Fall/Winter French Capsule: Part 1

As the holidays approach, it feels like we're hitting a brand new season. That transition of late fall/early winter that feels so festive can be full of a lot of events and occasions and with it opportunity for outfit stress. So if you have a fairly casual lifestyle like me, but want to feel confident and polished when you pick out daily outfits, here's an easy elevated capsule wardrobe you can create with many core closet staples you might already own.

1.Cotton Down Shirt (two versions here - satin and cotton)

2. Belt

3. Tote Bag

4. Bucket Bag or other Crossbody

5. Jeans (vintage straight or wide leg)

6. Striped Sweater (or cardigan)

7. Chelsea Boots

8. Ballet Flats

9. Trench Coat or Maxi Coat (opt for a heavier duty or 100% wool coat in colder climates)

10. Trousers

11. Jacket and/or Blazer

12. Everyday hoop earrings and simple layering jewelry.

Note my climate is very mild this time of year. So to warm up this capsule here are some alternative pieces to include:

• more 100% natural animal fibers like wool, alpaca, cashmere which are the warmest options
• Turtleneck
• Rain boots or other stylish weatherproof boot
• Scarf (cashmere is the warmest timeless option)
• Good warm socks - my favorite toasty toes option are these alpaca socks from my family's ranch

Where are the dresses in this capsule? Head to Part 2 where we cover the fun dress-up essentials for this season.

Satin Blouse 40% OFF with code: ALEXHOLIDAY40

Wide Belt 40% OFF with code: ALEXHOLIDAY40

Straight Leg Jeans $60 OFF with code: ALEXGIFT (TTS)

Similar Boots 5% OFF sale price with code: ALEXEXTRA (go with your bigger size)

Tote Bag 40% OFF with code: ALEXHOLIDAY40

Suede Tote options 40% OFF with code: ALEXHOLIDAY40

Coin Necklace - code: ALEX10

Hoop Earrings - code: ALEX10

Coin Necklace - code: ALEX10

Striped Alpaca Sweater (I took my normal size)

Wide Leg Jeans 

Oxford Flats - 5% OFF sale price with code: ALEXEXTRA (Go up one size)

Saddle Bag

Why does it have to be French? The comment I get a lot whenever I post one of these French girl capsules is that it's a universally classic chic style not one that just belongs to the Europeans. And I agree! To me. the buzz term "French girl" encapsulates that beautiful blend of feminine, elevated, effortless and classic style. It could be also be called a "casual chic capsule" or a "classic capsule," but those words feels a little more loose and open than the very identifiable mystique of Parisian street style. What I do think French women are masters of is collecting exceptional basics. Nailing those quality core closet staples really elevates any outfit.

Check out my early fall and summer French capsule guides.

Plaid Overcoat 40% OFF code: ALEXHOLIDAY40 (I took my regular size)

Straight Leg Jeans $60 OFF with code: ALEXGIFT (TTS)

Cotton Button Down Shirt code: ALEXDAVIES15 on your first order at Pact

Black Belt 40% OFF code: ALEXHOLIDAY40

Pointed Toe Ballet Flats 25% OFF with code: BFELF25 (I went with my bigger size but I think they run TTS)

Quilted Crossbody Bag

Leather Moto Jacket 40% OFF with code: ALEXHOLIDAY40

Pleated Trousers 40% OFF with code: ALEXHOLIDAY40 (Go with your regular or smaller size)

Tote Bag 40% OFF with code: ALEXHOLIDAY40

Oxford Flats - 5% OFF sale price with code: ALEXEXTRA (Go up one size)

Straight Leg Jeans $60 OFF with code: ALEXGIFT (TTS)

Bucket Bag 

Similar Bucket Bag 40% OFF with code: ALEXHOLIDAY40

Ballet Flats 25% OFF with code: BFELF25 (I went with my bigger size but I think they run TTS)