7 Nordstrom Basics You Can Layer Like a French Woman This Fall

To the untrained eye, fall fashion looks much easier than it actually is. In a world of puffer jackets, fuzzy boots, and chunky scarves, the best advice the fashion crowd often whispers to friends and family isn't just about the buzziest winter trends that they need to follow. It's about how to layer clothing properly.

We've gone over layering 101 here at Who What Wear, from the base layers you need to buy to stay toasty to the best materials for insulating knitwear. Although layering can seem complicated (and expensive!), some of the chicest pieces ring in well under $150 while suiting your personal style. When browsing through the feeds of my favorite French influencers and models, I've realized they all have a few key layering basics in common that make their outfits look incredibly polished while still remaining warm and comfortable, regardless of how cold the temperatures may get.

Below, shop the seven layering basics French girls swear by, from tights to cardigans to chic coats.

Tights

Tights are French women's go-to accessory when it comes to layering in the fall and winter. Whether they wear them under jeans, dresses, or slip skirts, these pieces act like the perfect base layer to look chic and cozy when the temperatures start going down.

Cozy Cardigans

Nothing ever comes between a French girl and her cardigan. Knitwear-famous brands like Sézane and Sandro have become synonymous with the button-up sweater style constantly seen on the shoulders and waists of women in Paris. Team your favorite neutral-colored knit with a fresh pair of trousers or straight-leg jeans.

Neutral Base Layers

Classic fall staples like white and black T-shirts or long-sleeve base layers run rampant on Paris streets when the temperatures start dropping. Although French women wear these classic items year-round, they're even more prevalent under trench coats and striped sweaters this season.

Leather Jackets

Is faded leather a neutral? French women think so. This edgy jacket has basically become a go-to basic within the Paris sartorial lexicon, so it's no surprise that women are pulling out their leather jackets and bombers (sherpa-lined or not!) to wear with classic tees and jeans in October and beyond.

Elevated Cashmere

French women love their knitwear (see: the international popularity of Sézane!), so premium cashmere sweaters and knits are high up on their list of fall favorites. There are plenty of neutral, elegant options to buy into, whether you're in the market for a chunkier knit or a fine-milled crewneck.

Classic Coats

It's incredibly French to buy one great coat and wear it for life, so higher-price-point investment options within the $300 mark are incredibly on-brand for Paris's style set. Opt for a timeless option like a black car coat or camel wrap coat to add into your wardrobe forever.

Sleek Skirts

Before the office siren look was a thing, French women and their pencil skirts were inseparable. For the fall, wear your favorite corporate-approved mini or midi skirt in a neutral color in lieu of jeans to keep an outfit from looking too casual. Knit-maxi-skirt options are also incredibly cozy, especially when teamed with tights.