If you're anything like me, these winter months (and The White Lotus) have you dreaming of a European summer. Posting up in the Marais, washing down pistachio gelato with an ice-cold Sancerre, and hitting those legendary French soldes all sound like good enough reason to peruse Expedia. But whether or not Europe is in the cards next year, French dressing can still be within reach.

The key to shopping like the French? Balancing practicality with style while leaving room for a little flair. French women have mastered the art of eschewing trends for more timeless pieces, meaning these purchases will serve you well beyond the year ahead. Read on for all the items our cross-Atlantic counterparts will be stocking their closets with. (Trust me—it'll be cheaper than that Air France ticket.)

Well-Tailored Trousers

A flattering pair of trousers is a wardrobe game changer. These pairs easily transition from le boardroom to le bar (and everywhere in between).

Midi Skirts

A good midi skirt is a fabulous alternative to pants (and looks equally killer with sneakers or strappy sandals). 

Lace Accents

A lace detail adds a je ne sais quoi to any look. It’s somehow both sexy and gamine and will dress anything up.

Stripes

Popularized by French sailors, the Breton stripe has been a fashion mainstay for ages—and it isn't going anywhere. A must-have, whether you plan to be nautical or nice this season.

Mary Janes

Because Paris is a city best explored on foot, a proper shoe is necessary. Navigating the cobblestone streets of France is no easy feat, which is why you rarely see sky-high stilettos. A flat or low-heeled Mary Jane makes catching the metro or taking a quick jaunt to your local tabac a breeze. 

This story originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. 

Up Next, I Moved to Paris, and Now I Exclusively Wear These 4 Items With Jeans

I've spent much of my career trying to pinpoint what makes French style so alluring and covetable. Of course, a lot of what we consider to be French fashion is generalised. Ballet flats, Breton-stripe tops and berets are all instantly associated with that Gallic-girl charm. But I've come to find that the clothes and accessories many French women gravitate towards are more subtle in their connotations.

While it can't be said of all French dressers, there are many who subscribe to a classic aesthetic, wearing never-date items on rotation. I've been analysing these wares for some time and can now confidently proclaim that, to assemble your own stylish French capsule wardrobe, you'll only need nine pieces.

As I said, these pieces aren't necessarily what springs to mind when you think about French fashion. Still, I think that's the secret to achieving that je ne sais quoi of dressing like a true Parisienne—not playing up to sartorial cliches and, instead, relying on everlasting staples that make it easy to look chic at all times. So without further ado, scroll on to see the nine pieces that make for a very refined French capsule wardrobe.

French Capsule Wardrobe: 9 Items Parisians Always Own:

1. CARDIGANS

Style Notes: If there's one item that categorises French style without being glaringly obvious, it's the cardigan—the more textured the better. They're often worn belted over dresses or loose with a vest and jeans, and you're likely to see French women wearing more cardigans than any other knitwear.

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2. DENIM JUMPSUITS

Style Notes: French women love their denim. Stylish women like Camille Charriere and Anne Laure Mais are opting for elegant-looking jumpsuits as a fresh way to channel the heavy-duty fabric.

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3. SILK SKIRTS

Style Notes: It might have international appeal, but the silk slip skirt feels truly at home in France, where its often worn with jumpers, ballet pumps or an oversized blazer.

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4. BLAZERS

Style Notes: French women who reside in the north of the country enjoy a climate very similar to our own, which means they rely on blazers just as much as we Brits do in the autumn months. Most choose versatile silhouettes, such as the boxy blazer, which gives the outfit a chic silhouette as well as being roomy enough for layering when needed.

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5. BALLET PUMPS

Style Notes: With a range of different materials, colours and styles available, ballet flats have become a staple in any footwear collection. Though, no one seems to give them quite as much airtime as the French, who regularly pair them with jeans, skirts and dresses alike. J'adore.

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6. BUTTON-DOWN SHIRTS

Style Notes: French style might be synonymous with milkmaid tops—white blouses with gathered necklines—but the top I always see French women wearing is simple button-down shirting in either cotton or silky fabrications.

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7. FLORAL DRESSES

Style Notes: Part of the French fashion aesthetic is never looking like you've tried too hard with your outfit. Instead, the women I follow opt for throw-on floral dresses (no matter the season!) that they can dress up or down with jewellery, shoes and outerwear.

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8. DAINTY SHOULDER BAGS

Style Notes: Is it just me, or do you find it hard to leave the house with just one bag? I've been to Paris four times, and I always notice how French women seem to carry all their essentials in small shoulder bags. How they manage this is another question entirely.

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9. LEATHER TROUSERS

Style Notes: Although French women love their classic blue jeans, I've noticed that so many I follow wear leather trousers just as regularly. Keep your silhouette on the looser side to make them more relaxed and comfortable to wear—two factors French fashion types always prioritise.

