French Girl Fall Is My Favorite TikTok Trend—Here’s Everything You Need to Know, Plus 17 Items to Shop

If there’s one piece of clothing that I notice every Parisian wearing time and time again, it’s good denim, especially wide-leg jeans with a flattering high waist and a medium or dark wash, like this classic Madewell pair. They give major Jane Birkin vibes and feel far more posh than your average straight-leg, and infinitely more timeless than trendy barrel-leg jeans. This particular cut comes in straight and curvy sizing (the latter is specifically designed for those with wider hips and a smaller waist), with petite and tall lengths available, plus an extended size range.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 23 to 33, also petite, tall and plus

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 favorite blankets when you wear it. Mother-of-pearl buttons adorn the front, and, in case you didn’t know, 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

Mary Janes are 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. Interestingly, Argenson tells me that unconventional ballet flats, like studded styles or those with multiple straps, are “a must-have accessory for style-conscious Parisians,” marrying the traditional silhouette of a classic Mary Jane with a trend. This chic double-strap pair from Rothy's comes in 12 colors and is made from nine recycled plastic bottles.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 5 to 13

Another French-inspired wardrobe must-have? A classic and timeless trench coat. However, one of the most popular styles is actually a riff on the British staple—French-girl poster brand Sézane has turned the Mac coat (essentially a more relaxed, unbelted trench) into a sensation. However, the price is steep, retailing for $355. PureWow lifestyle editor (and fellow Francophile) Marissa Wu loves hers, and do I, but if you're looking for a more affordable option, Quince makes a similar one (complete with the interior checkered lining) at just $100.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XS to XL,

J’adore a scoop neck T-shirt, and so do my French amies. This slouchy number from Ann Taylor has the relaxed elegance for which the French are famous. The fluid fabric still feels tailored, though it does feel billowy. However, that's perfect for styling it the way the French intended: tucked into your trousers. As Wu observed during her Parisian jaunt last year, the French nearly always tuck in their shirts, and this makes even a casual top feel more polished.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XXS to XXL

"One fashion tip I picked up from the Parisians while living there was the concept of the sweater-shirt," Wu says. "It's an easy way to keep warm without swimming in a ton of bulky knits. You can then layer other sweaters and coats over it, and it looks quite elegant." Wu is particularly obsessed with the French-founded knitwear brand L'Envers, which uses 100 percent wool and other natural fibers in their hand-knit-to-order sweaters that are produced in family-run Spanish ateliers. However if you're not ready to drop $400 on a single cardigan, she's also been wearing—and loving—Quince for years.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XS to XL

A season-less floral midi dress is a Parisian staple than can you see you through every month of the year in style. “A flowing, floral maxi dress captures the essence of French femininity and is perfect for both casual and formal occasions. It's like wearing a piece of the French countryside no matter where you are,” Argenson explains.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XS to XL

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

French brand Polène, beloved by Kate Middleton, takes pride in creating leather goods that embody the French love for minimalism. The Tonca bag combines organic lines with sleek structure to feel all at once both modern and timeless. And as an added bonus, the strap can be adjusted to wear as a crossbody or shoulder bag. It has one zipepred interior pocket and the top of the large compartment opens and closes with a secure magnet, making it easier to grab the things you need with one hand, while still feeling secure. 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: 17 x 24 x 7 cm

Structured cardigans, sort of halfway between a cozy knit and a tailored jacket, are not just a trend for fall 2026, they’re also a must-have layering piece to achieve that signature French elegance. This Quince number is made of luxurious cashmere and comes in five gorgeous neutral hues, including black, chocolate brown and navy. Wu finds it more than comparable to the Jenni Kayne sweater in a similar cut. As for how to style it, opt for some relaxed jeans and a striped T-shirt, and throw on a pair of adidas Sambas to achieve that cool Parisian girl look. It’s très très chic.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XS to XL

Perhaps the French adore a loafer like this sleek style for its simplicity and practicality, or maybe it's the timeless elegance. One thing I know to ring true, the French have always been ahead of trending shoes, and we’re taking notes. Several former PureWow Fashion editors have vouched for this brand's timeless colors, styles and designs that withstand any trend, but always look good. We think our French friends would say, “Mais oui,” in response.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 5 to 11

Blazers are a staple regardless of where you’re from, and this Sézane number is ideal for brisk days ahead, as it’s made of a wool blend that’ll feel warm and luxuriously weighty. I’m a sucker for a plaid pattern that feels reminiscent of old traditions, and this print is fittingly titled the Princeof Wales Check. It includes a double-breasted button closure and lapel collar V-neck that still feels relaxed, while the oversized silhouette is still sharp and stylish enough to command a room with confidence. Wu has had a Chelsea blazer in her closet for the last several years and can attest that it's one of the staples in her wardrobe. Toss this 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: US 2 to 14

Like the aforementioned wide-leg jeans, Levi’s 501 are just as ubiquitous in the closets of French women. The 501 ‘90s cut has a slightly looser leg than the original, giving them a more flattering fit, IMO. They’re made from 100 percent cotton, too, so while they don’t have a ton of stretch, they will conform to your curves to fit like a dream after just a few wears. (P.S. Levi’s recently released a 501 Curve cut specifically for those with wider hips and smaller waists.) 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: US 23 to 34
• Inseam Lengths: 30 and 32

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,” she says.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XXS to XL

A silk skirt is one of the most gorgeous pieces you can wear all fall and winter long, 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-, mid- or low-waisted, depending on your preferred fit. And it comes in 12 colors that are sure to fit seamlessly in with your existing autumn go-tos.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: XXS to XL

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. Maeve’s long-sleeve Bennet shirt is made from 100 percent cotton, giving it that effortless, airy vibe and lightweight feel. That said it does have enough stiffness to feel crisp, even after a full day of wear. 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: XXS to 3X, also petite and adaptive

The French girl's American counterparts may be ditching the plain white sneaker for fun colors and laces, but Wu can promise that the French love a classic white sneaker, and Veja seems to be the official shoe of Paris for both men and women.

"It's Veja Camps or Adidas Stan Smiths," she says. "Worn with jeans and a T-shirt, a skirt or a dress. The plainness of an all-white sneaker means it's unassuming and never the focal point of the outfit, lending it the necessary versatility to turn something into a uniform that feels like a signature and not a re-wear."

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 4 to 11