Now Reading
Your French Fall Capsule Wardrobe

Your French Fall Capsule Wardrobe

It’s still quite warm in Bordeaux right now, around 25°C (77°F), but there’s a certain feeling in the air that tells you autumn has arrived. Maybe it’s the cooler mornings and evenings. And honestly, I’m so happy about it because fall is my favorite season! I love this time of year when the weather is just right—not too hot, not too cold, and still very pleasant. It’s also, in my opinion, the best season for dressing up—time to bring out our favorite jackets, jeans, shirts, blazers, and all those pretty shoes that have been put away for the summer.

In my quest to create a wardrobe that is ever more minimalist, functional, and timeless, I’ve selected only a few pieces for this year’s fall capsule wardrobe. These are either items I already own or plan to add soon ;). You’ll find the classic staples for the back-to-school season: a timeless trench coat, a blue striped shirt, wide-leg denim, a pair of loafers, and a structured tote bag to carry all your daily essentials. You’ll probably notice that in these capsule collections, I try to incorporate more colors and lighter shades, like blue, camel, beige, or cream. I’ve come to realize that darker colors, especially black and navy blue, can sometimes make us look more severe and even sharpen our facial features.

This season, I’ve also included a fall/winter trend that I particularly love: wearing a light, flowy, bohemian, romantic blouse with ruffles under a short leather or suede jacket. It’s a look spotted in Chloé’s pre-fall 2024 collection, and it’s also appearing at other brands this autumn, like Massimo Dutti, Mango, Sézane, and Rosaé Paris. But enough about me—I’ll let you go ahead and explore the new French capsule for this fall! Enjoy :).


This post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own. I only feature products I truly love and personally select. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci!

Collage: Léonce Chenal.
  1. Sézane Tomboy shirt – You know how much I love shirts! I recommend sizing up one or two sizes, as Sézane tends to run small.
  2. Massimo Dutti Nappa leather jacket with pockets – I adore a well-fitted cropped jacket, whether in tweed or leather! Alternatively, I found this très chic leather jacket from the Parisian brand Gérard Darel.
  3. Massimo Dutti shirt with ruffled sleeves – Pair it under a cropped leather jacket for a super chic look!
  4. Gemmyo Prima watch – A timeless classic.
  5. Massimo Dutti wide-leg high-waist jeans – I love these wide-leg jeans; they elongate the silhouette beautifully and look perfect with classic loafers.
  6. Rosaé Paris Le Napoléon II – If you don’t have a trench coat in your closet yet, this is the one! I love this piece!
  7. Rosaé Paris Les Valentins – Gorgeous loafers at an accessible price point!
  8. Le Tanneur Elena tote bag – I’m loving this new tote bag from the French brand Le Tanneur.
  9. Sézane Meliora skirt – This leather skirt offers a modern twist on the classic midi skirt and is reasonably priced for leather.
  10. Sézane Bridget low boots (or Massimo Dutti riding-style boots) – I absolutely love the equestrian-style boots trend. I’m definitely planning to get a pair this fall/winter ;)!
View Comments (18)
  • Dear Leonce, I love these kind of contents, thank you so so much!I’d love to see from you some inspirations for office/work outfits or everyday outfits, I love how you mix and style different clothes. Also it would be fantastic to read your opinion about fall hairstyles!I wish you all the best!Melissa

    • Bonjour Melissa, thank you so much for your kind words! I’ll definitely share more inspirations for everyday and office/work outfits soon. I’ve also added your suggestion about a blog post on fall hairstyles to my list—lovely idea! xo

  • Wonderful post! I just bought beautiful loafers that I can’t wait to start wearing. Happy to see them being so prominent for autumn.

    • Thank you, Kristine! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Loafers are truly timeless and such a great wardrobe investment. I’m sure you’ll get a lot of wear out of them this autumn! xo

  • While I can’t afford everything on the list (every wonder if people just buy everything in the capsule? wouldn’t that be nice?)- it gives me a great sense of direction as a style challenged girl. It also introduces me to brands I wouldn’t ordinarily know about. Thank you!

  • Hello Leonce – sorry for not showing interest recently – but I have been unwell. These outfits are my style especially as I am Disabled and the footwear is very suitable. It is so smart yet relaxed looking at the same time. I wish you well.

  • I am so glad I found you! I enjoy reading your blogs and love your style, classic, not too trendy, but just enough. And, like other readers, I like seeing how I can do more with less. My goal is to stop buying separates that don’t go with anything and really concentrating on quality and clothes that can be worn in multiple ways. And, I appreciate the good common sense advice and tips. I did buy the knit skirt and sweater from Mango and was pleasantly surprised with the quality, have sense bought several other items. Thank you and keep the blogs coming, I am a loyal follower!!

  • I have grown so fond of this blog. Great pieces especially for seasonal wardrobes. I am from South Africa with a French mother. Sadly she has passed on but your blogs gives the same advice she would. Thank you for the great memories.

    • Bonjour Carlyn! Thank you so very much for your kind comment 🙂 I’m so sorry for your loss! Sending great big hugs your way <3

  • Hello! I so enjoy following your blog and its inspiration. I have a question/suggestion, however: Would you consider writing a post on achieving the chic French style for slightly curvier women? I lead a healthy life, but I’m blessed with more of a pear shape than many of the models and photos here. I wonder if you have tips. Thank in advance for any thoughts.

    • Bonjour Mary Catherine, thank you very much for your comment. Yes, of course, I’ve added your blog post idea to my to-do list and I’ll come back with a detailed article 🙂 xo

  • Thank you. I spent my honeymoon in Paris and have been enamored with French fashion ever since. I’m horrible with putting together outfits and appreciate capsule wardrobe suggestions

  • Bonjour! I’ve been loving your articles lately. Do you have any suggestions for pieces that are cool toned? I’d love to see a post about cool versus warm tones and how to tell the difference.

    • Bonjour Lauren! Thank you very much for your comment and your suggestion! Yes, I’m adding this idea of post to my to-do list and I’ll come back with a detailed article 🙂 Have a lovely day xo

  • Just recently started following you. Love your style, it’s throughly me. I also love how everything works to make many outfits with fewer clothes. That’s my problem, too many clothes!

  • Hi Leonce, just to say I’m really enjoying your blog & have re-read a few of the articles recently. Particularly like the beauty & the lifestyle articles. Being from the UK, I do sometimes feel looking after yourself has gone out the window here & it’s a shame. Has been a while since have visited France but your blog has got me thinking to plan a little trip even just for the day 🙂

    • Merci beaucoup Caroline 🙂 I’m really happy to hear you enjoy the content here, it means a lot to me!
      I hope you’ll enjoy your future trip to France! Have a lovely day xo

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

© Léonce Chenal 2018-2024. Exclusively crafted by Léonce, with meticulous care and affection, in Bordeaux, France.

Sign up for my newsletter

Sign up for my newsletter