Continuing my eternal quest to dress more French-like, I’ve set my sights—as I know many of you have, too—on winter. Winter is very much on my mind right now as cold-weather plans start to seep into my calendar and the promise of cosy, festive days begin to come into view.
This year, I want to make sure I’m prepared for the seasonal switch, and naturally, I’ve turned my attention to ascertaining which pieces form a French girl’s winer capsule wardrobe. For this, I’ve taken a close look at the sartorial habits of some of my favourite French women, deep-diving into their respective feeds to see what they wear when winter rolls around, and it didn’t take long for some patterns to emerge.
Now, I’m confident that the French woman’s winter capsule wardrobe can be encapsulated (and indeed replicated) in just 11 items—some of which I’m pretty sure you’ll already own, with a couple of stylish curveballs thrown in for good measure. Scroll on to see them and to begin assembling your own Français-inspired winter outfits.
Style Notes: We all know trench coats are an integral part of the British uniform, but French women have adopted them as their own too, even in the winter. French women wear them with everything from co-ords (more on those later) to straight-leg jeans (also more on those later).
A very rare (but welcome) blend of linen and cotton.
Keep things classic with a belted iteration.
Style Notes: Cardigans are integral to how French women get dressed. If you follow their rules, the chunkier the better, and always go cropped.
The nipped-in waist is a flattering feature on knitwear.
A classic piece you can wear from summer through to winter. Pair it with straight-leg jeans for a head-to-toe Parisian look.
Style Notes: French women tend to not overthink their outfits, which is why the idea of co-ords proves so appealing. I intend on capitalising on the knitted co-ord trend this winter for maximum comfort.
A chic outfit in seconds.
Knitted co-ords are continuing to dominate this winter.
Style Notes: Nothing has the power to make an outfit look pulled together quite like a shirt, and lots of French influencers tend to like theirs oversized. No need to size up; I’ve found perfectly cut shirts that tap into this aesthetic as they are.
Blue Oxford stripes will always be classic, but this black and white interpretation is a welcome change.
If you want to tap into this season’s monochromatic-dressing trend pair a white shirt with ecru denim.
Style Notes: French women love to wear leather skirts throughout the year and in the winter hemlines extend. Wear them with tights and boots now and shorter styles with Mary Janes come April (or whenever there’s an, albeit tempremental, heatwave).
This looks just like a designer skirt.
The front seam gives this leather midi a distinguishable feature.
Style Notes: It might sound cliché, but I have to believe some clichés exist for a reason. And that is certainly the case when it comes to French women and their penchant for small black bags, which peaks in the winter months thanks to their practicality and versatility.
This cross-body bag will go with everything in your wardrobe.
This looks so premium don’t you think?
Style Notes: No French woman’s wardrobe is complete without an oversized men’s style blazer and this style is particularly popular in the winter months. Paired with slim-fit trousers or matching tailoring – there is no better pairing.
One of the most coveted blazers of 2022.
Not forgetting this high street gem, of course. Everyone in the Who What Wear office now owns this blazer.
Style Notes: It’s straight-leg jeans season all year round for French women. Straight-leg jeans are incredibly chic, especially when paired with ankle boots tucked underneath.
Seek out distressed denim for a could-be-vintage look.
A great high-street option if you’re looking for vintage-style jeans!
Style Notes: Sharing similar climates (unless we’re talking about the South of France, that is), both Brit and French fashion people wear boots year-round. I’ve noticed that, as soon as winter rolls around, Gallic girls switch to classic leather knee-high boots and pair them with mini skirts.
Pointed-toe knee highs have been inherited by French women of late. This high-street version could easily rival designer offerings.
French women always gravitate towards Isabel Marant boots—from the Dicker boot to the Lipsa.
Style Notes: I’ve studied French style for years and a leather jacket is a constant in a French woman’s wardrobe. Whether thrown over knitwear ensembles or evening wear, it’s guaranteed to pull a look together.
An investment piece that’s guaranteed to last for years.
This coat could easily pass as designer!
Style Notes: French women have a knack for styling their tweed and bouclé jackets in fresh new ways, which always seem to come to fruition in spring when the need for heavy outerwear isn’t so pressing.
