I always find the turn of the season a uniquely motivating time to revisit my wardrobe and take stock of what’s really working.
I’m not the type to overhaul my entire rotation the moment the weather cools; in fact, many of my most-loved pieces have been with me for years. Instead, I prefer to refine what I already own, neaten things up and make sure I’m not feeling uninspired by the options hanging in front of me. When I do this seasonal reset, I like to gather a little inspiration to help me decide which staples to prioritise and where I might consider a new investment. And who better to look to than the French? With their finely tuned eye for timelessness, they’ve perfected the art of the capsule wardrobe.
So, as I prepare to step into autumn, I’ve been leaning into the French-girl approach: curating a handful of enduring wardrobe buys that will carry me through the season ahead. Below, discover the French-inspired autumn capsule-wardrobe staples I’ll be investing in this season.
5 Pieces in a French Woman's Autumn 2025 Capsule Wardrobe
1. Suede Jacket
Style Notes: A supple suede jacket is the layer of choice for French women this autumn. More intriguing than your classic leather but just as versatile, it layers well with jeans, tailored trousers or even skirts, making it the kind of effortless piece the French are known to champion.
Shop Suede Jackets:
Be quick! I can't see this staying in stock for long.
Style with denim for an easy autumn look.
The khaki colour trend is set to take off this autumn.
2. Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: As the days get shorter, hemlines are getting longer, and wide-leg trousers are having a moment in Paris. These sweeping silhouettes bring movement and a touch of drama in that understated way the French are known for.
Shop Wide-Leg Trousers:
Reformation's Mason Pants are a fashion-person favourite.
Style these with a brown knit for a chic, tonal look.
The wool composition ensures a cosy finish.
3. V-Neck Knit
Style Notes: When it comes to knitwear, the French favour thoughtful details, and this season, that means a perfectly placed V-neck. Easy to layer under boxy jackets but interesting enough to wear solo, this alternative to the classic crew neck feels just a little more intentional whilst remaining endlessly wearable.
Shop V-Neck Knits:
I always come back to Rise & Fall for its cosy cashmere collection.
Style this over a fresh white tee or wear it on its own.
In classic black, this is so easy to slot into a capsule wardrobe.
4. Pull-On Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: No boot style works harder in autumn than the flat, pull-on knee-high. Comfortable enough for everyday wear, pair them with miniskirts or let them peek out from beneath a longer hemline.
Shop Pull-On Knee-High Boots:
The chocolate-brown colour trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
Style with a wool mini or pair with knee-grazing shorts.
A classic option.
5. Button-Down Shirt
Style Notes: As September settles in, wardrobes naturally shift towards a sharper sensibility, and the French are swapping tees and tanks for crisp button-downs. A smart staple that forms the foundation of their chicest autumn outfits, the shirt proves its staying power season after season.
Shop Button-Downs:
With Nothing Underneath's Boyfriend Shirts is a modern classic.
Style with denim or pair with sleek trousers.
Layer this over a cotton tee or style on its own.
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