How to Build a Parisian Style Fall Capsule Wardrobe with Only 10 Items

Bonjour! If you're trying to build a capsule wardrobe with French style, fall is probably the easiest way to do it. French style is about owning a few versatile beautiful pieces that you can wear in different ways, rather than just following trends or buying new outfits. So today's video, I'm going to show you how to build the perfect French capsule wardrobe with only 9 wardrobe essentials. These are basics, versatile and elegant that you can style in different ways. And more importantly, I'm going to show you how to style them à la parisienne. All the outfits you are going to see in this video are from Petite Studio. If you don't know Petite Studio, this is a New York-based independent fashion brand created for petite women. They have a slow fashion approach, focusing on quality fabrics and pieces that are meant to stay in your wardrobe. This is one of my favorite French style clothing brands, so do not forget to check below the video, I'll put all the links and I do have also a promo code for you. The first wardrobe essentials you should get to build the perfect French capsule wardrobe is the trench coat. I have to start with the trench coat because this is probably one of the most iconic and signature wardrobe essentials to get the Parisienne or French style. In Paris, French women wear the trench coat all year long, but it's hardly styled in a formal way. You're going to see a lot of trench coats thrown upon jeans, dresses, skirts, pretty much every different outfit, even a simple white tee. It's very effortless, but it elevates any simple fall outfit. This is the perfect order layer that immediately elevates and changes even the simplest fall outfit, but without looking over-dressed or too much. And this is why it works so well in the French capsule wardrobe, because you can wear the trench again and again, but you can also change completely the outfit underneath. And for this capsule wardrobe, I chose the Leanne reversible cotton trench coat from Petit Studio in camel and plaid. What I really like about this one is that it keeps that timeless French silhouette, but there are a few details that make it much more interesting. First, it has a relaxed, slightly structured cut. It folds below the knee, and you have this detachable belt so you can either define the waist or leave it open for a more effortless Parisian look. But the best part of this trench, this is my favorite, my coup de coeur. On one side, you have this beautiful classic camel color, which is incredibly easy to combine with denim, cream, chocolate, brown or black. And on the reverse, you have this plaid fabric, which gives you a completely different, slightly more héritage inspired look. Another thing I absolutely love about this trench is the collar, which is definitely the trend this fall. This is something you're going to see all over Paris. The fabric also has a little structure to it, so it doesn't feel like a very soft or shapeless trench. And because you have two coats in one, I think it makes so much sense for a capsule wardrobe. You could wear the camel side with blue jeans, a white blouse and loafers for a very classic, timeless Parisian look, but for every day, you can also reverse it to the plaid side. Do not forget to check below again on this video, I put all the links. And the next wardrobe essential to get the perfect French capsule wardrobe is the wool blazer. The second wardrobe essential is the wool blazer. This is something you're going to see constantly and all over Paris, especially once the weather starts to cool down or even in early fall. Frenchmen wear the wool blazer in a much more relaxed and effortless way compared to other cities, New York, for example, it's probably about looking corporate and much more about adding something that elevates the outfit. You're going to see a lot of wool blazers thrown upon a white t-shirt, for example, a simple shirt, jeans, dresses or even skirts. That is why the wool blazer is such a strong piece in the French capsule wardrobe because it adds structure to an outfit, something slightly more sophisticated, while keeping the wool outfit underneath simple and minimalist. And this is why I am wearing the Emilia wool blazer from Petit Studio in brown. I really like the shape because it is relaxed and slightly boxy, but with subtle shoulder padding, so it has that slightly masculine feel that looks very effortless rather than too fitted or formal. The fabric is also beautiful, it is made from 100% wool in this brown herringbone which gives much texture and depth rather than a plain plaid blazer. You also have the notched lapels, the single-breasted button closure, front patch pockets and these little suede details under the cuffs. And the brown is absolutely perfect for fall because it works almost like a neutral. You can pair it with denim, ivory, camel, chocolate, brown, black… I would wear it exactly like a Parisian, with a white blouse and stray for wide-leg jeans, with brown corduroy trousers for a more tonal look. And the next wardrobe essential for the perfect French capsule wardrobe is the cropped bomber. I also wanted to include more casual pieces in the French capsule wardrobe because French style and Parisian style is not only about wearing blouses, trenches and long coats. In Paris, you're going to see often women mixing classic timeless pieces, something more probably elevated, with something more relaxed, contemporary and modern. And this is that contrast that precisely makes what we