Between crisp morning walks with a matcha in hand and finally whipping out my candle collection again, I’m looking forward to so many things as we count down to the new season. And as a lover of all things autumn, I’m not ashamed to say that I’m already on the hunt for easy but elegant cold-weather staples to add to my capsule wardrobe. And if you’re a regular reader of Who What Wear, it shouldn't surprise you that I’ve spent the last month or so looking at what the most elegant French girls are purchasing for inspiration for my own autumnal capsule.

Now we all probably know that Gallic girls are pretty much the blueprint for autumn dressing. And no, I’m not just talking about the cliché basics that might initially come to mind (sorry Breton knits and berets!). I mean the real staples that they invest in to look polished and put-together for each and every occasion without fail and, more importantly, solve the daily "what do I wear?" morning panic sessions. Focusing on a number of chic but easy-to-style elements that feel as elevated as they are effortless, in true Parisian fashion, they always manage to curate as capsule that perfectly strikes the balance between looking fresh for autumn 2026 and feeling timeless enough to last in your wardrobe for many years to come.

And luckily for you, I’ve rounded them up below so that you, too, can channel your inner Parisienne this autumn. From elevated outerwear to classic knitwear, here are the seven anti-trend basics you'll find in every French girl's autumn 2026 capsule wardrobe

6 Elegant Staples You'll Find On a French Girl's Autumn Shopping List

1. Wool Coat

Style notes: The French girls love their wool coats as much as we do, and I, for one, cannot wait to get mine back out for the season ahead. I already own a classic black double-breasted style, so for autumn 2026, I'm on the hunt for a rich chocolate brown hue like the one above.

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2. Cashmere Knit

Style notes: Is there anything more classic than a crewneck cashmere jumper? I don't think so. And the French girls don't either. It's a simple but elegant basic that looks expensive at every price point and in every colour.

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3. Tailored Trousers

Style notes: Anti-trend, elegant and extremely versatile, a pair of tailored trousers is one of the hardest-working basics in a French woman’s autumn capsule. Whether you prefer black, brown, or even khaki, you’ll reach for this smart pant style for any and every occasion.

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4. Leather Tote

Style notes: I didn’t think that anyone could love their leather totes more than us day out with friends or the office, polished French women will be relying on this roomy bag style from now until next spring.

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5. Knee-High Boots

Style notes: Boot season is here! And for autumn 2026 specifically, I'll be taking a cue from chic French women and opting for a pair of knee-high heeled boots that lengthen the legs and keep them warm as temperatures start to drop.

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6. Dark-Wash Jeans

Style notes: After months spent in linen, it's finally time to start unpacking our jeans for the new season. And I'll be taking a cure from elegant Parisiennes and opting for dark-wash denim that feels perfectly suited to the cold-weather season.

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When Amal Clooney gives the green light to stop relying only on white T-shirts and try another, perhaps even more versatile basic, you go for it. The lawyer was spotted wearing said basic—a simple yet impactful black tank top—over the long weekend during her trip alongside her husband, George Clooney, for the Venice Film Festival. She's already debuted plenty of enviable ensembles, but her latest stood out, particularly because of the way she took a clothing item as whatever as a black tank top and elevated it. Suddenly, white tees don't feel so essential. A black tank, on the other hand, deserves some space in our dressers.

To level up the classic scoop-neck top, Clooney first belted it before adding a snakeskin maxi skirt from Elie Saab. The layered, sheer skirt featured a thigh-high slit, giving the summery outfit a laid-back yet sophisticated look. From there, she chose a pair of camel-colored leather wedges and a matching Chloé bag with jewelry-like gold hardware. Her oversized sunglasses finished off the outfit.

On Amal Clooney: Elie Saab skirt; Chloé Small Bracelet Grained Leather Hobo Bag ($2950)

The difference between a white tee and a black tank is all about the formality of the latter and the casual nature of the former. Sure, a white T-shirt pairs perfectly with some vintage jeans, but does it create a polished look that can go anywhere with you? Probably not. A black tank and a flowing maxi skirt, as Clooney just proved—can. The same applies if you pair it with a white A-line skirt or some low-rise black trousers. It's dramatically underappreciated in the world of basics, but I can't imagine it'll stay that way for long after Clooney's recent sighting.

I already ordered three new styles to try—though I'm biased toward a discontinued version by Agolde called the Bianca Tank (this is my not-so-subtle hint to the brand to bring it back!). Below, shop a few other styles that have passed my test.

Shop Black Tank Tops

Kristina Ang is a Who What Wear editor in residence, a fashion writer and content creator, and a social producer for Spotify. Previously, she worked as a social video coordinator at Harper's Bazaar.

Not to be dramatic, but summer might be my least favorite season of the year—the heat and humidity, mosquitoes… And don't even get me started about the high electric bills.

