Les Francaises have a knack for making everything look as easy as un, deux, trois. From their no-makeup makeup to the breathy way they draw out their ouis, French women seem to have being effortless cornered. This is particularly true in winter, when looking cute can feel like a Herculean task. Even at subzero temperatures, French women move about unbothered, which felt novel to this Californian; the last thing I feel like doing when it's cold and grey out is putting together a look.
But the French have it down to a science! This is partly due to how they shop. French women typically invest in a few good pieces per season, favouring timeless pieces over trends. A well-cut coat. Sticking to long-lasting durable fabrics that drape well. After my first winter in Paris, I picked up a few tips to make cold-weather dressing more fun—as well as a shearling coat and pair of camel riding boots that I still own today (after all, practice makes perfect.)
Follow along, and we'll meet at the intersection of cosy and chic.
1. A Full-Length Coat
Style Notes: As temperatures drop, so do hemlines. A boxy-cut coat works equally well over a casual daytime outfit as it would over something dressier.
SHOP WOOL COAT:
An elevated wool coat designed by no other than a French woman.
One of the best-quality coats on the high street.
Navy is always a chic choice.
No French roundup is complete without mentioning Isabel Marant.
2. Layering Tees
Style Notes: Much like a mille-feuille, French women know that winter dressing is all about layers. Slipping on a long-sleeve tee or two underneath your coat makes it easy to adapt once you're indoors.
SHOP LONG SLEEVED T-SHIRT:
This wool top is warm enough on its own but thin enough to double-layer.
French women always wear ecru tops.
Sumptuous and soft.
The lettuce trim is adorable.
3. An Elegant Pair of Gloves
Style Notes: Gloves aren't just functional. They also offer hands (often-neglected but much-needed) UV protection. Plus, they keep your digits clean in public spaces.
SHOP GLOVES:
These beige–coloured gloves would look beautiful peeking out from under a black overcoat.
This colour is stunning!
The suede on these look extra sleek.
These gloves are lined with shearling for extra warmth.
4. Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Knee-high boots always make me think of '60s silver-screen vixens like Brigitte Bardot. Very French.
SHOP KNEE HIGH BOOTS:
These are seriously chic.
Isabel Marant footwear is just as good as its apparel.
A retro-inspired design.
As you can see, these dreamy boots pair well with minis.
5. Wool Pants
Style Notes: A great pair or two of wool pants will take you a long way in winter. Dressing up? Throw on a stacked heel boot and a cashmere sweater. Going for a stroll? A turtleneck and sneakers will do the trick.
SHOP WOOL TROUSERS:
You can't go wrong with a tapered leg and mid-rise waist, especially at this price.
Take these from work to off-duty days.
An office-appropriate option.
Reformation's Mason Pants come in sizes 2 to 28!
6. Jumper dress
Style Notes: French women never sacrifice style for practicality. A jumper dress looks dressed up without feeling fussy.
SHOP JUMPER DRESSES:
A plush option on the high street.
A piece you'll have in your wardrobe forever.
This comes in an array of great shades.
This is guaranteed to keep you warm on a winter's day.
Up Next, 8 Timeless and Elevated Outfit Formulas French Women Will Rely on in 2024
This story originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S.
-
7 Things I Want From Reformation After Seeing These French It-Girl OutfitsIf I can't be in Paris this fall, I can at least dress like I am.
-
I Live in Murray Hill—Here Are the 8 Places I Like to Shop for a Fashionable Fall ClosetStylish sweaters and suedes ahead.
-
Fashionable Clothing Ahead—28 Chic Fall Picks From Zara, Nordstrom, J.Crew, and ShopbopFrom sweaters to jackets.
-
These 32 Chic Zara Fall 2025 Shoe Finds Are the Key to Looking Like a Fashion Person—Good Luck Picking Just One PairPrepare for endless compliments.
-
These 33 New Fall Zara Items Are Giving Off "I'm Chic Walking in a Metropolitan City" EnergyCool, elevated, and forward pieces.
-
These 32 Elevated Nordstrom and Zara Finds Make Getting Ready So Much Easier (and Chicer)Here's to effortless outfits.
-
Don't Blame Me If They Sell Out While You Read This—35 Chic Zara Finds That Need Your Immediate AttentionThese won't be around for long.
-
36 Zara, Madewell, and H&M Essentials I'm Buying to Look Expensive This FallElevated and easy.
