this historic, striped, boatneck tee made all the more famous by Coco Chanel herself. And there is no woman in the world period who doesn’t look like they know exactly what they’re doing with regard to fashion when they wear one. It’s just a t-shirt, but throw it on with jeans and little white sneaks and poof, you’re Parisian.
The 3/4 sleeve is perfect, but we’ve also been wearing their similar, short sleeve tee to withstand the heat.
Price: $19.50
2. The Black Blazer
Ditch the sweatshirt or the meh sweater for a sleek blazer and you immediately look styled even with the same schlubby outfit on underneath. However…
When did every well-cut blazer start costing $300?!?! It hurts the brain. But no more. This one is perfectly tailored (read the reviews) with enough space to layer. It fits and feels like a blazer that costs 2-3x as much. Plus, it comes in a cotton-blend, so the comfort is endless.
Blazer | Jeans | Ballet Flats | Petite Bag (only non-J.Crew Factory element of this outfit but still felt very French)
Price: $79.50
3. The Relaxed Jeans
The preferred fit of jeans for Parisians is often a relaxed fit, more spacious leg - think the early 90s heyday of classic jeans. And these are the ankle version of them. A thousand percent. At a third the price of designer. They are possibly the most comfortable pair of jeans we’ve put on our bodies of late, hence you seeing us wearing them in practically every photo in this article. Oh, and if you prefer a longer, more autumn-in-Paris style, go HERE.
Price: $69.50
4. The Button-Down
We write a lot about how a crisp, white button-down just magically makes everyone look like they have the fashion sense of Grace Kelly. This one is special, because of one thing - the length. It’s not the kind of “crop” that shows even a sliver of skin. Instead, it crisply falls exactly at the top of your pants, so you won’t have to worry about any bunching, tucking, or crumpling. It always looks just so. Which is very French in and of itself.
Price: $39.50
5. The Ballet Flat
How else do you think all these women are walking the endless rues and arrondissements of Paris without a whisper of foot pain? The answer is a flat. An exquisitely chic flat. This is another thing you’ll see us wearing in pretty much every photo, and it’s because we’re having trouble taking them off. They elegantly elevate every basic we wear, and the compliments just keep rolling in.
Price: $69.50
6. The Slip Skirt
This skirt with a tee and sneaker or a sweater and ballet flat dresses up or down and always looks graceful and effortless. Also, the waist is elastic, which second to the price, is the absolute clencher for us.
Oh, and they also have a shorter version we thought would scare us, but we actually LOVE it. It’s just the right length to feel covered up but also blissfully cool. It’s 10x chicer than shorts on scorchy days. Plus, it makes your legs look longer even when wearing the flattest of flats.
Oh, and it sizes up to 3X.
Price: $44.50
7. The Classic White Tee
Most t-shirts that are too long, too baggy, too stiff or too whatever to feel elegant in. Forget the $80 versions. You just need this one. It’s 100% cotton and soft enough to happily live in.
Price: $17
8. The Lady Jacket
Over jeans. Hair tossed into a loose ponytail. You’ll never look chicer.
Price: $98
9. The Sailor Pant
The flattering, high-rise trouser that never goes out of style and looks good on every single body type. It’s hard to describe how stretchy and comfortable these pants are or how smoothing they are on your tummy and hips. We wear them with the above flats , a striped tee, and a glossy red lip, because why not? We’re French now. You can actually see one of us wearing them below with #7 on this list.
Price: $68.50
10. The Henley
Another spin on the marinière. But with the buttons and the most minimalist ruffled collar, it’s another piece that turns your lazy clothes into a look.
Price: $34.50
11. The Knit Tank
With the above sailor pants and maybe a tote tied with a silk scarf, you have an elegant, transitional look that takes all of 17 seconds to assemble.
Price: $46.50
Bonus: The Accessories
The Necklace: Always minimalist. Always lovely. Sometimes $16.
The Tote: Summer in Provence edition.
The Belt: Is it even Parisian without a minimalist belt?
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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