Continuing my eternal quest to dress more French-like, I’ve set my sights—as I know many of you have, too—on spring. Spring is very much on my mind right now as brighter mornings and sunny-weather plans start to seep into my calendar and the promise of warm, easter days begin to come into view.
This year, I want to make sure I’m prepared for the seasonal switch, and naturally, I’ve turned my attention to ascertaining which pieces form a French woman's spring capsule wardrobe. For this, I’ve taken a close look at the sartorial habits of some of my favourite French women, deep-diving into their respective feeds to see what they wear when spring rolls around, and it didn’t take long for some patterns to emerge.
Now, I’m confident that the French woman’s spring capsule wardrobe can be encapsulated (and indeed replicated) in just 11 items—some of which I’m pretty sure you’ll already own, with a couple of stylish curveballs thrown in for good measure. Scroll on to see them and to begin assembling your own Français-inspired spring outfits.
1. Trench Coats
Style Notes: We all know trench coats are an integral part of the British uniform, but French women have adopted them as their own too, even in the winter. French women wear them with everything from co-ords (more on those later) to straight-leg jeans (also more on those later).
Shop the look:
A very rare (but welcome) khaki colourway.
A slight twist with a hooded iteration.
2. Textured Cardigans
Style Notes: Cardigans are integral to how French women get dressed. If you follow their rules, the chunkier the better, and always go cropped.
Shop the look:
This French brand is a good place to start for an authentic look.
A classic piece you can wear from summer through to winter. Pair it with straight-leg jeans for a head-to-toe Parisian look.
3. Throw-on Co-ords
Style Notes: French women tend to not overthink their outfits, which is why the idea of co-ords proves so appealing. I intend on capitalising on the co-ord trend this spring for maximum styling ease.
Shop the look:
A chic outfit in seconds.
It's almost time for linen!
4. Relaxed Shirts
Style Notes: Nothing has the power to make an outfit look pulled together quite like a shirt, and lots of French influencers tend to like theirs relaxed. No need to size up; I’ve found perfectly cut shirts that tap into this aesthetic as they are.
Shop the look:
Blue Oxford stripes will always be classic.
If you want to tap into this season’s monochromatic-dressing trend pair a white shirt with ecru denim.
5. Leather Midi Skirts
Style Notes: French women love to wear leather skirts throughout the year and for 2024, the hemlines have extended. Wear with tights and boots now and Mary Janes when the weather warms.
Shop the look:
This looks just like a designer skirt.
The fluted design gives this leather skirt a distinguishable feature.
6. Black Bags
Style Notes: It might sound cliché, but I have to believe some clichés exist for a reason. And that is certainly the case when it comes to French women and their penchant for small black bags, which peaks in the spring months thanks to their practicality and versatility.
Shop the look:
This cross-body bag will go with everything in your wardrobe.
This looks so premium don't you think?
7. Slouched Blazers
Style Notes: No French woman's wardrobe is complete without a men's style blazer and this style is particularly popular in the spring months. Paired with slim-fit trousers or matching tailoring - there is no better pairing.
Shop the look:
One of the most coveted blazers amongst the fashion set.
Not forgetting this high street gem, of course. Everyone in the Who What Wear office now owns this blazer.
8. Straight-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: It's straight-leg jeans season all year round for French women. Straight-leg jeans are incredibly chic, especially when paired with ankle boots tucked underneath.
Shop the look:
The might just be the perfect blue hue.
A great high-street option if you're looking for vintage-style jeans!
9. Loafers
Style Notes: As advocates of the classics, it's no surprise that French fashion often people turn to this timeless shoe. During winter, loafers can be spotted paired with socks and peeking out under trousers, whilst spring calls for Gallic girls to switch out for jeans or a skirt.
Shop the look:
It's easy to see why this pair is so popular.
This pair is elevated even further with the bold chain details.
10. Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: I've studied French style for years and smart tailored trousers are a constant in a French woman's wardrobe. Whether styled casually with a t-shirt or elevated for evening, they're guaranteed to pull a look together.
Shop the look:
An investment piece that's guaranteed to last for years.
This grey pair is particularly cool.
11. Tweed Jackets
Style Notes: French women have a knack for styling their tweed and bouclé jackets in fresh new ways, which always seem to come to fruition in spring when the need for heavy outerwear isn’t so pressing.
Shop the look:
This is currently sitting in my basket.
Cream tweed will never go out of style.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
-
If a Parisian and New Yorker Shopped the Nordstrom Winter Sale, They'd Like These 38 PiecesThe chicest picks.
-
This Sweater Will Never Go Out of Style—Here's How French Women Are Wearing It NowEffortless and chic? Oui!
-
Jenna Lyons's World: Her Go-To Red Lipstick, Her Latest Eyewear Collab, and the J.Crew Pieces She Still Wears TodayA true fashion icon.
-
Not Into Trends? Renée Zellweger's Winter Outfit Combo Is 100% ClassicJust as you are.
-
If You Want to Wear Jeans and a Tee in Paris, This Is the Only Way to Do ItIt's simple yet elegant.
-
The OG French Fashion Girl Just Showed Everyone in Paris the 2025 Way to Wear PumpsPlayful yet practical.
-
32 New Nordstrom Items a Parisian Would Wear in 2025Elevated and easy picks.
-
This Dated Denim Trend Is on Its Way Back—Here's How French Women Are Already Wearing ItFive outfit combos we're copying.
