French Fall Capsule Wardrobe
Fall French Capsule Wardrobe
Fall is my favorite season. I love the crisp weather and the opportunity to change my wardrobe. This post is dedicated to French fall capsule wardrobe key pieces to add to your wardrobe. Don’t feel pressured to purchase all of these. I tried to offer different price points for various budgets. Take this post and decide which items to incorporate and invest in your closet for the upcoming season. The French girl style incorporates neutral colors with classic silhouettes that can be carried over from year to year. Each year, upgrade the items in your wardrobe when your budget allows, piece by piece.
Below is my fall capsule wardrobe checklist:
French Capsule Wardrobe: Navy Blazer
A blazer is a must-have wardrobe essential right now. I always love getting blazers at J.Crew. J.Crew Factory and Banana Republic also offer great options. You can pop a white button-down underneath to pull it together. Sézane also has great blazers.
In the fall, a navy blazer is the perfect everyday layer over a sweater or white blouse. I paired mine here with a blouse and styled it with the James jumper. Regarding colors for your capsule wardrobe, I prefer a neutral color palette. This allows you to mix and match different pieces.
French Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Leather Jacket
A leather jacket is an investment piece worth making when you have the money. I bought this one from Madewell in the early fall on sale, and I have worn it so many times that it was well worth it. I got it in size M so I could wear sweaters under it and close it comfortably. There are many other options from other retailers; use your style and choose one that fits you best. You will find more excuses to wear it than you think. If you are headed to Paris, you will wear this early in the fall. You will need a warmer coat towards mid-October and on into winter. Mango has an affordable, cute one for under $200.
Fall French Capsule Wardrobe Classic: Wool Coat
I am wearing the Johnson coat above, which is going into my 4th season. The coat is a great investment piece.
I am wearing the Paolo in camel. Size down one size. This is a size 2.
On one of my first trips to Paris, I was starting as a photographer and had a limited budget for just about everything. The temperature dropped, and my leather coat would not withstand the weather. I had my eye on a Sandro coat, and the guy I was dating then convinced me that I would wear it for many seasons and that it would be an investment. He was right, and the coat lasted longer than he did! A wool coat and scarf are great wardrobe pieces to keep warm.
There were many navy wool coats last October, and I expect that trend to continue. I splurged on this navy coat last year and can’t wait to wear it again.
French Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Basic Tee
A basic tee is something that is in my wardrobe year-round. I will pair it with shorts in the warmer months and under a blazer or sweater in the colder months. There are pricier tees you can invest in, or look for a more affordable option. For inexpensive options, I like the ones at Madewell, which are often on sale. Below are a few basic tees in both black and white.
French Capsule Wardrobe: Black Tights
The minute the weather turns in Paris, you will find Parisian women walking around with black tights paired with skirts and dresses. It’s the perfect way to transition your fall outfits. There are several options for black tights. I typically purchase mine at Calzedonia, which you can find all over Paris. It’s a fun souvenir to bring home. Also, Sézane offers a few options. I just purchased a few pairs to try out. When it comes to black tights in Paris, less is more. A little pattern, such as polka dots, is fun, but leave the loud prints for another time.
French Style: Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are a classic French wardrobe style that has never gone away. There have been a lot of articles lately about celebrities wearing ballet flats and how they are the “it” shoe for fall. My favorite ballet flat is the Margaux Demi. I own it in black, and now I want it in brown. I always wear these flats in the fall in Paris. They are one of my favorite pairs of shoes for walking around Paris. They hold up well for long walks around the city. I now own this Mary Jane style from Margaux in my color crush of the fall, olive. The Greta flat from Madewell is such a great option under $100. I have these red flats from Madewell I wear often. It is a fun pop of color and is on trend for the season.
French Capsule Wardrobe Essentials: Trench Coat
A classic trench coat trench is an investment piece that you will wear for more than one season out of the year. French women wear them in the rain and also when it is sunny. I bought mine from Sézane and wore it on repeat from October through April. It’s a great transitional piece to add to your classic French capsule wardrobe for fall. More affordable options for trench coats can be found at J.Crew and Mango.
French Wardrobe Essentials: Cashmere Sweater
Cashmere sweaters are a great addition to your fall French capsule wardrobe. They will keep you warm and last in your closet for years if properly cared for. Jenni Kayne has some beautiful cashmere sweaters in different styles. I just purchased my first sweater and heard rave reviews from other readers who own her items. This turtleneck cashmere sweater in cream is on my wish list for sure! Jenni Kayne does do some 20% off discounts. It is worth it to get on their email list!
