India, June 18 -- French women are experts at making outfits look effortlessly chic. I would know-I lived in Paris for a month. But according to my friend, who has spent the last four years living all over Europe, the one outfit she keeps seeing on repeat is as understated as it gets.

"I've lost count of how many times I've seen a white T-shirt or tank top with blue jeans or Bermuda shorts and thong sandals in the past few weeks," she told me. And while French fashionistas are embracing basics, they're elevating their casual outfits with designer handbags. But you don't need a luxury budget to recreate the look. High-quality brands like Quince have expensive-looking bags and versatile wardrobe staples to nail the look.

Below, I've roun...