You can always count on French women for accessory inspiration. For decades, they've employed accessories to enhance the pared-back outfits they rely on, especially during the winter when their wardrobes consist of simple knitwear and enveloping outerwear. For 2026, the French-girl accessory trends are particularly worth noting, as they mix classic silhouettes with contemporary elements, keeping outfits fresh and feeling new, without any major wardrobe overhauls.
As I write, the temperature in Paris is plummeting, and we've just experienced a downpour akin to a Canadian-like snowfall, which, as romantic as it sounds, proves challenging when deciding what to wear. This is when the style philosophy of French women comes into full force; it's simple and enduring, with minimal effort and maximum impact.
This year, French women are stepping into 2026 with even more polished and directional accessories than usual, think pill box hats and elbow-length leather gloves, as well as fur scarves and once 'dated' jewellery pieces. If you're hankering for new ways to refresh your winter wardrobe, you aren't alone. Continue reading for inspiration on how to elevate your winter outfits à la Française.
5 French-Girl Accessory Trends to Note for 2026:
1. Classic Fur Scarf
Style Notes: 2026's reintroduction of fur adornments is well timed for a Parisian style winter and French women have long favoured the extravagance of fur trims and shearling in their wardrobes. This winter, the prevalence of faux fur scarves allows dressers to introduce convertible accessories into their outfits—whether worn on coat collars or thrown atop knitwear. This texture trend has proven mighty popular in France. You'll spot faux fur collars sold everywhere from French supermarket, Monoprix, to the pieces of yesteryear decorating thrift shops.
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Add a bright option into your scarf arsenal.
One of M&S' bestselling accessories of late.
Coveted designer Toteme hopped on board the fur scarf train, with this textured shearling number.
2. Refined Leather Gloves
Style Notes: Practicality and style go hand in hand with leather gloves, which prove an increasingly popular style choice for French women (perhaps due to their vintage lilt). There are many benefits to investing in leather gloves; they're timeless, grow supple with wear, are insulating and will no doubt have you feeling like a Hollywood starlet from the simple act of sliding them on and off your fingertips. My leather gloves come courtesy of Strathberry and feature a T-bar metal detail.
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Elegant gloves with the addition of contrasting grey ribbing to lock the warmth in.
Nour Hammour presents us with suave elbow-length gloves that will stand the test of time.
Agnelle is the French brand to know in 2026.
3. Statement Brooches
Style Notes: French women will always take the opportunity to accessorise and jewelled accessories are a way to transform outfits simply. 2025's brooch offerings are becoming increasingly directional. I've spotted them first-hand on the coats and jumpers of Parisian women, turning otherwise casual outfits into something with playful intrigue—be it with elephant or bird brooches.
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Animal brooches are a recurring fashion theme.
Eclectica offers one-off vintage items. This particular piece dates back to the '80s, making it unique.
This Scandinavian label offers an intertwined design that will sit beautifully on outerwear lapels.
4. Statement Drop Earrings
Style Notes: Nothing will offset your outfit quite like overstated jewellery. Whilst you mightn't attribute bold earrings to French women, I can guarantee that they lean into the dramatic effect of cascading earrings during the winter, especially when paired with turtle or crew neck knitwear. It's a genius and low-effort styling method. Pick between pearl, gold or even gunmetal grey.
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Dainty earrings will forever be timeless.
I adore the look of tassel earrings with a scraped back hairstyle..
Add playful elements to your jewellery wardrobe with these statement flower earrings that dance on contact with the wind.
5. Pillbox Hat
Style Notes: This winter, I've witnessed many Parisian women wear iterations of the coveted pillbox hat. Known for its angular shaping and bearing a regal essence, it adds a finishing touch that is undeniably statement. This season, you'll spot many statement hats on the market. Some are coined sculptural berets, which is rather apt. It's a fashion-forward and sensible accessory when confronted with the harsh forecasts we're currently experiencing. High-quality wool will ensure warmth, whilst preserving your tresses from weather extremes.
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This sculptural shape adds a point of difference.
Maison Ola presents wearable art in the form of its Le Pillbox.
If branching into headwear this winter, opt for this rounded iteration. It's considerably easier to wear.