I'm approaching my second year of living in Paris and I'll admit, the novelty still hasn't worn off and my fascination with French fashion prevails. I'm continually inspired by how French people live life and their strong sense of identity is a huge factor denoted by how they dress.
At every corner, in every arrondissement, how French women dress is a massive source of inspiration in my day-to-day. From the mature woman with perfectly coiffed hair and a swipe of rouge lipstick to the stubbornly-styled millennial (raises hand) undefeated by the forecast and still wrapped in a gabardine trench, come winter. We know all too well that French women have honed in on the capsule wardrobe and a sense of minimalism in their approach to dressing but I've cottoned on to the nuances that make French style feel all the more distinguishable.
The particular hue of a trench coat, the adoration for slim-leg jeans in specific hues, double-breasted blazers (spanning black, leather and herringbone) and the myriad subcategories that exist, make French style feel more attainable. There are fewer rules than you'd believe and what truly lies at the core is the notion of "less is more" and injecting your personality through the use of accessories, for example.
The rhetoric on French style would have us believe that French women are exclusively clad in muted colourways and samey ensembles but it's not the case. Their expertise is interchanging pieces, adopting timeless trends and zeroing in on hard-working pieces worthy of investment. So while you may think that a French woman's 2025 wardrobe is no different to their 2024 wardrobe, it's about elevating a wardrobe, reimagining classic styles and injecting a sense of personal style. It's the perfect goalpost for those of us evaluating shopping habits and starting with the building blocks. There's no better time than now, the betwixmas period for that. Below, you'll find ten pieces you're guaranteed to find in a French woman's wardrobe in 2025 and beyond.
Shop the Timeless Pieces You'll Find in a French Women's 2025 Capsule Wardrobe:
1. Straight-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: I've studied French style with a fine tooth comb, thus French women's affinity for denim for decades. While their typically favourite cut of Levi 501s is hard to come by, the offerings of styles of a similar ilk come more readily available. French women prefer slimmer-fit denim in one of three hues. Either slightly washed held in grainy indigo, ecru, or jet black.
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While straight-leg jeans are inherently French, the 2024s fresh style of barrel-leg jeans offers the classic French lilt, albeit more comfortable, thanks to the generous leg room.
Ecru is the new white.
Toteme jeans are particularly popular across wider France.
This deep indigio hue is incredibly chic. I'd pair it with a white shirt, black mules and a shoulder bag.
2. Streamlined Blazer
Style Notes: Double-breasted blazers are worn by Gallic women throughout all seasons and paired with everything from trousers and jeans to skirts. When looking for styles that lean more towards French style, opt for slum shoulders and extended lapels, it feels androgynous.
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A style considered typically French.
Dare I say it, it's the perfect shape.
The suede blazer fits in this category too.
Aeron's leather styles are always exceptional.
3. Trench Coat
Style Notes: One thing I've noticed is how French women continue to wear trench coats in the choppiest forecasts, with layers bundled underneath. In this climate, add cashmere knits and scarves underneath.
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Enter the perfect shape and colour.
You needn't stick to beige and cotton, trench coats come in various fabrications.
Leather trench coats are my latest style obsession.
Khaki is popular, too.
4. Elevated Top
Style Notes: While you may associate French women with Marinière, crisp poplin shirts and basic t-shirts, look closely and you'll witness a swarm of slightly elevated basic tops. From ruched detail to swathed fabrications, the options are aplenty.
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A simple detail that instantly elevates a long sleeved t-shirt.
Again, the scarf detail mas migrated onto tops.
Pair such taught tops with jeans or midi skirts.
A reimagined boat neck top.
5. Heeled Mules
Style Notes: Slingback shoes and open-back mules are a firm favourite even during the winter months. Sylvie is my mule muse as she utilises ingenious styling techniques to squeeze the most wear out of them during winter months. Case in point, with tights.
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Imagine the contrast with dark denim.
An example of how to take a trend-led style and pair it with a timeless shape.
A wonderful piece and attractive price to match!
The ruching and pale colourway adds a unique touch.
6. Shoulder Bag
Style Notes: The streamlined baguette bag has proven a popular choice for French women. Practical, sleek and with the ability to ability to elevate most looks, you'll find one in every French woman's wardrobe.
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This plush shoulder bag looks rather spacious, too.
French woman have inherited Neous' styles.
Demellier's latest style is incredibly suave.
Simply stunning.
7. Midi Skirt
Style Notes: From slip skirts to column leather skirting, ankle grazing skirts can be worn throughout most seasons. Pair them with knitwear during the winter and basic elevated tops, come spring.
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I recently welcomed a leather skirt into my midst and I'm wondering why it took so long...
Simply add a white shirt.
This a-line shape offers more movement and sway.
Another example of a trend-led yet timeless piece.
8. Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: A French woman's capsule is incomplete without the addition of tailored trousers. The past 5 years have seen the reinvention of such styles so once starchy and ill-fitting trousers are now fluid, smooth and smart.
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Every bit as good as designer.
I own similar trousers and it pairs particularly well with cable knits.
These trousers comprise Japanese wool.
Featuring 100% finely spun wool and a belt attached.
9. Ballerina Flats
Style Notes: Considering the origin of ballet flats, it's no surprise the style is favoured among French women. From mesh flats to mary-janes, there are myriad styles to suit all aesthetics.
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A pair to save for spring.
An adorable bow attached on this perfect burgundy hue.
Dear Frances' new collection includes classic footwear including the slight heel that French women adore on the ballerina silhouette.
Snake print is dominating the animal print kingdom.
10. Wool Coat
Style Notes: Ranging from robe style to double-breasted maxi length, wool coats are beloved in France. The scarf attachment is also a coveted style and one we'll continue to see women wear in 2025.
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The brass buttons turn this understated maxi coat into something more statement.
The espresso hue paired with the scarf coat silhouette oozes sophistication.
I own this coat in camel and it's a piece I will treasure for a lifetime.
Dare I say it but I prefer Toteme's elongated iteration of the scarf coat compared to the jacket version.
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