Maybe it's because I live in New York City, where waiting on the subway platform for the train somehow feels hotter than actually being outside. Even though it should feel easier (less clothes, less stress, or so you would think), getting dressed in the summer has become more of a chore for me than ever. I'm someone who likes to dress up, but ultimately, summer has a habit of finding me in the same tank top and jorts. Don't get me wrong. I love jelly sandals and a colorful summer outfit just as much as the next person, but every once in a while, I'd love to step out in an outfit and not come back with sweat stains.

The fleeting months between the blistering heat and treacherous cold are—dare I say—fashion's most fashionable. It's the brief window when a chunky-knit sweater can be paired with a barely-there lace skirt, an oversize trench can be draped over the simplest of looks and become the outfit itself, and a Canadian tuxedo suddenly feels right with a bright-red cardigan tossed over the shoulders. Are you excited yet?

Before we welcome cooler days, here are the seven early-fall pieces that have been on my mind all summer and will be welcomed with open arms the second it ends.

Kristina Ang's Fall Essentials

1. Colorful Tights

Gone are the days when tights only came in black, brown, and beige. Today's stockings are far more adventurous. Plus, they're practical, providing a light layer of warmth that makes them perfect for crisp fall nights.

2. Trench Coats

Light layers are essential for fall, and not many pieces do the job quite as effectively as a trench coat. It's that in-between moment when it's not quite cold enough to pull your puffer out of storage yet too chilly to get by with a cardigan alone. Pro tip: Shop vintage men's trench coats for an oversize and lived-in fit.

3. Knee-High Boots

The moment I can switch out my ballet flats and thong sandals for a great pair of knee-high boots is when I know that fall is officially here. Last year, Frye's beloved motorcycle boots made their comeback, and I expect to see the style continue to make its way onto the streets this season.

4. Fringe Bags

I was never much of a fringe girl in my formative years, but as my personal style has evolved, so have my tastes. Try incorporating an asymmetrical fringe top or boho fringe bag into your wardrobe this fall—you won't regret it.

5. Statement Outerwear

I very much treat my fall and winter outerwear like the main event of my outfit, whether we're talking about a multicolored shearling zip-up or a moto jacket. Outerwear is one of my favorite ways to incorporate more personality into my looks without sacrificing practicality or comfort.

6. Beanies

As someone who is devoted to having bangs for the rest of her life, wearing a beanie has become a serious commitment—an occasion of sorts. I've come to love the cozy accessory, but sadly, hat hair is very real, and it's the price we all have to pay. I guess that just means my beanies have to be especially stylish. That way, I never have to take them off.

7. Blazers

In addition to my glasses and bangs, I'd like to think blazers are the final puzzle piece of my signature look. You just can't go wrong with a white T-shirt, jeans, and a crisp blazer. These days, there's a blazer for everyone, whether you're into oversize men's blazers or a more structured fit with shoulder pads.

As a Who What Wear editor, I spend a lot of time shopping online. Sometimes, I even set parameters for myself to see what I can find, and today's self-invented challenge was to shop with a budget of $100 and under.

My mind first went to wardrobe staples that will get the most wear, including fall basics for the season ahead. I've been loving my $38 Baby Rib 3/4 Sleeve Boatneck Top in navy from Los Angeles Apparel and want to get a black one as well. It's the perfect weight for crisp, cool weather. This made me think about Almina Concept's $68 High V-Neck Tank, which I've also had in my cart. Starting in September and lasting until it gets too cold, I pretty much live in tights from Swedish Stockings, so I'll be ordering a few new pairs.

For beauty, the cult-favorite nail polish brand Celisse recently launched its first-ever red, and I can't wait to try it. I keep hearing everyone, from my facialist to beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock, sing the praises of Prequel's affordable glycerin cleanser. I've been loving M.Ph's Overliner Lip Liner Pencil, so I'd like to try the Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm from the line as well. I've also been obsessing over the Dries Van Noten lipstick packaging, and since I love a good bath, I want HigherDose's $39 Serotonin Soak Magnesium Bath Salts. Lastly, the $95 Yves Durif Vented Brush and $58 Dior Foundation Stick have both been on my wish list.

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Shop Beauty

I'm very familiar with the saying "if you love something, buy it in every color." But for me, that rarely happens. That is, until I recently came across a top I knew I'd have to have in every shade.

It happened on a recent trip to Spain, where Zara was, naturally, one of my first stops—because, as you probably know, Zara in Spain is just better. While browsing the racks in one of the Madrid stores, I spotted this $25 top (around €18) and immediately knew it would be a hero piece in my wardrobe. The three-quarter-length sleeves make it ideal for the transition between summer and fall, while the boatneck gives it a flattering, polished silhouette. A trio of buttons at the neckline adds a subtle Henley detail for just enough interest, and the fabric strikes the perfect balance between soft and structured—light enough to feel effortless, but substantial enough to hold its shape.

After trying it on in white, I found myself considering the other colors. I quickly grabbed the beige and yellow, and they came home with me, too. However, I wasn't alone in the excitement. Two of my friends I was traveling with bought it as well—in all three hues.

