The 7-Piece French Fall Wardrobe

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(Image credit: @adenorah)

After living in Paris once myself, I’m personally invested in French style and make it a habit to stay up to date with what is happening in its fashion scene. I’ve logged hours scrolling through countless street style photographs and Instagram images and chatting with French women to pinpoint what, exactly, makes them so stylish. But it turns out that Parisian style isn’t so hard to master after all. After committing a generous amount of time studying their looks, I’ve noticed some undeniable trends among French women.

Right now, I’m applying those insights to fall style. When it comes down to it, there are some very real commonalities among their outfits for the season. Want to know the key items in the French-girl fall capsule wardrobe? Ahead I’m breaking how to tap into their style and shopping out the seven essential pieces you need to get French-girl style for fall.

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Basics for Layering
(Image credit: @inesmelia)

Stock up on basics like tissue-thin turtlenecks that are perfect for layering. They make an easy outfit look pulled together but also work well when you add on coats and jackets.

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Straight-Leg Jeans
(Image credit: @parysatis)

French girls tend to skip skinny jeans. Instead, they wear straight-leg styles all year long.

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A Blazer
(Image credit: @adenorah)

Another year-round staple? Blazers. Look for wool or checked versions in neutral colors.

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A Leather Jacket
(Image credit: @lifeofboheme)

A sleek leather jacket is another great layering piece during transitional times of the season.

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A Wool Coat
(Image credit: @claire_most)

If a blazer won’t cut it, a wool duster coat is a great way to stay warm and stylish.

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A Faux-Fur Coat
(Image credit: @eleonoretoulin)

Once the temps really start to dip, add a faux-fur coat into the mix. There are great options online, but French women also tend to look for styles in vintage stores.

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A Luxe Bag
(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

Make sure to upgrade your bag with luxe textures like velvet or satin.

Next: I lived in Paris for three months and learned to dress French.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.