I Want a Chic French Winter Wardrobe—9 Zara, M&S and COS Buys I’ve Been Quietly Collecting

As we move swiftly into winter (I’m currently typing this with a hot water bottle strapped to me), there’s a real temptation to prioritise function above all else. The bulky jumper that’s guaranteed to keep you toasty. The coat that might not be the most directional, but covers every inch of your body. You know the drill. After years of working in fashion, I’ve always been hunting for pieces that allow me to balance style and warmth. It’s not as easy as it sounds. One subset of dressers who have somehow mastered this? French women.

French women don’t let plummeting temperatures interrupt elegance. Instead, through clever layering, beautifully cut wool coats and those just-right cashmere knits, French style is a masterclass in looking chic, no matter the weather. With that in mind, I’ve been on a mission to find those pieces on the British high street that feel properly chic while genuinely delivering on warmth. And there were three stops I immediately thought of: Zara, COS and M&S.