I will also say Quince makes an excellent cashmere sweater for $50. Size up one size, I take a medium.
The Perfect White Button-Down
I always grab a button-up with jeans or a skirt from my closet. I have multiple colors for this one, including a perfect white. J.Crew offers a great white button-down that can be worn alone, with a blazer, or under a sweater for a layered look.
French Wardrobe Classics for Fall: Midi Pleated Skirts
I called the pleated skirt a trend a few years ago. I saw so many people wearing pleated skirts in different lengths and colors. It took a few years for the US to catch on, and now they are available all over. Here are a few favorites.
Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Knee-High Boots
These are a favorite from Blondo and are also waterproof. The knee-high boots, in leather or suede, can be worn from fall to spring. I continue to see this trend year after year.
If you don’t think you can pull off knee-high boots, leather ankle boots are a great option. They can be worn with jeans, shirts, or dresses.
The Best Fall Shoes for Paris
Fall Paris Capsule Wardrobe: White Sneakers
A pair of white sneakers is a great French girl wardrobe essential for every season. In years past, I wouldn’t have thought to include sneakers in the French wardrobe, but they are now much more accepted as a style and are one of the biggest trends in footwear for women. My top choices are the Madewell sneakers, Veja, or the Jack sneakers from Sézane.
Striped Tee
The striped tee is a bit of a cliché French-girl style, to mention a striped tee or sweater, but it is a classic style that comes back year after year. I have owned some Saint James shirts I bought with my aunt and uncle, which have held up so well over the years. In my recent visits to Paris, one of the trends I noticed the most among the French was a striped tee layered under a solid blazer, trench, or just with a pair of skinny jeans.
I own this shirt in size small from Sézane that I wear on repeat. The pop of red is fun and a bit different. I have a whole tee and striped sweater section in my closet.
French Wardrobe Staple: Little Black Dress
If you travel solo in Paris, this is the perfect excuse to get all dressed up and go out for a great dinner. I always pack a little black dress with me for dinner.
A little black dress is a must for date nights, meetings, and going out with friends in the city. In Paris, I would skip the high heels and wear an ankle bootie or flat.
Crossbody Tote French Fall Capsule Wardrobe
Parisians are currently carrying crossbody bags and larger totes. I love this trend and there are some great options to add this style to your wardrobe. I just was introduced to the brand Jenn Lee and while it isn’t French, the styles are great and it is a female owned brand.
*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission off of items purchased from my links. Merci!
Bonjour, I’m Rebecca!
I’m a photographer, blogger, croissant-lover, and world traveler. I hope that Everyday Parisian inspires you by bringing a bit of France into your daily life and helps you plan the best trip to Paris with personalized recommendations for places to stay, explore, and eat.
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I love your site! Thank you for your great taste and for sharing all of this! 🙂
Where’s the cute plaid scarf from?
Barbour! It was from last year and I wore it on repeat. This one is similar at Nordstrom. They should be adding new ones in with the upcoming change in weather. https://go.shopmy.us/p-7723123
Great post shoes and handbags are my first love and this post contains so many wonderful choices! Have you heard of or seen the Ellen infomercial for her skin care line? The first thing I noticed was her terrific button down blue shirt and her Veja sneakers, classic of course. When I actually lived somewhere that had seasons, my must have was a trench coat a classic one in a beige/tan and one in a cool color. I love your Sezane trench great color and style. Love this post.
Enjoy the fall weather !
Thank you, Jo! No, I haven’t seen her infomercial. I didn’t know she had a skin care line.
Thank you so much! xo
Not an easy task for me…( This year I am creating my 1st capsule wardrobe, and I struggle to find good loafers, jeans and sweater as I am petite! Any recommendations? Thanks
Hi Anna,
I don’t have an expertise in petit sizing. You can try Petite in Paris. https://petiteinparis.com/
Hi … suggestions to wear to the horse races on October 1. Where in Chicago do you shop for your trips to Paris ???
Thank you
Uniqlo offers decent cashmeres a good price. A black cashmere turtleneck is a must wardrobe piece for me. I wear my Uniqlos as much as my high end versions,and they have lasted years already.
If you are in France,Monoprix has a decent house brand as well.
Invest in a good cashmere brush,and a gentle ( avoid those rough pumice ones ) sweater comb for the occasional pill,was with a good soap ( The Laundress has the best ) and you will have them for years.
Alice,
Thank you so much for these helpful tips! I love The Laundress too. It is great advice. xo