French Wardrobe Staples For Fall

London Fall Outift

Whenever I’m feeling uninspired with my closet I always go back to the basics. I think about what I would wear if I was in Paris and lean into the staples that I love in my wardrobe.

What I love about (stereotypical) French girl style is it doesn’t try too hard. It is classic, full of neutral colors and simple yet elevated. It’s also formulaic once you have the right building blocks in your wardrobe. It’s never more true than as we enter the Fall season.

Newly refreshed for this year and the forthcoming season, here are all my recommendations to build out a French inspired capsule wardrobe full of staples that’ll give you endless outfit opportunities. French fashion is simple, classic and timeless. I hope you’ll enjoy this comprehensive list and keep scrolling for some additional outfit inspo using a lot of the pieces mentioned!

French Wardrobe Staples For Fall

Sezane Trench coat with Striped Sweater Paris Outfit

A trench coat

A timeless trench will always be a good investment. I like to layer mine over my leather jacket when I am in Paris to handle the unpredictable weather in the Fall but I wear my trench styles all the time in New York as well. Both in Spring and in Fall.

This style is classic from J.Crew as is this one from Sezane both of which I own (I’m wearing the Sezane one above in a size 6).

If you’re on the taller size and like a bit more masculine cute, this one I just got from Sezane is also very cool and on trend. I sized down to a 4.

A bodysuit

If you’re not yet on the bodysuit bandwagon, you’re missing out. I like their ease of styling.

This one is great for not adding any bulk. I sized up to a L. And I like this short-sleeve one, too. I own the M.

I pop one on and then add my favorite blazer or tweed jacket and a pair of jeans and am out the door.

Alex Mill Striped Tee

A striped tee

Breton striped tees are oh-so-French. I will never tire of striped tees as a base layer. I wear them solo or under blazers and tweed jackets. You can’t go wrong with a striped tee topped with a blazer and paired with a classic loafer.

For a more comfy striped tee, go for this one. I sized up to a L.

Wearing above the Sezane Michele Jacket – size 6.

A leather jacket

If you want to get instant Parisian cool girl vibes, top your outfit with a leather jacket.

I still wear my Vince leather jacket I bought back in 2014 so much. And the above one I’ve owned from J.McLaughlin for 7+ years.

If you’re looking for a good investment of real leather, I suggest this Madewell leather jacket or this Sezane leather jacket.

Heeled booties

French women know that a timeless bootie is essential for Fall. I own and love this style and this style. A low, practical heel makes it French. I also like these as a timeless style.

This is another boot I always pack for Paris in the Fall. They are so comfortable and held up with 20K+ steps a day. Use my link + code WIT&WHIMSY15 for 15% off your purchase.

And I just bought these boots which feel very on-trend for 2024 with their kitten heel.

Classic sneakers

I swear by my Common Projects as they are so sleek and go with everything from dresses to jeans. You’ll see these sneakers all over France.

Parisians also love their classic Converses or alternatively try a pair of Sambas.

I’ve rounded up a lot of sleek white sneakers in this post.

Great jeans

I’m a denim girl through and through and am always honing a great denim capsule. You can shop my favorite, go-to jeans here.

For Fall 2024, I’ve so far added this pair and this pair to my collection and I love them both. Chic and timeless yet on trend at the same time. Size 28 in both.

Sezane Ralph Blazer

A timeless button down

I have gotten more wear out of my Sezane button down (size US 8 / FR 40) than I could have ever imagined.

It is so timeless in style and such high quality that it wears well time after time. I love it tucked under jeans or into midi skirts or work pants.

Super French in style is also this oversized button down that goes so well with jeans and ponte pants but also layers under sweaters and blazers well. I sized down to a S in it.

I also really love the Everlane silk blouse for layering under sweaters. And this silk blouse I own (size M) is so beautifully made and extremely versatile.

Paris Fall Outfit in the Palais Royal Gardens featuring Gucci loafers and a striped sweater by LaLigne and blazer

Quality sweaters

I believe in investing in quality cashmere sweaters that you can wear over and over again without much upkeep (poor quality cashmere will pill easily). I recommend the quality of the Jenni Kayne Cashmere sweaters. And I have a lot of Sezane’s affordable knitwear, too.

For a more affordable option, Everlane fits the bill but you will have to remove pills after a lot of wear. Nothing a little fabric shaver can’t handle though!

And of course you know by now I love a striped knit. All my favorites are by the brand La Ligne.

Shop My Knitwear Collection.

Paris Spring Outfit

Flats you love and that are actually comfortable

Look for comfortable yet timeless flats. I love ballet flats and own several pairs from Chanel but for more affordable options I’d recommend include these or these.

My other personal favorite is the Sarah Flint Natalie. It’s such a feminine yet timeless style and they’re so comfortable that they are worth the investment. I own them in several colors. Code SF-MEGHAN will get you 15% off.

Sezane Fall Collection I wit & whimsy

A classic coat silhouette

A classic wool coat is the perfect timeless silhouette to top any outfit in a simple, French inspired style. I recommend this classic car coat by Sezane. The Sezane Johnson coat is so stylish on (size up) and incredibly versatile.

For more of my coat collection, check out my Favorite Coats.

I also love adding a ruffled collar top under coats or sweaters in the Fall. Perfect for a feminine French detail.

Veronica Beard Blazer

A blazer to style often

For an investment one, this is my favorite (wearing an 8). The Sezane Christie Blazer is also great and I own it in two colors in size 6.

If you don’t have a black blazer that you feel great in, there’s no time like the present. It’s an instant mood booster and can be restyled throughout the year in loads of ways. I never go to Paris in the Fall without packing a black blazer.

This one is a great affordable option.

A tweed jacket

I love tweed jackets as a counterpart to my favorite blazers. Mango and Veronica Beard are my go-tos for tweed jackets.

MM.LaFleur Jardigan Review I wit & whimsy

Sweater Jacket

A sweater jacket is one of my favorite pieces to carry to throw on top of a tee and look instantly more leveled up. This one is my personal favorite and I own it in two versions!

The fabric is particularly well suited for travel as it doesn’t wrinkle easily. It’s also got a nice weight to it so you can use it as more of jacket on warmer Fall days. It comes in several colors and the neutrals lend themselves well to being a travel wardrobe workhorse. Code WIT&WHIMSY20 will get you 20% off your first order.

Above I paired mine with my favorite Sarah Flint Natalie flat. You can use code SF-MEGHAN for 15% off your order.

A staple loafer

An iconic shoe silhouette that is so French in style. Favorite loafers of mine include the classic Gucci loafers and this pair by Freda Salvador.

For a more affordable style, try these that are comfortable and don’t break the bank.

Fall Date Night Outfit featuring Faux Leather Pants

A comfortable heel

The Sarah Flint Perfect Pump are so comfortable that you won’t wince at the idea of wearing a heel. You can use code SF-MEGHAN for 15% off your order.

And also I love my Chanel slingbacks as my other most worn pair of heels.

Lace Cami I wit & whimsy