15 French Capsule Wardrobe Essentials 

Always dreamed of achieving effortless French style? Our French capsule wardrobe guide will put you on the path to style success…

The French have long been held up as the pinnacle of national style. Their individual styles are effortless, chic and timeless, something you will notice when you visit cities and towns across the country. The French don’t subscribe to current trends. Instead, they invest in high-quality, enduring pieces that have proven their worth over decades of popularity.

However, French style isn’t just reserved for the French! You too can easily build a French capsule wardrobe with a number of key pieces that are as versatile as they are ageless.

The best part about the following 15 classic French capsule wardrobe items is that you can mix them up to create an endless array of outfits that will take you from day to night. We’ve even gone the extra mile to point you in the direction of a French style icon to look to for styling inspiration for each piece.

Forget fashion trends that pass as quickly as they arrive. The French way is the best way.

Ready to be très chic every day of the week? Read on…

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1. Black blazer 

A structured black blazer should hold pride of place in every woman (and man’s) French capsule wardrobe. This is an investment piece that will take you everywhere – from the office to the bar for after work drinks – all in style. Blazers are available in a range of styles, from double breasted to military, oversized to velvet.

Always opt for breathable, high-quality blazer materials. Avoid nylon or “stretchy” fabrics, and always choose a lined blazer over an unlined one. Choose linen, or if ironing or dry cleaning isn’t your thing, a tailored tweed or wool blazer is ideal for most months of the year, bar the height of summer. 

French style icons to find blazer inspiration in: Singer Vanessa Paradis and actress Charlotte Gainsbourg have both long nailed the art of styling the classic black blazer to great effect. 

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2. White linen shirt 

When most people think of French fashion, a classic white button-up shirt is probably one of the first clothing items they imagine. It is quintessentially French – easy, breezy, versatile and always in fashion. The best and most long-lasting white button-ups are in natural, breathable fabrics – cotton, linen and the like. 

Styling it is easy! The “French tuck” is popular across the world. That is, tucking the front part of a oversized shirt or tshirt into the front of your jeans, trousers or skirt. It takes seconds to achieve and adds a certain “je ne sais quoi” to a classic white shirt. 

French style icons to find white shirt inspiration in: French screen legend Juliette Binoche and singer Françoise Hardy both know the power of a simple white shirt.

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3. Dark sunglasses 

Sunglasses don’t just exist to hide a multiple of sins after a big night out. They are also a key accessory in every serious French capsule wardrobe. The French wear their sunglasses like a uniform, and the best ones to buy for your collection are classic styles that go with anything. 

French women prefer angular, structured sunglasses that are often slightly oversized. Think Jackie O. Oval or round-shaped retro-style glasses are also a chic option. Sleek black sunglasses, or neutral colours like tortoiseshell or brown, are best for French capsule wardrobes and will go with you everywhere from the slopes of Chamonix to the beaches of St Tropez and beyond. 

French style icons to find sunglasses inspiration in: Iconic silver screen beauty Catherine Deneuve is so associated with her sunglasses over the decades that she even has her own sunglasses brand!

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4. Little black dress 

For a century, the little black dress (“LBD”) has been a non-negotiable French capsule wardrobe staple that has swept the globe. There is no end to the versatility of the little black dress, or the variety of styles out there. This makes it easy to find the one that is just right for you. 

Classic little black dress styles that are always in fashion are A-line, body-con, wrap, empire waist, cocktail, sheath and shift. Whether you prefer short or long hemlines or short or long sleeves, blending comfort with style is key with the LBD.

French style icons to find little black dress inspiration in: Coco Chanel, of course! The French designer pioneered the LBD in the 1920’s, and to her we are forever grateful. Early icons of the LBD were singer Edith Piaf and actress Jeanne Moreau, and it’s still more popular than ever.

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5. Nautical-style striped top 

Few clothing items encapsulate the spirit of French style more than a nautical-style striped top. Classically seen in blue and white, a striped top – weather long or short sleeved – is a French capsule wardrobe must-have. Red and white stripes are also beaucoup Français! 

To capture the true essence of the French striped top, choose a top with a relaxed boat or round neck. The striped top is the ideal layering essential, that will take you through all four seasons like a French fashionista.

