If you're a regular Who What Wear reader, you already know we're completely obsessed with every facet of French fashion. Parisian women, especially, have become synonymous with effortless chic. They possess an instinctive grasp of what works, and they never come across as though they're straining for it. Rather than continuing to guess from a distance about what truly defines a French wardrobe, we tapped blogger Deborah Reyner Sebag—better known as The Daily Deb—to share some of those highly sought-after insider tricks. Below, she walks us through the staples every French woman keeps in her closet, plus the three items French women absolutely refuse to put on during the colder months.
Dropping temperatures are no excuse to abandon your personal style—you can absolutely experiment and have fun with your outfits. I'm about to walk you through the must-have pieces found in every French woman's winter wardrobe, along with the three things you'll never catch us wearing once the chill sets in. Since this reflects my own perspective on Parisian dressing, I'll do my best to steer clear of tired stereotypes. To illustrate my point clearly, I've styled several outfits for you to consider. You may already be aware that French women gravitate toward simple, understated clothing, but the real artistry lies in how they pull those pieces together. Read on to discover which items French women embrace and which they avoid throughout winter.
Too bulky for their taste, French women typically lean toward more elegant footwear. That said, if hiking boots are a must for you, the goal is to make them feel more refined—try styling them with slim cigarette trousers and a leopard-print coat.
Socks are obviously a winter necessity, but French women favor pared-back styles in classic shades like black, grey, or navy. Occasionally, though, fabrics such as Lurex, satin, and mesh can make a comeback. If you feel compelled to wear something truly statement-making, I'd suggest investing in a Gucci pair and teaming them with loafers for a daring finish.
White handbags can be lovely, but they're simply too prone to showing wear and stains—which is why we usually play it cautious and commit to black bags instead. Personally, I do quite enjoy carrying a white bag during winter just to break the routine. You simply won't spot them on the streets of Paris, though.
I used to hunt down vintage fur pieces, but lately, more and more design houses have been moving away from fur altogether. The moment I came across this jacket from Rouje, I was smitten—it's absolutely flawless. These days, I've traded my old furs for this stunning piece by Jeanne Damas. Wondering how to style it? Pair it with high-waisted trousers cropped just enough to reveal your shoes. Add a structured handbag and your go-to graphic tee, and you've nailed the quintessential French outfit.
It needs to be roomy and comfortable, and it absolutely has to keep you warm outdoors—even without a coat layered over it. You can style it the way I might during fashion week, with a miniskirt and boots, or take a more laid-back route with cropped jeans and flat boots. This is where accessories become crucial, so opt for shoes and a bag that command attention.
With the holiday season just around the corner, I'm completely smitten with a velvet kimono. Honestly, though, I'm obsessed with velvet in any form. This Attico dress, in particular, is among the finest I've discovered. To offset the richness of the velvet, consider layering a printed tee underneath, or even adding trousers or jeans. For a party-ready finish, reach for oversized earrings and a pair of heels.
Up next, the French shoe brands every woman should have on her radar.