Shop Leather Trousers:

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Every now and then, we see a microtrend develop that is so subtle that if you blink, you might miss it. From an elegantly placed hair accessory to a specifically styled belt, here at Who What Wear, it is our job to spot the smaller trends, no matter how niche.

Speaking of "blink and you'll miss it" moments, this fashion week, we've noticed an inordinate number of attendees sporting two-tone colourblocked boots. With a design that often results in shades being split down the middle, this feature can easily be missed unless you view the shoes from a very specific angle.

The trend's popularity can likely be traced back to Dutch accessories label Wandler, who have debuted several pairs of colourblocked boots in various neutral shades. Since their launch, Wandler's shoes have been very popular amongst fashion week showgoers, as have Manu Atelier's leather ankle boots which became somewhat of a must-have amongst influencers late last year.

We understand it might not be the most transformational trend, but this small shoe detail certainly works to elevate even an understated look, adding a little something extra to an outfit. Keep scrolling to see the way the style set are wearing the trend and shop colourblocked boots below.

How to Style the Trend

Shop the Trend

Next up, the biggest S/S 20 fashion trends you need to know. 

When it comes to basics, Anine Bing knows what she's talking about. Right from the get-go, this model-turned-influencer-turned-designer championed the power of a well-made staple: From the posts on her popular fashion blog and first Instagram snaps (she was an early adopter), right up to the launch of her namesake brand in 2012. Uniting her own personal brand of Scandi simplicity and L.A. cool in one neat and oh-so enviable package, Anine Bing has seen huge commercial success and now boasts over 300 boutiques worldwide. Clearly she knows what people want.

If that wasn't enough, Anine has now collaborated with the late Terry O'Neill, the British photographer known for his iconic fashion and celebrity imagery from the 1960s. Comprised of a simple three-piece edit—a T-shirt, sweater and a T-shirt dress—the collection features one of the photographer's most famous prints of Brigitte Bardot. Anine wore the sweater to the launch party with a pair of leather trousers and a chain necklace, and let's just say it looked pretty damn cool. We spoke to Anine about everything from the inspiration behind her latest collaboration to the key staples she can't live without. Scroll down to see what she said and shop the collection.

What inspired you to create the collection with Terry O'Neill?

Terry's photography had inspired me long before I even started the brand. I'm such a fan of his work and have a few of his original prints in my home. About a year ago, one of his team reached out to me because they had heard I loved his photography and asked if we could meet up. We looked through his whole archive and decided that this print was the one, as it has always been on my mood board. She looks so cool and effortless, which is everything I want from my brand.

Your collection is based around timeless staples—what are yours?

It's so important to find those good quality pieces that easily go together. If you build up a good basics closet, then it's much easier to get dressed in the morning because you can pull out a few things and you're ready to go. I couldn't live without the perfect white T-shirt, a pair of jeans, a blazer and pumps or a boot. Also, once you have these staples you can then easily layer in more fashiony pieces.

What's the key to finding your personal style?

I discovered my personal style in my mid-20s. I think it's important to experiment until you find the pieces you feel the most comfortable in—whatever is good for you might not be good for me. I look to anything from art and street style to flea markets and travelling for style inspiration.

Which fashion influencers are you following right now?

I'm loving all the Danish girls at the moment—my style is a little more simple than theirs, but they always look amazing. It's interesting, because Danish style is typically more minimal, but lately they're embracing more colour and prints. Scandi influencers such as Emili Sindlev always stand out, because they don't try to be like anyone else.

Scroll down to shop our Anine Bing edit.

Shop the collection:

Shop other Anine Bing staples

Up next: The 9 New-In Pieces We Have To Show You This Week

Chances are, even if you don't know you're looking at Anine Bing clothing and/or accessories, you'll quickly recognise them. That lace bralettes and camisole tops Kendall Jenner so favours? Down to her. Those studded ankle boots Gigi Hadid wears everywhere? And again. The denim cut-offs every blogger and model in the world wants to keep a secret? Yes, you've guessed it.

In elite circles, and most certainly within the Los Angeles fashion set, this downtown label has been an important name to know since launching in 2012. Anine's bohemian rocker-girl style has been honed over the years via her involvement in many facets of the fashion industry—model, blogger, designer—and her understated aesthetic instantly struck a chord with those who share a love for the kind of throw-on clothes that demand nothing more from you than a flick of mussed-up hair and someone to take a decent Instagram shot.

World domination isn't far off for her empire—she already has over 300 boutiques stocking her worldwide (including Oxygen Boutique in London with Harvey Nichols to follow soon), a UK-friendly e-commerce site of her own, plus plans to open a store in our capital by the end of this year. To celebrate the fact that we don't need to buy plane tickets as frequently in order to purchase, we caught up with the lady herself. Keep reading to see our interview with the influencer-turned-fashion-mogul, then continue to shop some of our favourite current pieces…

In her L.A. HQ.