Above all, the shirt is extremely versatile. In warmer months, it works with shorts and flip-flops. In fall, it transitions just as easily with a midi pencil skirt and ballet flats, or with jeans, a long coat, and loafers. It's the kind of unfussy staple that earns its place in any wardrobe because you'll wear it so often.

That said, do yourself a favor and add it to your rotation. Keep scrolling to discover the tee.

Zara Henley T-Shirt

More Chic Zara Tees:

I’m well aware that it might sound strange that I’m talking about autumn in the middle of what feels like our hundredth heatwave here in the UK, but anyone who has lived in or even just visited this country knows just how quickly the temperature can change. And although we’re all still enjoying our tank tops, linen trousers, and flip-flops for the time being, as we approach the end of August, the transitional season is not far off. And this can only mean that it’s time to start thinking about the elegant staples that will form the basis of my summer-to-autumn transitional capsule wardrobe.

Now, when it comes to building a refined transitional capsule, it’s not about following every trend or fad. Rather, I’ve decided that for 2026, I'm all about simple yet elevated elegance—focusing on timeless, versatile basics that can be dressed down for casual days out and then taken seamlessly into mid-weather evenings with just a few easy wardrobe swaps. So after much careful thought and consideration, I’ve managed to direct my attention to the seven staples that will define my wardrobe this season. The kind of clothing that never feels overdone, no matter how many times you reach for it, and also remains so classic that it’s guaranteed to last in your transitional wardrobe for many years to come.

So if you, too, are planning to refresh your between-season capsule, then you’re in the right place. Keep scrolling to discover the seven polished staples making the foundations of my capsule wardrobe this transitional season.

7 Transitional Staples I'll Be Relying On Until Autumn

1. Lightweight Bomber Jacket

Style notes: Whether I’m throwing it over a tank top and tailored trousers for a day around the city or layering it over a blouse and satin midi skirt for an evening out, a lightweight bomber is a transitional must-have. I already own a classic-cut cream iteration like above, so I’m now on the hunt for a style with a slightly elevated twist. Think pretty scarf-detailing, chic high-necklines and dramatic puff sleeves.

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2. Relaxed Cotton Shirt

Style notes: A relaxed button-down shirt remains in my capsule regardless of the season, but as the temperature starts to drop, I’ll be swapping out my linen iterations for cotton styles that will pair well with jeans, skirts, and Bermuda shorts alike. It’s easy to throw on and will give you the “off-duty model” look we all know and love.

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3. Wide-Leg Jeans

Style notes: I packed away the majority of my denim at the beginning of summer, so when it gets too cold for my wide-leg linen trousers, I'll be bringing my jeans back out as a cosy but stylish option for the chillier transitional days. Whether you pair it with a chunky knit or sleek blouse, it's a casual but no less put-together pant style that you’ll rely on until spring 2027.

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4. V-neck Knit

Style notes:A V-neck knit will serve your wardrobe well in the weeks between summer and autumn. With enough coverage to keep you warm on those colder days, but with a neckline that provides a flattering and elongated silhouette, this jumper style can be dressed up or down with ease.

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5. Knee-Length Skirt

Style notes: I usually swear by a midi skirt, but recently, I’ve been very into the slightly shorter knee-length iterations that I’ve been spotting all over Instagram as well as my commute around London. Reminiscent of the office-siren aesthetic that dominated the mid to late ‘90s, it’s no surprise that this chic skirt style has found its way back into mainstream for 2026.

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6. Loafers

Style notes: Not sure what to wear when it’s too cold for sandals but still too warm for boots? A pair of sleek loafers will serve you well. Not only does this elegant footwear style work well in each and every season, but it brings a sense of polish to even the most casual of clothing, including shorts or jeans. But the best part? They look expensive at every price point, regardless of the finish, colour or style you opt for.

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7. Bowling Bag

Style notes: It’s almost time to start packing away my raffia totes and basket bags, and in their place? Buttery soft leather bowling bags that feel just as effortless as it does elegant. Whilst structured in silhouette, there's a real ease to this bag that makes it slightly softer and more wearable than other totes on the market.

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L.A.-based jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer has collaborated on a six-piece capsule with Citizens of Humanity, inspired by her California style. Designed to be mixed and matched, the range debuts the Jen Straight Leather Pants and the best-selling Blaine Jeans in an exclusive wash, alongside a lace-trimmed satin slip dress, a cami, a flannel button-down, and a leather bomber jacket.

Meyer shared in a press release, "It was so fun to work with Marianne [McDonald] and the Citizens of Humanity team to design the pieces I always wish I had in my closet. When we sat down together, it was clear how much overlap there already was in our instincts. That California casual, day-into-night aesthetic is exactly the spirit I keep in mind when I design all of my jewelry. [It's] elevated but never trying too hard, pieces that get better with wear and pick up your own history over time. The perfect leather pant, everyday jeans, leather bomber, the flannel, that silk cami and dress—these aren't clothes you dress around. They're clothes you live in. I think the Jennifer Meyer x Citizens of Humanity collection accomplished that so well, and it was truly a joy to design. I know these are pieces I'll live in and reach for every season, year after year."

