Even when the temperatures are low, we fashion enthusiasts want to keep the chicness levels of our outfits high, but the journey to fashion nirvana in the winter months is anything but easy. People generally try to avoid looking like the Michelin Man, even if they are in a white puffer coat. This, however, is why we’ve sought a little guidance from some women who know what they’re talking about when it comes to cold-weather styling.
The French experience severe cold snaps in the winter months. At least, those in the northern regions do. So what do French winter outfits look like?
We’ve scouted 10 stylish looks from nine of our favorite French influencers, each of which we’d happily re-create for ourselves this winter. Scroll on to see a selection of the French-girl winter outfits we rate, from the knitted staple no Gallic girl is ever without to the layering techniques that we can’t wait to try.
1. KEEP A CARDIGAN HANDY
Style Notes: French women wear cardigans on a daily basis, opting for the thickest they can find in the winter months. We also find they like tucking them into their trousers—a nifty trick for keeping your body heat in.
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2. TOASTY ACCESSORIES ARE YOUR FRIEND
Style Notes: Okay, Andi Mun’s knitted dress might not keep her warm in the depths of winter (at least, not without a coat), but the inclusion of a woolen beret and a pair of cozy knee-high boots in her ensembles will serve her well long into the season.
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3. SHEARLING LINING IS A MUST
Style Notes: Although we talk a lot about French fashion staples, we’ve been remiss in not mentioning the shearling-lined suede jacket, which makes an appearance in more French wardrobes than you might initially think. As it’s chic and practical, we really shouldn’t be surprised.
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4. BE CLEVER WITH YOUR LAYERS
Style Notes: When it comes to layering, French girls are in the big leagues. Just look at Anne-Victoire Lefevre. She’s bringing her A game with this double-knitwear look. In fact, her skirt is also knitted. Bravo.
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5. IF IN DOUBT, OPT FOR AN ALL-IN-ONE
Style Notes: Like dresses, jumpsuits and boilersuits present a chic all-in-one look that takes next to no effort on your part to assemble. Plus, they’re super warm to wear. As for footwear and accessories, Dominique’s got it covered with her chunky combat boots and edgy cat-eye sunnies. What? The winter sun is just as deserving of a pair of designer sunglasses as the summer sun.
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6. WEAR LOOSE COATS OVER EVERYTHING
Style Notes: French women love oversize, tailored coats, and they wear them over everything for a cozy extra layer. Contrary to what you might think, this checked suit actually looks sleeker with the addition of this camel coat.
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7. BARE LEGS AREN'T ENTIRELY OFF THE AGENDA
Style Notes: Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you still can’t have bare legs well into the season. Ensure the rest of your look features classic winter staples, such as a shearling coat, a turtleneck knit, and loafers, and you’ll be surprised at how your overall body temperature equals out.
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8. NEITHER ARE MINIDRESSES
Style Notes: Continuing on from above, there’s no need to banish your minidresses, either, particularly if they’re knitted like Sabina Socol’s. Just add a pair of tights. FYI, patterned hosiery is trending this season, so have fun with this look.
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9. A BLAZER-AND-SWEATER COMBINATION NEVER FAILS
Style Notes: It’s an age-old dressing dilemma: choosing between wearing a coat with a thin knit or a jacket with a thicker knit. Right now, Léna Farl is tempting us with the latter. A weighty checked blazer with a Breton-stripe sweater underneath? J’adore!
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10. AND FINALLY, A HIGH-PERFORMING LOOK WE JUST LOVE
Style Notes: The eagle-eyed readers among you will have noticed we’ve already featured an Amy Lefévre look in our edit, but this one is too good not to share. A rainbow knit might not be the first thing that crops into your mind at the mention of French fashion, but that’s why it’s important not to subscribe to stereotypes. With flares and tan boots, this ensemble is up there with the best of the French-girl winter outfits.
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This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK and has since been updated.
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