call Parisian style and not looking overly polished or overdressed. And something you're going to see all over Paris this fall is the bomber jacket, especially the cropped version because it matches perfectly with high-waisted jeans, long skirts or even dresses. It adds something very relaxed. And Frenchmen absolutely love this type of pieces in the French capsule wardrobe, especially for casual or off days. And for this capsule, I chose the Anora cropped bomber cotton jacket from Petite Studio. What I really like about this piece is that it has the shape of a bomber but it still feels very refined. It is made from 100% cotton, fully lined and has a more structured feel rather than the very sporty nylon bomber look. The camel color also makes it incredibly easy to integrate into a capsule wardrobe because it works with denim, emery, chocolate, brown, black and grey. You have this cropped, softly ballooned silhouette, a zip front closure and this beautiful contrast plaid detail underneath the collars and inside the jacket. The fit is intentionally oversized and roomy so it has that slightly effortless look that works really well with more feminine outfitted pieces. But what I love about this is that it's not too oversized. And the next wardrobe essential for the perfect French capsule wardrobe is the jeans. And of course, no perfect French capsule wardrobe would be complete without the perfect pair of jeans. And this is something you're gonna see all over Paris, everybody's wearing for fall jeans because it gives you the perfect balance between effortless and looking polished. Frenchmen will pair denim with something more elevated to not look overly casual, so think a crisp white shirt, ballet flat, a trench, suede, a perfect blazer or even long coat. In terms of denim shapes, what is very trendy this fall in Paris are loose and relaxed. Again, forget the fitted or super skinny jeans, this is not the trend. It's all about oversized here in Paris, so think barrel jeans, they are trendy and yes, Parisian women do wear them. Think something straight, high-waisted, cropped, something slightly more relaxed. Wide legs are super trendy here, so definitely relaxed, effortless and slightly oversized. And for this capsule wardrobe, I choose the franny wide leg jeans. What I really like about this pair is the silhouette. They are high-waisted and fitted through the waist and they fall into this beautiful wide leg which creates a very flattering, lengthening effect. The denim is also slightly structured, so they keep their shape and feel more polished than a very soft or distressed jean. And the vintage blue wash is exactly what I would choose for a capsule wardrobe because it works with almost everything. White, ivory, camel, chocolate brown, grey, navy and black. I would wear them with an embroidery wide blouse and the brown wool blazer for a classic Parisian look or with a cropped camel bomber for something more modern. And the next wardrobe essential for the perfect French capsule wardrobe is the striped shirt, but updated. Another key piece in the French capsule wardrobe for fall is the striped shirt, but I want to include something that is less cliché and more modern than the classic Breton stripe. And Frenchmen do swipe the classic Breton stripe, which is a key piece for spring, not for fall, to the striped shirt, but slightly more modern and contemporary. Frenchmen usually go for a striped shirt with more autumn colors, so not the blue one, but brown, ivory, beige, cappuccino or even green. And the best trend here in Paris is to wear the striped shirt with something slightly more casual, think barrel jeans. The combination of jeans and loafers are super trendy here in Paris. Underneath a blazer, for example, a suede trench coat or even a long coat. For this capsule, I choose the Alexis cotton robe shirt. What I really like about this one is that it's not just a basic button-down shirt. It has a much more architectural shape with a stand collar, asymmetrical front overlay, and detachable self-fabric belt. So you can wear it loose and relaxed or use the belt to define the waist. Made from 100% cotton with a slightly structured feel and the longer length, means it sits just below the hips, which gives it this almost shirt jacket quality. And I absolutely love the khaki beige stripes. It feels much softer and more autumn than a classic navy and white stripe. And it works beautifully with all the other colors in this capsule. Chocolate, brown, camel, cream denim and even black. And the next wardrobe essential for the perfect full French capsule wardrobe is the corduroy pants. Another must-have wardrobe essential I would include in the French capsule wardrobe is definitely a brown corduroy pants. If you don't like denim or if you don't want to wear jeans, this is the perfect alternative. And it looks so much more elevated but also polished and versatile. Corduroy is still very trendy this season in Paris, aside of leather and velvet. And you're going to see deeper, richer jewelry tones, such as deep burgundy, cream, chocolate, brown, cappuccino. These are definitely the autumn colors you're going to see in Paris. In terms of shape, you're going to see a lot of high-waisted, slightly flare and wide leg corduroy pants. Something more contemporary and modern. Barrel is still also very trendy this season in Paris. And for this capsule, I chose the corduroy barrel pants from Petit Studio. What I really like about this one is that they take something quite classic, corduroy trousers, and make it feel much more