Keep scrolling to shop the collection, available on CitizensOfHumanity.com and at select retailers.

Shop Jennifer Meyer x Citizens of Humanity

Favorite Daughter, cofounded by Sara and Erin Foster, is known for clothes that make getting dressed feel easy again. With back-to-school season coming up, the L.A. label partnered with the personal-styling platform Stitch Fix on a capsule for moms on school drop-off runs.

The line includes two T-shirts and a half-zip sweater, launching alongside a range of other fall pieces, including knitwear from Z Supply, layers from Alex Mill, and sneakers from Dr. Scholl's. This collection was inspired by Stitch Fix research, which shares, "Nearly 90% of moms admit they've skipped parts of their own morning routine to get their children out the door on time, and nearly 80% are left with under 30 minutes to get themselves ready. Stitch Fix's new fall assortment was designed with those everyday realities in mind, taking the guesswork out of morning dressing."

Ahead, Sara shares more about the collaboration and her wardrobe staples.

Stitch Fix x Favorite Daughter

What was the inspiration behind the Stitch Fix x Favorite Daughter collaboration?

Every August, moms are focused on one thing: getting their kids ready for the school year. Between the drop-off line, the household, and the teachers who show up for our kids every day, we wanted to celebrate the people who make this crazy time of year possible. That's how Drop Off Club and Favorite Teacher came to life. This way, women doing a hundred things before 8 a.m. can still feel like themselves.

The collection includes graphic T-shirts and half-zips. How did you decide on those two staples being the focus?

We wanted pieces you can throw on when you're running out the door with no time to think. Moms have already made about 500 decisions before breakfast, so a great graphic tee and a half-zip are the easy, reliable staples you can reach for again and again.

Through the collaboration, you're encouraging moms to use style as a small but meaningful form of self-care. Why was that important to you?

As moms, getting dressed often becomes an afterthought. I'm not saying a great outfit solves everything, but it definitely helps. When you put on something that makes you feel confident and put-together, it changes how you step into the rest of your day. Stitch Fix makes that self-care moment effortless. Their stylists do the heavy lifting and help build a wardrobe that actually works for real life.

How has becoming a mom influenced your personal style and approach to getting dressed?

It's made me simplify everything. I still want to look chic and feel like myself, but I don't have the time to spend hours figuring out what to wear. I've become more focused on versatile pieces that work for my actual life. If something can take me from school drop-off to meetings to errands without changing, that's what I'm looking for.

What's your school drop-off outfit formula?

A great pair of jeans, a tee or half-zip, comfortable sneakers, sunglasses, and coffee in hand. The goal isn't looking perfect. It's looking like you got five more hours of sleep than you actually did.

What are some of your tips for building a capsule wardrobe that works from drop-off throughout the rest of the day?

Honestly, start with the elevated basics—great denim, comfortable tees, a half-zip or sweater, versatile sneakers, and a few accessories to pull it together. The older I get, the less interested I am in standing in my closet second-guessing an outfit. It's not something I have time for. I love having someone else help curate pieces that actually fit my life, which is exactly why Stitch Fix works so well.

Do you have a trend prediction for fall 2026 or a trend that you're loving right now?

Silk sets might be one of my favorite trends right now. They not only elevate an outfit but also offer an effortless, put-together look without any of the work. You just throw it on, and then you're ready to go.

Is there a shoe trend you're excited to wear?

I'm loving an elevated flip-flop right now, especially our Cameron Sandal. It's chic, comfortable, and I can easily slip [it] on as I'm about to walk out the door.

Shop Stitch Fix x Favorite Daughter

A few years ago, my partner vouched for Gap, and he was right. Ever since he put me onto shopping there again, it has been back on my radar for affordable basics. Then, more recently, the retailer has gained a similar reputation on TikTok, with items frequently going viral, from the Hailey Bieber-approved Low-Rise Loose Jeans to the Easy Double Knee Barrel Pants (an alternative to the Leset Kyoto Pant). Other items that have been popular on TikTok include the Easy Wide-Leg Pants, the 100% Cotton Oversized Sweater (referred to as a budget-friendly option for The Row's cult-favorite Ophelia sweater), and the Jelly Flip Flops.

The same reason Gap was popular in the '90s and early 2000s is still true now: reliable wardrobe staples like the Modern Crop Cami, the Mid Rise Poplin Relaxed Easy Knee-Length Skirt, and the Organic Cotton Poplin Big Shirt.

Ahead, shop the best of Gap, all under $100.

Shop Affordable Basics at Gap

Since I often gravitate toward minimalist wardrobe staples, I've spent quite a bit of time going down rabbit holes to find places that make "less basic" basics. The Row is considered by many to be the gold standard, but the prices aren't widely accessible. Given that, there are so many TikToks and articles doing the work of finding options with a similar aesthetic at price points under $500. That's how I discovered Almina Concept.

