French Girl Accessories: How to Get the Parisian Look Without Buying a Whole New Wardrobe
You know that woman at the café who looks like she just threw on whatever was closest to her bed — and somehow looks like she belongs on the cover of a magazine? That's French girl style. And the secret nobody tells you is that it's almost never about the clothes.
It's the accessories.
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French women have understood this forever. A simple striped shirt and jeans become something entirely different when you add the right beret, a cluster of brooches on the collar, or a pair of oversized sunglasses that say “I'm important but I don't need you to know it.” The clothes are the canvas. The accessories are the art.
And here's the really good news: you don't need to overhaul your entire wardrobe to get that Parisian look. You just need to accessorize like a French woman.
Let's talk about how.
Why French Girl Style Keeps Coming Back
French girl aesthetic isn't new — but right now, it's everywhere, and not in the watered-down, basic beret-and-a-red-lip way it's been done before. This wave of Parisian style has more edge, more personality, and way more accessories.
Pinterest named “Brooched” one of their top predicted trends, with brooch-related searches up over 100%. Bold, maximalist accessories are surging. Heirloom-style jewelry is having a real comeback. And on the runways in Paris, designers keep leaning into oversized sunglasses, sculptural accessories, and bold statement pieces French women have always understood on instinct.
What's driving this? Honestly, it's a reaction to years of minimalism. People are ready to have fun with fashion again. And French style — the real kind, not the Pinterest stereotype — has always been about expressing personality through thoughtful accessory choices rather than chasing every fast-fashion trend.
The result is a style moment that sits right at the intersection of bold accessories, vintage-inspired pieces, and that “I didn't try too hard” attitude French women have turned into an art form.
5 French Girl Accessories to Freshen Up Any Outfit
Here's the thing about Parisian style: French women don't wear one statement accessory. They layer them. A beret with a brooch. Oversized sunglasses with gold jewelry. A headband with statement earrings. The magic is in how these pieces work together — and how they make even your most basic outfit feel like you meant it.
These are the five accessory categories that will give you that French girl energy without buying a single new clothing item.
1. The Beret: Your Shortcut to Instant Parisian Style
Nothing — and I mean nothing — says “French girl” faster than a beret. It's the single most recognizable piece of Parisian style, and for good reason. A beret makes you look like you have your life together, even when you absolutely do not.
But here's where most people get it wrong: they buy a plain wool beret and call it a day. French women right now are going bolder. Think rhinestones. Think sequins. Think a beret that doesn't just sit on your head — it commands the room.
SHOP Rhinestone Studded Beret – Light Pink | $48
This rhinestone-studded beret in light pink is the kind you throw on and people stop you on the street. The crystal embellishments catch every bit of light, and the soft pink keeps it feminine without being precious. Wear it tilted slightly to one side — that's the French way — with your hair down or tucked into a low bun.
Bad hair day? This beret doesn't just fix it. It turns “I didn't wash my hair” into a deliberate style decision.
How to style it like a French girl:
- With a black turtleneck and jeans — classic Left Bank chic
- Over a leather jacket for date night — the “cool French girl at the café” look
- With a simple white blouse and dark trousers for work — French women don't save their best accessories for the weekend
For even more Parisian energy, pin a statement brooch to the side of the beret. That's how you go from cute to “she definitely shops in Paris.”
SHOP Multicolor Sequin Beret | $44
If pink isn't your thing, this multicolor sequin beret brings the same energy with a totally different personality. The rainbow sequins on a black base mean it works with just about everything in your closet. It's the beret you throw on for brunch, a gallery opening, or just a Saturday where you want your outfit to have a little more life to it.
French women know hats aren't just functional — they're the finishing touch that turns an outfit into a look. Browse all our headbands and hats for more options.
2. Statement Brooches: The Most French Accessory You're Not Wearing Yet
Ask any Parisian woman what the most underrated accessory is, and she'll probably say a brooch. Brooches have been a staple of French fashion for decades — and right now, they're having a full-blown revival.
Pinterest's trend data shows brooch searches up over 100%, and the way people are wearing them has changed completely. Forget a single small pin on a lapel. The French approach is bolder: clusters of brooches on a jacket, a statement pin anchoring a scarf, or an unexpected brooch on a handbag strap. It's maximalist, it's confident, and it's chic.
