French Women Always Look Chic in Winter Thanks to These 8 Items
In winter I'm all about low-effort, maximum impact dressing—i.e. wearing and investing in pieces that don't require a lot of thought to put together yet look instantly and perennially chic. So who better to inspire my winter outfits than the fashion-forward French, who basically embody the words "effortlessly chic"? In fact, throughout many years of writing about French-girl style, I've kept a close eye on items French women always reach for to look chic and polished through the cold-weather season.
When it comes to French-girl winter outfits, it's all about comfort, convenience, and classic pieces that will elevate an ensemble, and luckily for us, taking a leaf out of their book doesn't require too much effort. Keep scrolling for the eight essential items French girls reach for to stay warm and look chic all season long, from striking long overcoats to faux-fur scaves.
Faux-Fur Coats and Scarves
When the temps dip low, French women skip the puffers and make a beeline for elegant faux-fur coats and scarves that are warm and stylish. Most often styled with simple casual jeans and basics, a rich-looking coat or scarf really makes the outfit. Don't overlook vintage styles—the French almost always prefer vintage-looking faux-fur over anything else.
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Walkable Leather Knee-High Boots
When it comes to boots, the French crowd skips the Uggs and instead favors leather knee-high boots with a walkable heel or a flat sole, preferably in versatile brown, tan or black hues. They're ideal for styling with tights and a mini or midi skirt.
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Luxe Leather Gloves
Stylish French women opt for luxe-looking leather gloves to stay warm in the winter. From black to burgundy, they're a surefire way to add a chic touch to your look.
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Classic Elevated Knitwear
There's no doubt classic sweaters are an integral part of a French winter wardrobe. Whether you go for a charming cardigan, a fitted turtleneck, or a relaxed crewneck sweater (perhaps nonchalantly thrown around your shoulders), choosing elegant knitwear in classic colors (a pop of red is great too) will add an effortlessly chic touch to your look.
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Long Wool Coats
If there's one item I see over and over again on stylish French women in winter, it's a long, slightly oversize wool coat—usually in a classic color such as navy, black, or camel. There is something so chic about the elongated silhouette, and it works with everything from sneaker outfits to knit dresses, jeans, and more.
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Sheer Tights
French women gravitate to sleek and alluring black and brown sheer tights in the winter, whether layered under jeans with pointed-toe pumps or worn with an LBD. It's the preferred way to stay warm and look chic.
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Elegant Handbag
Nothing completes a French-girl outfit quite like an elegant handbag. We're seeing clean and minimalist East West bags, '90s shoulder bags, and sumptuous suede bags all over Paris right now. The perfect way to add polish to a casual winter look.
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A Pop of Leopard Print
While we tend to see a lot of dark ensembles in winter, the French like to add an eye-catching element to their look, particularly in the form of a statement leopard print piece. Opt for a fun shoulder bag, a top, or even a statement faux-fur coat.
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