French Women Always Look Chic in Winter Thanks to These 8 Items

It's not always an easy feat to keep our levels of chicness high when the temps dip low, but who better to inspire our 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 cozy cardigans.

1. Long, Oversized Wool Overcoat

Style Notes: 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 colour 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. Unquestionably, it's the number one French-girl essential for looking chic in winter.

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2. Walkable Leather Knee-High Boots

Style Notes: When it comes to boots, the French crowd skips the Uggs and instead favours leather knee-high boots with a walkable heel or a flat sole, preferably in versatile tan or black hues. They're ideal for styling with tights and a mini or midi skirt.

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3. Turtleneck

Style Notes: Whether layered under a blazer, button-down, knit, or all three, a classic turtleneck is a staple in every French woman's winter wardrobe. It's classic, smart, and chic. Nobody layers turtlenecks quite like the French.

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4. An Extra Jumper Tied Around the Shoulders

Style Notes: There's no doubt basic sweaters are an integral part of a French winter wardrobe, but to add a stylish finishing touch to a cold-weather look, French women like to tie a chunky knit nonchalantly around their shoulders—over their coat, sweater, or blazer—which provides extra warmth and exudes that effortlessly chic touch they're well and truly known for.

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5. Cosy and Cute Cardigan

Style Notes: French women wear cardigans on a daily basis, opting for thicker iterations in the winter months. This is the perfect opportunity to add a little pop of colour to their neutral hues throughout the cold-weather season.

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6. Shearling or Faux-Fur Coat

Style Notes: Whether it's a '70s-inspired suede coat lined with shearling, a striking faux-fur coat, or a fuzzy-collar coat, the French love a textured topper. Opt for one in a vintage-inspired silhouette.

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7. Dark, Wide-Leg Jeans

Style Notes: Over the last couple of seasons, we've seen the popularity of wider-leg styles rising. A dark wash wide-leg jean is so effortlessly chic and can easily be dressed up or down, cementing them into capsule wardrobe territory.

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8. Black Tights

Style Notes: Okay, so this may seem pretty basic, but the French really like to make use of their tights in winter. Whether sheer or thick, we see French women styling them with tweed and wool miniskirts and even city shorts and boots throughout the colder months. Stick to black for a chic look.

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This post was previously published and has since been updated.