My French Friend Sent Me Her 2026 Shopping List—15 Chic High-Street Buys That Made the Cut
If there’s ever a time I need inspiration from my French, Paris-based best friend, it’s January. The days are cold and dark, my budget is tight after a slightly too-indulgent December, and, if I’m being honest, my winter outfit formulas start to feel a little uninspired. Luckily, having someone with impeccable French style on speed dial has its advantages, and within minutes I had my own curated list of the chicest high-street pieces worth knowing about right now.
Unsurprisingly, her edit was filled with the kind of polished, expensive-looking staples French women do so well: cigarette jeans, waisted cardigans, gathered loafers and tailored coats, all elevated by the smallest details—subtle ruching, interesting necklines and glossy gold buttons that make even the simplest outfit feel intentional. If you showed me the list without the brand names, I’d easily assume it was an overly ambitious luxury wish list.
Instead, it’s made up of pieces from some of our most reliable shopping destinations, from H&M and Zara to Reformation and Sézane. The takeaway? Dressing well in 2026 isn’t about spending more, it’s about choosing better. Keep scrolling to shop my French best friend’s chic January wish list.
ZARA
Fitted Round Neck Blazer
If you’re bored of oversized blazers, this is a sharper alternative. The fitted cut gives a more defined silhouette that works beautifully with wide-leg trousers or sleek denim.
COS
Reprise Straight-Leg Jeans
A deep indigo wash always looks more refined than faded denim, and these have that clean, minimal COS finish.
hm
Collarless Jacket – Brown
The collarless style instantly elevates this.
ZARA
Wool Blend Cross-Over High Neck Jumper
The French have mastered the art of elevated basics, and this wool Zara jumper nails it.
COS
Merino Wool Funnel-Neck Cardigan
A funnel neck instantly makes knitwear feel more elevated, and this one is perfect for layering in winter. It’s the kind of cardigan you’ll wear as a top as often as you wear it open.
Reformation
Cynthia High Rise Straight Jeans
These are the kind of jeans that make outfits look intentional with almost no effort. High-rise, straight-leg and endlessly versatile; wear them with loafers and a trench and you’re done.
Reformation
Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan
A genuinely useful knit: soft cashmere, classic crew shape, and the kind of cardigan you’ll throw over everything from slip dresses to denim.
DeMellier
The Stockholm | Black Fine Grain | Demellier
The perfect everyday bag.
ZARA
Zw Collection Pinstripe Trousers
Easy, polished trousers that do a lot of work for you.
COS
Collared Merino Wool Cardigan
A collared knit is an easy way to look pulled together with zero effort. Wear it buttoned up with tailored trousers for a modern, slightly Parisian feel.
ZARA
Faux Leather Bomber Jacket Zw Collection
A bomber that gives “off-duty model” energy without trying too hard. The finish looks sleek and elevated, and it’s perfect over a fine knit and straight-leg jeans.
Wide High Waist Jeans – Black
The wide leg and deep colour keep these jeans looking intentional—ideal with a clean trainer or loafer.
Wool Polo Jumper – Navy Blue
Simple, classic and easy to style; exactly what you want from a reliable January buy. Ideal for layering and everyday wear.
ZARA
Leather Loafers With Square Toe
The square toe is what makes these feel current. Sleek and minimal, they’re a great everyday loafer if you want something smarter than trainers but not overly formal.
Rise & Fall
Women’s Cashmere Merino V Neck Jumper – Medium Grey – Xs / Medium Grey
A V-neck knit is quietly making a comeback, and this one nails the brief. Soft, lightweight and flattering—perfect tucked into tailored trousers or worn loose over denim.
COS
Nouveau Shoulder Bag – Leather
Sezane
Karlie Cardigan – Light Beige – Merino Wool – Sézane
This is that classic, French-feeling cardigan you can wear in a hundred ways. It looks particularly good styled simply with denim and a clean coat.
COS
Pleated Wool-Blend Tulip Trousers
A subtle statement trouser—pleats, volume and a tapered shape that feels fashion-forward but still wearable. Style with a fitted knit to balance the silhouette.
ZARA
Fitted Manteco Wool Coat Zw Collection Limited Edition
This is one of Zara’s “wait, that’s Zara?” outerwear moments. The fitted cut and premium wool feel instantly elevated.
A classic cardigan that feels polished rather than prim.
hm
Suede Mary Jane Ballet Flats – Light Brown
From the rich colour to the sumptuous suede, these are an instant yes.
MANGO
Knitted Jacket With Jewel Buttons – Women | Mango United Kingdom
Jewel buttons always add a touch of polish, perfect when you want something cosy but still “nice.”
Rise & Fall
Women’s Cashmere Wool Sculptural Jacket – Fawn – Fawn / Xs
A winter hero you can wear like outerwear, or treat as a statement layer indoors.
hm
Wide Tailored Trousers – Grey
These trousers feels especially relevant right now; timeless, but with a more modern cut.
& Other Stories
Fringed Shawl Wool Coat
The fringe detail gives this coat movement and personality, without making it feel too trend-driven. It’s the kind of outerwear that makes even a simple outfit look styled.
MANGO
Leather Flat Shoes – Women | Mango United Kingdom
If you want an everyday flat that isn’t overly delicate, these are a strong option. Minimal, wearable and perfect with straight-leg jeans.
Reformation
Florentina Cashmere Collared Cardigan
The collar gives this cashmere cardigan a slightly smarter, more styled finish—perfect if you like your knits to feel polished rather than loungey. It looks especially chic layered under a wool coat with the collar peeking out.
& Other Stories
Oversized Wool Jacket
A slouchy jacket in the best way; warm, oversized and easy to throw on. The khaki shade makes it feel fresh and modern against denim or black trousers.
MANGO
Knitted Button Cardigan – Women | Mango United Kingdom
This is that classic, French-feeling cardigan you can wear in a hundred ways. It looks particularly good styled simply with denim and a clean coat.
MANGO
Chalk-Stripe Straight Trousers – Women | Mango United Kingdom
A beautifully cut wide-leg trouser that looks instantly refined.
Reformation
Kaylee Loafer
A clean, classic loafer with a subtly modern edge. They’re the sort of shoe that instantly makes denim look more refined.
Sezane
Anouck Cardigan – Navy – Merino Wool – Sézane
Navy knitwear always feels expensive, and this cardigan is no exception. A great layering piece that brings a slightly preppy-but-chic finish.
Sezane
The Wide Leg Trousers
A timeless pair of wide-leg jeans that go with everything in your wardrobe.
