If You Want to Look Like a Cool Girl in Paris, Add These 9 Trends to Your Fall Wardrobe
Opulent outerwear, statement skirts, and more.
Paris might be known for being famously seductive in spring, but there's nothing quite like the romance of fall in the French capital. The gorgeous foliage against the elegant architecture and pretty parks, the sparkling light hitting the Seine, the cozy cafés and tempting bakery windows… It's dreamy. It's all fresh in my mind since I just got back from a 48-hour trip to Paris and unquestionably fell in love with the city all over again. Of course, when in any city, I'm always looking out for what the chic locals and fashion people are actually wearing, and I spotted specific trends that are dominating around the buzziest spots in Paris.
Below, I'm sharing nine trends you'll see on cool girls in Paris this season, from classic '90s slips to opulent outerwear. Keep scrolling to shop the trends for yourself.
Cognac Leather
Parisians are wearing their leather in a fresh and bright color palette this season, leaning into chic cognac-brown leather in the form of jackets, bags, shoes, and accessories.
Opulent Outerwear
The French fashion set is leaning into opulent outerwear—from brocade, jacquard, and gold tapestry to embroidery and plenty of faux-fur trim—which oozes vintage vibes and looks effortlessly chic when paired with staple jeans.
Ballet Pumps
Ballet flats are a staple Parisians can't live without, but I'm seeing walkable block-heeled ballet pumps in the spotlight this season in a whole host of wearable colors, from chocolate brown to cream and, of course, black.
Statement Skirts
Slip skirts are a forever staple in a French woman's wardrobe, but right now, the statement midi skirt is dominating. Unique details make these skirts extra special, from pretty embroidery and sheer fabrics to beaded embellishments and tapestry prints.
Two-Tone Shoes
Two shades are better than one! Chanel is the leader of the pack when it comes to cap-toe shoes, and for fall, there are plenty of variations on classy two-tone shoes. Think unique color combos and styles ranging from ballet pumps to boots.
Modern Trench Coats
A beige trench coat is a staple that will never go out of style, and this fall, I'm taking styling cues from chic Parisians with updated takes on the classic coat with modern details such as funnel necks, darker shades of brown, and suede and leather textures.
Animal Print
The French love a touch of animal print to amp up their looks—whether it's a bag, ballet flats, or a statement skirt. It's a classic print that feels of-the-moment for fall 2026.
'90s Knee-Length Skirts
While statement skirts might be trending, the chic and minimalist '90s knee-length skirt cannot be overlooked this fall. Stick to wearable shades of beige, brown, ivory, and black, and play with luxe textures such as suede, leather, satin, and pony hair.
Plaid Shirts
During Paris Fashion Week, I spotted plaid shirts all around town, styled with corduroy pants, wide-leg trousers, and knee-length skirts and layered with sweaters and jackets. It works as the perfect accent to any classic Parisian outfit.
Judith Jones is the associate shopping director at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for over a decade. She specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.