6 Paris Fashion Trends to Dress Like a French Girl

I have returned after visiting my sister in Paris and it’s safe to say my closet is never the same. I arrived with a suitcase full of polka dots, bold colours and one statement piece. But will the café people and the cobbles go for a walk later? I began to be drawn to more authentic Parisian fashion trends. I found this style to be surprisingly friendly and went home ready to completely change the way I approach my fall wardrobe.

6 Paris Fashion Trends to Inspire Your Autumn Wardrobe

The longer I stayed, the more I craved a piece that wouldn’t appear in all my friends’ closets. I have found a new desire for staples that can be styled in dozens of different ways, rather than bold pieces that can be worn and pushed away. French fashion is not about the over-the-top “Emily in Paris” version that appears on the screen. It’s quiet, tedious, deeply intentional. What appears simple at first glance is actually layered with nuance. Timeless work, thoughtful details, easy attitude that cannot be purchased. And yes, often you get tobacco and style it.

Skip the sig and dive into the six Paris fashion trends I brought home and the pieces I collect along the way.

Ballet flat with heels

Yes, you read it correctly. If you’re thinking, “The whole point of a ballet flat is to avoid the heels,” I was with you. We landed in Paris. My sister, her friends, and all the chic girls on the streets, came out in ballet-inspired shoes with subtle pumps. Specifically, these shoes were everywhere, thanks to the brand’s Repetto. There are coffee runs that feature, late-night drinks, everything in between. From what I’ve gathered, the break-in period can be brutal, but once you get through it, you won’t look back.

Thick silver jewelry

As a proven, adorable gold girl, one of the biggest Paris fashion trends that caught my eye was all bold silver jewels. Almost every finger was loaded with thick rings, often set in burgundy, turquoise or black stone. This look was the perfect balance of classic Ralph Lauren with an edgy, timeless, modern twist. Above all, these pieces don’t come with a huge price tag, which makes this a simple trend that can fly around.

Trench coat

If there was one item I regret not packing, it was my trench coat. Even with the prolonged warmth of early autumn, Parisians layered everything from denim and button-downs to loafers and shorts and tees. The trench is truly the easiest transition coat. It’s all in line with it, and it’s driving the “I just threw this” energy that the Frenchman does very well. I love the full-length version of the drama, but the trimmed trench is equally chic to everyday wear.

Vintage style pants

My biggest point from Paris fashion trends? Second hand items are shopping TRèsChic. So many of the outfits I admired were built around a unique vintage discovery that fits in like my sister’s roommate’s 10 euro pants, and fits perfectly for her. Not only did it stimulate my own few fall purchases, this trend changed my mindset.

Delicate blouse

For dinner in Paris, what I wanted to wear was a delicate blouse, namely silk, lace, or ideally both. When paired with tailored black pants or casual vintage denim, it feels feminine and sexy, but unexpectedly loose, there is essentially French for the top. This style is on the Tippy top of my fall wish list thanks to the endless styling possibilities. Do just a little bit, wear a solo while still warm, layer it over a white tee to make a statement, or style it under a wool cardigan.

Velvet Mary Janes

Meet the wonderful Fleberos Flat. Say it 3x faster then order a pair. Because if she wasn’t in the heeled Repetto, all the French girls would have been in these velvet Mary Janes. They quickly won me, ready to be available in almost every color and endless variation of the rainbow. I hesitated a little on the first day, but on the sixth day I was hooked. It’s playful, chic, and a great way to add pops of colours and textures to your fall wardrobe, a huge trend in Paris fashion, but not a common state yet. Get ready to be the trendiest of all your friends.

Take home

Paris reminded us that while the best wardrobes are not built on fleeting trends, the works that whisper instead of screams are routinely layered seamlessly and evolve over time. This season I prefer staples that are both timeless and fresh, playful, yet endlessly versatile. Whether you reach for a ballet flat with heels, a pair of vintage pants, or a trench that makes all your errands feel like a moment, invite them to approach autumn style with the same ease with the Frenchman.