The label is based in Los Angeles and produced in Seoul, South Korea, making seasonless pieces that are high-quality and unique but timeless. According to its website: "We believe elevated, modern design should be accessible. And wanted to give the modern woman a brand that they can trust for the right design, quality, and price." It's even gained fans like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner.

The first piece that caught my eye was one of the simplest items you can have in your closet: a tank top. I love the High V-Neck Tank's silhouette; taking something ordinary and elevating it. Beyond that, their knitwear stood out; specifically the Wrap Cardigan, Oversized Wool/Cash Sweater, Wool Polo Knit Shirt, and Knit Cardigan.

It's also stocked at Nordstrom. My current favorites include the Classic Round Neck Tank Top, Ribbed Wool Crewneck Sweater, Classic Crew Wool Cardigan, and Oversized Shirt, available to shop below.

Shop Almina Concept on Nordstrom

Shop More Minimalist Pieces at Nordstrom

There's a back-to-school mood in the air as we move ever closer to September. A reset is ahead, with many consolidating their wardrobes ahead of the new season, and just in time, H&M has launched its latest collaboration. Now, a refined edit has launched, one that draws upon core wardrobe staples with contemporary edges. Sharp shoulders, sculptural silhouettes and clean lines define the H&M and Wardrobe.NYC collaboration, and already we've picked out the exact pieces that will sell out first.

H&M’s collaborations are renowned in fashion circles. Countdowns are set for each new launch as the high street powerhouse pairs up with a distinctive designer, this time, luxury essentials label Wardrobe.NYC. Founded in 2017 by editor and stylist Christine Centenera and designer Josh Goot, the designs are focused on elevated wardrobe essentials, curated with premium fabrics and contemporary accents that set them apart whilst building the foundations of a well-edited wardrobe.

"We don’t really follow the trends; we design into archetypes of modern dress, and we refine our own standards over time. We think about what’s essential for a season or a lifestyle, and we build that into the wardrobe," shares Goot. The edit is a perfect reflection of this, focusing on foundations of denim, tailoring and jersey to curate a series of cohesive pieces that feel exceedingly versatile and contemporary in equal measure.

Centenera adds that the collection is designed for "a busy woman with a demanding day who is discerning and wants to feel confident and assured by her wardrobe." When we tried on the collection, this is exactly how we felt. Fellow editor Imani and I had the chance to try on the pieces, get a feel for the materials and play around with styling and restyling the collection as we went.

Whilst we were both impressed by the silhouettes, bold structures and more classic pieces, we found a series of standouts. For me, the denim jacket with an hourglass silhouette immediately caught my eye, soon followed by the double-breasted coat featuring sharp shoulders, an oversized silhouette and a sculptural form.

For Imani, the layering possibilities with shoulder-pad body suits and soft-cotton long-sleeve tops felt enduring and versatile. As Ann-Sofie Johansson, creative advisor and head of design for womenswear at H&M, says, "This is an ideal wardrobe—it's timeless but sensual, and it still has a lot of character. The sculpturality, the way every shape is so well considered, and then everything goes back with everything else. I think it's very modern." Together with the contrast of smart tailoring and soft jersey, the balanced collection offers endless styling possibilities, with foundation pieces that will hold their own in our wardrobes for many years to come.

As the best H&M pieces tend to move fast, scroll on to explore the H&M X Wardrobe.NYC collaboration.

Shop the H&M X Wardrobe.NYC Buys That Will Sell Out First:

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We all know basics are the backbone of our wardrobes, which is why I'm always refreshing mine. They do get the most wear, after all, so I'm constantly replacing worn-out pieces with fresh, updated styles. I'm always on the lookout for quality closet staples to fill in any gaps that may arise, and with summer coming to a close, I figured now was the perfect time to put together a list of the best ones.

I scanned through all my go-to brands for the best wardrobe staples to transition us from summer to fall—chic, elevated items that just make getting dressed every day easier. Think cool basics like ivory bootcut Re/Done jeans, Ralph Lauren baseball caps, striped Helsa tees, and linen Reformation pencil skirts. Each is classic with a modern twist, making them easy to style yet still very 2026. Keep scrolling for the chicest wardrobe staples from Nordstrom, Revolve, and Shopbop.

Nordstrom

Revolve

Shopbop

Los Angeles is known for its laid-back style and the sense of ease that comes with getting dressed in pretty much year-round sunshine. The brands that come out of L.A. often reflect this, such as Aya Muse. Started by Tina Rodiou in 2018, the label reflects what the founder herself wants to wear, designing pieces she couldn't find in the current market.

Another defining aspect of the line is that it's ethically made, with a focus on using recycled fabrics and eliminating single-use plastics. The Aya Muse website shares, "We work with carefully chosen manufacturers who specialize in sustainable processes and strive to push the status quo of fashion. Our core mission is to produce long-lasting, timeless pieces for a sustainable future. We prioritize quality over quantity; we use only the finest materials, creating designs that last and become staples in your closet. These carefully crafted garments will last the test of time, becoming timeless staples in a wardrobe."

