Paris is the world’s fashion capital for a reason. Any woman with style knows she must look to the French for inspiration on building an effortlessly chic wardrobe.
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Winter is a particularly poignant moment for French fashionistas as one of the fundamentals of Parisian dressing is layers, layers, layers. It gets chilly over here from the coast to the countryside and certainly in all the cities in between – therefore, a few timeless staples are a must, topped off with some fabulous pieces from the most recent winter collections, making a subtle statement.
To achieve that ever-sought-after je ne sais quoi French look, we’ve compiled a list of some of the hottest French brands on the market who have everything you need to dress to impress this winter. From holiday parties to hot chocolate dates – we’ve got you covered for any occasion.
For Holiday Shopping
Holiday presents, cookie ingredients, winter decorations – there is so much to shop for this time of year! All of that running around from store to store means you should be bundling up so as to not catch cold before all the holiday festivities. As Parisians’ most popular form of transportation is walking, they often opt for a long trench coat to get maximum warmth and coverage on these chilly days. Sézane is undeniably one of the most popular brands among Frenchwomen today, and they have a fabulous selection of jackets and trench coats to keep you feeling warm while also turning heads.
(P.S. If you’re shopping for France-inspired gifts this holiday season, check out our Gift Guide!)
For the Office Christmas Party
Office Christmas parties are back! This unique time to connect with coworkers in a relaxed atmosphere is such an important moment for relationship building and is often remembered for months, or even years, to come. So, you certainly don’t want to skimp on your outfit! This exclusive collaboration between the fierce French designer Marie Marot and J. Crew offers the perfect options for holiday party dressing. Designed to be mixed and matched, each piece works together effortlessly, providing a professional look with an added zest using fun holiday materials like velvet and sequins.
For a Hot Chocolate Date
Taking a break from the stress of wrapping up another crazy year is necessary to start the new year off right. What better way to do that than with an old friend, a neighbor or a loved one over some hot chocolate? BA&SH has a wonderful collection of textured sweaters to keep you cozy all winter long. Their knits are great for a fancy café on the town or a packet of hot cocoa at home.
(If you’re in Paris this holiday season, check out our roundup of the best places in the city for hot chocolate! Now you know what to wear.)
For Dinner Parties with Friends
Getting together with old and new friends over dinner and a cocktail is what this season is for. As gatherings start popping up on your calendar, it helps to have outfits ready. A little black dress is perfect for a soirée à la française. French brands like Maje have stylish options for long and short dresses that go great with heels and boots. If black isn’t your thing, they offer stunning pops of color too.
For Christmas Morning
There’s nothing quite like a quiet Christmas morning with the family. Unwrapping presents, munching on cookies with a warm cup of tea by the fireplace – that’s the stuff of holiday magic. Of course, the main objective of this day is to enjoy some restful moments at home, but you want to embrace the final days of the holiday spirit too! Effortlessly incorporate festive detail into your Christmas morning outfit with sweaters featuring holiday details like sparkles, sequins or patterns that evoke that French-ski-chalet feel. Modern French brand The Kooples has a great variety of winter sweaters and cardigans to choose from.
For a Tropical Winter Vacation
In case you’re replacing pine trees with palm trees this winter, a vacation wardrobe refresh is essential to ring in a bright new year. The French love their tropical vacations during the chilly winter months, so French brands like BA&SH also release a Resort capsule collection just in time for a holiday in the sun. Pair a flowy dress with a woven basket purse from the highly sought-after brand A.P.C. and you’re St. Barts-ready!
The holiday season is filled with wonderful events and special occasions – from fancy nights out to casual mornings in. No matter what you’re filling your days with as we wrap up 2022, take a cue from les femmes françaises, and go out in style.
Read next: French Style and Dressing with Caroline de Maigret
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