It might surprise you how many times in a week the words "what would a French woman do?" sneak into my thoughts. An example: I'm hosting at the weekend and I can't think what to make for dinner. What would a French woman do? I have a wedding and want to look chic at it but also not be freezing for the entire duration. What would a French woman do? Indeed, I have long admired the French way of approaching, well, just about anything. I try to avoid making sweeping statements, but I can't help myself - these people exude a chicness that I want to emulate every way I can.
Now, we're in the throws of 2025, much of my work day is spent analysing and looking for new trends that I think you, our dear Who What Wear reader, should know about. So, naturally, I wound up thinking about the 2025 fashion trends French people will wear. This piqued my interest. Instead of waiting to see what they choose, I thought I'd ask them directly. I asked five very stylish French influencers which 2025 fashion trends they're most interested in this year. As expected, they gave some very acute answers.
So, if you have also been wondering which French fashion trends will bubble up in 2025, scroll for some real French women's actual opinions on the subject.
The 2025 Fashion Trends French Women Are Actually Excited to Wear
Salome Mory
1. Balletcore
"I know it's not new, but I do like how designers are interpreting the ballet trend this season," says Salome Mory. "I still love ballet flats and wrap tops - I also enjoy adding a little grunge twist to keep [the trend] from feeling too sweet. Try a leather jacket layered over the top."
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Available in nine colourways, but the Ballet Combo hue gets my seal of approval to nail the trend - the clue is in the title after all.
Pumps made a comeback last year, and the footwear style shows no signs of slowing down.
I would style this ethereal dress with a pair of kitten heels for a formal occasion, or dress down with a chunky neutral knit for daytime wear.
A wrap cardigan is the first item of clothing I think of when I think of balletcore.
This Satin Maxi Slip Skirt from Sienna Miller's collection with Marks and Spencer is uber versatile. Plus, if it's got Sienna's seal of approval, then it has ours too.
2. East-West Bags
"Practical, fun, chic and so 2025 - I really want to try the East-West bag trend this year," says Mory.
While Alaïa's Le Teckel kickstarted the look, it's Prada's suede bag that has my (and just about every other fashion editor I know's) attention.
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The Prada Medium Suede Handbag ticks a number of trends all in one: the East-West bag trend, suede bags, as well as chocolate brown tones we are wearing head to toe.
It may be smaller in size than the Prada design, but it is the perfect length to house your valuables, and fit comfortably over your shoulder.
It may be slightly smaller in size than the Marshmallow Satchel, but it is perfectly sized to house your essentials and them some. I love the long top handle straps that will fit over your shoulder even when you wear a plush fur jacket.
The animal print is a sure fire way to elevate any outfit come day or night.
Coach has proved a hugely popular retailer to shop handbags in recent years, from the Tabby and Pillow Tabby to the Bowery Satchel.
Andrea Mun
3. Bag Charms
"For 2025, one trend I’m especially excited about and I think French women will absolutely embrace is the bag charm trend," says Andrea Mun. "It’s such a clever and playful way to add personality to any bag, and it’s quickly becoming a staple in every fashion lover’s accessory collection. In Paris, where understated elegance is key, these little accessories are the perfect way to express individuality without being too loud. They add a fun, unexpected twist to classic bags, and that’s what makes them so appealing."
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I can always count on M&S to nail any trend without breaking the bank.
Opt for one letter, or add a cluster to spell out your full name. After all, there's no rule on how many charms to accessorise your bag with.
I expect nothing less than bold and playful bag charms from Anya Hindmarch.
Turns out, you can learn a lot about someone by their bag charms.
There's an impressive selection of bag charms at Loewe for those wanting a designer attachment.
Anne-Laure Mais
4. Fringing
"The trend I know I'll be wearing in 2025 is fringe - in all the ways you can think of," says Anne-Laure Mais. "Yes, fringed jackets, but also suede fringe shoes - there are so many ways to wear it now, but it still feels nostalgic. I like [that it is] coming back - it reminds me of [what I used to wear in] high school."