That approach extends to the way Rodiou shops and curates her own capsule wardrobe. Ahead, see Rodiou's most-worn items and shop Aya Muse, which is available at Fwrd, Moda Operandi, Mytheresa, Revolve, Saks, Ssense, and more.

Shop Tina Rodiou's Staples

Aya Muse Tala Jacket

Aya Muse Kena Cotton Wrap Top

Aya Muse Baggy Jeans

Aya Muse Scoop Tank

The Row XL Park Tote Bag

Port Tanger Saudade Sunglasses

Shop More Aya Muse

When I spent the month of May in L.A., I'd recently done a story with Charlie Hourston of Charlie Beads and started following her on Instagram. I love her sense of style and the brands she shares, so when she posted from Turn's intimate shopping experience at a private residence near Hancock Park, I immediately wanted to know more.

There were jewelry pieces by Santangelo, florals by Brittany Asch, and drinks from cult-favorite Hollywood restaurant Stir Crazy, all hosted in the home of actor, writer, and stylist Grace O'Neill Dougherty. The clothes immediately caught my eye, and so did the world Turn had built around them.

It ended up being the last day of the pop-up, and I sent an email hoping I could catch them while they were still in town. Later that week, I met with Clara Hofer-Maire, cofounder and artistic director, and Idris Arab-Tani, CEO and partner (formerly at Courrèges), at Sqirl in Silver Lake. A two-hour conversation flew by, feeling more like a catch-up with friends than a first meeting, and I left knowing I wanted to sit down again for a proper interview.

Founded in 2022 by Hofer-Maire and Alix Darcy, Turn began as a vintage-only project before recently launching its first-ever ready-to-wear collection. Produced in limited quantities, the line is now available online through a selection of stockists and at Turn Salon, their appointment-only space at 3 Rue Chabanais in Paris.

Ahead, read my conversation with Hofer-Maire about Turn, her personal style, Paris, and shopping.

What was your background and the trajectory leading up to Turn, and how did you get interested in fashion?

I studied economics and politics, so nothing to do directly with fashion, but I was always interested in the industry and the business of fashion [and] the impact on even politics and everything. There's such a big link between how people present themselves and the brands they're associating with. But the true interest really began with vintage when I was studying in London. That's where I really discovered the impact and the possibilities available with vintage. There's so much more freedom in styling when you use vintage because there are so many eras. It's not just whatever is catered to you in that year through the lens of all the designers. It was also a fun experiment because there were these charity shops, so you're getting all these different pieces. Your purchase power is so much bigger in vintage too.

That's how I connected with Alix, whom I founded Turn with. We really bonded in London over all these vintage markets—just talking about all the aesthetics we've loved and realizing that we never talked about our studies or what we were actually doing in London. I worked in politics, and then I worked also for a photographer being the assistant. [I] just [realized] that everything that was interesting to me in those spheres was related to aesthetics and fashion and how people present themselves and how we can communicate in a creative way. That's how we reconnected with Alix and decided to launch Turn, which was, in the beginning, more of what we really liked—the aspect of going in people's closets and just finding the pieces that they no longer wear that we can take pictures of and reenchant them and give them a second life.

Two years in, we were doing all these shoots for the website, and I really started doing styling at that point, realizing that I had something I wanted to express through styling. We were putting everything on the online shop, so we were creating all these looks and shooting them and uploading them. In a way, we were documenting the styling and what began to be the identity of Turn and doing pop-ups. Then we did a pop-up in New York, and it all began to become more serious. Exposing Turn so much and bringing it abroad pushed me really into defining exactly what I liked and what I wanted Turn to be.

You're from Paris originally?

I was born in Budapest, and I moved to Paris when I was around 4. I was back and forth between the two cities, which I think allowed a chance to have a perspective that's very in awe of Paris, more than someone who's born and raised. I think just being exposed to the two cities was really a privilege because … I really got enchanted by Paris in a way that maybe someone who's originally from here doesn't feel. And even being brought up by a Hungarian mother, who has a different perspective on fashion and on things in general, allowed me to have that little shift that allows you to notice things that other people don't notice.

How would you compare Parisian style to Budapest?

In Hungary, it's a lot of the nails, the makeup, the hair. Also, I think fashion moves much slower in Budapest. It's not at all a fashion capital, but there are some good designers. When, for instance, I was seeing something in a magazine in Paris and then in a Hungarian magazine, it came from 10 years prior—it was really such a gap. From that, beauty was such a high point in the way people present themselves in Hungary when I was growing up and still now, actually. So it was all very, I think, stereotypical feminine. In Paris, that was the main shift: Style is not just being a woman and putting that on the front as the first thing that someone sees about you. It's more about your own perspective on yourself. What really attracted me is that you can have a style that is not just your body features. … There's such a big emphasis on just dressing your body type, and I don't like that necessarily. I like that people can dress and not think about their body type as being what defines how they dress.

What are some of your all-time favorite, less touristy spots in Paris?

