I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering

I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering

      As we quickly approach winter (I’m currently typing this with a hot water bottle attached to me), it’s tempting to prioritize practicality above all else. The thick sweater that promises to keep you warm. The coat that may not be the trendiest but covers every part of you. You know the routine. After years in the fashion industry, I’ve consistently searched for pieces that let me find the right balance between style and warmth. It’s not as straightforward as it may seem. One group of individuals who have somehow cracked this code? French women.

      Marilyn NK in the COS Cashmere Jumper. French women don’t allow falling temperatures to interfere with their elegance. Instead, they demonstrate that with clever layering, well-tailored wool coats, and perfectly fitted cashmere knits, French style exemplifies how to maintain chicness, regardless of the weather. With that in mind, I’ve been on a quest to discover items on the British high street that are genuinely stylish while also providing warmth. My immediate thoughts fell to three brands: Zara, COS, and M&S. Each shines in winter: Zara for its wool coats, sleek knitwear, and refined accessories; COS for its 100% cashmere and designer-inspired tailoring; and M&S for outerwear that looks notably high-end yet is remarkably affordable. Below, I’ve outlined picks from Zara, COS, and M&S that would earn a nod of approval from a stylish French woman and that will instantly enhance your wardrobe.

      Shop the Best French-Approved Winter Selections from Zara, COS, and M&S

      ZARA

      Zw Collection Limited Edition Wool Blend Coat

      Believe it or not, this double-breasted wool coat is both warm and stylish.

      ZARA

      Zw Collection High-Waist Straight Jeans

      A staple in a great French wardrobe, I currently love Zara's dark wash straight-leg jeans.

      M&S

      Cosy Crew Neck Slim Fit Cardigan

      Waisted cardigans are a perfect alternative to chunky knits, providing an effortlessly put-together appearance. Pair with trousers and ballet flats for a quintessentially French vibe.

      ZARA

      Leather Ballet Flats 50th Anniversary

      A basic pair of black leather flats is essential in any wardrobe. As the temperature drops, layer tights or socks underneath.

      COS

      Chunky Cashmere Crew-Neck Jumper

      The popular COS cashmere jumper returns in a new chocolate brown hue. Style it over a white shirt and straight-leg jeans for a very chic look.

      ZARA

      Plain Knit V-Neck Jumper

      This season, v-neck jumpers are a must-have, and I particularly enjoy layering lightweight wool turtlenecks underneath on chillier days.

      COS

      Relaxed Twill Wide-Leg Trousers

      A classic best-seller, and for good reason.

      ZARA

      Knit Polo Shirt With Contrast Trims

      The white and navy contrast alongside the polo collar gives a distinctly nautical and French feel.

      Another excellent pair of wide-leg jeans.

      COS

      Fair Isle Brushed-Cashmere Jumper

      Brushed cashmere is suddenly everywhere, and combined with this fair isle pattern? Incredibly festive and chic.

      Whether paired with a cable-knit jumper and long wool coat, or used as a layering piece beneath trousers on cooler days, COS's merino wool leggings are a winter necessity.

      ZARA

      Soft Knit High Neck Jumper

      There’s an inherent chicness to a high neck jumper.

      ZARA

      Contrast Split Suede Sports Shoes

      Indeed, trainers can complement a chic winter wardrobe, and I am particularly fond of this green suede pair from Zara.

      COS

      Sculpted Wool-Blend Coat

      I can assure you, this COS coat is as sophisticated as it appears.

      M&S

      Cotton Rich Cord Straight Leg Trousers With Modal

      The shape of these trousers is quintessentially French, and I love the cord fabric for the colder months.

      COS

      Fair Isle Wool-Cashmere Cardigan

      An elegant twist on a previously nostalgic trend.

      ZARA

      Jumper With Wool and Alpaca

      The kind of jumper you’ll find yourself reaching for repeatedly.

      COS

      Shawl-Collar Cotton Blouse

      The shawl collar provides an elevated touch to an otherwise basic white blouse.

I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering

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