The French are known for their love of fashion, especially designer brands and haute couture. Don't let this intimidate you; the French are also good at taking shortcuts to be fashionable. Here's eight easy, inexpensive ways to look more chic and simplify your wardrobe:

1. Sneakers with basically anything

Being fashionable is usually synonymous with painful footwear, but not in this case. Go ahead and throw on your comfy sneaks with any outfit you want. This is my favorite trend everyone embraces in France.

2. Dark or neutral colors

This trend is the best for simplifying your closet. If you buy all neutral colors you can mix and match everything and not have to worry about clashing. Bonus, no one can tell if you’ve wearing the same black shirt you were three days ago, so you can actually buy less clothing.

3. Effortless hair

It's effortless because you literally rolled out of bed that way. The French don’t emphasize perfectly silky or styled hair, they just work what they’ve got. So follow their lead and you won't have to set your alarm for so early.

4. Canvas bags

The French are obsessed with these super cheap, versatile bags. Whether you are running errands or headed to class, these bags are perfect carry-alls for people on a budget.

5. Bold lipstick

Want to look instantly chic? Try a bright colored lipstick for minimum effort and maximum results.

6. Black pantyhose

It might sound weird, but these are a wardrobe staple for tons of French girls. Pantyhose are different than the opaque or patterned black tights you throw on under a dress on a fall day because they’re more sheer and (in my opinion) more chic. You can wear them on repeat with anything in your closet.

7. Cropped jeans

Everyone, and I mean everyone, wears cropped jeans or cuffs them so they hit just above the ankle. This is a super easy way to make your look more fashionable.

8. Oversized coats

They're warm, comfortable, and chic… what’s not to love? Never sacrifice function in the name of fashion again.

So, I'm not a French fashion expert, but these are a few things I've observed on the streets of Paris. Give them a try if you want some simple ways to be more fashionable!