SHOP Emily in Paris Brooch Set – 3 Piece | $68
This Emily in Paris–inspired set gives you a chic Parisian woman in a red beret, bold red lips, and a pearl-embellished bee — three brooches that together capture everything we love about French style. Pin all three on a blazer for maximum impact, scatter them on a denim jacket, or wear them individually throughout the week. At under $23 per brooch, it's one of the most affordable ways to completely change your accessory game. (Obsessed with the show specifically? Our Emily in Paris Accessories guide has more ways to get the look for under $100.)
The French girl way to wear brooches:
- Cluster 2–3 brooches on one lapel (asymmetry is key — French women never go perfectly symmetrical)
- Pin a single statement brooch at the collar of a button-down shirt
- Attach a brooch to your handbag — huge right now, and a trend worth getting ahead of (read our full guide to bag brooches)
- Use a brooch to secure a silk scarf at your neck — very Left Bank, very chic
SHOP Parisian Chic Brooch Set – 7 Piece | $98
For serious French girl energy, this 7-piece Parisian collection is everything. A chic fashionista silhouette, a vintage camera, an artist's palette, a crystal bicycle, a vintage airplane, a gold candy wrapper, and an olive branch with grapes. Together they tell the story of Parisian life — the art, the travel, the joie de vivre. At under $14 per brooch, you're basically building a whole aesthetic for the price of a nice lunch.
This set is designed for clustering — group the fashionista, camera, and bicycle for a travel-themed trio on your denim jacket, or mix the palette and candy wrapper on a cardigan for creative whimsy. New to brooch stacking and clustering? This set is actually a great place to start, since the pieces are already designed to look good together.
SHOP Pearl & Crystal Poodle Brooch | $38
And because we're talking about French accessories, we absolutely have to include this pearl poodle brooch. Poodles are practically the mascot of Parisian style — think walking along the Seine, sitting outside a café, looking put-together with your perfectly groomed companion. This pearl-and-crystal version has that vintage-inspired glamour French women have always loved. Pin it on a blazer, a beret, or a handbag for an instant conversation starter.
Animal brooches are one of the biggest accessory trends going right now, and a poodle brooch sits right at the intersection of that trend and the French girl aesthetic. It's specific, it's playful, and it's very, very chic.
SHOP Vintage-Inspired Cameo Brooch with Ruby Crystal Drop | $98
If you want one brooch that looks like a family heirloom — the kind you'd find tucked in a velvet box in a Parisian antique shop — this is it. A carved cameo silhouette with a single ruby crystal drop gives it real old-world romance, but it's substantial enough to wear as a modern statement piece, not a costume one. Pin it at the collar of a crisp white shirt or on a solid-color blazer lapel and let it be the whole story.
SHOP Gold Croissant Brooch - $28
And if you want the single most Parisian brooch in the collection, it's this one. The Gold Croissant Brooch is the kind a French woman would wear on her beret on a Saturday morning, on her tote bag at the market, or on the lapel of a linen blazer just because she felt like it. It's playful, unmistakably French, and at $28 it's the easiest entry into the brooch trend you'll find.
3. Oversized (and Cat-Eye) Sunglasses: The French Girl Power Move
There's a reason every iconic French woman — from Brigitte Bardot to modern Parisian street style stars — wears oversized sunglasses. They're the ultimate “I'm unbothered and fabulous” accessory. Big frames make a statement without saying a word. They add mystery. They add glamour. They make running errands look like a scene from a French film.
And oversized frames are back in a big way. Paris Fashion Week runways keep featuring oversized round and cat-eye shapes at nearly every major house. The look is retro, it's bold, and it's the easiest way to channel that off-duty French actress vibe.
SHOP Jackie O Sunglasses – Black | $78
These Jackie O sunglasses in black are pure French girl energy. The oversized round shape is retro perfection with a modern twist, and the classic black works with just about everything. They're the sunglasses equivalent of a little black dress — timeless, versatile, and guaranteed to make you look more put-together than you feel.
French women treat sunglasses as a non-negotiable part of the outfit, not an afterthought grabbed on the way out the door. These frames have that same energy — designed to be noticed, not just to block the sun.
SHOP Jackie O Sunglasses – Caramel | $78
For a warmer, more approachable take, the caramel version of these same frames is gorgeous. The translucent tortoise-inspired tone works beautifully with warm neutrals, denim, and earth tones — basically the color palette every French woman lives in. The caramel gives you that "sipping espresso on a terrace in the Marais" look that black frames don't quite capture.
