A French Woman on a Budget Walks Into COS and Zara—40 Items She's Walking Away With
Here are all the budget-friendly finds stylish French women would buy from COS and Zara this season, from supple leather loafers to belted jackets.

French women possess an innate je ne sais quoi—an effortless charm that permeates their demeanor and style. That understated elegance is why we, editors at Who What Wear, spend a lot of time analyzing their fashion choices.
The primary appeal of well-dressed French women lies in their commitment to simplicity. Rather than chasing trends, they rely on foundational wardrobe basics. These are pieces that are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, featuring refined cuts, sharp tailoring, and high-quality fabrics.
When it comes to brands, French labels such as Sézane, Loulou de Saison, Celine, and Dior remain staple choices. However, Parisian tastemakers also return to names like Zara and COS. This season, it's especially apparent because these two labels offer elevated wardrobe essentials that look designer without the price tag and are versatile enough to pair with pieces already in one's wardrobe.
To showcase this, we looked through the latest fall arrivals at Zara and COS and put together an edit of 40 finds we believe Parisians would buy for themselves, from wool jackets and belted knits to tailored trousers, leather loafers, and closed-toe wedges. Keep scrolling to shop the French girl–coded items.
Zara Finds
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ZARA
$60

ZARA
$40

ZARA
$50

zara
$109

Zw Collection
Zw Collection Belted Wool Jacket
$149

ZARA
ZARA Trf Low-Rise Slim-Fit Comfort Jeans
$60

ZARA
$60

ZARA
ZARA 100% Viscose Draped Maxi Dress
$169

ZARA
ZARA Limited Edition Gathered Leather Heels
$169

ZARA
$60

ZARA
$50

ZARA
$219

ZARA
ZARA Faux Leather Double-Breasted Blazer
$100

ZARA
ZARA Contrast Lace Satin Skirt
$80

ZARA
$109

ZARA
ZARA Suede-Effect Bomber Jacket
$80

ZARA
ZARA 100% Wool Oversized Jumper
$90

Zara
Zara Stovepipe Fit Mid-Waist Jeans With Frayed Hem
$130

ZARA
ZARA Cotton Wide-Sleeve T-Shirt
$30

ZARA
$50

ZARA
$149
COS Finds
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cos
cos Folded-Collar Cotton Shirt
$110

cos
$139

cos
$169

cos
cos Oversized Double-Faced Wool Shawl Coat
$399

cos
$129

COS

COS
$159

cos
$139

cos
$149

cos
$349

Cos

cos
$329

cos
$249

cos
$149

cos
$159

cos

cos
$329

cos

cos
cos Embroidered Fringed Knit Skirt
$289