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This Western-inspired jacket is an easy way to elevate the simplest of outfits.
Chloé know how to nail the bohemian look right down to the accessories.
This premium boot is a welcome alternative to the traditional cowboy boots.
An easy way to weave the trend into your outfit, and the perfect winter warmer for the colder months.
The fringe hem proves you can weave the trend into your wardrobe in a subtle way. Or go full fringing mode with the matching tunic.
5. Sheer Skirts
"I have always loved transparent clothing and there was so much of it on the runway for spring," says Mais. "For me I'll be wearing an organza skirt - it's [visually] really interesting styled with a big sweater or blazer over the top."
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The print detail adds a subtle bit of coverage to this sheer design.
The A-line cut and midi length makes for an ultra flattering design.
I love the mini skirt layering underneath to protect the wearer's modesty.
A lace sheer skirt is another double tick on the 2025 trend list.
The ruffle detail adds an extra dimension to this design, which makes it stand out in a sea of skirts.
Anne-Victoire Lefevre
6. Animal Print
"Animal prints are hard to ignore right now, and why would you want to?" says Anne-Victoire Lefevre.
"I’m obsessed with animal prints; leopard, yes, but also zebra or cow. They feel brand new for 2025."
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The Milly Coat is back in stock after selling out due to popular demand.
The Animal Print Ballet Flats are an easy way to nail two trends with one garment.
After several years, it's safe to say satin slip skirts are not going anywhere.
These trousers have been hugely popular for months now, and are a must have in every fashion enthusiast's wardrobe.
This versatile dress is perfectly paired with sandals in the summer, ballet flats in spring, trainers for off duty days, chunky boots, knee-high designs, and even heels for more formal occasions.
7. Brown Leather
"Like everyone else, I've really loved wearing tonal brown leather this winter, and since it's still very cold in Paris right now, I'll keep wearing it as long as I can," says Lefevre.
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This versatile outerwear option is ideal for layering over a white T-shirt and jeans, or a chunky neutral knit and slip skirt.
I live in wide leg leather trousers year in and year out, and I am adding these to my basket immediately.
The perfect winter wedding guest outfit, though you could layer over a shirt, t-shirt or under a jumper to make it more daytime appropriate too.
A trusted cardigan is an understated garment that compliments any outfit, so we are opting for brown tones to marry with cream trousers, brown satin skirts, or denim jeans.
Loafers are a comeback footwear style many French women are wearing. I recommend opting for a brown colourway or even tortoiseshell print in the smart shoe.
Tamara Mory
8. Tailoring
"After years of oversized tailoring being so popular, and having worn them for so long, I'm liking the more tailored pieces that have started to come through," says Tamara Mory.
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A perfectly tailored white blazer is a failsafe wardrobe essential in my style book.
This Jersey Maxi Dress is uber flattering as it cinches you in at the waist, before flowing into a straight skirt.
A black tailored coat is a timeless classic to elevate any outfit, and keep you warm in the winter months too.
A pair of perfectly tailored trousers is a non-negotiable in my wardrobe to see my through all occasions. It is easy to style, is super flattering and looks effortless.
I live in denim shirts, but Aligne's tailored number is a chic twist on the staple.
9. Boat Shoes
"I wear trainers a lot, but boat shoes are a little bit neater looking, whilst still being comfortable. I've loved seeing this trend in Paris," says Mory.
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A welcome alternative to loafers we have lived in for many seasons.
I would pair with a vintage pair of blue denim Levi jeans, a crisp white top and red jumper, for an 80s-inspired look.
This affordable pair of boat shoes are ideal for the winter months, spring, and the transitional period in between.
Boat shoes go under a variety of names including deck shoes, sailing shoes, and sometimes moccasins. Regardless what moniker they go by, they are a versatile design that are practical and comfortable.
From the pinched edging hugging the round toe, the lace up detail around the ankle and tie fastening, to the chunky block heel, these boat shoes boast all the stylistic features for a traditional boat shoe. Made from soft calf leather Aeyde's boat shoes are durable and stylish.
