French Girl Fall Is My Favorite Trend on TikTok—Here’s Everything You Need to Know, Plus 19 Items to Shop (2024)

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Reformation

Best Wide-Leg Jeans

1.Reformation Janae Ultra High-Rise Wide Leg Jeans

Reformation

If there’s one piece of clothing that I notice every Parisian wearing time and time again, it’sgood denim, especially sailor jeans—aka, a pair of high-waist jeans that have a wide-leg fit and patch pockets at the front, like this gorgeous pair from Reformation. There’s something so put-together yet free-spirited, and traditional yet creative about them. (They also remind me a lot ofJane Birkin.) Reformation’s Janae style will sit fitted at the waist and hips then fall open into a wide leg that’ll welcome shoes of any size and width, including thosechunky bootsyou’ve been dying to show off.

Fast Facts

• Size Range:23 to 34

Sézane

Best Zip-Up Jacket

2.Sézane Gaspard Cardigan

Sézane

This cute and cozy knit is made in Italy from a soft blend of mohair, alpaca and polyamide, so you can bet that you’ll feel like you’re wrapped in one of your favoriteblankets when you wear it. Mother-of-pearl buttons adorn the front, and, ICYDK, this Sézane sweater is famously beloved by customers because it can be worn backwards if you want a sleek and stylish look that switches it up from your usual cardigan piece. Now here comes the hard part: Which color is calling your name: camel, black, vintage blue, red or this staple gray?

Fast Facts

• Size Range:XXS to XXXL

Target

Best Mary Jane Flats

3. Target Elsa Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Target

Mary Janesare basically a rite of passage for any French woman. While the French take is normally accompanied with a one- to two-inch heel, I’m choosing to embrace a flat version in its place this season. And ICYDK, Argenson tells me that unconventional ballet flats, likemesh ballet flats or studded styles, are “a must-have accessory for style-conscious Parisians,” marrying the traditional silhouette of a classic Mary Jane with a trend. This affordable square-toe pair from Target is made from a textured faux leather and boasts a comfortable memory foam insole for a soft and cushioned step. Customers find that they’re lightweight and incredibly comfortable. I bet that thin (and adjustable!) Mary Jane strap is a godsend for staying secure and feeling like a second skin.

Fast Facts

• Size Range:5 to 12

Gap

Best Trench Coat

4. Gap Icon Trench Coat

Gap

Another French-inspired wardrobe must-have? A classic and timelesstrench coat. And this one from Gap manages to achieve a relaxed, oversize look that’s chic and traditional in design. It has a striking lapel collar that gives it structure (and looks fabulous when popped) and a double-breasted button closure front that looks great when buttoned or left relaxed. Of course, the self-tie belt at the waist does wonders for the figure, too. That’s not the only cinch detail on this jacket, either. There are belted cuffs at the hem of the long sleeves, which complement the one at the waistline and tie (pun-intended) the entire look together. Let’s just say this trench makes going out in the rain look suddenly appealing.

Fast Facts

• Size Range:XXS to XXL

Anthropologie

Best Scoop-Neck T-Shirt

5.Anthropologie Canapé Scoop-Neck Tee

Anthropologie

J’adore a scoop neck T-shirt, and so do my French amies. This Canapé blouse adds a hint of luxury to what would otherwise be your average tee, thanks to a fewpearly detailsalong the neckline and sleeves. That’s right, the hems of the shirt are adorned in small pearls, which elevate the basic blouse and draw the eye towards the décolletage. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that it comes in a striking white colorway. The versatile fabric—a blend of acrylic, rayon and elastane—has a silky sheen to it that can pair well with casual jeans and look elegant when tucked into asilk slip skirt, too. “From the quality to the unique detailing, I am so happy that I got this top,” says one buyer. “I love the little touch of pearls lining the edges of the top and I’m so impressed with the weight and fit of this knit. I’m back to get the white!” Ditto.

Fast Facts

• Size Range:XXS to XL

L.L.Bean

Best Cable-Knit Sweater

6. L.L.Bean Double L Cable Sweater

L.L.Bean

This isn’t your average cable-knit sweater, folks. In fact, this L.L.Bean knit is made from luxuriously soft cotton yarns, so you can bet your stars it’ll feel extremely warm without any of that itchiness or internalsweatyou’d possibly feel from other materials like wool or cashmere. So, if you tend to run extra hot and are on the hunt for a knit with some ventilation, this is the cozy gem for you. I love the traditional cable-knit design that will always be in style come every fall and winter, not to mention that the sweater has a relaxed, straight silhouette that won’t swallow your figure whole. It’s classic, clean and oh-so refined.