WHO WHAT WEAR UK: What was it that prompted you to set up your own label?

ANINE BING: I could see something was missing in the market, and I wanted to create a high-end brand but with a "see now buy now" approach, so I decided to step away from traditional seasons and work with immediate and weekly drops. I wanted to respond to the modern woman’s fashion needs… a combination of luxurious basics and statement pieces.

WWW UK: What would you say is the brand's USP?

AB: All items are so easy to mix and match, and I believe that if you have a few select Anine Bing pieces they will take you a long way. They are easy to wear—they feel comfortable and stylish.

WWW UK: How do you go about designing?

AB: I only design pieces I would like to wear myself, and once my team and I have finished the drawings and sketches, we send them off to our factories in Turkey. We receive samples and once approved we go into production. We’re normally six months ahead of time, and we move really fast. We can have pieces made in four weeks, which gives us an advantage to act once we’re in a season.

We work with monthly collections and launch new styles every week! It is a new way of working with fashion design, but I love it. There is always something new and exciting to invest in.

WWW UK: Does anyone in particular influence you?

AB: I honestly can’t choose one person! I love street style, and I get inspired by so many women. It can be someone I see on the streets on my way to pick up my kids from school or some of my friends. I also love reading magazines and going to flea markets.

WWW UK: If you had to pick three items this season that really sum up the brand, what would they be?

AB: The Suede Pants With Lacing: the colour, fit and the lacing makes for a great statement piece. The Tulle Dress: I’m crazy about the the length and the feminine detailing. Also, I’m such a denim girl, and I love the new, updated looks we’ve got this season. I’m now all about a higher waists, frayed hems and patchwork.

WWW UK: How did you come to have such a celebrity following?

AB: I think they liked how versatile the clothes were and how easy they are to wear. Some of the pieces really make a statement while others are easy to slot in with items you already have in your wardrobe. I started selling my line in some of the best stores here in Los Angeles, and stylists and tastemakers got their hands on the clothes early on.

WWW UK: What goes through your mind when you see shots of Kendall Jenner wearing your garments?

AB: It’s very flattering, and I get so happy every time I see a woman wearing my line. Celebrity or not. It honestly doesn't matter.

Who What Wear UK: Do you know anyone else who wears a lace bralette out and about like her?

AB: Haha, no, but she might have started a trend here so who knows—we might see more of it in the future.

WWW UK: What would you say are the biggest differences between girls in L.A. wearing your designs and girls in London?

AB: If I had to generalise, I would say that the L.A. vibe is a bit more relaxed and bohemian, whereas London is more classic and pulled-together.

WWW UK: Do you have a poster-girl as such, someone particular who just always love seeing wearing your clothes?

AB: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley—she is such a beautiful woman, and I love her style.

WWW UK: How do you shop for yourself?

AB: I only wear my own line, so I never shop! Except for vintage Chanel bags. I just love them, and over the years I’ve started to build quite the collection.

WWW UK: What could you not live without this summer, fashion-wise?

AB: A great swimsuit and a pair of sunglasses!

WWW UK: What's next for the brand?

AB: We’re opening more Anine Bing stores, and next is our concession store at Harvey Nichols and a store in Barcelona and Brussels! I’m so excited about the next few months, and I can’t wait to show you our pieces for fall.

Go through the gallery below to shop some of our favourite Anine Bing pieces available now…

If there's a singular challenge to summer dressing that rises above them all, it's how to wear stylish looks that are casual enough to be seasonally on-trend—without looking sloppy. 

It can be especially tricky nowadays, when the undone look is very in. Our resident style expert, Banana Republic creative director Marissa Webb, tends to excel at achieving a perfectly polished casual summer look—so, naturally, we consulted her.

"You have to be able to adjust according to your lifestyle," Webb told us. "I'm in a business where I'm running around being very physical and the next minute in a serious meeting where I need to look polished. It gets a little tricky at times. Most importantly, keep the words contrast, contradiction, and opposites in mind when pulling together your casual yet polished look."

Keep scrolling for Marissa Webb's tricks for making your favourite casual looks super-polished!

Toss a well-tailored blazer over your casual jeans and T-shirt to add polish to a casual outfit.

Create a simple formula that works for you. For example, if you know you want to wear comfortable denim, try to find something a bit dressier on the top. If you know you want to wear your favourite "get it done" T-shirt, pick something more tailored to wear over it.

I like the contrast of heels with casual bottoms. I'll often style my easy cargo pants, denim, or soft lounge pants with a heel.

Loop Knot Ankle Tie Heels

Mix it up with something dressy and something casual, like a feminine lace blouse with cargo pants or denim. I find the contrast more interesting, and it's also a great way to not be over- or under-dressed.

Have fun with your accessories and don't underestimate them. Stack up your necklaces or bracelets with your favourite easy T-shirt for the right mix of polished casual.