Owing to my fascination with France, I'd say I've studied French fashion for well over two decades. I was gifted my first book on French style at age 11—a study on all things Breton and rouge and therein the fascination began. From then on, name a French fashion book and I had it, and when it came to French movies, I'd happily compromise with subtitles in exchange for the enviable screen wardrobe, all in an attempt to master the effortless charm of Gallic women.
Through this research, I came to realise that while beret-wearing was most certainly a cliché, some of the things I had heard about French fashion were true, like how Parisians are on the perpetual hunt for perfectly fitting vintage Levi 501s. However, my research at home could only take me so far, and so I packed up my bags and moved to France myself. Now, almost two years since moving to Paris, and having lived through repeat seasons, I've honed in on what truly makes a Parisian capsule wardrobe in every season. Today, though, I've set my sights on spring, turning my attention to ascertaining which key pieces form a French woman's spring capsule wardrobe. For this, I’ve taken a close look at the style habits of French women and it didn’t take long for some patterns to emerge and some things even disproven.
Take fuzzy knits, for example, I was shocked to see that French women seldom wear them. Plus, although they are sticklers for classics, French style is not unwavering, with French women having a skill of expertly discerning the trends and inheriting those with longevity. For that reason, don't be surprised to see suede, mesh shoes, or pops of brown in their collections. That being said, when it comes to the bones of a spring capsule wardrobe, there are a handful of core basics they rely on.
I’m confident that the French woman’s spring wardrobe can be encapsulated (and indeed replicated) in 11 items—some of which you’ll likely already own. From straight-leg jeans, tailored trousers and midi-length skirts, continue reading to discover Français-inspired spring outfits.
See the 11 Items Parisian Have in Their Spring Capsule Wardrobe:
1. Trench Coats
Style Notes: A trench coat is an integral part of a French Woman's capsule. I've witnessed women wear them through the depths of winter, well into spring/summer. Simply resisting its versatile charm. Whilst many Gallic women are known to don vintage trench coats (namely Burberry, you can find them in various thrift shops after all), there are many contemporary versions readily available awash with beige, khaki undertones and slouched in silhouette. It's arguably a prime spring wardrobe essential. Chic, understated and practical in equal measure. What's not to adore?
Shop Trench Coats:
Sezane's Clyde trench coat has amassed myriad fans of the style. It's rounded, nonchalant in appearance and boasts an adorable gingham lining that encourages many people to fold up their sleeves. Available in seven colourways, there's a hue for all, though light beige is the most typically worn among French women.
The Slow Label offers a perfectly slouched double-breasted silhouette in a premium quality.
2. Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: While French women appreciate straight-leg jeans, I've noticed the transition to free-flowing trousers. For spring and summer, I'd recommend trousers comprising Tencel, cotton or viscose -these options aren't only breathable, but they move freely in the wind, as a skirt would.
Shop Tailored Trousers:
COS is my favourite brand on the high street for tailored trousers.
A classic piece you can wear from spring through to winter.
3. Suede Outerwear
Style Notes: French women have worn suede for years but as the popularity of the fabrication has grown, so too have the number of suede handbags, jackets and coats worn across France. Typically, suede is worn alongside denim and refined tops, or the little black dress.
Shop Suede Outerwear:
This spring, alternative your trench coat for suede.
Stouls grants you with a chic outfit in seconds.
4. Shirts
Style Notes: Nothing has the power to make an outfit look pulled together quite like a shirt, and French women tend to like theirs crisp and slouched. No need to size up; I’ve found expertly cut shirts that tap into this aesthetic just as they are.
Shop Shirts:
This core piece will remain in your wardrobe forever more.
Tap into nonchalant dressing with a serene blue.
5. Straight Midi Skirt
Style Notes: French women wear midi skirts throughout the year and for 2025, the offerings for "awkward hemlines" (more on that below) are aplenty, in addition to myriad fabrics such as suede denim and linen. It's also time to add mules to the equation.
Shop Midi Skirt:
What I've deemed the "awkward" length skirt is popular in France. Neither midi, nor mini, this skirt graces the knees and is often styled with t-shirts, shirts or knitwear tucked into the waistband for definition.
Suede has become highly coveted fabric among French women and we're beginning to see the continued celebration of it on not only outerwear but skirts and footwear.
6. Black Bag
Style Notes: It might sound cliché, but some clichés exist for good reason. That's certainly the case when it comes to French women and their penchant for small black bags. This peaks in the spring months thanks to their practicality and versatility.
Shop Black Handbags:
Polene's latest offering pays homage to the French-style baguette bag (very apt, for a French accessory brand). Even more impressive is the continued use of Nappa leather in the interior.
I recommend Mashu's Nicole bag to any appreciators of the Parisian style aesthetic. The gold hardware, shortened strap and silken fabrication are various components of a vintage style handbag that's synonymous with French style. You needn't hunt for vintage as Mashu's conscious offerings are equally as special.
7. Androgynous Blazers
Style Notes: No French woman's wardrobe is complete without an androgynous blazer and it's particularly popular in the spring months. Paired with slim-fit trousers or matching tailoring, there is no sleeker pairing. Alternatively, wear slouched blazers over any of the clothing options in this edit—from the two-piece to straight-leg jeans.
Shop Androgynous Blazers:
One of the most coveted blazers among the fashion set.
Not forgetting this high street gem, of course—one of Arket's few evergreen styles, due to its popularity.
8. Straight-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: Straight-leg jeans season is year-round in France— granted they're incredibly chic when paired with ankle boots tucked underneath but continue reading to discover how I suggest styling them for spring.
Shop Straight Leg Jeans:
Agolde denim is loved by many for its vintage look and blue rinse.
Deep indigo is making its way across France and cementing its place as a forever staple in the denim realm.
9. Mules
Style Notes: As advocates of the classics, it's no surprise that French women often turn to this timeless shoe style. When spring calls for Gallic girls to switch out footwear, mules are the first port of call as a transitional option—offering less toe coverage, yet forgiving enough should you experience an unexpected downpour. Opt for heeled or flat versions to elevate the simplest of ensembles. If you're looking for a way to elevate a jeans and t-shirt look, add a pair of heeled mules and a black shoulder bag.
Shop Mules:
M&S continues to surprise, with the latest shock being this timeless and affordable gem. Slip them on and off with ease.
A beloved brand in France, Repetto is best known for ballerina flats fit for purpose. The block heel iteration is equally as charming as the flat form iteration.
10. Mini Two Piece
Style Notes: Shrunken hems are a staple in a French woman's wardrobe, so much so that I, (a person who historically prefers mid to maxi lengths) have been experimenting with short styles since moving to Paris. I'm acclimating, after all. To hone in more specifically, co-ordinates play a predominant role during the spring. As pictured above, Aïda plays with proportions, styling a long-sleeved jacket and skirt two-piece, for something seasonally appropriate.
Shop Mini Two Piece:
Reformation offer plenty of investment pieces guaranteed to last for years if cared for.
You're guaranteed plenty of wear out of this linen-rich option. For now, pop a blazer or trench coat over the top.
11. Slip Dress
Style Notes: A slip dress needs no introduction. French women are, of course, fans of the piece, wearing it with sandals, heels, ballet flats and trainers all year round. Choose a classic black style or opt for a polka dot, which is just as Parisian and timeless.
Shop Slip Dresses:
You could even wear this to a wedding.
Simple but so stylish.
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