Chic French labels that give your wardrobe some va-vavoom…

Timeless, elegant, effortless. The words that come to mind when you imagine the archetypal, well-dressed Frenchwoman. From Coco Chanel to Brigitte Bardot: there is no denying that the Gallic style has acquired an almost mythical status.

But that elusive and slightly irritating je ne sais quoi of French glamor can now be incorporated into your wardrobe and, fear not, doesn’t require a shopping trip across the Channel. Some French brands have recently opened up shop in Britain, and others are now shipping internationally.

It’s not all Breton stripes and bouclé suits; there are luxurious basics, classic knits and refined basics for every style and budget. Long live France!

Longchamp: Handbags

This year Longchamp celebrates its 75th anniversary.

Perhaps the most recognizable design from the famous label is the classic Le Pliage tote bag. This has stood the test of time because it suits almost every woman.

The list of celebrities who have been spotted with it on their arm is endless, from Hollywood A-listers like Julia Roberts to our very own Mary Berry. Suki Waterhouse is also a fan of the brand.

With prices starting from €100, this is a bag worth investing in.

Maje: Tweed pieces

Judith Milgrom’s career has always been a family affair; She started at her big sister Sandro’s label before co-founding Maje with her brother in 1998.

Maje has a fun, bohemian style and you’ll find French staples like the Chanel-inspired tweed jackets for £299, as well as playful sequin mini dresses for £399.

Maje even appeared in the hit Netflix series Emily In Paris.

Sandro: Suits and blazers

Evelyne Chetrite is a family business and founded Sandro in 1984.

The ready-to-wear brand, with a global following, is known for creating accessible, high-quality fashion.

It sits between the luxury and mass markets, and the higher prices match the attention to detail. You will find Parisian cool in tailoring and refined basics with matching accessories.

And supermodel Kendall Jenner is a fan of his oversized blazer, with jacket prices starting from £219.

Bobbies: Shoes

Designed in Paris and crafted in family workshops in Portugal, Bobbies has been making shoes and accessories since 2010 – from classic Parisian-style block heel Mary Janes, loafers (£175), and slingback pumps (£195), to chic boots (£220).

If you happen to be in Paris or London, it’s worth visiting a Bobbies store to see the real craftsmanship for yourself.

Sezane: Knits and blouses

This affordable brand is your one-stop shop for basic items for French girls.

Quiet luxury continues to be on the fashion agenda this winter and Sezane has a perfect range of cozy wool knits and cardigans in the stealth-wealth palette of creams and beige. Prices start from £95.

Fans include Sienna Miller and the Princess of Wales, who recently stepped out in a matching Sezane knit skirt and sweater.

Balzac Paris: jackets

Balzac Paris launched its UK online shopping site in September and is quickly becoming the new French brand to know.

To tempt us Brits, it has cleverly collaborated with Barbour, fusing British heritage with Parisian-chic aesthetics to create its own twist on waxed jackets.

Prices start from £45 for basic fashion, rising to £500 plus for premium styles and leather goods.

Rouje: Dresses

If you’re on social media or an avid fashion follower, you’ve probably heard of a new brand in town, Rouje, which opened its first international store in London this summer.

The founder, Jeanne Damas, previously designed collections for Sezane and Reformation. She’s the epitome of a French It girl, with more than 1.5 million Instagram followers hoping to pick up some of her fashion savoir-faire.

Rouje is your go-to for elegant dresses. In the latest James Bond film, French Bond girl Léa Seydoux wore Rouje’s red Gabin dress, £215.