The Fall Outfit Formulas French Girls Always Get Right
3 min readFrench girls put together outfits with the same ease as an Olympic figure skater sticking the landing on an axel jump—seamlessly, elegantly, and with just the right bit of extra flair. For the Parisiennes, personal style is something to be exercised like any other muscle, training your eye (and wardrobe) until you can deftly build an ensemble that blends closet staples with experimental touches.
That ethos shines through year-round, but it’s especially true in fall. After all, what better way to exercise your styling prowess—your trained ability to see the bigger picture of an outfit, rather than just the individual pieces—than with a bit of fall layering? Practice and research make perfect, so we took the liberty of rounding up a few of our favorite French girl-approved fall outfit ideas worn by Parisian It girls and seen out on the streets of Paris Fashion Week alike to help you hone your eye for French style.
Casual Trench Coat
A trench coat is a wardrobe must-have, whether you’re trying to emulate Parisian fall street style or not (though it is a key piece in the French capsule wardrobe). For these women, the more oversized the trench, the better—especially if you’re going for “insouciant ingénue.” Throw it on over well-fitted jeans and trusty black loafers for a perfectly polished everyday cold-weather outfit.
Business Casual
Switch out the trench for a structured blazer to elevate a more casual ensemble. Opt for black if you want something more polished, or a warmer tweed for a cozier, relaxed vibe. Either way, pair with some flattering straight-legged jeans for an edited off-duty look.
Parisian Prep
French fashion is often just about intentionally styling sophisticated staples you already own (or should add to your closet). This outfit takes preppy classics like a crisp button-up layered with a chunky twill jacket and gives them the edge of a Parisian POV with knee-high boots that brush the lace of a black midi skirt.
Romantic Eclecticism
French-British fashion writer Camille Charrière is a masterclass in balance. She knows how to leverage sophisticated staples and where to push the envelope. Here, she shows that French style isn’t always timeless minimalism. A lacy cool-toned silk dress and contrasting ballet flats lay the foundation of a romantic silhouette, while a tassel bag tops off the feminine look.
Bohemian Cowgirl
Use the basics you’re investing in as the grounding piece to a more adventurous ensemble, like the suede blazer in this Western-inspired Parisian number. The muted color and soft material work as the outer layer for a number of different outfit combinations. Here, it helps channel an air of French bohemian pulled straight out of the ’70s.
All Leather
Bundle up in layers of leather and knitwear for an especially high-gloss pairing that’s still super comfortable. The sturdy knitwear will help keep you warm, while the leather adds an elevated sleekness.
Pop of Print
When you think of the modern “French girl style,” you’re probably thinking of Camille Rowe. The French-American model embodies that effortless je ne sais quoi so many covet for their own closets—and she didn’t need a TikTok inspo video to figure it out. She balances well-tailored, high-quality basics with the occasional unexpected touch that sets her apart from the crowd. Here, she leans into the classic French all-black but subverts expectations with a bold leopard-print trench.
Classic Black Leather
You can also ditch the pop of color or pattern and go full-on black like any Parisian worth their salt. Just make sure whatever coat you use is leather to add an extra bit of sleekness.
Leather and Lace
This classic mix of a black leather jacket and lace slip dress is a go-to for any French girl. The contrast between materials is an easy combo that lends a playful, albeit edgy, femininity.
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