Fast Facts

• Size Range:XS to XL

Amazon

Best Wrap Dress

7. Zesica Bohemian Floral Printed Wrap Dress

Zesica

Ever seen a Parisian without a printedwrap dress? Me neither. This gorgeous beauty is made with a lightweight fabric that’s meant to feel extremely comfortable, according to more than 2,700 Amazon reviewers who awarded the frock a stellar 5-stars rating. The wrap bodice and tulip skirt meet at a fitted waistband that’s designed to cinch the smallest part of the frame, accentuating and flattering your figure. And I just love that it has a tasteful V-neckline and wide, roomy elbow-length sleeves that will feel comfortable to wear to work and happy hour after.

Fast Facts

• Size Range:S to XL

Dôen

Best Blouse

8. Dôen Henri Top

Dôen

Argenson recently added a few staple pieces to her wardrobe that just happen to align with the French Girl Fall we’re about to have, and she tells me ultra-feminine and romantic blouses are a must. “It's a wardrobe gem that I can easily pair with jeans for a casual yet stylish look or dress up with black pants for a more polished appearance,” says Argenson. This Dôen top includes a V-neck that can be fastened using the delicate and hidden buttons or left open, plus matching ruffle details along the neckline and elasticated cuffs.

Fast Facts

• Size Range:XXS to XXL

Polène

Best Purse

9.Polène Numéro Un Nano

Polène

French brand Polène, beloved byKate Middleton, takes pride in creating leather goods that embody the French love for minimalism. The Numéro Un Nano bag is made with the brand’s renowned leather and is a modern reinterpretation of Polène’s flagship model, with delicate folds and curves held together by hand stitching. On top of its beauty, I’m completely enthralled with its wearability and functionality. For instance, did you know that you can wear the purse three ways? That’s right, it can be worn as a handbag, shoulder bag and crossbody bag. Oh, and it has two pockets (back and interior) to hold small items and a magnetic closure to keep all your personal belongings as secure as possible. The bottom line? “Polène makes you feel effortlessly elegant and is full of substance and style,” say PureWow editors Rachel Bowie and Roberta Fiorito. “No wonder Kate approves.”

Fast Facts

• Size Range:20.5 x 17 x 9 cm

Abercrombie & Fitch

Best Sweater

10. Abercrombie & Fitch LuxeLoft Crew Sweater

Abercrombie & Fitch

It’s time to invest in a tweed-inspired jacket like this stunner from Abercrombie & Fitch. This sophisticated crewneck sweater has all the makings of a staple French Girl Fall jacket, from the long sleeves to the golden button details. If you’re worried about this cropped number not being warm enough come fall, fret not as buyers say the soft fabric is thick and cozy. If you want to wear this like a French girl, opt for cream-colored relaxed jeans and astriped T-shirt, and throw on a pair ofadidas Sambasto achieve that cool Parisian girl look. It’s très très chic.

Fast Facts

• Size Range:XXS to XL

Madewell

Best Loafers

11.Madewell The Vernon Loafer

Madewell

Perhaps the French adore a loafer like this sleek style due to its simplicity and practicality, perhaps for the elegance and class or perhaps a mixture of all the above. Well, I knewIadored them once I heard that these come complete with the brand’s signature MWL Cloudlift Lite padding. (If you couldn’t guess from the name, they’ll have you feeling like you’re walking on clouds.) One thing I know to ring true, the French have always been ahead of trending shoes, and we’re taking notes. PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth suggests investing in spiffy styles like this pair that has a penny strap and stacked heel in “timeless colors and styles, like black and dark brown, rather than funkier hues or patterns so you can wear them for years to come, even after the trend is replaced by something new.” We think our French friends would say, “Mais oui,” in response.

Fast Facts

• Size Range:5 to 12

Gap

Best Blazer

12. Gap Relaxed Plaid Blazer

Gap

Blazersare a staple regardless of where you’re from, and this Gap number is ideal for brisk days ahead, as it’s made of a blend that’ll feel warm and luxuriously weighty. And I’m a sucker for a plaid pattern that feels reminiscent of old traditions. It includes a button closure and lapel collar V-neck that’s more casual in nature than a double-breasted jacket, but still sharp and stylish enough to command a room with confidence. Toss it on with jeans and a blouse or drape it over a knit dress and you’re practically speaking French. (Well, you know what I mean.)

