It's true. I’ve now officially set my sights—as I know many of you have, too—on spring, which is very much on my mind right now thanks to brighter mornings and the lovely, much sunnier weather we've been having here in the UK.
This year, I want to make sure I’m prepared for the seasonal switch, and naturally, I’ve turned my attention to ascertaining which pieces form a French woman's spring capsule wardrobe. For this, I’ve taken a close look at the sartorial habits of some of my favourite French women, deep-diving into their respective feeds to see what they wear when spring rolls around, and it didn’t take long for some patterns to emerge.
Now, I’m confident that the French woman’s spring capsule wardrobe can be encapsulated (and indeed replicated) in just 11 items—some of which I’m pretty sure you’ll already own, with a couple of stylish curveballs thrown in for good measure. Scroll on to see them and begin assembling your Français-inspired spring outfits.
See the 11 Items Parisian Have in Their Spring Capsule Wardrobe:
1. Trench Coats
Style Notes: We all know trench coats are an integral part of the British uniform, but French women have adopted them as their own too, even in the winter. French women wear them with everything!
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A perfectly slouched silhouette.
An absolute classic in France!
2. Textured Cardigans
Style Notes: Cardigans are integral to how French women get dressed. If you follow their rules, the chunkier the better, and always go cropped.
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This French brand is a good place to start for an authentic look.
A classic piece you can wear from spring through to winter. Pair it with straight-leg jeans for a head-to-toe Parisian look.
3. Suede Outerwear
Style Notes: French women have worn suede for years but as the popularity of the fabrication has grown, so too has the number of suede handbags, jackets and coats worn across France. Typically, suede is worn alongside denim and refined tops, or the little black dress.
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A chic outfit in seconds.
Swap your wool outerwear for suede!
4. Relaxed Shirts
Style Notes: Nothing has the power to make an outfit look pulled together quite like a shirt, and lots of French influencers tend to like theirs relaxed. No need to size up; I’ve found perfectly cut shirts that tap into this aesthetic as they are.
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This will remain in your wardrobe forever more.
Tap into nonchalant dressing with oxford stripe.
5. Leather Midi Skirts
Style Notes: French women love to wear leather skirts throughout the year and for 2025, the hemlines have extended. It's almost time to add open-toe sandals.
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This looks just like a designer skirt.
The deep colourway gives this leather skirt a distinguishable feature.
6. Black Bags
Style Notes: It might sound cliché, but I have to believe some clichés exist for a reason. And that is certainly the case when it comes to French women and their penchant for small black bags, which peaks in the spring months thanks to their practicality and versatility.
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This shoulder bag will go with everything in your wardrobe.
The vintage-style clutch feels inherently French.
7. Slouched Blazers
Style Notes: No French woman's wardrobe is complete without a men's style blazer and this style is particularly popular in the spring months. Paired with slim-fit trousers or matching tailoring, there is no better pairing.
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One of the most coveted blazers amongst the fashion set.
Not forgetting this high street gem, of course. Everyone in theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing office now owns this blazer.
8. Straight-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: It's straight-leg jeans season all year round for French women. Straight-leg jeans are incredibly chic, especially when paired with ankle boots tucked underneath.
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The might just be the perfect blue hue.
A great high-street option if you're looking for loose-leg straight-fit jeans!
9. Loafers
Style Notes: As advocates of the classics, it's no surprise that French fashion often people turn to this timeless shoe. During winter, loafers can be spotted paired with socks and peeking out under trousers, whilst spring calls for Gallic girls to switch out for jeans or a skirt.
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It's easy to see why this pair is so popular.
This pair is elevated even further with the tiny logo detail.
10. Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: I've studied French style for years and smart tailored trousers are a constant in a French woman's wardrobe. Whether styled casually with a t-shirt or elevated for evening, they're guaranteed to pull a look together.
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An investment piece that's guaranteed to last for years.
This relaxed pair is particularly cool.
11. Tweed Jackets
Style Notes: French women have a knack for styling their tweed and bouclé jackets in fresh new ways, which always seem to come to fruition in spring when the need for heavy outerwear isn’t so pressing.
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This is currently sitting in my basket.
A contemporary take on a classic.
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