I must confess, I check Zara’s new-in section far more than I care to admit and scroll through the app like it’s Instagram. While we may still be in the midst of a heatwave, signs of the new season are beginning to trickle in and that transitional dressing period is looming closer and our favourite stores are beginning to tease their early autumn collections.

French women will always be my biggest inspiration when I don't know what to wear – it is almost ingrained in their DNA on how to achieve that effortless style that looks so polished and put-together. When it comes to the transitional season, floaty dresses will soon be replaced by light knits and jeans and sandals stowed away replaced by loafers. However, living in the UK, we know all too well that the temperature can change at the drop of a hat, making dressing so much harder to navigate, so I turn to French women for guidance.

Sophisticated, elegant style is the epitome of how French women dress, and it doesn’t always have to come with a designer price tag attached to it. It’s not about how much something costs, but more how it's worn. Zara is full of expensive-looking staple pieces that give a refined, intentional feel to them, from classic cashmere cardigans to barrel-leg tailored trousers and romantic cuffed blouses.

I’ve scoured the new-in section and formed an edit of 9 early autumn Zara buys that would undoubtedly be seen on French women, so as a result, have instantly been added to my wishlist for a well-needed new season refresh.

Shop the Early-Autumn Zara Buys I Know French Women Love:

ZARA Zw Collection Romantic Shirt

The epitome of elegance.

ZARA Barrel Trousers

A barrel-leg is such a flattering silhouette.

ZARA Leather Slingback Shoes

Mules are going to be a big trend for autumn.

ZARA Colour Block Knit Dress

Full of autumnal tones.

ZARA Cashmere Wool Buttoned Cardigan

A capsule wardrobe staple.

ZARA Satin Top With Frog Fastening

Wear with the matching skirt, light wash jeans or a tailored trouser for so many different looks.

ZARA Zw Collection Mid-Waist Relaxed Ankle Jeans

Zara's denim is some of my favourite on the high-street.

ZARA Contrast Belted Topstitch Top

The contrast stitching gives this such a sleek finish.

ZARA Zw Collection Nylon Jacket

A good jacket can completely transform an entire outfit.

Shop More Zara Buys We Adore:

ZARA Oversized Double-Breasted Blazer

An oversized blazer is a core piece in any wardrobe.

ZARA Pack of 3 Resin Bracelets

Add a finishing touch.

ZARA Short Sleeve Striped Interlock T-Shirt

Striped t-shirts have been such a big trend this season and we're seeing them come into autumn with us.

ZARA Linen Blend Topstitched Wrap Skirt

I love anything with a contrast stitch.

ZARA Gathered Leather Mini Crossbody Bag

Suede and autumn wardrobes go hand-in-hand.

ZARA Poplin Shirt With Pleats

The pleated detailing gives this such a structured silhouette.

ZARA Suede Ballerinas

Replace your suede sandals with a ballet flat.

ZARA Short Pleated Trench Coat

A cropped trench is a modern upgrade on a classic style.

ZARA Zw Collection Wide-Leg Trousers

Wide-leg trousers feel instantly chic.

ZARA Braided Clutch Bag

This could pass as a designer piece.

ZARA Smocked Knit Top

A smocked top is a throw-on piece that looks instantly put-together.

ZARA Z1975 High-Waist Regular Long-Length Jeans

A good jean is the core to so many outfits.

ZARA Buttoned Knit Jumper

Wear alone or layer over a white tee.

ZARA Knit Midi Dress With Belt

Add a chocolate knee-high boot to compliment the belt.