20 Timeless French Capsule Wardrobe Staples

What is it about French style that always draws us in? French women always look put together and polished, but never look overdone. They have the art of effortless dressing and sophistication down to a tee. From the iconic Breton stripe shirt to the classic trench coat, French women have mastered the art of building a versatile and sophisticated wardrobe with just a few key pieces. Today I’m sharing some of the essential staples that every French woman swears by, to create a curated capsule wardrobe that transcends trends and stands the test of time. Here are the key pieces you need to achieve timeless french style. De rien!

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20 Timeless French Capsule Wardrobe Staples

Timeless Trench Coat

Every timeless French wardrobe must have a trench coat. It’s a go-to outerwear essential for transition between the seasons, crisp fall days, and cool spring nights. A classic trench coat is not only a layer for cooler weather, but also a great layering piece to add a chic appeal to your outfits.

If you love the look of a traditional trench coat, I highly recommend the Scott Trench coat from my favorite French brand.  Not only does it have all the details of a classic trench, but it is also petite friendly. If you prefer a more minimal look, I love this Tailored trench coat from the Scandi brand, The Curated. Both coats run true to size. I’m wearing a size 0 in the Scott trench (khaki green version but it’s also available in camel), and a size XXS in the Tailored trench coat.

 

Striped Breton Top

Stripes are so French! Especially a Breton stripe, also know as Mariniére. Breton stripes originated in Brittany, France, a coastal town, in the mid-1800s. They were originally part of the French Navy uniform. No wonder they are such timeless French capsule wardrobe staples! For a classic French girl look, where your Breton shirt with straight-leg jeans and classic ballet flats.

 

Tailored Blazer

A blazer is a french capsule wardrobe staple. It doubles as a top and as a jacket when the weather is mild. While some styles like oversized blazers and crop blazers trend from year to year, a classic blazer will never go out of style. French style often blends feminine and masculine pieces. That’s what makes it so appealing. It’s a bit unexpected but in a very cool and effortless way. Style a blazer with everything from jeans, matching pants, skirts, and wear over dresses.

Neutral colors will work best in a capsule wardrobe since they can be easily mixed and matched with other items in your closet. This black blazer I’m wearing runs a bit small. I recommend sizing up in this style. Here are a few others I love in different price points:

 

Straight-Leg Jeans

Updated jeans are a big part of any timeless capsule wardrobe. They are an iconic staple. While in the US, wide-leg jeans are the fall jeans of choice, the French prefer the more tailored straight-leg jeans. If you are still a fan of skinny jeans, straight-leg jeans will be easy for you to transition into. Straight-leg jeans look best when they hit right at or right your ankle. Because of the length, these jeans look great with flat shoes like loafers, ballet flats, flat boots and even low-profile sneakers. The pair I’m wearing is petite friendly in length too!

 

Low Profile Sneakers

The French love wearing sneakers with dresses. For all the walking they do, sneakers are  great everyday shoe choice. To keep your outfits looking classic and timeless, choose low profile sneakers over more chunky athletic sneakers. They will be the most versatile choice and even look great with dresses. Whether you choose all white sneakers, or ones with a touch of color, remember that the more neutral they are, the more you can mix and match them with.

Classic Button-Up Shirt

A classic button-up shirt can be styled in so many ways. From a tomboy look with an oversized button-up shirt and jeans, to a more feminine fitted shirt with pants, you really cannot go wrong. The French love versatile pieces. This is a must-have timeless French capsule wardrobe staple. Think of a white button-up shirt with jeans as your casual uniform that you can wear everyday. Dress it up for evening with a slinky slip skirt and heels. Instead of a plain cotton shirt, try one with added lace detail for an elevated look. These work so well under a blazer too!

This button-up shirt is my favorite to wear when I want a little something special. It’s a great going out top with jeans, pants, or a skirt. For more casual days, I love wearing this classic white button-up shirt. It’s the one I  wear all the time. I wear a size 2.

 

Tailored Trousers

Wearing tailored trousers instantly elevates any look. They are versatile enough to take from work to weekend. I love a great fitting pair of tailored pants for winter nights out. They are super chic and can be worn with a going out top, cozy knit sweater, or a button-up shirt.

Trying to find pants that fit great can be challenging. But they are essential to any capsule wardrobe. Sometimes you need to wear something dressier than jeans. Never worry about the hem being too long. It’s an easy fix at the dry cleaners or tailor. Consider having them taken in at the waist too, if needed, for the best fit. Finding a good tailor (or local dry cleaners) is essential to getting the best fit for your wardrobe. The tailored pants I’m wearing above fit great but I did need to get them hemmed (I’m wearing a size 2).

 

Turtleneck Sweaters

A turtleneck is a classic capsule wardrobe staple. I love the look of a sleeveless turtleneck for the “in-between” season weather. The high roll neck is elegant, especially when paired with tailored pants (I love these gingham pants which I also featured in my Sezane Pants Guide). For colder months, wear a traditional long sleeve turtleneck with anything from pants, jeans, and skirts. The French love neutral colors like black, gray, navy, camel, and ivory since they are so versatile.

 

Ballet Flats

Whether you choose traditional round toe ballet flats, or ballet flats with a strap (for added support), these comfortable shoes are an essential French capsule wardrobe staple. The French walk a lot so comfort is key. These shoes are so versatile and can be worn from casual daytime looks to chic dinner date outfits, all year long! They are très chic! I especially love wearing ballet flats with straight leg jeans and with dresses.

