5 French Girl Fashion Secrets to Styling an Oversized Tote Bag

Growing up with French roots, I've always gravitated towards effortless French girl style. What I've learned from my visits to Paris and the French countryside is the women really aren't spending a fortune on their wardrobe. There's a few key elements to French girl style, and you don't have to travel to Europe to get it. Want in on their secret? It's all about simplicity and staple items. Yes, it's really that easy! Invest in high quality wardrobe pieces, mix in vintage and voilà! -- having less is actually more. 

We designed our Parisian Tote Bag with French girl style in mind. It's your go-to everyday bag, your fashionable work tote, and doubles as a flight carry-on for your next getaway. Our Parisian Tote Bag will elevate your wardrobe with style and simplicity. Below, I've put together 5 effortless looks that you can easily recreate, all finished with our Parisian Tote Bag! Here at Hunker Goods, we're all about making your life easier with our minimal, chic and simplistic style. Most of these items you probably already have in your wardrobe, so I hope this makes getting dressed and heading out the door that much easier! 

Farmer's Market Chic 

This look is really for everything. I love wearing this to our local Saturday Farmer's Market, paired with a trip to my favorite coffee shop for an iced lavender latte. A crisp white button down shirt, vintage denim and loafers pairs well with our Parisian Tote Bag. Did we mention this tote carries your weekly Farmer's Market veggies perfectly? I like to go with our Autumn Harvest tone for my Parisian Tote Bag to give this look a little more of a retro feel. Don't be afraid to mix tones --mixing black and browns in your look is a sure way to effortless style.  Vintage denim is key here, as it's typically stiffer, giving a more refined look (and a better fit on your bum). I gravitate towards vintage Levis, which you can always find at your local Goodwill. Pair with a vibrant red lip if that's your cup of tea, as it's always mine. 

Cardigans aren't just for layering 

We often think of cardigans often as our grandmother's staple item, not our own. Tucking a cardigan into your high-waisted jeans as a top is a chic way to complete your look. The fluffier, softer or more unique -- the better. I always shop vintage or second hand cardigans for this type of look, they're often dreamier and of course more cost effective. If you're wearing an oversized cardigan, go for a better fitting pant to offset the look. Pair with a wedged strappy heel or retro boot depending on your mood. I pair our Parisian Tote Bag in black to add a touch of elegance to this look, as the cardigan has a more relaxed feel. That way, I can go from day to night in this outfit as I run errands in the city and finish with a glass of wine with Denton at our favorite bar.

Dress it up

A staple in French girl style is of course a summer dress. Whether it's a button up frock, floral print or made of silky satin -- it's the epitome of chic. Pairing dresses with an oversized tote is an understated way to say you know effortless style. I love throwing our tan Parisian Tote Bag over my shoulder on my way out for a day on the town, or an evening visit to our local vineyard for sunset sipping. Finish with a slide on sandal, or toss on your cowboy boots (a Nashville staple). It's a look that won't disappoint. Chilly night? Throw on a cardigan or denim jacket to keep you warm and looking smart. 

Stripes for the win

Stripes are a classic look that will honestly never go out of style. Think French Rivera in the mid 1960s, Brigitte Bardot and Francoise Hardy, classic and timeless. What's the key to leveling up your stripes? Pair an oversized stripped sweater with pants or shorts, give it a French tuck and add a bandana. This is one of my go-to looks for layering an afternoon by the sea, or lake. I'll typically pair either my Parisian Tote bag in Autumn Harvest or Tan to give this look more of a vintage nautical feel.

For the love Blazers

If you know me, you know I love a good blazer. Wear them with jeans, skirts, shorts and everything in between. It's no wonder it's a French girl style staple, if not the staple to have. While an oversized blazer can work (are you seeing a trend here?) if you prefer fitted it works just as well. For this look, I pair my black Parisian tote bag with my favorite denim jeans with a band tee, brown blazer and booties. Although any color in this tote bag would look great with this look, I love the chicness the black creates. I can go from coffee with friends straight to my next client meeting.

I hope these looks give you inspiration when you put together your next outfit! Looking to shop our Parisian Tote Bag? It comes in three luxe leathers, giving you endless styling options. You can shop the collection here. Need help? We're always here to answer your questions. You can send questions to ashley@hunkergoods.com or dm us on social! Happy Styling friends.

xo,

Ashley 

Ashley is Hunker Good's co-founder, wife to Denton, Lead Designer / Stylist. She's been styling for over 12 years, and has worked with a variety of clients including Eva Franco, the Four Seasons, Disney and more.