If there’s one thing I blindly trust French women for, it’s fashion recs. As a Shopping Editor, it’s quite rare that I ask for advice on what to buy; the one exception is my incredibly chic French best friend.

Effortlessly elegant and particularly skilled at cherry-picking high-street pieces that look far more expensive than they are, she’s become something of a muse when it comes to building a polished wardrobe. Her approach is simple: invest in great basics, stick to timeless silhouettes and add just enough personality to stop everything feeling too classic.

So, naturally, when I started thinking about the pieces worth adding to my wardrobe this winter, I asked what was currently on her wish list. Her edit didn’t disappoint. Think dark indigo denim, sumptuous cashmere, beautifully cut coats and jackets, elegant loafers and the kind of understated handbags that make even jeans and a T-shirt look considered.

Some are investment pieces, others are brilliant high-street finds, but they all share that elusive expensive-looking quality she does so well. Keep scrolling for the winter buys my French best friend recommends—and that this Shopping Editor wholeheartedly agrees with.

French Friend Shopping List

COS Rounded Pure Cashmere Crew-Neck Jumper

This is exactly the kind of knit COS does so well: beautifully simple, but with a rounded silhouette that makes it feel decidedly more considered.

AGOLDE 90's Pinch Waist High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans

Agolde has mastered cool denim that still feels incredibly wearable, and the 90s jeans are a forever best-seller.

Jimmy Choo Cinch Small

Chiccc.

Reformation Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan

A great cardigan is one of my most relied-upon winter layers, and the Clara’s relaxed shape and classic crew neck make it particularly versatile.

Jimmy Choo Scarlett Ballerina

J'adore.

Heaven Mayhem Baby Knot Earrings

Pair Heaven Mayhem's baby knot earrings with a sleek back bun and an oversized cashmere knit.

DeMellier The Stockholm

Rendered in sumptuous suede, DeMellier’s already-polished Stockholm looks even more luxurious.

H&M Handmade Wool-Blend Blazer

The high-neck collar and slightly asymmetric fastening make this feel far more directional than your average blazer.

COS Chord Straight-Leg Jeans

COS denim rarely misses, and the Chord is one of its strongest silhouettes.

ZARA Zw Collection Wool Blend Jacket With Frog Fastening

The contrast trims and frog fastenings give this wool-blend jacket a subtle heritage feel.

ZARA Ruched Leather Loafers

The raised vamp, rounded toe and subtle ruching give these leather loafers a distinctly designer-looking finish.

Rise & Fall Suede Trench Coat

A full-length chocolate-suede trench is about as luxurious as winter outerwear gets.

The Row Agnes 12 Bag

If money were no object, this would be the bag on my arm all winter.

COS Clean Cut T-Shirt

Never underestimate the power of a really good white T-shirt. The perfect tee to layer beneath your heavy-duty cashmere knits all winter long.

AEYDE Hedvig Leather Ankle Boots

The sleek pointed toe give these black leather boots just the right amount of Western influence without feeling overly trend-led.

Massimo Dutti Purl Knit Cardigan With Funnel Neck

Funnel-neck knitwear at its finest.

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Jumper in Ivory, Size Xs

At £50 for 100% Grade-A Mongolian cashmere, this is one of those finds that almost sounds too good to be true.

M&S Mid Rise Straight Leg Jeans

M&S jeans are superior, and this straight-leg pair is living proof.

H&M Oversized Mohair-Blend Jumper

A perennial best-seller, pair H&M's mohair knit with indigo jeans and shiny loafers for the perfect Parisian look.

Sezane Tomboy Shirt

A white shirt is seasonless, but I particularly love one peeking out underneath cashmere and wool during winter.

ZARA Reversible Double-Sided Coat

The jacket on everyone's lips.

Reformation Olina Cropped Pant

Swap jeans for these elevated satin trousers this winter.

ZARA Satin Scarf Blouse

There’s something inherently elegant about a scarf-neck blouse.

ALIGNE Abigail Waisted Knit Cardigan

This is the kind of throw-on layer that looks just as good with denim as it does draped over tailored trousers.

ALIGNE Henrietta Double Breasted Coat

A long neutral coat is practically shorthand for an expensive-looking winter wardrobe.

ME+EM Wide-Leg Trouser

I’d pair these with everything from a fine knit and loafers to a silk blouse and heels.

Rixo Inga Wool Jacket in Black

Pre-order this elegant Rixo jacket before it sells out again.