Fast Facts

• Size Range:XXS to XXL

Oak & Fort

Best Sweater

13. Oak & Fort Chunky Sweater

Oak & Fort

This knit is cozy, lightweight and soft enough to make anyone want to outfit repeat without shame. The oatmeal-colored slouchy knit is extremely plush, thanks to that blend of acrylic, nylon, wool and spandex, which is said to be soft, comfortable and luxuriously weighty. “Honestly, everything about this sweater is perfect,” says one reviewer. “It's perfectly oversize, keeps you warm…and doesn't shed. I guess it's not super soft, but it's still soft.”

Fast Facts

• Size Range:XXS to XXXL

Levi's

Best Jeans

14.Levi's 501 Original Jeans

Levi's

Like the aforementioned sailor jeans, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that every nearly every—if not, all—French woman owns a pair of 501 Levi’s that look like they’re tailored to her body. The 501 Originals, made from 100 percent cotton, fit like a dream—they’re high-rise and are meant to hug the butt so well that it should feel like they were especially made for every curve. It’s like having the most flattering and comfortable wedgie of all time. Eventually that snug fit at the hips slowly lets up and these cascade into a skinny-straight leg, making them an ideal option to wear with boots or slinky heels that’ll pop against the casual denim. My French-inspired Pinterest feeds urge me to style these with a tucked-in blouse and thin black belt, and I’ll even go one step further and swipe on a bold red lip for dramatic effect.

Fast Facts

• Size Range:23 to 32

Reformation

Best Blouse

15. Reformation Marnie Knit Top

Reformation

I’m making room in my closet for blouses that look structured, put-together and feminine, like this Reformation beauty. The deep V-neckline adds a spicy touch to the structured mini lapel collar, and the button-front closure feels entirely on trend. Psst…there are also two darts placed at both the front and back to help cinch in the waist and add definition to your figure. Pair it with a high-waist skirt or your favorite pair of jeans for a super sophisticated moment meant for the streets of Paris.

Fast Facts

• Size Range:XS to XL

J.Crew

Best Striped T-Shirt

16.J.Crew Classic Mariner Boatneck T-Shirt

J.Crew

The French seem to obsess over a striped mariner T-shirt no matter the season. It’s a classic piece, but instead of doing the whole cotton shorts and Sperry’s country club vibe, the French like to wear a striped shirt in a more casual way, with blue jeans, maxi skirts or wide-leg trousers. And the quality on this style is next to none; it’s made from a cotton fabric that has a thick—but not heavy—feel to it, per customer reviews. It’s so nice, one customer bought it twice. “This is my second one of these boatneck tees and I just love the fabric that is used in this tee. It is nice—not too light and not too heavy. I wish they came in more original colors like red and pink or green and blue,” she says.

Fast Facts

• Size Range:XXS to 3X

Quince

Best Silk Skirt

17. Quince Washable Silk Maxi Skirt

Quince

A silk skirt is one of the most gorgeous pieces you can wear allfallandwinterlong, not to mention it’s also surprisingly versatile and oh-so stretchy (hello, elastic waistband). Oh, and it’s completely on par with the minimalistic and timeless French Girl Fall capsule wardrobe, of course. Speaking of versatility, this skirt can be worn high-waist, mid-waist or low-waist. Now, that’s pretty impressive and a breath of fresh air from those zip-up, too-tight and uncomfortable skirts. The Quince skirt is made from 100 percent mulberry silk that, in fact, is machine washable. (Yes, really.)

Fast Facts

• Size Range:XS to XL

Sézane

Best Button-Up Shirt

18.Sézane Max Shirt

Sézane

The French always seem to err on the side of classy and chic, and if you pay close attention, they tend to stick with simple silhouettes. Case in point: a white button-up shirt. Sézane’s long-sleeve shirt is made from 100 percent organic cotton, giving it that effortless, airy vibe and lightweight feel. It has long and straight silhouette that doesn’t look ill-fitting in the slightest and can be styled untucked if you want a relaxed look or tucked for a polished finish.

Fast Facts

• Size Range:0 to 16

Reformation

Best Heel

19. Reformation Serenity Bare Sandal

Reformation

Anyone else getting majorThe Rowvibes? Same. These are strikingly similar to the Bare Leather Sandals but at a fraction of the price. What makes these stand out from the barrage ofblack heelsis the fact that they’re strappy in a way that feels neither too suggestive nor too trendy for aFrench woman’s wardrobe. It’s the perfect little black heel that you can keep in your closet forever.

Fast Facts

• Size Range:5 to 11

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