French style icons to find striped top inspiration in: Actresses Julie Delpy and Isabelle Huppert prove that wearing a striped top isn’t a French style cliché!

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6. Ballet flats 

Round-toe ballet flats can be found in most French women’s wardrobes for excellent reason. They are versatile, comfortable and when you invest in a high-quality pair, durable and long-lasting. 

Understated colours like black, navy and nude are always in fashion and go with anything. However if you’re feeling like adding a pop of French-inspired colour to your French capsule wardrobe, you can find ballet flats in almost any shade. Pink, blue, red or green will add a splash of colour to your OOTD. 

French style icons to find ballet flat inspiration in: Brigitte Bardot is often credited with bringing ballet shoes to the masses in the 1960’s, and her vintage style endures today.

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7. Camisole 

A camisole really brings any French outfit together. The perfect base layer for any outfit, a floaty camisole made from dressy fabric like lace or satin should be on heavy rotation in your closet. 

A black satin camisole with lace accents is a sophisticated look that will take you from the AM under a blazer or trench, to the PM, highlighted by bold jewellery and a bold red lip. White looks great on sun-kissed summer skin, and bright block colours are eye-catching for when you need a style pick-me-up. 

French style icons to find camisole inspiration in: Actress Lily Emmanuelle Béart and model Lily Rose Depp both know how important a dressy camisole is for any French fashionista’s closet.

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8. Trench coat

Ah, the trench coat. A clothing item French men and women alike cannot live without, and rely on to bring a vogue touch to any daytime or nighttime ensemble. In Paris, city dwellers dart from A to B in trenches that exude style. They wrap the coat around their body and tie it effortlessly at the front. A trench coat over your shoulders is an effortless French movie star move.

Black, brown, tan or beige are the most popular trench coat colours that go with anything, but army green, rust or navy are unique choices you should consider.

French style icons to find trench coat inspiration in: French Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard is regularly captured wearing the classic French trench.

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9. Denim jeans  

Jeans aren’t a lazy day outfit for the French – they are a wardrobe essential. Comfortable, reliable and beloved across the world, we all love jeans, and the French use theirs as a cornerstone of their outfit.

Many have asked how the French nail such a basic wardrobe item. The answer is simple. They don’t subscribe to current trends. They instead choose high-quality denim jeans in a timeless cut and wash that will last the test of time and ever-evolving trends. The most popular style of jeans in France is straight leg (skinny jeans be gone!) and high-waisted. A washed black or mid to dark blue shade is a safe choice. Good quality jeans can be styled down or up, and we can’t live without them. 

French style icons to find denim inspiration in: Actresses Audrey Tautou and Sophie Marceau love a good pair of jeans, effortlessly styling them for any occasion.

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10. Tote bag

The trusty tote bag shouldn’t be underestimated as a style accessory. Even the simplest black or cream-coloured canvas tote has more fashion clout here than many expensive designer handbags. French women are busy, and practicality is just as important to them as style. As a result, totes are a lifesaver.

Regardless of whether you opt for an inexpensive canvas tote or a high-end leather style, a great tote will fit everything you need, go with anything and can be slung over your shoulder with ease as you run out the door. Avoid plastic or synthetic materials. Big faux pas. 

French style icons to find tote bag inspiration in: French actress Clémence Poésy loves a tote bag, and is regularly photographed carrying one.

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11. Leather jacket 

The French have mastered the art of the leather jacket. It can be dressy or relaxed, tough or ultra chic. This timeless piece isn’t just for bikies. It’s a French capsule wardrobe staple that can and often does, last a lifetime. Leather jackets are available in a variety of styles, like biker and waterfall, as well as lengths. To really bring that “French feel” to almost any outfit, opt for a classic length and a structured style. 

Black or brown leather jackets are cult classics that ooze sophistication, but bright leather, in red or yellow for example, also makes a unique statement. Choose a colour that speaks to you, and that makes you feel your most stylish best. This is an investment piece, but one that you shouldn’t scrimp on. You’ll be grateful years down the track! 

French style icons to find leather jacket inspiration in: French actress Isabelle Adjani has been wearing leather jackets for years, and knows exactly how to work them into each and every outfit.