There's the market everyone talks about, Saint-Ouen, but I've recently really been going to Porte de Vanves, where people genuinely gather objects they like and literally just sell them. That was the funniest because Saint-Ouen is people categorized into very specific… You're doing this century, that era. At Porte de Vanves, it's more like people have their own sensibility, and they come up with the randomest assortment of objects. It's super interesting, and there are people who are just going there and just putting everything on the table. You discover things that you wouldn't discover through the lens of something so curated. It's less curated, so there's less someone imposing their vision on you, and you have more freedom to just explore whatever you want to grab.

What would you say is your favorite restaurant in Paris?

I always go for lunch these days to À L'Épi d'Or. They play great music—only French music, very loud—but the food is amazing. Actually, the restaurants I go to are all in the 2nd [arrondissement] because that's where Turn is. In the same area, there are two other things that I love. There's Cibus, which I discovered very early on. My father actually took me there, and I think that place was the moment where I was like, "Wait, this is the type of life that I love." There are only very deep conversations. It's a very small restaurant. You get in there, and then you feel like you're with all these people in the same scenario. The owner is really very nice, and it's very Italian.

And then there's Chez Georges, which I discovered through Maryam [Nassir Zadeh], who always goes there, and I really fell in love also. And he's very specific about fish—he doesn't do mass fishing.

Are there hotels you'd recommend?

I actually think a lot of people stay at Château Voltaire, which is located in the 2nd and is also owned by the family of the brand Zadig & Voltaire. But also, a lot of people have been staying at the Hôtel Rochechouart. I've heard very good things about it, and I've done meetings in their lobby. And there's Hôtel Grand Amour. It's open 24/7, so it's also known for this great environment to work in because they basically let you come and work whenever you want.

Do you have any niche shopping recommendations?

There's one I'm sure you maybe know about. It's called Sabbia Rosa. It's this beautiful shop. The woman has been there forever. I don't even know when she started, but she does a lot of these silk slip dresses, also these underwear that are very silky and lacy and very beautiful. I think it's very inspiring.

I also really like Santa Maria Novella. And Cire Trudon [has been] around since the 17th century, and it's a lot of beautiful candles, perfumes, and they have a store in the 6th that I sometimes go to. The true original French candles.

Are there French pharmacy products you'd recommend?

Definitely. I always buy La Roche-Posay. I think it's the best—the only thing that really stuck with me through the years. As someone who grew up in Europe and in Paris, we all dream about the American skincare. I think I had Neutrogena just because it's American, when, in fact, we had so many good pharmacy products. I really need to restock on the Nuxe. I love their body oil; I always love the smell of it.

Also, do you know about Oh My Cream? She has a lot of these new French brands that are actually quite nice, that you maybe don't find in the pharmacies. There's also Simrane, which I really love. They do these linens, and they also do robes, but also now, they do shirts.

Are there any trends—or anti-trends—you're noticing right now?

There's this funny thing. [Where I live], there's a lot of high schoolers walking around, so what I've noticed is that there are really two groups of styles now to compare to when I was growing up. A lot of high school students are wearing the bags that I used to wear: Vanessa Bruno and Gerard Darel. When I was in high school, it was the trend. Everyone wanted those bags—the ones with the sequins and the ones that were just leather. I see them again, so I'm very impressed that [they're] still so popular in school.

I feel like the American equivalent in high school was a Juicy Couture or Coach bag, and those are coming back too.

So crazy—like, why? How can we explain this? Who initiated the comeback? I feel like schools are an incubator of trend. When you can talk to someone who's in that incubator, I'm always fascinated of what's going on, what's the latest thing. They're all concentrated in the same space.

I also wanted to talk about how you recently launched ready-to-wear and how that came about.

When we started Turn, I started to understand that there are pieces that I will never see again because they're vintage and I sold them. I could never find them again, which was heartbreaking. But also, there was the part where some colors, some textures I couldn't find in vintage, and I feel like it wasn't realistic to be selling a look that I wouldn't wear myself. So I'm doing 100% vintage looks, and I think being holistic about the brand meant expanding to having what I actually feel like wearing, which is sometimes something new, sometimes something that doesn't exist in vintage. [This is] also combined with the feeling where I want to bring some pieces back from what I've seen. Seeing so many clothes and being exposed to so many looks and constantly assembling—it was a pressure point.

That's when I also met Idris, around that time. I already started thinking about it, and he was kind of the enabler in a way because he came from a background in fashion. He knew how collections get organized, how production flows, how there's a fashion agenda and you can't just bring out pieces completely sporadically. He structured it all for us and helped us make the first collection come together.

What was your design process like, and what inspired the designs?

The inspiration was pretty clear, actually. It was all this exposure that I had from the vintage through the years but also this very specific moment where there was a confrontation between what I saw in fashion at home and what I was exposed to on the daily and at school—the feeling of being an outsider in a way in a classroom. So this is funny; this school subject is always present.

