French Women Always Wear This Jeans-and-Flats Outfit Formula

You don’t have to be a math genius to figure out how French women have perfected the outfit formula. When the goal is effortlessly chic, a staple of wardrobe basics can be mixed and matched to achieve a look that’s polished enough for any event, but also easy enough for every day. 

Case in point? Michelle Williams, Montana native, and noted fashion aesthete was recently spotted in New York City wearing our favorite combination of straight-leg jeans, an oversize blazer, and Mary-Jane flats. The four-piece look, complete with a strawberry-red lip, was polished enough for her morning show appearance, while also perfectly practical for running around the city now that it’s officially springtime. Even better, you don’t need to have a Hollywood stylist to re-create this outfit at home. Just grab your favorite blazer, button-down, jeans, and flats. Roll up your sleeves, swipe on a bright lip, and you’re good to go. Easy enough, right? Oui! 

If these basic outfit building blocks aren’t already in your wardrobe, then you’re in luck: we’ve pulled several pieces that can be combined to create the perfect jeans-and-flats outfit formula for anyone who wants to take French girl style for a spin—no passport to Paris necessary.

On Michelle Williams: The Row shoes

Simple and chic, just like everything else The Row designs.

If The Row is out of reach, the Sam Edelman Mary Janes will do the trick.

These are bound to sell quickly. 

I love the contrasting trim. 

Oh la la, a tapered toe!

Larroudé shoes are amazingly comfortable and worth the price.

Zara has never let me down. 

A subtle pattern makes this affordable blazer look super luxe. 

If you’re new to double-breasted blazers, start with a style from H&M for a more casual fit.

Check out those tortoiseshell buttons! 

A simple striped shirt is essential in any wardrobe.

Stripes can be playful, too.

The oversize look is in, but fitted styles work for this formula, too.

A pair of dark-wash jeans are foolproof. 

Remember: Wash cold to maintain the perfect a mount of stretch.

Next: Kate Bosworth Wore the Trendy Pants With Hundreds of Glowing Nordstrom Reviews