We call this time of year spooky season, and the French call it la rentrée (or the back-to-school season when grown-ups return to work from summer holiday). No matter what you call it, fall fashion is undoubtedly in full force. French girls greet the colder weather like they do everything else: with au natural hair, an iconic lipstick, that signature je ne sais quoi, and a killer wardrobe. Read on for the trends popping up in Paris this fall and shop the pieces that you’ll be spotting on all the cool French girls this season.
1. Brown Faux Leather
There’s something so effortlessly luxurious about leather texture, and French girls know it. This season, leather is taking over blazers, button-ups, and even trousers. However, your favorite style stars are replacing classic black with chocolatey brown for a trend that screams 2020.
2. Straight-Leg Jeans
Skinnies are not a necessary staple in the wardrobe of French girls like they are in yours or mine. Instead, straight leg jeans with a bit of a flared leg and relaxed fit are the Parisian go-to denim style. Baggier is better! And yes, they do work with even your most oversized knit. Try tucking the front into the waist of the pants to balance proportions.
3. Layers of Neutrals
Parisian style is synonymous with timeless, so it’s no surprise that they layer up a variety of most timeless colors. French girls don’t do 50 Shades of Grey; they do 50 shades of neutral. Think of layering a range of off-white to dark brown, and every color in between. Try white denim with a beige sweater, or camel trousers and a cream-colored knit, and then throw on your favorite fall jacket and some key brown accessories.
4. Sleeveless Turtleneck Sweater
Not only are they the perfect comfy piece for staying at home all day every day, but sleeveless turtleneck sweaters are ideal to layer under outerwear because they won’t add bulk like chunky knit. Wear with your comfiest trousers to look chic for Zoom meetings or lounging at home, or throw on a blazer or jacket for an OOTD that will keep you warm while staying sleek.
5. Puff-Sleeve Sweaters
As if we needed more reasons to wear the prettiest sweater style ever, puffed-sleeve knit happens to be a staple in the fall wardrobe of French girls and Parisian style stars alike. Wear as a cardigan or opt for a simple pullover sweater that has way more je ne sais quoi than your average sweater.
6. Bold Plaid
No, bold plaid is not just for Gwen Stefani in her “No Doubt” days. It can also be incredibly timeless and effortless when done in structured, ladylike pieces like a tailored blazer. Make the trend more Blair Waldorf than ’90s punk by pairing with feminine accessories like a chain quilted purse and pointed-toe shoes.
7. Shearling Coats
Yes, shearling is so cool that it’s the most popular coat of the season in both our Instagram feeds and in France. Maybe it’s because it looks much more modern than faux fur, or maybe because it’s so freaking cozy, but you can find us in rocking shearling coats until spring. Pair with feminine ruffles and lace à la French it-girl, Jeanne Damas.
8. Lace-Up Booties
One of the most popular shoe styles of the season (beyond the classic ballet flats, of course) is an edgier version of your classic booties. Lace-up booties are not only functional and comfortable, but pair perfectly with a fall dress and tights. After all, the French girl’s signature is effortless style, so an edgy pair of booties makes a dressed-up outfit a little less structured. C’est parfait!
9. High-Waisted Miniskirts
Because sometimes a miniskirt is just more feminine and comfortable than a pair of jeans or trousers, French girls bring their shortest styles into fall with knee-high boots and oversized cozy knit tucked into the waist.
10. Trench Coats
Ah, the trench coat: as essential to French girl style as stripes and classic white tees. The lightweight (but warm) outerwear can be worn from the first day of fall until the last day of spring, making it the perfect investment piece and the simplest way to get your Parisian-girl style on. Make it more 2020 than Breakfast at Tiffany’s by pairing with light-wash denim in a relaxed fit and leaving your hair “I-woke-up-like-this” effortless.
