If there's one thing every Who What Wear UK editor can talk about at length without getting bored, it's French wardrobe staples. Not the cliché kind (we've moved past striped tops and berets), but the real, everyday pieces that make French women look like they've got it all figured out, even when they're just wearing jeans and a coat. And whilst we'll always love a bit of quiet luxury or a throw-on trend, when it comes to building a capsule wardrobe that actually works, the French really do have it nailed.
It's that combination of effortlessness and longevity that makes the aesthetic feel especially relevant right now. There's something grounding about clothes that don't require constant reinvention; pieces that feel lived-in, intentional and versatile. French women don't build wardrobes from scratch each season; instead, they refine what's already there. This mindset is exactly what brands like Sézane have tapped into so well. The Paris-born label has become a go-to for those looking to invest in pieces that feel quietly confident and endlessly wearable. With every new drop, Sézane perfects rather than reinvents the wheel.
So, what exactly does that covetable French-woman wardrobe include? It's surprisingly straightforward: a great coat (usually tailored or slightly oversized), the kind of knitwear that can be dressed up or down, well-cut denim, a rotation of leather or suede accessories and shoes that balance style and comfort.
It's the way these pieces are styled that makes them feel so intentional: loafers with bare ankles, a cardigan slipped off one shoulder, a blazer layered over a worn-in tee. It's not fussy or overthought, but every element feels considered, and that's what makes it such a timeless formula. It's about dressing to adapt to your style, rather than trying to change it.
This is exactly why Sézane is the first place we look when it's time to refresh our wardrobes. Its autumn/winter collections are always full of pieces that do the work for you; elevated staples you can rely on day in and day out. The latest collection is brimming with autumn icons: think heavyweight coats, texture-rich knitwear, statement bags and shoes you don't have to change halfway through the day because your feet are killing you. These are the building blocks of a wearable capsule wardrobe that doesn't feel boring. Below, we break down the pieces we'll be living in this season.
Style Notes: If there's one item that gives away a French wardrobe instantly, it's the coat. You'll notice it's rarely "trendy", but it's always doing the heavy lifting. In Paris, I've seen women pull together an entire look with just two elements: a classic wool coat and great boots. Whether it's a double-breasted silhouette thrown over straight-leg denim or a checked coat styled with a silk scarf and low-key trainers, the coat is always the foundation.
Sézane understands this better than most, which is why its outerwear is consistently strong. These pieces aren't just here to keep you warm; they define the entire outfit. From belted silhouettes to relaxed, masculine cuts in heritage prints and camel tones, the brand nails that balance between form and function. It's less about statement outerwear and more about having a coat you'll throw on every day and never get bored of wearing.
Style Notes: French women have a way of making knitwear feel anything but basic. Sézane's cardigans—often styled backwards and slightly unbuttoned or tucked into high-waisted trousers—have become almost a signature amongst the French style set. I've seen them paired with silky midi skirts and trainers, layered over crisp shirts or worn on their own with vintage denim, and the effect is always relaxed but quietly considered.
This season, the knits play into the same idea: mohair blends, textured finishes and slightly oversized shapes that still feel feminine without being fussy. What makes Sézane's knitwear stand out is its versatility, working hard but never looking like it's trying to. And in true French fashion, these are usually the kind of pieces that look even better when they've been lived in a little.
Style Notes: French style has never been about loud accessories, but rather those low-key staples that complete the look without overpowering it, like a perfectly worn-in leather bag with clean lines and no garish branding. Whether it's a structured crossbody in polished leather or a slouchy suede style that looks like it's been passed down, Sézane's bags always feel personal. You'll often spot them worn casually with a trench and jeans, or slung over the shoulder of a wool blazer. Even the basket bags, which might feel more summer-leaning, are styled with knitwear and coats in autumn in a way only French women can seem to make work. It's all about utility that doesn't sacrifice style, and that's where the brand's design credentials really shine.
Style Notes: Walk around any arrondissement for long enough, and you'll quickly spot a pattern: French women don't wear shoes they can't comfortably move in. Paris is a city that loves to walk. That doesn't mean everyone sticks to flats; it just means that their shoes are practical and well-designed. Sézane's autumn footwear hits that mark. There are loafers with a subtle platform, clogs that are surprisingly wearable in the city and ankle boots in glossy patent or soft suede.
Each of these styles can be paired with everything from cropped trousers to midi dresses and worn with socks. The palette is classic for the time of year (deep browns, burgundy, black), which makes mixing and matching easy, but what I love most is that the shapes are interesting without being intimidating; you don't need to build a whole outfit around them, they just work. And once again, that's exactly what French style is about: less effort, more impact.
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