There are a few pieces I find myself coming back to year after year, and a classic trench coat, a beautifully tailored blazer, and a lovely everyday handbag are definitely among them. They're some of my favorite wardrobe staples, and I love how each brings something special to an outfit, whether it's a beautiful finishing layer, a little tailoring, or a handbag that adds that perfect personal touch.
I've always loved the effortless elegance of French style, particularly how everyday pieces can be styled in so many different ways. From a simple jeans-and-knit combination to a more polished look, these are the kinds of essentials I enjoy having in my wardrobe and reaching for throughout the seasons.
Today, I wanted to share three of my favorites from Gérard Darel, a Parisian fashion house I've been enjoying discovering. From the classic Serge trench coat to the wonderfully comfortable Justy blazer and the iconic 24H handbag, these are three pieces I've been so happy to add to my wardrobe this fall. I'll also be sharing my personal notes on fit, sizing, and how I like to style each one!
A Little About Gérard Darel
Founded in Paris in 1971 by Danièle and Gérard Darel, the French fashion house has become known for its timeless elegance, beautiful materials, and appreciation for classic French style. From the very beginning, the idea was to create quality clothing and accessories that would celebrate the modern woman, a philosophy that continues to shape the house today.
One of the things I particularly appreciate about Gérard Darel is its attention to craftsmanship and the little details that make a piece special. From carefully selected fabrics and leathers to the drape of a beautifully tailored coat, the house draws on a rich heritage of French savoir-faire. Its Parisian atelier, located in the historic Bourse district, is part of that tradition, with a focus on beautiful cuts, quality finishes, and thoughtful design.
Over the years, Gérard Darel has introduced several iconic pieces, including the famous 24H handbag and the Marilyn sweater, inspired by the one worn by Marilyn Monroe in Let's Make Love. The house also has a fascinating connection to Jackie Kennedy, having acquired her famous necklace at Sotheby's. I love how these little pieces of fashion history are woven into the story of the brand, alongside collections that continue to celebrate timeless Parisian style.
Three French Wardrobe Essentials I'm Loving
1. The Classic Trench Coat: The Serge
If there's one piece of outerwear I find myself reaching for again and again, it's a classic trench coat. It's probably my favorite layer to throw over an outfit because it works with just about everything and instantly makes me feel put together.
I especially love wearing a trench during the transitional seasons. It's such a beautiful finishing layer, whether I'm heading out for my morning coffee or spending the afternoon exploring, and I love the little touch of French elegance it brings to an everyday outfit.
The Gérard Darel Serge trench has been such a lovely addition to my wardrobe. Part of the brand's Studio collection, it's crafted from a cotton-rich fabric and features a classic double-breasted silhouette with thoughtful details throughout. I particularly love the shoulder tabs, buckled cuffs, and elegant drape of the fabric. The quality really stands out to me, and the neutral beige color makes it such a beautiful piece for everyday styling.
My Notes: Fit, Sizing & Styling
I went with a size T2 (approximately a US 6-8 equivalent) in the Serge trench coat, and the fit is perfect! For reference, I'm 5'4", and I have plenty of room to comfortably layer a knit underneath, which is exactly what I look for in a trench coat, especially during the cooler months.
I also particularly love trench coats with a belt. Since I have an hourglass figure, I like being able to cinch the waist when wearing it closed. With the generous amount of fabric in a classic trench, defining the waist creates such a lovely silhouette while maintaining that beautiful, relaxed drape.
If you're shopping for a trench coat, I'd recommend paying attention to the fit through the shoulders, the overall length, and how it falls when fastened. I find that trying it both open and belted is a wonderful way to see how the silhouette works for your personal style.
For styling, I love pairing the Serge with straight-leg denim, a simple knit, and loafers or ballet flats. For a dressier look, I'd wear it over tailored trousers or a beautiful dress, finished with a leather handbag and a few favorite pieces of jewelry.
2. The Tailored Jacket: The Justy
A beautifully tailored jacket is another piece I love having in my wardrobe. It's one of my favorite ways to elevate a simple outfit, and there's something about throwing on a blazer that instantly makes me feel put together.
While a classic black blazer is always a wonderful wardrobe staple, I also love exploring different colors and textures. Gray is one of my favorite neutrals, especially during fall and winter. It pairs beautifully with white, black, navy, and burgundy, and I particularly love adding a little pop of red.
The Gérard Darel Justy jacket has been one of my favorite discoveries this season. Crafted from charcoal flannel containing wool, it features subtle pinstripes, a straight silhouette, and classic tailoring details, including a notched collar and buttoned cuffs. I especially appreciate the length and the way the fabric drapes, giving it such an elegant shape.
My Notes: Fit, Sizing & Styling
I chose a size 38 in the Justy, and the fit is absolutely perfect! For reference, I'm 5'4", and I particularly love the length and how beautifully it falls. There's enough room to comfortably wear a top underneath, and I can move and bend my arms easily, which is something I always appreciate in a blazer.
