10 Fall Wardrobe Staples Every French Woman Swears By

I was visiting my grandma out on the reservation last weekend, and we were looking through her old cedar chests. She has all this incredible vintage turquoise jewelry and heavy wool blankets that have lasted literally decades. It got me thinking about how the absolute best style is just timeless. You buy the right things once, and you wear them forever. And honestly, who does that effortless, timeless thing better than French women? They always look like they just rolled out of bed, threw on whatever was on the chair, and somehow look like a Vogue cover.

I went down a massive rabbit hole researching this. I am talking hours of scrolling and analyzing. And I realized they just stick to a very specific formula. So I broke it down for us. If we get these basics, we can mix in all our fun, personal pieces – like those stunning beaded earrings my cousin made for me – and look so put together.

Here are the 10 fall wardrobe staples every French woman swears by. Let’s get our closets sorted out together!

1. The Classic, Unfussy Trench Coat

Okay, we have to start with the holy grail. A trench coat is basically the uniform of Paris in the fall. And I am not talking about those super stiff, plasticky ones that make you sweat the second you walk indoors. You want something with a little bit of drape to it.

Why do you need it? Because fall weather is so incredibly confusing. It’s freezing in the morning and boiling by 2 PM. A trench is that perfect middle layer. Plus, you can literally be wearing your oldest sweatpants underneath, and the second you tie that belt, you look like a CEO.

How to wear it: Leave it unbuttoned most of the time. Let it flow behind you when you walk. If it gets cold, don’t use the buckle! Just tie the belt in a messy knot. It looks so much more relaxed and cool that way. Trust me on this one.

2. Vintage-Wash Straight Leg Jeans

Listen to me carefully. We are officially breaking up with super tight denim. I know it’s hard to let go, but French girls have been doing straight leg jeans forever, and they are so right. It is just way more comfortable.

You want a pair that hits right at your ankle bone. The wash should look like you’ve owned them for ten years. A medium blue with no artificial-looking fading. I finally found a pair at a thrift store last month, and I have basically lived in them since.

How to wear it: Make sure they sit high on your waist. This makes your legs look miles long, especially when you tuck in your shirt. Pair them with literally anything, but they look amazing with a chunky belt.

3. The “Borrowed from the Boys” Button-Down

This is my favorite trick. You know how when we steal a guy’s shirt it just looks effortlessly good? That is the exact vibe we are going for here. An oversized cotton poplin button-down in white or a soft blue stripe.

Remember that time we were in college and I spilled coffee all over my dress right before a presentation? I had to borrow my roommate’s boyfriend’s shirt and honestly, it was the best outfit I wore all year. It just works. It gives that “I didn’t try too hard” energy.

How to wear it: Never button it all the way up. Leave the top two or three buttons undone. Roll the sleeves up past your wrists so your watch or bracelets show. Half-tuck it into your jeans. Boom. Instant style.

4. A Slouchy, High-Quality Cardigan

Forget those tight little cardigans from 2010. We are talking chunky, soft, wrap-yourself-up cardigans. French women love their knits, but they make sure they are made of good materials like cotton, wool, or cashmere. No itchy acrylic that makes you spark with static electricity.

I know good sweaters can be pricey. But think about cost per wear! You will wear this every single day. Instead of buying five cheap sweaters that pill after one wash, get one really beautiful neutral one.

How to wear it: Wear it open over a silk camisole or a plain white tee. Let it slide off one shoulder just a tiny bit. It is so cozy but looks incredibly intentional.

5. The Menswear-Inspired Tailored Blazer

A blazer is the ultimate magic trick. You can be running on two hours of sleep, throw on a blazer, and suddenly everyone thinks you have your life completely figured out.

The secret here is the fit. You don’t want it tight and corporate. You want it slightly oversized, like you picked it up in a vintage menswear shop. Look for a subtle plaid or a deep navy.

How to wear it: Roll the sleeves up! Always show a little bit of wrist. Pair it over a graphic tee and your straight-leg jeans. It balances out the casualness of the tee perfectly.

6. Ankle Boots You Can Actually Walk In

Okay, story time. Do you remember when we went to that music festival a few years ago? I bought those cheap, pointy plastic boots because they looked cool online. By the end of day one, my feet were completely destroyed. I literally had to walk to the car in my socks. Never, ever again.

French style is extremely practical because they actually walk everywhere. You need a pair of leather ankle boots with a low, chunky block heel. They give you a little height but you can still run for the train if you need to.

How to wear it: Make sure the top of the boot meets the bottom of your straight-leg jeans perfectly. A little sliver of skin is fine, but you don’t want the jeans bunching up over the boot.

7. A Silk Square Scarf

This is the cheapest and fastest way to look fancy. A little silk scarf adds color and texture to an otherwise basic outfit. It is such a classic European accessory.

You can find these literally everywhere, but vintage stores have the best ones. I love finding ones with weird, beautiful patterns. It adds so much personality.

How to wear it: There are so many options here. Tie it around your neck to protect against the wind. Tie it around the handle of your handbag if you are bored of your bag. Or use it as a hair tie for a messy low ponytail. It is brilliant.

8. The Classic Breton Stripe Top

I know, I know. It sounds like a total cliché. When you think “French girl,” you think stripes. But there is a reason it is a stereotype – it just works wonderfully. A long-sleeve striped shirt is basically a neutral.

It adds visual interest without being loud. It feels nautical and fresh, even when the weather starts getting gloomy.

How to wear it: Layering is key here. Wear it under your trench coat or your blazer. Let the striped cuffs peek out from under your sweater sleeves. It adds depth to your outfit.

9. A Pair of Chic Loafers

If you don’t feel like wearing boots, loafers are your best friend. They are having a massive moment right now, but really, they never went out of style in Paris. They are the perfect transitional shoe.

They are totally flat but look infinitely more polished than sneakers. You just slip them on and go.

How to wear it: When it is still warm out, wear them with bare ankles. As it gets colder, do not be afraid to wear them with a cute, slightly sheer sock. It sounds nerdy, but it looks so incredibly stylish.

10. The Versatile Midi Slip Skirt

Last but definitely not least, the slip skirt. This is my secret weapon for fall. When you are so sick of wearing jeans every day, a silk or satin midi skirt is the answer.

It feels so soft against your skin and moves beautifully when you walk. The slight sheen of the fabric contrasts so well with the heavy, matte fabrics we wear in the fall, like wool and leather.

How to wear it: This is all about balancing the delicate skirt with something heavy. Wear your slip skirt with a big, oversized chunky sweater. Add your block-heel ankle boots. It is the perfect mix of cozy and elegant.