As someone who’s firmly team catch flights, not feelings (much to the dismay of my therapist), there’s nothing I love more than booking a last-minute flight. So when my friends suggested attending Paris Fashion Week in the name of “work,” I didn’t hesitate to book the trip.
The best part of traveling to Paris, aside from the croissants, is taking note of what everyone’s wearing. And there’s no better time for that than Paris Fashion Week, when street style is at its peak and models are actually running around off duty. The Parisian aesthetic feels a little different from what we saw in New York this season, but there are still enough overlaps to make the comparison all the more fun to watch.
It’s officially cold outside, which means the classics are back: trench coats, suede bags, and socks with loafers. But both on the runway and around me, a few trends really stood out—ones I’m saying oui to and already adding to my cart. Below, the five French girl-approved trends to wear this fall, all easy to recreate from home and slip into your everyday wardrobe.
Fringe
Free People We The Free Fringe Out Vegan Suede Jacket
Free People
There was a lot of fringe on the runway this season, and I’m not mad about it. The only thing I am mad about is getting rid of all my fringe pieces from years past, thinking they were “out of style.” Never again. The best part about this trend is that there’s no one-fringe-fits-all approach—you can go for a chunky fringe bag, a tiered fringe skirt, or a reliable fringe jacket to throw over a simple outfit and make it feel fresh again. Personally, I’m a fan of suede-meets-fringe (why not combine trends?), but you can play around with other textures and still look très chic.
Balloon Pants
Nocturne Cord Detailed Pants
Nordstrom
My Pakistani mother would argue that balloon pants are simply a repackaged shalwar, and she wouldn’t be wrong. Origins aside, sculptural silhouettes have been all over the runways lately, with balloon pants taking center stage. For fans of barrel jeans, this is another fun way to play with structure in everyday outfits. They work across fabrics, too, whether you go for a relaxed cotton pair or a more structured version.
Boat Shoes
Sperry Authentic Original Boat Shoes
Nordstrom
Ahh, boat shoes. This is another trend from my teen years, and it’s amazing to see nautical style make its way onto city streets instead of being reserved for those who “yacht” as a verb. Every time I saw a chic woman on the street, I looked down and there they were: boat shoes. You can go for a classic Sperry pair or opt for something more elevated from Maje or Sandro Paris. Some styles even come with decorative laces or a foldable heel counter so they can double as mules.
Rugby Shirts
Tna Mighty Cotton™ Lomu Polo Long Sleeve
Aritzia
While a plain white tee will always be a Parisian classic, one trend I’ve noticed is the rise of the rugby shirt—an easy way to stay casual but look like you tried a little harder than you did. Just as comfortable (especially if you invest in a high-quality one), rugby shirts can easily become a wardrobe staple. You can even opt for a striped rugby sweater to stay warm through winter, then drape it over your shoulders once spring rolls around.
Cropped Trench Coats
Open Edit Exaggerated Crop Trench Coat
Nordstrom
When you think of Paris, the trench coat is probably the first thing that comes to mind. It’s a staple in every Parisian wardrobe. This season, though, it got a well-deserved refresh. Cropped versions were everywhere, from the streets to the runways. You can keep it classic with an oversized fit, storm flaps, and a belt, or switch it up with modern takes in denim or leather for an unexpected twist.
