As the crisp air of fall gently settles in and the autumnal equinox has passed, the season has officially arrived. And I must admit that something about autumn has me dreaming even more than usual about Paris. I imagine warm toned cobblestone streets, cafes full of conversation, laughter, and soft light, and the women in attire that balances effortlessness and elegance. Think cozy fabrics and textures, sophisticated but comfortable footwear choices (because the weather is perfect for walking this time of year), and quality basics that feel like a hug. All things effortless, warm, and chic.
There is truly something to cherish about settling in and cozying up for autumn, especially after the warmer months of summer, and along with the golden leaves and cooler temps comes the excitement of dressing for my favorite season.
Here are six of my best tips for dressing like a true Parisian this fall; because if you can’t be in Paris for this magical time of year, you might as well dress like you are.
1. Ditch the Leggings for a Pair of Wide-Leg Trousers
Let’s get right to it, and this first one may ruffle some feathers. But you should know that a French lady would not be caught out in a pair of leggings. They’re simply too casual for true French style. Instead, she would pull on a more elevated wide leg trouser such as this one.
For a comfortable fit, you can pair trousers with a form-fitting basic tee and blazer or a v-neck sweater in a complimenting color (and don’t forget a simple front tuck).
P.S. Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with leggings and we all know how comfortable they are! A French woman would simply save them for those cozy days in.
trousers | tee | blazer | ballet flats | belt
2. Invest in Your Denim
Chances are, your wardrobe could use an upgrade in the jeans department. I know mine certainly can after having a baby last year and experiencing the body changes that come with being a postpartum mama. You will not regret investing in a solid, quality pair (or a couple of pairs) of denim jeans that fit well in this early fall season to be able to wear through the coming winter months and into spring as well.
When selecting your jeans, keep in mind that French women reach for the classics first and tend to avoid rips and/or distressing. Here is a pair in a classic but relaxed fit that I’ve been eyeing this season.
3. Hello, Quality Basics
This goes without saying, but if you know anything about French fashion, you know that it is more elevated all around than American fashion. Trends in the United States come and go each season, but French women know the power of a wardrobe with a few classic pieces rather than a closet stuffed full of trends that will be out of style before you know it.
Here are a few places to start: We’re loving tops and sweaters in neutral colors from Madewell this year. For jeans and pants, Everlane has some great options. And when it comes to boots, you can never go wrong with a pair of sleek leather ankle boots.
Need something a little more durable for the cooler weather? Sorel and Born are my personal favorite brands. Talk about comfort, durability, AND style!
What makes a capsule wardrobe a success is a foundation of high quality, timeless pieces in a neutral color palette. A little black dress, a button-down, a simple white tee, black pants, and a great pair of jeans can go a long way. Bonus points if you include white jeans, a pair of white sneakers, and an oversized blazer. You can learn more about curating a fall capsule wardrobe here.
black jeans | striped sweater | boots | earrings
4. Cardigans Are Your Friend
Fall can be tricky to dress for depending on where you live, because you never know how cool it will actually stay all day. Where I live, the mornings and evenings are quite chilly, but the afternoon sun may make an appearance to warm things up. Therefore, cardigans have been a staple layering piece in my wardrobe lately. Not only are they perfect for chilly mornings, but they’re effortless to throw on and your outfit can still look complete without it for when you need to remove it later.
Reminder: Choose a cropped cardigan when wearing high rise pants to create the most flattering silhouette.
5. Consider Your Footwear
Instead of reaching for your UGG boots from your college years (no matter how comfy they may be), consider choosing a sleek ankle boot or loafer for a more polished look. Personally I love my black ankle boots because they are just so versatile and go with almost any fall outfit. They’re also comfortable enough for walking, which is one of my favorite pastimes with my little family before winter hits here in the midwest. For advice on how to best pair ankle boots with jeans, we’ve got an in-depth guide for you!
Another chic option popular among Parisian women is a ballet flat, and if the weather is chilly, remember that you can always pair ballet flats with a pair of thick tights if need be.
5. And of Course, the Iconic Trench Coat
For outerwear, a classic trench coat is an absolute must when you desire to emulate French girl style in the fall. Nothing will make you feel more ready to step onto the streets of Paris on those cooler days that call for an outer layer than this essential piece to your wardrobe.
We recommend starting with either a khaki or black color so that you can get the most use out of it by pairing it with almost any outfit. And for good measure, here are 13 styling tips for wearing your trench coat like a French girl. You’re welcome!
trench coat | sweater | jeans | boots
Embracing This Autumn Season
I hope these Parisian style tips are helpful and offer some inspiration as you look forward to embracing whatever this autumn season has in store for you. Whether you’re running errands, exploring a new city with a handsome date, taking your kids to enjoy the local apple orchard, or grabbing coffee and a pastry out with a friend, these tips are sure to help you feel confident and effortlessly pulled together, just like a French woman.
If you’re looking for advice on how to create a fall capsule wardrobe, keep reading for The Best French Capsule Wardrobe for a Classic Fall and Winter (With 40 Outfit Ideas)