SHOP Crystal Embellished Cat Eye Sunglasses – Brown or Pink | $98
Cat-eye is the other shape that reads instantly French, and this is the pair to reach for. Crystal detailing along the frame adds just enough sparkle without tipping into costume territory, and the shape does that flattering lift at the outer corner that makes cat-eye so universally good on camera. Choose brown for something that leans into warm neutrals, or pink if you want a touch more personality.
French girl sunglasses rules:
- Oversized always. French women don't do small, delicate sunglasses — that's more of an Italian thing
- Keep them on your head when you go indoors — it's a hair accessory and a style statement at once
- Pair oversized frames with minimal jewelry for balance, or go full maximalist with a brooch on your jacket and a beret in your bag for later
For a deeper dive on finding your pair, check out our oversized sunglasses style guide and our guide to cat eye sunglasses for another very French-approved shape.
4. Embellished Headbands (and a Great Hair Clip): The Put-Together-Without-Trying French Touch
French women are famous for that “my hair looks perfect and I did nothing” thing — and honestly, a big part of that secret is headbands. A beautiful headband does the work of a professional blowout at a fraction of the price and in about three seconds flat.
Right now, the headband trend has shifted from simple, sporty styles to something more refined. Think pearl embellishments. Crystal details. Knotted designs that look like miniature sculptures for your hair. This is the accessory Parisian women reach for when they want to look put-together without spending an hour in front of the mirror.
SHOP Light Blue Pearl & Crystal Headband | $78
This light blue knotted headband with pearl and crystal details is exactly the piece a French woman would own. The twisted bow design at the center is anchored by a crystal cluster, with delicate pearl and crystal accents scattered along the band. It's dressed-up without being stuffy, sparkly without being over the top, and the soft dusty blue works with practically everything — whites, neutrals, denim, even bold prints.
The padded construction means you can wear it all day without that annoying headband headache (if you know, you know). And at approximately 1.5 inches wide, it gives you real impact without feeling like a costume.
How French women wear headbands:
- With loose, slightly tousled hair — never perfectly styled, always a little undone
- Pushed back from the face to frame their features (not sitting on top of the head like a tiara)
- Paired with simple gold jewelry — a French woman would wear this headband with small gold hoops and maybe a delicate chain necklace
- As the one “special” piece in an otherwise simple outfit — black top, good jeans, this headband, done
For more embellished options, browse our full collection of headbands and hats, and check out our guide to the best embellished headbands for pearl, crystal, and beaded styles that look far more expensive than they are.
SHOP Gold Heart Rhinestone Hair Pins | $38
For something subtler, these gold heart hair pins with rhinestones are exactly the small detail French women love. They're not trying to be the star of the show — they're the supporting piece that quietly finishes the look. Tuck one behind your ear, use a pair to pin back one side of your hair, or scatter a few throughout a loose updo. The 18K gold plating and rhinestones give them a luxe feel that goes well beyond a basic bobby pin.
Not every French girl hair moment is sparkly pearls and crystals — some days call for something more relaxed, and this is that piece. A bow-shaped clip in natural woven rope reads more like something you'd find at a market stall in the south of France than a big-box accessory aisle. It's the piece for slightly undone hair, weekend errands, or anytime you want texture instead of shine. Clip it into a low bun or half-up style and let it be the whole point.
5. Gold Jewelry & Charm Bracelets: The Daily French Girl Uniform
If there's one material that defines French girl jewelry, it's gold. Walk down any street in Paris and you'll see gold everywhere — delicate chains, charm bracelets, simple hoops. French women build a small collection of beautiful gold pieces and wear them every single day, layering and mixing until the combination feels like an extension of themselves.
The key: each piece should feel personal. Meaningful. Like it has a story.
SHOP Eiffel Tower Enamel Charm Bracelet | $68
This Eiffel Tower charm bracelet captures that personal, collected feel perfectly. Five colorful enamel Eiffel Tower charms on a gold chain — each slightly different, like little souvenirs from different trips to Paris (even if your “trip to Paris” is currently the distance from your couch to the kitchen). Charm bracelets are having a real moment right now, and this one hits the sweet spot between playful and refined.
