7 French Brands for Fall Fashion

A person sitting on a chair

With the change of season also comes a chance to reinvigorate your wardrobe, and what better way to embrace fall fashion than to emulate those chic Parisians on all of your favorite prêt-à-porter sites? Americans can’t get enough of French Girl Style, because it’s what fashion should be: chic, effortless, and 100% à la mode. So if you’re looking to invest in some autumn favorites, check out these amazing French brands, many of which have locations in NYC for your shopping pleasure.

1. Anne Willi

Photo courtesy of Anne Willi.
Photo courtesy of Anne Willi.

Three years ago, this French fashion designer added a Brooklyn location to her two Parisian outlets. Made in France, manufactured in Europe, then brought to the states, Anne Willi’s clothing embodies that Parisian sophistication. The store itself is bright and airy and located in Cobble Hill, a Brooklyn neighborhood that has become a hub of French expats and culture in the past few years.

2. Sézane

sezane
Photo coutesy of Sézane

Just last month, Sézane opened L’Appartement, its first New York store, to complement its three already-established Parisian shops. This intimate boutique, located on Nolita’s Elizabeth street, offers not only the same stylish, laid-back clothing as their French stores, but also successfully emulates the Parisian shopping experience. Try Sézane if you’re looking for simple, well-made clothing with signature feminine accents like subtle lace or bows to cinch an otherwise loose dress. Savor a cup of coffee by Maman in between dressing room sessions, since you might be there a while — browsing at this newcomer boutique simply feels like your perusing your cool (and stylish) best friend’s closet.

3. Rouje

roujeThis exclusively online shop features the essence of cool French Girl Style. Launched by Jeanne Damas — model, It girl, photographer, designer — Rouje mirrors its founder’s own understated, fashionable style. Damas has self-described her fashion preferences as “simple, effortless, chic,” which shows in Rouje’s fall collection. Comfortable sweaters, oversized coats, easy v-neck shirts, and timeless dresses all make Rouje’s Parisian clothing the ultimate fall splurge.

4. Maison Kitsuné

Lafayette Street store, photo courtesy of Maison Kitsuné.
Lafayette Street store, photo courtesy of Maison Kitsuné.

Founded in Paris in 2002 by Gildas Loaëc, then-manager of French electronic group Daft Punk and Masaya Kuroki, a Japanese-French architect, Maison Kitsuné is a fashion brand created with their respective countries and styles in mind. Maison Kitsuné features fun clothing with pops of color and references to the ubiquitous schoolgirl-inspired designs of Japan coupled with an undertone of timeless Parisian style. The brand currently has boutiques in Paris, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Americans can get their fix on NYC’s Lafayette Street, at the brand’s only US outpost.

5. Isabel Marant Étoile

Photo courtesy of Isabel Marant.
Photo courtesy of Isabel Marant.

For a grungier look — think oversized, vintage-inspired jackets with mismatched boho dresses — check out Isabel Marant’s Étoile collection, a younger and livelier offshoot of her original brand. Luxury department stores like Barney’s and Neiman Marcus carry her designs, but you can also head to her Soho boutique for a larger collection.

6. A.P.C.

Photo courtesy of A.P.C.
Photo courtesy of A.P.C.

Started in the 1980s by French-Tunisian designer Jean Touitou, A.P.C. is now an internationally recognized brand. Known for its minimalist designs and denim, A.P.C. clothing is all about upscale basics, with only a simple pattern or two gracing the shelves. Although A.P.C.’s offerings are understated in a decidedly French way, Touitou embraces fit and eschews oversized and loose-flowing options, unlike some of his contemporaries. So for some fitted French essentials, stop by A.P.C.’s Mercer or Bond street location.

7. Carven

Photo courtesy of Carven.
Photo courtesy of Carven.

This French brand’s fall collection includes a new take on flower prints, sheer layering, and traditional looks spiced up with uneven cuts and fun flourishes. Much of Carven’s line is versatile work-to-weekend-wear, and you can buy this French Girl style online or in Europe

A close up of a sign

Frenchly
newsletter.

Get your weekly dose of Frenchly’s news.

Read more

Frenchly newsletter.

A close up of a sign

Get your weekly dose of Frenchly’s news.

Frenchly Newsletter.

A close up of a sign

Get your weekly dose of Frenchly stuff.