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The fall is a magical time in Paris. Locales return from holiday. The cafes are bustling, filled with tourists and locales alike, enjoying the delectable dining options and a glass of wine.
Fall is peak fashion time in Paris – which makes it the epicenter of cool-girl fashion.
There’s something so aspiringly romantic about the idea of being as stylish as Parisian girls. French women work from a slew of basics, buying the highest quality they can afford.
And they mix and match those pieces to create an endless amount of combinations. These timeless pieces return every year, every season, regardless of current trends.
Basket bags, tweed ladylike jackets, relaxed denim, and a trench coat–what do all of these closet classics have in common?
They’re the foundation of any French-girl approved outfit formula—and undeniably, très chic. Parisian women love to reach for these classic pieces year after year, and intermingle a trendy piece into the mix.
Scroll below to find inspo for fall Parisian style and to emulate that je ne sais quoi this fall.
Traditional silhouettes still reign as the favorite choice of trench coats. Beige, double-breasted, and wide lapels are a classic staple.
However, there are many variations of colors available to reflect the season. Finish off the outfit with a classic Parisian look.
The humble woven basket is a French wardrobe essential. They’re practical and easy and will fit seamlessly into casual pieces throughout the year.
The versatile piece is universally synonymous with classic French style.
While some think of leopard as a bold print, it can be more as a neutral staple – especially in Parisian fashion.
A pair of straight-leg jeans with the perfect leopard top will give you that effortless look Parisian women are known for.
Adding pops of red makes the print feel covetable. Styling animal print in a casual, laissez-faire manner allows the print to be a timeless staple.
Cardigans are the perfect transitional piece – once that first chill hits the streets of Paris – grab a cozy cardigan.
Parisian women gravitate towards neutral tones for their cold weather essentials. Whether you wear them open, closed, or layered over t-shirts, you can’t deny cardigans work hard in your closet.
The easiest way to wear a cardigan is with a great pair of jeans and ballet flats.
French women have a distinct style which is clearly recognizable from afar.
A high quality ladylike jacket usually fashioned from tweed or wool comes to mind. This jacket balances well with pair of good denim.
The jacket can be refashioned with a feminine twist –think polished midi skirts, seriously chic tailoring, barely-there pumps, and elegant finishing touches like an investment bag or a pearl necklace.
Don’t forget a swipe of red lipstick.
An oversized blazer ranks very high as an essential in a capsule wardrobe. There are several variations, silhouettes, and colors that come to mind.
Of course, a black blazer ranks as a must have piece, but why not mix it up?
A plaid blazer is a fall essential. A slightly oversized plaid blazer with jeans adds a little flair to any look.
Trends come and go, but a leather jacket is forever. This statement piece has a kind of staying power—a forever chic that’s hard to find elsewhere in your closet.
If you’re looking for something lasting with a twist, there are options that add a subtle, yet unexpected edge to the classic style that come in a clean silhouette.
To add an edgy vibe, add a statement bag in an eye-popping leopard print. This is Parisian street style at its finest.
When in Paris, a striped sweater is a no brainer. Since the allure of classic stripes is rooted in effortlessness, that means these sweaters can be styled with extreme ease as well.
Breton stripes have stood the test of time and the signature style reigns supreme time and time again.
To polish off the look, leather trousers always deliver; and the same goes a pair of black loafers. This is one outfit to wear on repeat come fall.
The satin midi-length skirt is not only for formal events, but is perfect for a casual look. In terms of style, keep it simple by sticking to one color palette.
A head-to-toe neutral color is impossibly chic. The monochromatic look is cohesive and feels ethereal.
Accessories, like a designer handbag or a sleek strappy flat, promise to bring the cheer.
Whether you’re strolling the Parisian streets or staying stateside, slipping into a fluid mini skirt is an easy way to look polished.
When it comes to styling the evergreen staple, stick to the classics.
Rely on unexpected yet totally welcome accessories, like a warm crimson sweater and chic flats, to take the look to a new level entirely.
Select wide-leg pants that pool to the ground and coordinate with classics, such as a striped sweater and button down, in more neutral tones.
For a touch of prep, throw a sweater over your shoulder.