current, modern and trendy for the silhouette. They have this mid-rise barrel shape with a slimmer fit through the waist and a more relaxed full-length leg. The corduroy adds a lot of texture, which is perfect for fall. And because they are 100% cotton, they feel easy and wearable, rather than too heavy. I also really like the deep chocolate color, because it works beautifully with the rest of this capsule. And again, this is a neutral, so you can wear it with so many different tones and colors at the same time. You can wear them with a khaki striped shirt for a tonal look, or with a white blouse. And the next wardrobe essential for the perfect fall French capsule wardrobe is the midi skirt. And the perfect French fall capsule wardrobe should also include an alternative to trousers. And the midi skirt is also very trendy this season, very Yves Saint Laurent inspired, but at the same time timeless. I absolutely love this idea of styling a midi skirt for fall in Paris. And usually, Parisian women style this with very minimalist and understated basics. Think a fine knit, a propped cardigan, super trendy, a pair of boots, a white shirt, a white tee, or even a structured top, or even a blouse. For this capsule wardrobe, I chose the Adriana skirt. What I really like is the shape. It has a slim fit through the waist and a subtle A-line silhouette. So it creates a very clean, flattering line without feeling too fitted. It is made from 100% cotton corduroy, which gives it that beautiful texture that works so well in fall. And the deep chocolate brown makes it incredibly easy to combine with the rest of the wardrobe. You also have these front inserted pleats, which add a little movement to the skirt, plus functional side pockets and a little zipper. I love this midi skirt because this is one of those versatile pieces you can wear with so many of your tops. And also the color is perfect. And the next wardrobe essential for the perfect Parisian capsule wardrobe for fall is the wool vest. Another versatile must-have wardrobe essential for fall is the sleeveless wool structure vest. This one, for example, with a slightly stand-up collar. This is one of those pieces that really elevate a simple fall outfit. And at the same time, you can create different silhouettes. This is also the perfect layering piece. Again, Parisian style is all about layering for fall, when the weather is not that cold, but it's not that warm either. So this structure sleeveless blazer really has something that you need for fall. And at the same time, it creates structure and something deeper in the outfit. Parisian women would wear a sleeveless tailored blazer over a finite long sleeve white shirt. I would advise to wear a long sleeve beneath. It looks much more intentional. This is one of those pieces that really add structure to your outfit, that elevates even the simplest fall outfit without looking overdressed. For this capsule, I chose the Noah wool vest. What I love about this piece is the long line, the relaxed structure. It folds below the hip, so it feels almost like a sleeveless blazer rather than a traditional short vest. It is made from a wool blend fabric, fully lined with a softly structured feel. And it has this beautiful contrast leather collar that gives the piece a little more character. I personally love its style with the white blouse underneath and the chocolate corduroy trousers. You can leave it loose for a more relaxed look or add a slim belt, which I absolutely love at the waist. So it really defines the waist and gives even more structure and allure to the silhouette. And the last wardrobe essential for the perfect French capsule wardrobe for fall is the romantic blouse. Another wardrobe essential French women absolutely love for fall is the romantic white blouse. This is the perfect alternative to white. If you don't know what to wear as a top, you can go for this piece. And French men usually wear it to soften more tailored or structured pieces. You're going to see women often tuck into her high waist jeans or cropped jeans, match with a tailored trouser underneath a long blazer or long coat. It is one of the simplest ways to add femininity into your outfit, without looking too dressy. And it matches perfectly the trend here in Paris, like this Chloe Bohemian vibe. For this capsule, I chose the Colleen ruffled cotton blouse in Ivory, made of 100% cotton. It has a beautiful eyelet and a delicate ruffled trim along the front pocket and cuffs. The sleeves are softly gathered, which gives them a little volume, but the overall fit is still relaxed and easy to wear. This is exactly the kind of piece that works so well in French style, because the outfit can remain incredibly simple, but you have one beautiful detail that makes it special. I would wear it tucked into a high waist blue jeans with a brown wool blazer, with a chocolate corduroy skirt and tall leather boots. And that's it for today on how to build the perfect French capsule wardrobe, with only 9 wardrobe essentials. Don't forget to subscribe, don't forget to check below the video for all the links and the references. You can also check my LTK, I put all the 4 outfit ideas and the things you should wear also in Paris and in France. Let me know what you think about this video, let me know of your favorite outfit. Again, do not forget to check all the links below and of course Petit Studio's selection for fall. I absolutely love their collection, I think this is one of my favorite ones. Don't forget to subscribe and I see you very soon for another one. Bye!