I'm a Brit Living in Paris—5 Sophisticated Autumn Boot Outfits I've Already Spotted on French Women
French women provide inspiring outfit references at the best of times, which is why their style has become incredibly aspirational. Their unwavering nonchalant style is a particular source of inspiration during the transitional months when we typically lean on classics and search for ways to incorporate them into a working wardrobe.
From Mary-Janes to knee-high boots, a typical French style wardrobe comprises a handful of footwear heroes and the ankle boot is a heavily relied upon choice from September onwards. French brands Sandro, Sézane and Isabel Marant (to name a few) hone in on the ankle boot style yearly, with classic shapes in deep colours, lacquered fabrications, croc-effect and suede — French women need a way to continue wearing straight-leg jeans in the autumn, after all.
Although streamlined boots with pointed silhouettes and Western details are much-loved among Gallic women, they've also inherited the Chelsea boot style over the past few years, owing to its practicality and classic shaping. We'll soon close the chapter on closed-toe footwear but fret not as ankle boots are here to cushion the blow. Continue reading for five chic autumn outfits, approved by French women.
5 ANKLE BOOT OUTFITS WE'RE COPYING FROM FRENCH WOMEN THIS AUTUMN/WINTER:
1. Wool Coat + Black Knitwear + White Jeans + Heeled Chelsea Boots
Style Notes: Invite some light into your autumn, winter wardrobe with creamy colourways and tie the look together with a classic heeled Chelsea boot.
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The textured profile, milky hue, belted waist and structured silhouette sets the Ivy Coat apart from the other wool outwear on the market.
Arket always have premium knitwear offerings that stand the test of time.
2. Multicolour Knitted Co-Ord + Brown Suede Boots
Style Notes: Whilst colours are becoming noticeably deeper, that's not to say there isn't fun to be had. Now is the time to embrace colours and textiles. French women master this with multicoloured, space dye knitwear and deep, rich tones. The addition of textured accessories, in complementary hues will uplift your autumnal wardrobe.
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A plush shoulder bag to house all of your essentials.
Bar's contemporary jewellery makes the best addition to this joy-inducing ensemble.
3. Grey Double Breasted Blazer + Cashmere Textured Jumper + Pleated Midi Skirt + Pointed Biker Ankle Boots
Style Notes: Here, Franny demonstrates one of this season's most coveted trends — the pleated wool skirt, styled with a pointed biker-style ankle boot. This outfit is streamlined, and refined, with a little bit of added drama.
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There's something wonderfully nostalgic about this pair. Plus, the Western lilt, of course.
4. Slouched Camel Coat + Black Dress + Chunky Ankle Boots
Style Notes: It's time to start thinking about winter coats and I always recommend a timeless, slouched silhouette (best for incorporating knitwear into looks). With the addition of chunky ankle boots, it's the autumn/winter uniform to wear on repeat.
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Max Mara coats make worthy investments. Buy it now and wear forevermore.
A new addition to Loewe's Puzzle Bag family.
Deliciously androgynous. Pair it with whimsical frocks and jeans, alike.
5. Khaki Trench Coat + Blue Jeans + Sheer Wool Top + Croc Effect Ankle Boots
Style Notes: Croc-effect boots are inherently Parisian and French brand Rouje boast this evergreen style, year-round. The auburn hue leans into this years burgundy trend and pairs wonderfully with khaki green outwear thrown atop.
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Sézane's bestselling trench coat is fully stocked for the transitional months. While it comes in classic camel and stones colourways, the khaki hue is my pick of the bunch.
Comprising 100% wool, this top will become a hard-working layer you can fall back on in seasons (and years) to come.
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.