French girl jewelry rules:
- Gold over silver, always (though mixing metals is becoming more accepted, even in Paris)
- Layer, but make it look unplanned — two or three necklaces at different lengths, a stack of bracelets that looks collected over time
- Choose pieces with meaning — French women don't buy jewelry randomly; every piece represents something
- Wear it every day — this isn't “special occasion” jewelry, it's “this is who I am” jewelry
For more on building that layered look, read our guides on how to layer necklaces like a pro, the charm necklaces trend, and how to style statement bracelets.
How to Put the Whole French Girl Look Together
Here's where the magic happens. French women don't wear just one of these accessories — they combine them. But the key is restraint within abundance. That sounds contradictory, but stay with me.
A French woman might wear a beret and a brooch and oversized sunglasses. But the beret is the right shade of pink, the brooch is pinned at exactly the right angle, and the sunglasses are black and classic. Nothing competes. Everything works together.
Here are three complete French girl looks using the accessories we've talked about:
Look 1: The Left Bank Intellectual
- Rhinestone Studded Beret in Light Pink ($48)
- Emily in Paris Brooch Set — pin the French Girl brooch to the beret ($68)
- A black turtleneck, dark jeans, and ankle boots you already own
- Total accessory cost: $116
Look 2: The Weekend in the Marais
- Jackie O Sunglasses in Caramel ($78)
- Eiffel Tower Charm Bracelet ($68)
- A white linen shirt, rolled-up jeans, and ballet flats you already own
- Total accessory cost: $146
Look 3: The Parisian Power Move
- Light Blue Pearl & Crystal Headband ($78)
- Parisian Chic Brooch Set — cluster the fashionista, camera, and bicycle on your blazer ($98)
- A navy blazer, white top, and tailored pants you already own
- Total accessory cost: $176
Notice something? Every look uses clothes you probably already have. Every bit of that change comes from accessories.
French Girl Accessories as Gifts
If you have someone in your life who watches French films, has a Paris vision board, or just appreciates that certain je ne sais quoi, these accessories make thoughtful gifts.
For the Emily in Paris fan: The Emily in Paris Brooch Set ($68) captures the show's energy in three wearable pieces. For a deeper cut, our Emily in Paris Accessories guide has more picks under $100.
For the Paris dreamer: The Parisian Chic Brooch Set ($98) is a whole Parisian fantasy in a box — seven pieces telling the story of the City of Light.
For someone who loves old-world glamour: The Vintage-Inspired Cameo Brooch ($98) feels like a piece she'd inherit, not just buy.
For the chic minimalist: The Jackie O Sunglasses in Black ($78) are timeless and universally flattering.
For the dog lover who's also a Francophile: The Pearl & Crystal Poodle Brooch ($38) is oddly specific and absolutely right.
For someone who loves accessories but never splurges on herself: The Rhinestone Studded Beret ($48) is a treat she'll never buy herself but will wear on repeat.
Or let JuJu do the curating for you — our Surprise Me JuJu gift boxes are hand-picked based on the recipient's style. Check out our full breakdown of why Surprise Me JuJu boxes make a great gift for any occasion.
For more gift ideas, browse our Mother's Day jewelry guide and our brooch gift guide for even more French-inspired options.
How to Build a French Girl Accessory Collection on a Budget
Here's the beautiful thing about the French approach to accessories: it's not about spending a fortune. It's about choosing well and wearing what you have with confidence. A $48 beret worn with confidence will always look better than a $400 handbag worn apologetically.
Start with one signature piece. If you could only buy one French girl accessory, go with a beret or oversized sunglasses — they have the most visual impact and work with the most outfits.
Add brooches next. They're the most versatile French accessory because you can pin them on literally anything — jackets, bags, scarves, hats, dresses. A single brooch set gives you multiple styling options. Our best brooches under $100 guide breaks down the best affordable options.
Layer in jewelry over time. Gold pieces you can wear every day — a charm necklace, a stack of statement bracelets, statement earrings that frame your face. Build the collection slowly, like a French woman would.
Invest in a headband. A beautiful embellished headband does the work of a salon visit and lasts forever — one of those pieces that pays for itself in saved blowout appointments.
Remember: French women don't buy a lot of accessories at once. They collect pieces over time that feel meaningful and personal. Start with what excites you most and build from there.
Quick Picks: Best French Girl Accessories at JuJu Loves
Short on time? Here's the fast version.