I made the first drawings a year before the clothes were out on the website and out in the shop. That's how the first collection came, and now, we actually have our own small design studio inside Turn, where the salon is, so I'm exposed constantly to what I'm creating, which is such a privilege to be able to see every single day what you're creating. This is where the second collection comes together. It's going to be a larger collection. We're going to be showing it for New York Fashion Week, and we're also going to be showing it in Paris, and then it's going to be in store. And then we have some capsules.

Basically, the idea of Turn is that if we invest in textiles, we're going to repurpose them. If we have some extra, we're never going to waste whatever we have on hand because it doesn't make sense, and I think it just would be so crazy. We used some of the textiles that we had from the first collection and created these pieces that you can wear in the summer that go well with the first collection, repurposing those materials that we sourced very carefully. We don't want to overproduce, and it's a very mindful process. We're not going to have waste. That's a nonnegotiable. Everything needs to come out as something that is an end product, and that's not mass-produced.

How would you describe the style of Turn and its customers?

For the customers, the crowd is people who have either worked in fashion and now they work in a different industry, or there are people who are working in an industry where fashion is not the main topic, but it is something that will position you in the room. Those are people in tech, architecture, a lot of people also in beauty. I think a lot of women who walk in Turn, they tell us, "Fashion is my hobby, but I would never work in fashion." I think that's funny, and it gives you a good perspective also on the reality of who we're actually making the clothes for.

For the style of Turn, it's basically a foreign eye on the city life in Paris, in a way. Paris will always be the central focal point, but it's really as someone who looks at Paris with a foreign eye, and that can bring in a mix of everything.

What's the concept behind the upcoming collection?

The first collection was really about the feeling of being in a school, so this time, I was really thinking about almost the "too cool for school." [It's] the identity you would like to portray outside, when you want to make your classmates believe that you have all this life outside school or you can skip school and all that. I think the fascination coming from that was really, for the second collection, attracted to the idea of even the nightlife and all the "after your work," "after your school"—all these activities that make you this mysterious person. You can't really account for these things, but they happen. It's kind of the mystery of everything that happens outside school.

I'd love to hear more about your personal style as well. Are there style icons, past or present, who you resonate with?

Teri Toye. I think everything she does is so cool. She's able to make herself look just so intriguing and, at the same time, can look very classic. So she's a big inspiration lately, and I like that she's not your typical model-of-beauty look. She's really trying to dress herself up. But maybe if I can give you a more obvious one, I always like women who have a little bit of a punk in them, so I think that's also what I've been gravitating toward. As a young kid, I really liked Peggy Guggenheim. Recently, I read a book about her life, and I can really put into perspective a lot of things—of why she would dress a certain way.

With the recent heat wave in Paris, do you have any tips for heat-wave dressing?

I feel like I had to master it in a very small period of time. I was always wearing the Turn Culotte. The reason I was wearing it is that even [with] jean shorts, I felt like I was boiling. I needed something cotton and then just tying a shirt at the waist. It's kind of a skirt but way more breathable than a skirt. It basically creates this thing where you have the culotte, where sometimes it peeks out, but you can't really see it unless you're sitting, and then you have the shirt tied over it.

I always wore a tank top from Petit Bateau. Their tank tops are 100% cotton. You wear it in the morning, and you literally have to change it in the afternoon. It's just an easy thing to keep in rotation. I really loved also wearing the bralette with super-translucent silk things. Silk can be very warm, so I would recommend, if you're going for silk, a crêpe silk. I had these vintage crêpe shirts and little tops, and they were quite translucent, so I wore it with the bralettes.

And then shoes, that was the hardest part because I'm also the type of person where we're still in the city, and having my feet not covered scares me in a way. Also, because I'm biking, I wasn't wearing flip-flops, like I feel a lot of people did. I was wearing … these wedges that are open in the back, but they still cover your feet. And I really love my MNZ Serafina [Flats].

I know you wear a lot of vintage, but is there a brand that you wear or love the most?

This is the hardest question because I'm so attached to vintage. But I have to give you a good one: I really like Dries Van Noten. I want to keep those pieces forever. And it's so nice because it's still that type of brand where, when I wear something, people ask me, "Where is it from? I can't recognize it."

What are some of your go-to makeup products?

I use the YSL Touche Éclat everywhere. It's horrible, because I should be using it sparingly, but just because it's my only product, I'm allowed to really just go with it. I use it on days where I feel like I really need coverage. I'll use it almost as a foundation. And as a lip product, I actually like the Dries Van Noten products a lot.

I have to ask because I love perfume so much—do you have a signature scent?

I recently changed my perfume. I think perfume is a big subject for me because I have, on one hand, my dad, who has had the same perfume since the beginning I can remember, and then I have my mother, who changes constantly. I really wanted to be the person who has the same through their whole life, but I wasn't able to find my scent. Right now, I'm using Santa Maria Novella in [Tabacco Toscano]. I kind of became obsessed one day. But I must say, for our showroom, we have our own. This is a big teaser: We're going to have our own perfume, and we're working on it.

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