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12. “Running around” shoes  

French women are always on the go, and thankfully, the everyday trainer has become somewhat of an iconic style piece in its own right. French women love nothing more than a crisp white pair of comfortable canvas slip-on “running around shoes”. 

They are comfortable, cute, practical and totally adaptable to any outfit. They’ve even crept in to even the most dressy ensembles. Foot comfort is so important and vital to overall health. There’s nothing more wonderful than slipping into a comfortable pair of trainers with a supportive sole that will keep you light on your feet all day. 

French style icons to find trainer inspiration in: Models Laetitia Casta and Thylane Blondeau stay cool, comfortable and chic in trainers, on and off the runway.

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13. High heels 

Stilettos with cuffed boyfriend jeans. Pumps with a silk blouse and skirt. Wedges with tailored shorts. Towering knee-high boots with a flowing trench. Kitten heels with an elegant little black dress. Yes, the high heel is one of the most versatile and important pieces in the French capsule wardrobe. French women wear heels with ease and grace, accentuating their trim pins while uplevelling even the most relaxed ensemble. A good-quality, beautiful pair of heels can take you from the office to the bar with ease, and the best ones are easily walked in and don’t cause pain.

Heels are also the ultimate confidence booster! If you can only invest in one pair of high heels, opt for a pair of nude pumps. Nude heels make the legs appear longer and pair with anything. Black is of course, timeless. Got a little more cash to splash? Nothing says “don’t mess with me” in true Parisian style like a killer pair of red heels. Have fun – that’s the joy of high heels! 

French style icons to find high heel inspiration in: Acclaimed actress Melanie Laurent is regularly photographed in heels, both at movie premieres and while strolling the streets of Paris. She isn’t afraid to have fun with the colour of her shoes either!

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14. Plush sweater 

In the cooler months, a soft, good-quality sweater / jumper takes pride of place in any French capsule wardrobe. French women fuse comfort and style seamlessly, and the right plush sweater will keep you toasty while taking your outfit to the next level. French women particularly love roll-neck styles. These are effortlessly stylish, warm and comfortable. The best materials are high-quality, warm, comfortable (not itchy) and long-lasting. Wool and cashmere are perfect. Avoid acrylic or synthetic materials at all costs. You will only wear them a couple of times before they are stretched, worn and pilled. 

Neutral colours go with almost anything. If you are looking for something you can wear with any outfit combination, blacks, blues and browns are your best choice. Unless you are extra cautious, avoid white colours. Bolder colours are a great way to get all the right attention. We love orange, red, pink. green and mustard. 

French style icons to find sweater inspiration in: She may have won the heart of James Bond, but French actress Léa Seydoux is most comfortable in a soft sweater. The item is something she regularly wears to interviews and even film premieres!

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15. Silk scarf 

Last but not least is the pièce de résistance of any French capsule wardrobe. The c’est chic silk scarf! Long beloved by the most fashion forward in France, the silk scarf can be worn so many ways. It really plays the part of multiple pieces in one. 

You don’t need to splurge on an iconic Hermès silk scarf to score top style points. More affordable silk scarves are widely available in a range of sizes, colours and patterns. French women love a patterned scarf to brighten up an outfit, but block colours are also easily styled. Tie tightly at the neck in a knot or a bow, nail the “bandit” style, drape one end over a shoulder, style into a snood or infinity scarf, wear as a headband or bandana, tie around your ponytail, wear as a headscarf (ideal to protect your perfectly coiffed hair against the elements) – the options for styling a silk scarf are endless. Here’s a whole guide to it! 

French style icons to find silk scarf inspiration in: Vintage film stars Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin never had a silk scarf too far away, and they are still lauded as style icons today.

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Last but not least….

Not really a “ French capsule wardrobe essential”, but definitely playing a pivotal part in any French woman’s daily style is a classic red lip.

Cherry red, fire engine red, crimson, oxblood or burgundy. Whatever the shade or the finish, a red lip seals any outfit, no matter how understated. For inspiration on how to wear a red lip with literally any outfit or look, French singer and actress Nora Arnezeder is known for almost always having an immaculate red pout.

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What are your go-to French capsule wardrobe essentials?

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