10 Fall Wardrobe Staples Every French Woman Swears By

Bonjour! Fall in France is all about effortless elegance and timeless layering, and French women know EXACTLY which pieces will make their wardrobe chic and practical.

10 Fall Wardrobe Staples Every French Woman Swears By

1. The Classic Trench Coat

French women choose to wear traditional trench coats which combine elegant design with comfortable wearability. The Parisian trench coat reaches the knee level and comes in neutral shades of khaki and beige and camel which match perfectly with autumnal colors.

The design provides a comfortable fit through its relaxed cut which allows for smooth layering without increasing the overall size of the outfit. The waist area receives a defining shape through the belt that runs through the middle of the coat.

The fabric choice includes cotton and light twill and gabardine and wool blend materials. The fabric allows for excellent airflow while keeping its form to shield users from autumn rain.

The design features unobtrusive details through its use of matching buttons and small hardware elements and simple lines. The design style places visual attractiveness above all other design elements.

2. Tweed and Bouclé Jackets

The textured jacket – whether in tweed, bouclé, or another material – is a TRUE French fall fashion essential! It’s loved for its ability to elevate even the simplest outfit. These jackets are often structured yet feminine. Look for jackets with shoulder pads or very thick, structured wool fabric offering the perfect balance between ease and style.

French women wear neutral colors for fall: black, white, beige, cream, and brown (the color of the season!). They’re usually accentuated with gold buttons or delicate jewel buttons that feel very quiet luxury.

3. Gemstone Jewelry

French women absolutely LOVE to accessorize their outfits with jewelry, and it’s usually very seasonal! While gold hoops or dainty chain necklaces remain staples, gemstones like malachite, onyx, or even amber are the seasonal upgrade many French women reach for in autumn.

Malachite, with its deep green and natural marbling, pairs seamlessly with the earthy and neutral tones that dominate French fashion. Think oval malachite earrings (very ’80s-inspired, very vintage!), freshwater pearl necklaces mixed with jade gemstones, and delicate gold-plated chains.

4. The Leather Jacket

The leather jacket is the PERFECT French fall fashion essential! Loved for its ability to add chicness, edge, and elegance all at the same time. Ideal here in Paris from September to early November, this is definitely a French fall essential you’ll see all over Paris!

The most popular cuts are the cropped biker jacket, the boxy bomber, and the fitted moto jacket. Oversized is very trendy, however, I don’t think it’s super timeless. Fitted is definitely something you’ll see on Parisian women!

How to style it: With a white t-shirt and high-waisted jeans with ballet flats or loafers. For a feminine contrast, wear it with a floral midi dress or silk slip dress with ankle boots. For an evening edge? The classic super sexy black dress with the perfect fitted leather jacket, strappy heeled sandals, statement earrings, and red lips!

5. Merino Knits

The merino knit is at the heart of a French wardrobe – a piece that blends comfort, elegance, and quiet luxury! French women favor fitted or slightly relaxed fits in neutral tones like camel, brown, chocolate, black, white, and gray in natural fabrics like silk blend, wool, or even a little cashmere.

These knits are lightweight and warm at the same time, perfect for layering under a trench or wool coat. In terms of design? Think everyday crew necks for ease, turtlenecks for sophistication, or even sleeveless turtlenecks (very popular here in Paris!).

6. Corduroy Pants

Corduroy pants are loved for their rich texture, cozy warmth, and retro-meets-modern charm! French women lean toward slightly flared cuts – high-waist and flare are very popular, especially in Paris – in earthy tones like brown, chocolate, camel, brick, and even deep burgundy.

Styling ideas: Cream cashmere crew neck with straight-cut camel corduroy trousers and ballet flats. Silk blouse in ivory with slim dark brown corduroy pants and ankle boots. Or corduroy pants in earth tones with a beige trench coat, loafers, and gold hoops!

7. The Midi Skirt

The midi skirt is one of the most versatile French fall wardrobe pieces! It feels polished, feminine, and seasonally appropriate. Usually in fall fabrics like satin, wool, silk, corduroy, velvet, or even suede.

French women reach for midi skirts in neutral or muted tones – camel, brown, chocolate, brick orange, light brown, cream, or even white and black – that blend seamlessly into a fall capsule wardrobe. The mid-calf length is absolutely perfect for transitional weather and pairs effortlessly with ballet flats, loafers, ankle boots, or even mid-calf boots!

8. Polished Denim

In France, jeans are a year-round staple, but for fall they take a more polished, textural part in the wardrobe! French women tend toward structured, timeless silhouettes and seasonal washes – think deep indigo, light cream, beige, white, and chocolate.

Seasonal textures? Corduroy and velvet! Even seasonal prints like leopard! Instead of chasing trendy cuts (I don’t see many wearing barrel jeans even though it’s trendy), they favor straight cuts, high-waist, and slightly cropped or slightly flared that pair well with trench coats and oversized wool coats.

How French women style jeans in fall: Black fitted turtleneck with clean black high-waist jeans and slingback heels. Light trench coat with white tee, straight jeans, and loafers. Silk blouse tucked into slim white jeans or leopard jeans with low black heels and a camel wool coat!

9. Mid-Heel Ankle Boots & Loafers

The mid-heel ankle boot is one of the most worn French fall wardrobe essentials, balancing practicality, comfort, and everyday elegance! Although I do think the loafer is much more a year-round shoe essential.

French women favor clean, minimalist silhouettes in leather or suede in earthy tones like brown, chocolate, cacao, light caramel, and of course black. The croc-embossed ankle boot is also very, very trendy, especially here in Paris! The heel is usually mid-length or a block heel – offering just enough height to elongate the silhouette while still being walkable for a long day!

10. The Structured Everyday Bag

Yes, French women do have a very seasonal approach when it comes to bags!

These bags are typically made in smooth or pebbled leather. Embossed leathers like lizard or croc are also very popular and have become a staple for fall! Colors? Earthy, beautiful, dimensional tones like burgundy, chocolate, deep brown, cacao, or burgundy. Absolutely gorgeous!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best fall wardrobe essentials French women love to wear! In my opinion, the leather jacket and corduroy pants are the MOST French and seasonal pieces!