- Best instant Parisian look: Rhinestone Studded Beret – Light Pink — $48
- Best brooch set: Parisian Chic Brooch Set — $98
- Best oversized sunglasses: Jackie O Sunglasses – Black — $78
- Best headband: Light Blue Pearl & Crystal Headband — $78
- Best relaxed hair moment: Natural Rope Bow Hair Clip — $28
- Best charm bracelet: Eiffel Tower Enamel Charm Bracelet — $68
Frequently Asked Questions
What accessories make an outfit look French?
The accessories most associated with French girl style are berets, oversized sunglasses, statement brooches, silk scarves, gold jewelry, and embellished headbands. The key isn't any single piece — it's the combination and the attitude. French women layer accessories with confidence and restraint, choosing two or three pieces rather than piling everything on. A rhinestone beret with a statement brooch pinned to a blazer instantly reads as Parisian.
How do I dress like a French girl without looking like I'm wearing a costume?
Confidence over costume. Don't wear every Parisian-themed piece at once — mix one or two French-inspired accessories with your existing wardrobe. A beret with your regular jeans and sweater looks natural. A cluster of Parisian brooches on the denim jacket you already own looks deliberate. The goal is “she has great taste,” not “she's dressing up as a French person.”
Are berets still in style?
Very much so — and not just basic wool ones. The current beret trend leans into embellished versions with rhinestones, sequins, and crystals. Pinterest named “Brooched” a top trend (including brooches pinned onto berets), and sparkly headwear keeps showing up across street style and runway coverage. The Rhinestone Studded Beret and Multicolor Sequin Beret both capture this bolder take on the classic French silhouette.
What sunglasses shape is most French?
Oversized round frames are the most classically French shape — think Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve, and every chic woman you've ever spotted at a Parisian café. Cat-eye frames are also very French-approved. The Jackie O Sunglasses capture the retro round shape, and the Crystal Embellished Cat Eye Sunglasses cover the cat-eye side of it.
How do French women wear brooches?
With more creativity than most — pinned to blazer lapels, attached to handbags (a huge trend right now), clustered in groups of two or three on one side of a jacket, securing silk scarves, or pinned to berets and headbands. The approach is asymmetrical and confident. For a full breakdown, read our guides on how to wear a brooch, brooch stacking and clustering, and bag brooches.
Are French girl accessories a good gift idea?
Yes — French-inspired accessories make great gifts because they're universally flattering, feel special, and work with any existing wardrobe. The Parisian Chic Brooch Set ($98) is great for Paris lovers, the Pearl Poodle Brooch ($38) is perfect for dog-loving Francophiles, and Surprise Me JuJu gift boxes let us curate the whole thing for any recipient. See our full gift boxes guide for more.
Can I get the Parisian look on a budget?
Yes — that's the whole point of this approach. Instead of a new wardrobe, invest in key accessories that change up clothes you already own. A $48 beret with a $38 brooch gives you a new look for under $90. Start with one signature piece and add to your collection over time.
Your French Girl Accessories Shopping List
| Piece | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Heart Rhinestone Hair Pins | $38 | Subtle daily gold detail |
| Natural Rope Bow Hair Clip | $28 | Relaxed, textural hair moments |
| Pearl & Crystal Poodle Brooch | $38 | Dog lovers, conversation starters |
| Rhinestone Studded Beret – Light Pink | $48 | Instant Parisian switch-up |
| Multicolor Sequin Beret | $44 | Bold, versatile headwear |
| Eiffel Tower Charm Bracelet | $68 | Daily French girl wristwear |
| Emily in Paris Brooch Set – 3 Piece | $68 | Emily in Paris fans, Francophiles |
| Jackie O Sunglasses – Black | $78 | Classic, timeless glamour |
| Jackie O Sunglasses – Caramel | $78 | Warm-toned, vintage vibes |
| Light Blue Pearl & Crystal Headband | $78 | Dressed-up, everyday chic |
| Parisian Chic Brooch Set – 7 Piece | $98 | The full Parisian fantasy |
| Vintage-Inspired Cameo Brooch | $98 | Old-world, heirloom-feel styling |
| Crystal Embellished Cat Eye Sunglasses | $98 | French-approved cat-eye shape |
Pro tip: Spend $150 and get $20 off at checkout. Spend $250 and save $50. Free U.S. shipping, no minimum.
Getting dressed isn't just getting dressed — it's a small daily choice that says you matter. And a little French girl energy never hurt anyone.