5 Low-Key Yet Elegant Outfits French Women Are Wearing Now in Paris and St. Tropez

If there's one crowd I'm always looking to for minimalist wardrobe inspiration, it's the ever-chic French women. Simple, understated and oh so effective, this group really knows how to combine classic pieces into outfits that feel both timeless and fresh. In my mind, winter is when their style really shines - as masters of layering, they understand the tricks to mix-and-matching. Now, as the grey winter days descend, I'm desperate to enliven my daily outfit rotation with some French-inspired ensembles.

As always, there a few key winter wardrobe essentials that play a key role in the minimalist outfit formula. Knitwear, of course - opt for warm wool or cosy cashmere in timeless hues like black, brown or coffee tones - and a reliable rotation of denim, particularly straight-leg silhouettes if you're looking to replicate the French aesthetic. If my scrolling has taught me one thing, it's that you mustn't skimp on the accessories - elegant leather handbags and a classic pair of ballet flats or loafers are the French must-haves.

Here, discover my pick of five French minimalist outfits that have jumped to the top of my winter moodboard.

5 Minimalist French Girl Winter Outfits:

1. Jumper + White Shirt + Jeans + Trench

Style Notes: Excellent layering is the sign of a true fashion pro, and chic French women really know how to pull it off in style. Every element of this look can be worked into numerous outfits, but this classic look is particularly timeless.

Shop the look:

COS

Rounded Pima Cotton Shirt

COS is my go-to for a crisp, white shirt.

MANGO

100% Cashmere Sweater

A perfect cosy layer to throw over the shirt.

AGOLDE

'90s Pinch Waist High-Rise Straight-Leg Recycled Jeans

The Pinch Waist silhouette is a real gamechanger.

TOTEME

Double-Breasted Cotton Gabardine-Blend Coat

The shape and details of this straight-line trench will particularly appeal to minimalists.

Demellier

The New York Shoulder in Black Small Grain

This long, slender shape is so elegant.

2. Jumper + Wool Coat + Jeans + Ballet Flats

Style Notes: French women know that brown is the colour of the season, and its warm tone will particularly appeal to minimalists. Lean into chocolate hues and mix your textures like @fakerstrom, combining a heavy wool coat with a soft jumper and suede ballet flats.

Shop the look:

Reformation

Fabian Crew Sweater

This slouchy crew-neck will be something you turn to time and time again.

Whistles

Denim Straight Full Length Jean

French women swear by a pair of blue, straight-leg jeans.

MANGO

Handmade Oversized Wool Coat

This oversized silhouette provides plenty of room for chunky knits.

Reformation

Maren Ballet Flat

3. Satin Trousers + Jumper + Blazer

Style Notes: We all know that minimalism doesn't mean boring, and one of the best ways to put a fresh spin on classic combinations is by playing with textures. Take your cue from Julie and embrace the sleek elegance of satin trousers this season, giving them a winter spin by pairing them with soft knits and a wool blazer.

Shop the look:

Reformation

Gale Satin Mid Rise Bias Pant

Comfort and elegance, all in one.

With Nothing Underneath

Mull Crew: Yak Wool, Coffee

Coffee tones are so versatile.

hush

Jayde Italian Wool Blazer

An essential layering piece - add a black coat over the top if you're in need of extra warmth.

SAINT LAURENT

Le Loafer Logo-Embellished Leather Loafers

The investment loafer that's worth considering.

4. Mini Skirt + Turtleneck Jumper + Knee-High Boots

Style Notes: For those who like a high hemline, there's an easy, French-approved way to wear your mini skirt this season. Pairing with a chunky turtleneck and knee-high boots gives this skirt a refined spin, and creates an outfit that could take you almost anywhere.

Shop the look:

Reformation

March Regenerative Wool Cropped Turtleneck

Massimo Dutti

Wool Blend Mini Skirt

The wool texture makes it an especially good winter pick.

STAUD

Wally Leather Knee Boots

These boots have been on my wish list for a while.

M&S

Slouchy Top Handle Shoulder Bag

How cool is this slouchy silhouette?

5. Suit + Wool Coat + Pointed Toe Heels

Style Notes: If there's one outfit every minimalist should own, it's a trouser suit. Lean into this winter's top trend by opting for a brown set (you'll love it for years to come) and give it an elegant French spin by styling with pointed-toe kitten heels and a sweeping coat.

Shop the look:

Jigsaw

Kenley Crepe Blazer

A brown blazer will always come in handy.

MANGO

Wide-Leg Mid-Rise Pleated Trousers

These look so much more expensive than the price tag.

Maje

Patent Leather Slingback Pumps

I love the slingback shape.

Reformation

Tula Oversized Coat

A refined coat that you'll turn to winter after winter.

TOTEME

Belted Leather Tote

This would become my instant go-to.