I’m typically the last person to willingly enter into celebrations of a new season before the natural seasonal effects are felt. In fact, I’m sitting here while Peyton whips up a batch of his Italian family’s famous Sunday Sauce (Sugo) on a muggy August evening, while complaining about the release of Halloween decor that occurred one single day after the 4th of July—which just feels all sorts of wrong. In my opinion, all things fall should hold off until the kids return to school, which checks watch happens locally…tomorrow.

Blame it on my global warming, my propensity to live in the moment, or resistance to seasonal depression, but you can hold my PSL (if not indefinitely) at least until the temps dip below 85 degrees. However, there’s something so exciting about collecting a few pieces in advance to bust open on the first crisp fall morning, and to celebrate fashion’s favorite season with intentionality.

By now, you know that our timeless muse, the French girl, inspires so much of my personal wardrobe and lifestyle, even more so as she evolves from season to season. I find her profile even more intriguing as I evolve my wardrobe into my 30s—not to mention the recent excitement of indulging in the Parisian lifestyle during the 2024 Olympic season. You’ll notice many similarities between my seasonal posts highlighting French Girl Capsule Wardrobe Essentials, which will serve you both seasons and years long. You can truly never go wrong with a pair of ballet flats, a floral neck scarf, or a crisp white t-shirt, no matter what (or where!) your seasonal adventures bring you.

I love the idea that staple wardrobe pieces can be styled year after year alongside trending pieces to maintain a classic yet current look. Don’t be fooled into thinking you need to order 20 pieces at once to complete your wardrobe. I find myself rediscovering, upgrading, thrifting, and purchasing more current versions of items every year—without an unlimited budget.

Below are several items to keep an eye on to build a perfect French girl-inspired fall wardrobe, full of layering favorites to favor you no matter where you live on the globe—as well as a list of retailers to keep an eye on for fresh new arrivals to serve your chicest closet to date. Take your time, get to know the items already in your closet and how they might be re-styled, and upgrade your wardrobe one piece at a time. Santé!

Where to Shop:

Sézane

& Other Stories

Revolve

Abercrombie

Shopbop

Mango

J. Crew

Reformation

Anthropologie

Everlane

Madewell