If you’re on your phone, swipe left to see all the shoe styles…

Classic Wool Coat

A wool coat is a timeless addition to your closet if you experience colder months where you live. And it gets cold in Paris. My husband and I went to Paris one October and it was freezing. Granted they were having an unusual cold-front, however I did not pack a wool coat. Thankfully Paris is full of beautiful clothing stores and I purchased a timeless wool coat that I still wear today (this was over 15 years ago). When you buy high-quality clothes, they last. A wool coat is one of those wardrobe pieces you want to buy good and buy once. It’s a smart investment.

The French gravitate towards neutral color coats like this navy blue coat, black coat (the exact one as my navy coat), gray, and camel. You can’t go wrong with timeless colors like these to help you achieve French girl style.

 

Classic Cardigan Sweater

A cardigan sweater is one of those classic pieces that is easily overlooked. It’s understated chic and can be worn with jeans and trousers. Wear yours buttoned up for work or a dressier event. For more casual everyday outfits, wear your cardigan open with a tank top underneath. For a very versatile cardigan, that an be dressed up or down, I love the Betty cardigan. In fact I have it in 3 colors! The collar adds a charm, while the buttons add texture and interest to your outfit.

Here are some more classic cardigans to try:

 

Little Black Dress

The little black dress is your classic evening look. I always think of Audrey Hepburn when I think of little black dresses. They are suitable for almost all occasions. The shift style dress will be your most versatile capsule option since you can dress it up with gold heels for a wedding, or more formal look. On the other hand, you can style it more casually with ballets flats or even sneakers and a baseball cap.

I’m adding in one of this season’s timeless fall trends- leopard print ballet flats. While you can really wear any color shoes with a black dress, this keeps the look playful.

Leather Handbag

While you can’t get more French than a vintage Chanel bag, use the classic shape as inspiration. A simple rectangle shape with a leather or chain strap is a timeless addition to your French capsule wardrobe. I have this leather bag and adore it! It comes in so many beautiful colors and goes with so many outfits. Here are a few other styles that work just as well:

Silk Shirt

A silk shirt is a classic! I love them for work or dinner with tailored pants, just as much as I love them with a great pair of jeans. They will instantly elevate a casual jeans outfit while giving you the effortless vibe we all want.

This silk shirt is actually washable. No need to worry about wearing this one. I love the fact that this is washable since it makes me feel better about wearing it casually. Just lay it flat to dry!

Ankle Boots

Ankle boots are versatile enough to wear with skirts and dresses, as well as pants, and jeans. They are great for wearing under your wide-leg pants and flare jeans too. Having the toe peek out from underneath jeans is such a timeless look. Choose a neutral color to get the most wear out of them. A timeless French capsule wardrobe would have a pair of black ankle boots along with a neutral color like these camel boots (take 15% off with TARAFHM15).

Basic White Tee

The basic white tee is an essential for any classic capsule wardrobe. You can wear it on its own, or style it under a blazer or tweed jacket. Having a great basic t-shirt in your wardrobe will go far. For a French vibe, style your white tee under a striped sweater jacket, straight-leg jeans, and ballet flats.

A few of my favorite white t-shirts include this Conrad Tee which has a comfortable fit (I wear size XXS in this one), the Vintage Tee with a slimmer but true to size fit (I wear XS), and this James linen tee which is more tailored and slightly opaque (I wear XS).

 

Tweed Jacket

There’s nothing more French than a tweed jacket. It can be said that Coco Chanel invented the modern tweed jacket. For decades, Chanel has been known for their iconic tweed jacket looks. From jacket and skirt matching sets, to casual tweed jackets paired with jeans. They are versatile and always so chic. There are so many color combinations to choose from. For a timeless French capsule wardrobe choose a black tweed jacket, or one with neutral tones.

 

Cashmere Sweater

Lofty and luxe, a cashmere sweater is my favorite fall to winter wardrobe capsule staple. For wearing with wide-leg jeans, I love a more fitted sweater. But for wearing with tailored trousers, I prefer a slightly oversized sweater for a cozy yet casual look. Sticking with neutral colors like this taupe cashmere-blend sweater, ivory, gray, black, brown, and navy, will get you more wear. For a layered look during a mild fall day, tie your cashmere sweater over your shoulders layered on top of a classic white tee.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are an easy way to keep it chic. It’s the easiest accessory to add to make your look more stylish. Plus of course they are functional. Choose a darker pair like black, tortoise, or brown to truly maximize their wear throughout each season.

Silk Scarf

Wearing silk scarves is an easy way to add a French twist to your outfits. Accessories like this are my favorite way to change up outfits. This minimal outfit of a white t-shirt and jeans can be transformed depending on how you wear a silk scarf, and what color you choose. Traditional French capsule style consists of basic pieces that can be worn in different ways. Adding a silk scarf to your wardrobe makes creating new outfits easy. For more inspiration, check out my previous post on how to wear a silk scarf.

This blue silk scarf is styled with these wide leg jeans, white t-shirt, and leather bucket bag.

Why Is Classic French Style Fashion So Popular?

French fashion has long been associated with elegance, sophistication, and timeless style. And they make it look so easy! Even in historic times, women of other countries looked to France for the latest in fashion and style. It’s where a lot of well known luxury fashion houses started, like Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent. Today, French fashion is still associated with timeless quality and luxury. The art of achieving the French je ne sais quoi is still a goal for many. After all, who doesn’t want to look chic without looking like they tried too hard?

Building a capsule wardrobe takes time but it’s worth it to have timeless pieces to reach for season after season. You can build a capsule wardrobe for any season or any occasion. I love this French capsule wardrobe for chic and elegant style every day! Use any or all of these pieces to create your own French style outfits.