What has impressed me most is just how incredibly soft and comfortable the flannel feels! I love the beautiful tailoring and how naturally it fits, making it such a pleasure to wear throughout the day. It's exactly the kind of blazer I can see myself reaching for again and again.
When shopping for blazers, I always pay attention to how they fit through the shoulders, where the sleeves fall, and the overall length. I also like trying them on with the tops I'd normally wear underneath to make sure the fit feels comfortable and works with the way I like to dress.
One of my favorite everyday outfit combinations is a simple white tank or T-shirt, my favorite denim, and loafers. Throw on the Justy, and it's such an easy look that feels polished and effortlessly chic. I also love the idea of layering a classic trench coat over it when the weather calls for an extra layer.
For a dressier look, I'd pair the Justy with tailored trousers or a skirt and a beautiful blouse or lightweight knit. I particularly love how the subtle pinstripes add a little texture, making it such a lovely piece for creating more polished outfits.
I've been so impressed with the quality and comfort of the Justy that I'm already looking forward to exploring more of Gérard Darel's blazers! It's been such a lovely discovery, and I can definitely see myself adding another one to my wardrobe.
3. The Iconic French Handbag: The 24H
Handbags are one of my favorite fashion accessories, and the Gérard Darel 24H has been on my wishlist for the longest time! I'd heard so many wonderful things about it over the years, including from friends and family back home in France, so I was especially excited to finally add one to my collection.
First introduced in 2003, the 24H quickly became one of Gérard Darel's most recognizable designs. With its distinctive silhouette, supple leather, and practical design, it's easy to see why it has become such an iconic French handbag.
I've always loved bags with a relaxed silhouette, and the 24H has that beautiful Parisian je ne sais quoi. It has this effortlessly chic, slightly undone appearance, almost as though you've just thrown everything inside and somehow it all works. I absolutely love that look!
I chose the Redwine colorway, which is such a beautiful burgundy shade for fall. It pairs wonderfully with some of my favorite wardrobe colors, including camel, cream, navy, gray, and denim. I particularly love how it complements my Gérard Darel Serge trench and Justy blazer, bringing all three pieces together so beautifully.
My Notes: Leather, Size & Styling
The first thing I noticed was how incredibly supple and flexible the leather feels. Crafted from genuine leather, the 24H has a beautiful softness that allows it to fall naturally into its signature shape. I can imagine it developing even more character over time, which is something I particularly love about leather handbags. There's a certain charm to a bag that becomes a little more lived-in with every wear!
The size is another reason I'm so happy with my choice. Measuring approximately 41 cm wide, 25 cm high, and 20 cm deep, the 24H offers plenty of space for everything I need throughout the day. I love having a handbag that can comfortably hold my daily essentials while still looking beautifully put together.
I also appreciate the thoughtful details, including the hidden magnetic closure, interior zipped pocket, and leather ties that gather the sides of the bag. The short shoulder handles make it easy to carry, and the relaxed silhouette works so naturally with my everyday outfits.
I can already picture myself reaching for it constantly, whether I'm running errands, heading to meetings, traveling, or spending an afternoon exploring. My favorite way to style it is with a simple knit, denim, and a trench coat, allowing the burgundy leather to add a beautiful touch of color.
And now, bien sûr, I have my eye on the smaller 12H! It has that same recognizable silhouette in a more compact size, with a removable, adjustable strap that allows you to wear it crossbody. I think it would be such a lovely option for evenings out, weekend outings, and days when I want to carry just the essentials.
I've been so happy finally adding the 24H to my wardrobe, and I'm already looking forward to discovering more of Gérard Darel's beautiful handbags!
Shopping Gérard Darel
I've included the three pieces featured in this article below, along with a few more Gérard Darel favorites that have caught my eye! Whether you're looking for a classic wardrobe staple or simply exploring a few new styles, I hope you find something you love.
Explore my Gérard Darel favorites here and below:
Final Thoughts
One of my favorite things about French style is how a few well-chosen wardrobe staples can become the foundation for so many beautiful outfits. A classic trench coat, a beautifully tailored blazer, and an everyday handbag are three pieces I think are wonderful to start with when building a timeless, French-inspired capsule wardrobe.
What I particularly love is how much room there is to make these essentials your own. Whether it's choosing a trench coat that flatters your silhouette, finding a blazer in a fabric and color you adore, or carrying a handbag that reflects your personal style, it's those little details that make a wardrobe feel uniquely yours.
I've been so happy discovering these Gérard Darel pieces, and I hope sharing my experience and styling notes has given you a little inspiration for your own wardrobe. After all, the most beautiful wardrobe is one filled with pieces you genuinely love wearing.
Looking for more inspiration? You might also enjoy:
Agatha Paris: The Watch & Necklace I’ve Been Wearing on Repeat
18 French Clothing Brands With Beautiful Knitwear for Fall & Winter
Disclosure: The pieces featured were kindly gifted.
With Amour,
M.