My French Friend Sent Me Her 2026 Shopping List—15 Chic High-Street Buys That Made the Cut
A Parisian-approved edit of polished, expensive-looking staples from Zara, H&M, Reformation and Sézane.
If there’s ever a time I need inspiration from my French, Paris-based best friend, it’s January. The days are cold and dark, my budget is tight after a slightly too-indulgent December, and, if I’m being honest, my winter outfit formulas start to feel a little uninspired. Luckily, having someone with impeccable French style on speed dial has its advantages, and within minutes I had my own curated list of the chicest high-street pieces worth knowing about right now.
Unsurprisingly, her edit was filled with the kind of polished, expensive-looking staples French women do so well: cigarette jeans, waisted cardigans, gathered loafers and tailored coats, all elevated by the smallest details—subtle ruching, interesting necklines and glossy gold buttons that make even the simplest outfit feel intentional. If you showed me the list without the brand names, I’d easily assume it was an overly ambitious luxury wish list.
Instead, it’s made up of pieces from some of our most reliable shopping destinations, from H&M and Zara to Reformation and Sézane. The takeaway? Dressing well in 2026 isn’t about spending more, it’s about choosing better. Keep scrolling to shop my French best friend’s chic January wish list.
Shop My French Friend's 2026 Shopping List
If you’re bored of oversized blazers, this is a sharper alternative. The fitted cut gives a more defined silhouette that works beautifully with wide-leg trousers or sleek denim.
A deep indigo wash always looks more refined than faded denim, and these have that clean, minimal COS finish.
The collarless style instantly elevates this.
The French have mastered the art of elevated basics, and this wool Zara jumper nails it.
A funnel neck instantly makes knitwear feel more elevated, and this one is perfect for layering in winter. It’s the kind of cardigan you’ll wear as a top as often as you wear it open.
These are the kind of jeans that make outfits look intentional with almost no effort. High-rise, straight-leg and endlessly versatile; wear them with loafers and a trench and you’re done.
A genuinely useful knit: soft cashmere, classic crew shape, and the kind of cardigan you’ll throw over everything from slip dresses to denim.
The perfect everyday bag.
Easy, polished trousers that do a lot of work for you.
A collared knit is an easy way to look pulled together with zero effort. Wear it buttoned up with tailored trousers for a modern, slightly Parisian feel.
A bomber that gives “off-duty model” energy without trying too hard. The finish looks sleek and elevated, and it’s perfect over a fine knit and straight-leg jeans.
The wide leg and deep colour keep these jeans looking intentional—ideal with a clean trainer or loafer.
Simple, classic and easy to style; exactly what you want from a reliable January buy. Ideal for layering and everyday wear.
The square toe is what makes these feel current. Sleek and minimal, they’re a great everyday loafer if you want something smarter than trainers but not overly formal.
A V-neck knit is quietly making a comeback, and this one nails the brief. Soft, lightweight and flattering—perfect tucked into tailored trousers or worn loose over denim.
Such an elegant shape.
This is that classic, French-feeling cardigan you can wear in a hundred ways. It looks particularly good styled simply with denim and a clean coat.
A subtle statement trouser—pleats, volume and a tapered shape that feels fashion-forward but still wearable. Style with a fitted knit to balance the silhouette.
This is one of Zara’s “wait, that’s Zara?” outerwear moments. The fitted cut and premium wool feel instantly elevated.
A classic cardigan that feels polished rather than prim.
From the rich colour to the sumptuous suede, these are an instant yes.
Jewel buttons always add a touch of polish, perfect when you want something cosy but still “nice.”
A winter hero you can wear like outerwear, or treat as a statement layer indoors.
These trousers feels especially relevant right now; timeless, but with a more modern cut.
The fringe detail gives this coat movement and personality, without making it feel too trend-driven. It’s the kind of outerwear that makes even a simple outfit look styled.
If you want an everyday flat that isn’t overly delicate, these are a strong option. Minimal, wearable and perfect with straight-leg jeans.
The collar gives this cashmere cardigan a slightly smarter, more styled finish—perfect if you like your knits to feel polished rather than loungey. It looks especially chic layered under a wool coat with the collar peeking out.
A slouchy jacket in the best way; warm, oversized and easy to throw on. The khaki shade makes it feel fresh and modern against denim or black trousers.
This is that classic, French-feeling cardigan you can wear in a hundred ways. It looks particularly good styled simply with denim and a clean coat.
A beautifully cut wide-leg trouser that looks instantly refined.
A clean, classic loafer with a subtly modern edge. They’re the sort of shoe that instantly makes denim look more refined.
Navy knitwear always feels expensive, and this cardigan is no exception. A great layering piece that brings a slightly preppy-but-chic finish.
A timeless pair of wide-leg jeans that go with everything in your wardrobe.
