The 6 Simple Items French Women Wear to Stay Warm and Still Look Cool
Les Francaises have a knack for making everything look as easy as un, deux, trois. From their no-makeup makeup to the breathy way they draw out their ouis, French women seem to have being effortless cornered. This is particularly true in winter, when looking cute can feel like a Herculean task. Even at subzero temperatures, French women move about unbothered, which felt novel to this Californian; the last thing I feel like doing when it's cold and grey out is putting together a look.
But the French have it down to a science! This is partly due to how they shop. French women typically invest in a few good pieces per season, favouring timeless pieces over trends. A well-cut coat. Sticking to long-lasting durable fabrics that drape well. After my first winter in Paris, I picked up a few tips to make cold-weather dressing more fun—as well as a shearling coat and pair of camel riding boots that I still own today (after all, practice makes perfect.)
Follow along, and we'll meet at the intersection of cosy and chic.
1. A Full-Length Coat
Style Notes: As temperatures drop, so do hemlines. A boxy-cut coat works equally well over a casual daytime outfit as it would over something dressier.
SHOP WOOL COAT:
An elevated wool coat designed by no other than a French woman.
No French roundup is complete without mentioning Isabel Marant.
2. Layering Tees
Style Notes: Much like a mille-feuille, French women know that winter dressing is all about layers. Slipping on a long-sleeve tee or two underneath your coat makes it easy to adapt once you're indoors.
SHOP LONG SLEEVED T-SHIRT:
This wool top is warm enough on its own but thin enough to double-layer.
3. An Elegant Pair of Gloves
Style Notes: Gloves aren't just functional. They also offer hands (often-neglected but much-needed) UV protection. Plus, they keep your digits clean in public spaces.
SHOP GLOVES:
These beige–coloured gloves would look beautiful peeking out from under a black overcoat.
4. Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Knee-high boots always make me think of '60s silver-screen vixens like Brigitte Bardot. Very French.
SHOP KNEE HIGH BOOTS:
5. Wool Pants
Style Notes: A great pair or two of wool pants will take you a long way in winter. Dressing up? Throw on a stacked heel boot and a cashmere sweater. Going for a stroll? A turtleneck and sneakers will do the trick.
SHOP WOOL TROUSERS:
You can't go wrong with a tapered leg and mid-rise waist, especially at this price.
Take these from work to off-duty days.
6. Jumper dress
Style Notes: French women never sacrifice style for practicality. A jumper dress looks dressed up without feeling fussy.
SHOP JUMPER DRESSES:
Up Next, 8 Timeless and Elevated Outfit Formulas French Women Will Rely on in 2024
This story originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S.
-
Everything We Tried and Loved From Laura Harrier's Reformation Collab
It's so good.
By Eliza Huber
-
Trust Me—These 10 Zara Items Will Go Viral and Sell Out by August 1
My predictions are never wrong.
By Eliza Huber
-
A French Woman on a Budget Shops on Amazon Prime Day—27 Items She'd Buy Immediately
Effortless, chic, and affordable.
By Judith Jones
-
If a Parisian and a New Yorker Shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, They'd Both Like These Items
Chic selects ahead.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
I Just Wore Multiple "French-Girl" Sneaker Outfits in Paris—These 4 Were My Best
Three days in Paris, one pair of sneakers.
By Allyson Payer
-
We Went on a Vacation to France—Here Are the Key Items We Wore to Look Chic
Packing inspo ahead.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
'60s French Films Are at the Core of My Summer Aesthetic—7 Trends I'm Copying
Taking cues from Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin.
By Eliza Huber
-
I Just Returned From Paris, and Now, I Want These 33 J.Crew, Zara, and Mango Items
So I can pretend I'm a French woman.
By Allyson Payer