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.
9 Autumn Outfits French Women Are Already Rotating:
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.
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MANGO
Double-Breasted Suit Jacket
This pink could endear me to colour.
COS
Crew-Neck Merino Wool Top
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.
Reformation
Mina Regenerative Merino Pleated Skirt
If only my school uniform was this chic.
& Other Stories
Embellished Slingback Pumps
This lacquered burgundy will make any outfit pop, and it’s the perfect autumnal hue.
Swedish Stockings
Olivia Premium Tights
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.
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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.
COS
Oversized Boxy T-Shirt
A perfectly slouched fit you will certainly get your cost per wear out of.
ALIGNE
Savannah Ponte Capri Pants
Capri pants have been all the craze this Euro Summer, and the trend is not going away any time soon.
Metier
Private Eye Large Suede Tote
Perfectly sized for your every day essentials, whether you are heading to the office or the airport.
Reformation
Wilda Kitten Mule
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.
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Almada Label
Brushed Cashmere Coco Cardigan
Opt for a fuzzy knit for a touch of texture, and soft finish.
A tailored maxi skirt makes the perfect office wear piece.
Harrods
Leather Classic Slingback Pumps 55
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.
ALAÏA
Le Teckel Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag
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.
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Allsaints
Lock Crew Neck Jumper
Doesn’t this look so comfy?
M&S Collection
Cotton Rich Fitted Collared Shirt
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.
ATP Atelier
Trino Black Leather Ankle Boots
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:
ARKET
Chunky Cashmere-Wool Jumper
Team with jeans, tailored trousers, a slip skirt or satin midi dress, it’s just that versatile.
MANGO
Double-Breasted Suit Jacket
The dramatic shoulder pads are a nod to the 70s and is the secret to achieving the oversized boxy silhouette.
Whistles
Stretch Leather Legging
Leather leggings will instantly elevate your casual outfits.
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.
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Whistles
Agnes Pocket Leather Jacket
A leather jacket is a failsafe outerwear staple in a capsule wardrobe that will see you through all seasons.
M&S Collection
Pure Merino Wool Crew Neck Jumper
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.
Frame
Low Slung Barrel Dollhouse
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.
NEW BALANCE
990v4 Leather-Trimmed Suede and Mesh Sneakers
A pair of comfortable, supportive and stylish trainers will see you through weekend brunches to office days spent on your feet.
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.
7. Flared Jeans + Leather Trench Coat + Heeled Boots
Style Notes: Autumn dressing requires weatherproof fabrics and layers so you can stay warm and dry whatever the weather. Every year trench coats make an appearance, but we have seen the fashion ‘It’ girls turning to burgundy and brown tones instead of camel and sand hues, as well as PVC or leather fabrics over cotton designs.
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Yes, this is Anne-Victoire Lefevre’s exact coat! This design is a nod to the 60s with its Peter Pan collar and straight cut.
The White Company UK
Cashmere Roll Neck Jumper
Tuck into your jeans for a formal look, or layer over leggings for a louche relaxed fit on off duty days.
New Look
High Rise Flare Jeans
Don’t sleep on New Look jeans!
& Other Stories
Kitten Heel Ankle Boots
A suede-heeled boot is not for the fainthearted. Just be sure to spray with a fabric protector before taking these shoes for a walk.
COACH
Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28
Give your compact shoulder bag a trendy big sister in the form of Coach’s Brooklyn Shoulder Bag that is large enough to house your work laptop, a book, and all your other daily essentials.
8. Red Knit Jumper + Wide Leg Trousers + Ballet Pumps
Style Notes: Tamara has nailed casual yet stylish dressing with the louche fit of the long length red knit with wide leg trousers and a trusty pair of ballet pumps. This look invites fashion enthusiasts to go bold with contrasting patterns and colours.
Shop the Look:
GANNI
Red Future Wool Mix Oversized Jumper
Ruche the sides to show off the trousers, or skirt, on your lower half. Alternatively, pull the sides down for a straight, relaxed and longline silhouette.
& Other Stories
Wide Tailored Trousers
Slip a tank top or T-shirt with these trousers for those balmy Autumn days, and layer your red jumper for those fresh morning commutes.
Ballet pumps have had a revival of late. For Autumn, we’re swapping the mesh designs of the summer for closed toe designs to protect the tootsies from the elements.
Wear over the shoulder, or fold over the handles and slip under your arm like an oversize clutch bag of an evening.
9. Short Sleeve Knit + Lace Top + Ecru Wide Leg Jeans + Kitten Heels
Style Notes: When it’s too warm for a chunky cable knit, but too fresh to go sans jacket, a short sleeve jumper is the happy medium for the transitional season. Julie opts for an earthy colour palette with moss green, burgundy and brown hues, which she brightens with the cream lace detailing and trousers. Of course, you can opt for dark denim jeans, brown or black tailored trousers, depending on your style (and the weather).
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& Other Stories
Knitted Wool Top
The loose fit 3/4 sleeves, combined with the straight fit and slit side hems offer a relaxed silhouette perfect for when you want comfort, just enough warmth and need to look put together.
MARQUES’ ALMEIDA
Asymmetric Denim Top
The asymmetric detail, combined with the lace hem, is exactly what French girls are wearing to add texture and a new dimension to layering.
Nobodys Child
White Double Pleated Wide Leg Ava Trousers
These high waisted wide leg trousers look far more premium than its sub-£60 price tag.
Charles & Keith
Pauline Patent Crossover Slingback Kitten Heels
Patent burgundy heels are here to stay for autumn. Plus, the kitten heel height is ideal for days in the office and evenings out – even both.
Manu Atelier
Le Cambon 35 Deep Brown Suede
Julie’s Manu Atelier bag is ideal for those who need a chic Mary Poppins bag to carry everything bar the kitchen sink.
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