Fall in France arrives in stages, with a cool morning here and a warm afternoon there, and every member of our team has a piece they reach for once the season turns.
Some are new purchases; others have been in rotation for years. Most of the picks come down to layering and texture: a knitted poncho inspired by Parisian mi-saison dressing, a triangle scarf small enough for even the tiniest handbag, suede in a rich autumn brown, shearling that works in the city or on a mushroom hunt in the countryside, and a cotton sweater layered under a jean jacket on the coast. We also have a recommendation for a perfect-sized handbag for working lunches and leather boots from a Parisian maison that has been making shoes since 1964.
Here are the fall wardrobe staples the My French Country Home team is wearing this season.
Knitted Wool Poncho
Recommended by Nicola, MFCH Magazine Editor & Writer
It’s officially shoulder season — in more ways than one. In France, the shift from Indian Summer to crisp fall weather can sometimes be swift, and if you’re like me, I’m always a little reluctant to stow away my favorite summer outfits.
My solution for navigating the transition is a knitted wool poncho. I stole this style hack from Parisian women, masters of the art of “la mi-saison,” who seem to instinctively know how to layer thoughtfully at the first hint of chill in the air. A poncho adds warmth over a lighter outfit without requiring a full winter coat. What’s more, it can be tucked easily into a handbag when you no longer need that extra layer.
Eric Bompard, Kujten and Maison Bonnefoy make gorgeous cashmere versions, while Maison Solfin, Monoprix and Galleries Lafayette regularly stock ponchos in lovely fall colors.
Quality Leather Handbag
Recommended by Sharon, MFCH Founder & Editor-in-Chief
As we ease into autumn, I love to treat myself to a new handbag, and preferably something that will work with a fall wardrobe. I love a good-sized bag, that I can slip a notebook or iPad into, especially if I’m including a working lunch in my day.
The French brand Longchamp is known for the quality of their leathergoods at affordable prices. I have several of their pieces, and they age really well without ever going out of fashion.
This year I’m going with their brown leather bag Le Smart, available in two different sizes, and a few fun color options.
Knitted Triangle Scarf
Recommended by Maddy, MFCH Magazine Editor & Writer
While a silk scarf is my summer staple, in fall, I tend to swap it for something a little softer and cozier. “Sophie scarves” are a cold weather must-have in Paris. Triangular in shape and typically knitted, they are wonderfully versatile and offer a discreet alternative to the oversized scarf look.
Small enough to slip into even the tiniest handbag, they can be worn over a jumper and tied with a simple knot, double wrapped for a makeshift turtleneck effect or secured under the chin, to keep ears warm and hair tidy in high winds and rain. Plus, I love the touch of artisanal charm they give to any outfit.
Shearling Vest & Jacket
Recommended by Jessy, MFCH Customer Service Manager
When adding anything to my wardrobe, I always ask myself first if it’s a versatile purchase. Can this be styled for different occasions or environments? Is it comfortable? Does this tie an outfit together without much thought?
This is why I enjoy shearling style vests and jackets in autumn. They can be faux, vintage, or new, and they always bring a nice bit of texture to an outfit while keeping me warm on windy days. They’re perfect in Paris and I enjoy bringing my shearling vest to go mushroom hunting with my family in Normandy.
Great Leather Boots
Recommended by Sarah, MFCH Box & Boutique Manager
If my fall wardrobe had a foundation, it would be a great pair of boots. My brand of choice in France is Jonak — a Parisian brand that has been crafting leather shoes for the French market since 1964. With over 150 artisanal steps and leather sourced from European tanneries, the quality speaks for itself. The designs manage to feel current without being too of-the-moment to wear again next year
The Dibre & Ben models have earned a permanent place in my wardrobe — they make any outfit feel effortlessly put together, whatever the occasion.
Suede Jacket
Recommended by Alizée, MFCH Travel & Tours Manager
One of my favorite pieces for autumn is definitely my brown suede jacket from Massimo Dutti. It’s perfect for that in-between weather when you need an extra layer but don’t want to wear a proper coat just yet.
I love how easy it is to style, whether I’m wearing it with a simple pair of jeans or dressing it up with a skirt. I also love the rich brown color, especially at this time of year, and I find suede adds a nice bit of texture to an otherwise simple outfit.
Oversized Sweater & Jean Jacket
Recommended by Olivia, MFCH Magazine Editor, Writer, and Brand Strategist
French fashion, especially in fall, is all about layering. That approach matters even more to me now that I live in southwest France, where a chilly morning can turn toasty by lunch. So, my go-to outfit formula this time of year is a T-shirt, a sweater, and a jean jacket.
My skin is sensitive to wool, so I buy only cotton sweaters. But cotton also suits autumn layering on its own merits, since it’s light enough to wear under a jacket without overheating. French style tends to skew oversized, which makes layering easier and more comfortable. Topped with a jean jacket, the outfit works for a brisk morning walk along the beach, a trip to the local market, and drinks with friends on a terrace.
As a team of women living in France, we’re happy to share our recommendations for what is currently à la mode here. Curious about something else that French locals reach for? Tell us what you’d like to know by emailing your request to magazine@myfrenchcountryhome.com
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