7 Budget-Friendly Winter Items to Create a French Aesthetic in Just a Few Clicks

      Eugénie Trochu is an editor in residence at Who What Wear, recognized for her impactful work at Vogue France and her Substack newsletter, where she chronicles new trends, shares her straightforward views on fashion and style, and offers other reflections. She is also in the process of writing her debut book that examines fashion as a realm of memory, representation, and reinvention. French style resembles a croque-monsieur recipe: many believe they can create it, but few succeed. It's not about cost or background, but rather about intuition—a balance of effort and ease. Here is my curated selection of winter items that are both accessible and transformative.

      **Coats**

      The first and essential item: coats. My winter fixation. I am consistently drawn to the beige quilted jacket—not the typical BCBG version but another, one that has shed its rural formality for a softer, quieter appeal. I also find myself irrationally attracted to structured coats that cinch the waist as if by instinct. They remind me of Balenciaga's archives—pieces that conveyed posture before defining silhouette. Then there's the subdued leopard print. Not the loud or costume version, but a calm and almost shy leopard that doesn’t strive to be striking. A subtle fantasy. I appreciate these small contradictions; they communicate more than mere words.

      - H&M: Quilted Jacket With Corduroy Collar

      - ZARA: Oversized Tailored Coat Zw Collection

      - MANGO: Leopard Faux-Fur Coat

      - COS: Shawl-Collar Faux Fur Jacket

      **Jeans**

      In France, jeans are more than just attire; they represent a mindset. Everything hinges on the cut and fabric. The low-rise brown pair revisits the 2000s with a winter spin: low on the hips, wide in the leg, warm brown, effortlessly nonchalant. Conversely, I'm attracted to the wide white jeans, epitomizing quiet Parisian luxury: luminous, nearly couture, ideal paired with a gray knit or camel coat. Lastly, the straight black jeans are high-waisted, cleanly cut, and made of dense denim—the kind that behaves well.

      - ZARA: Trf Wide Leg Low Rise Jeans

      - Massimo Dutti: Textured Wide-Leg Denim-Effect Trousers

      - Gap: Low Rise '90s Loose Jeans

      - Gap: High Rise Cheeky Straight Jeans

      **Knitwear**

      Knitwear dominates winter. It dictates the day's rhythm. I adore large navy or gray turtlenecks, slightly masculine, enveloping the body and creating a calm presence, almost reminiscent of wearing a coat indoors. The black open-knit sweater is reserved for evening, revealing just enough. Milder mornings call for a plush, slightly retro cardigan, easy to wear and comforting like a warm cup of coffee. And then there’s the grandpa jacquard—unexpected and curiously stylish, transforming a mountain sweater into a purposeful fashion statement.

      - ZARA: Sequined Jacquard Knit Cardigan With Belt

      **Tops**

      Winter tops often serve as subtext. They hide beneath blazers, shine alone at night, or contrast with bulky knitwear. Black velvet exudes a quiet winter sensuality, while the sleeveless silk high-neck radiates soft '70s energy—fluid yet sharp. I also favor fine jerseys with thumbholes, embodying that quintessential French balance of elegance and comfort. The cropped white shirt remains a bright essential, whether worn open over a tank or tucked into high-waisted jeans. Everything is clearer with a white shirt.

      - MANGO: High Collar Satin Blouse

      - Agnès B.: Black Viscose Vian T-Shirt With Fingerless Gloves

      **Belts**

      A belt is the detail that secures everything in place. I lean towards thin, nearly invisible styles that define the silhouette without overwhelming it. Equestrian styles offer a touch of polish, classic brown leather is timeless, and a hint of leopard print can enliven a monochrome outfit. Occasionally, a Western buckle or gaucho touch adds just the right dose of bohemian ease.

      - Anthropologie: Skinny Horsebit Detail Belt

      - Sandro Paris: Pony Effect Leather Belt

      - Arizona Love: Brown Concho Belt

      **Shoes**

      The penultimate detail: shoes, which ground a look in reality. Revamped ballerinas add a poetic lightness to the simplest outfits, while biker boots provide functional minimalism that persists throughout the day. Suede riding boots introduce an unexpected softness to winter. Even well-chosen classic loafers can anchor a Parisian outfit without being forced.

      - Nordstrom: Helia Knee High Boot

      - Massimo Dutti: Oiled Split Suede Riding Boots

      **Bags**

      I prefer bags that don't vie for attention but rather complete a silhouette with precision. Soft shapes comfortably nestled under the arm, small crossbody bags that