I can't think of many things that are more quintessentially autumnal than the streets of Paris come autumn. It's cosy, crisp and typical classic style that's so popular among the French is perfectly suited for autumn. Breton striped jumpers, blazers, trench coats, pleated skirts and tailored trousers are the backbones of a French woman's wardrobe, and the building blocks of a great wardrobe capsule.
Historically speaking, Autumn is a busy time of year, so having a backlog of classic (and easy) outfit ideas is paramount. I took a scroll through the feeds of some of the most stylish French women on Instagram, and found several outfits that are making me excited for the autumn season. If you're ready to kickstart your autumn shopping and outfit planning, keep scrolling for chic French inspired outfits, and to shop the classic pieces that comprise them.
8 AUTUMN OUTFITS FRENCH WOMEN WILL BE ROTATING THIS SEASON:
1. Pink Blazer + Grey Mini Skirt + Burgundy Heels
Style Notes: Contrary to what you may believe, French women enjoy a healthy dose of saturation. Come autumn, you'll notice footwear and outerwear awash with pink and burgundy hues.
Shop the Look:
This pink could endear me to colour.
Just a touch of sheerness, if you wish to dip into the trend. When the temperature really drops you can layer over a cotton long sleeve top or thermal.
If only my school uniform was this chic.
This lacquered burgundy will make any outfit pop, and it's the perfect autumnal hue.
Invest in a sturdy pair of tights that'll see you through the winter season.
C.Nicol's cylindrical bag is wonderfully directional (and spacious).
2. Suede Jacket + Capri Pants + Mules
Style Notes: The noughties capri pant has re-entered the chat. Expect to see it as a key transitional piece, paired with suede outerwear, as demonstrated by Anne Laure Mais.
Shop the Look:
Sézane has seen to a fresh restock of its popular Will jacket for the autumn. It's so good it comes in a myriad of colourways.
A perfectly slouched fit you will certainly get your cost per wear out of.
Capri pants have been all the craze this Euro Summer, and the trend is not going away any time soon.
Perfectly sized for your every day essentials, whether you are heading to the office or the airport.
Slip on and off with ease.
3. Grey Two-Piece + White Slingback Pumps + Shoulder Bag
Style Notes: From the office to after-work drinks and city jaunts, modern skirt suiting is proving to be one of the pieces when you're guaranteed low cost per wear. For extra warmth, add a woollen knit.
Shop the Look:
Opt for a fuzzy knit for a touch of texture, and soft finish.
A tailored maxi skirt makes the perfect office wear piece.
Slingback shoes with a kitten heel continue to dominate the footwear department for another season.
Add a pair of sleek frames to elevate this look further.
This elongated East-West boxy style feels inherently '90s.
4. Jumper + Shirt + Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: There's no doubt that monochrome outfits will always look good, but mix-matching your neutrals can be just a chic. I love Sylvie's mix of brown, black and grey with the white collar popping out.
Shop the Look:
Doesn't this look so comfy?
M&S has such high-quality basics at such a great price!
As much as we could easily buy a pair in every colour, the black is a failsafe option for autumn dressing, and any occasion.
An elevated take on the classic heel boot with a kitten heel that makes these boots perfect for day and night.
The Bayswater is a timeless classic that will complement any outfit beautifully.
5. High-Neck Knit + Leggings + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: The weather is already dropping here in the UK, so now is a great time to start thinking about those cold weather outfit formulas that are easy to style, but look effortlessly chic. A high-neck knit is a staple you won't regret purchasing. Simply throw on a blazer, leather leggings and your favourite ballet flats for a simple but stylish look.
Shop the Look:
Team with jeans, tailored trousers, a slip skirt or satin midi dress, it's just that versatile.
The dramatic shoulder pads are a nod to the 70s and is the secret to achieving the oversized boxy silhouette.
Leather leggings will instantly elevate your casual outfits.
So iconic.
This looks like so many designer options available at the moment, but has a purse-friendly price tag.
6. Leather Jacket + Jeans + Trainers
Style Notes: When all else fails, French women, like really any other fashion person on the planet, relies on denim. Make like Lena and opt for dark-wash jeans, which pair perfectly with a leather biker and trainers. You could also swap the shoes for heels if you wanted to dress this look up.
Shop the Look:
A leather jacket is a failsafe outerwear staple in a capsule wardrobe that will see you through all seasons.
A barrel leg jean goes under numerous monikers, including barrel leg, horseshoe and U-shaped jeans. No matter the title they are a contemporary style that all the French women are wearing.
A pair of comfortable, supportive and stylish trainers will see you through weekend brunches to office days spent on your feet.
Come autumn it can be raining one minute and blue skies the next, which is why a lightweight knit is a worthy item to have in your arsenal.
All the French girls accessorise with French brand Polène, so of course we must follow suit. The Mokki is available in a large and smaller size.
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French Women Know Good Shoes—6 Autumn Styles They're Already WearingOnly the chicest.
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Straight From the Streets of Paris: 7 Autumn Fashion Trends That Are Already DominatingTrès chic!
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French Women Must Be Over Sandals—They’re All Wearing This Closed-Toe Shoe InsteadA mass exodus.
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5 Chic Pieces French Women Are Wearing During Paris's 30° HeatwaveI'm now wearing them in London, too.
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No One Wears Denim Like a French Girl—7 Chic Outfits I'm Unashamedly CopyingThey go way beyond jeans, too.
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This Just in: French Women Are Over Sandals—3 Shoes They’re Wearing Now InsteadI'm following suit.
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Dispatch From Paris: Everyone's Forgoing Sandals to Wear These Far Chicer Shoes With ShortsOui oui.
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Sorry, Skinny Jeans—French Women Have Confirmed This Trouser Trend Is Much More ElegantI can't help but agree.
