As a devoted sun seeker, I always feel a pang around this time of year as the air begins to cool. But if anything can soften the blow of parting with my favourite summer pieces, it’s the freedom that comes with building autumn outfits and the endless opportunities to experiment with fabric, silhouette and proportion.
Having studied French style for two decades, I’ve come to recognise the staples most often favoured by French women, along with the subtle seasonal updates worth noting. As with most seasons, a French woman’s autumn capsule wardrobe is made up of carefully chosen items. It's versatile, streamlined and cut to embody the effortless look the French are known for.
Although the core capsule remains steadfast with seasonal classics (a blazer, column silhouettes and anti-trend footwear, for example), there are a few seasonal updates that may appear each autumn, should French women choose to adopt them. This season, I've witnessed the popularity of capri pants first-hand, and the longer, ankle-skimming iteration is an autumnal approach to the trouser trend I know we'll continue to see through to autumn, for example.
Continue reading to see the seven items that you'll find in a French woman's capsule wardrobe this autumn—from leather midi skirts and trench coats to supple suede loafers.
French-Girl Autumn Capsule Wardrobe 2025:
1. A Classic Shoulder Bag
Style Notes: Masters of nonchalant dressing, French women are best known for their adoration of itty bitty handbags you can easily tuck into the nook of your underarm, namely, in the shape of the baguette bag. For AW25, we've seen a surge of shoulder handbags take centre stage.
Shop Shoulder Bags:
My latest bag crush comes in the form of Verafied's Éclair. Deliciously mini, with gold swathed adornments and complete with an elongated handle. It's the exact style I attribute to French fashion.
Polène is beloved for its French-inspired designs. The Osmo bag is one of its latest launches.
Upon first spotting this Mashu design, I concluded that it felt inherently French.
Much to our delight, Manu Atelier's Le Cambon is available in a plethora of iterations—from elongated and slender to capacious. This includes its generous arsenal of colours, too.
2. Midi Skirts
Style Notes: After two years of close observation, I've deduced that (more often than not) French women will wear mini or midi skirts. Come autumn, Midi skirts take precedence. Said skirts are available in a plethora of fabrications and shapes from column to flared and commonly in silk, suede and leather fabrications.
Shop Midi Skirts:
Sezane's winter collection is one to watch, particularly for leather.
This lace-trimmed skirt will inspire creative styling. I can't help but think of pairing it with a cool toned grey jumper.
I spotted this skirt at PFW earlier this year and I'm so pleased to see in land on the site.
Whistles leather is some of the best quality on the high street.
3. Leather Outerwear
Style Notes: Leather outerwear is to autumn and winter what trench coats are to spring. This season, we've been graced with plenty of unique cuts from bomber-style jackets to long-line leather trench coats. Each of them is in the sumptuous and hardwearing leather that will see you through many cold-weather winters.
Shop Leather Outerwear:
There's a reason why Soeur's boutiques are nestled in the most residential arrondissements in Paris. It's much loved by locals.
Rohe's design comprises a belt to cinch in the waist and create voluminous shaping.
2024 saw Nour Hammour designs become some of the most coveted among outerwear designs. I anticipate the love of these timeless jackets will continue.
Khaite's Jameson jacket sits on the periphery of blazer and jacket which is apt when considering transitional dressing.
4. Straight-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: Straight-leg jeans are synonymous with French fashion. You may be familiar with the love of vintage Levis 501s. It's the most popular style of jean and hunting down the perfect pair is a common pastime among French women. While I'll always recommend vintage shopping, there are many styles you can invest in to achieve this look. What's more, you can explore a plethora of colourways beyond an indigo wash.
Shop Straight-leg Jeans:
Agolde's 90s pinch jeans comes well recommended among Fashion editors.
Opt for a deeper shade of blue for something unique.
Bright denim is a fresh take on winter dressing.
This straight and wide-leg hybrid will pair beautifully with heeled mules.
5. Brown Loafers
Style Notes: Accessories take just as much consideration as apparel in a French woman's collection and loafers are one of the most cherished styles of footwear. Considered, refined and elegant, loafers have the power to instantly elevate outfits. Plus, it's a comfortable footwear option.
Shop Loafers:
Invest in Dear Frances footwear now and wear it forever.
The ruched feature pairs well with the suede fabrication.
Suede loafers are incredibly sleek!
Introduce a pop of colour into your loafer collection.
6. Cropped Trousers
Style Notes: 2024 was the year of shrunken hems and we witnessed the resurgence of capri pants dominate the French fashion scene. The typical capri pant hits above knee to knee length; however, it's morphed into a lengthier style just in time for cold-weather days. If you hope to continue wearing these styles into winter, opt for slim-fitting cropped trousers, or longer capri pants, of which there are plenty this season.
Shop Cropped Trousers:
Stouls is beloved in Paris for its expertly crafted suede and leather pieces. After witnessing them first hand I recommend them to everyone.
This reimagined capri pant comes with a generous length to suit the autumn weather forecast.
Awash with the longstanding cocoa brown hue that's become synonymous with autumn winter fashion.
The taught scuba material is an alternative to wearing 3/4 length leggings.
7. Co-Ords
Style Notes: It was only after moving here that I noticed just how popular co-ords have become. From woollen fabrications to leather, there are various styles to help you achieve a uniform look.
Shop Co-ords:
Wear this suave jacket as part of the matching set or as a separate.
Pique the subtle kick-flare hem.
Invest in a high quality cardigan now and it'll see you through many winter seasons. Thanks to high street retailers like COS, you can now own pieces comprising premium materials without breaking the bank.
Style this knitted mini skirt with knee-high boots in the winter.
