I'm French—Here Are the Best Fashion Trends of 2020, Hands Down
This year, we’ve seen a long list of fashion pieces soar to popularity. Many of them, unexpected trends like loose, ripped jeans that gained traction as our lifestyles shifted during the past year. But with the introduction of so many new fashion trends over the last year, I’ve been thinking back on which ones were the very best buys. Curious to find out straight from a style insider, I asked Paris native Claire Most to weigh in with the French girl-approved fashion trends topping her list in 2020.
So, what are the seven essential buys she would add to your closet? From the cozy pieces she wore from summer through winter to the sleek pants she’s wearing on repeat to the trend we spotted all over the S/S 21 runways, her picks are items you’ll want to wear now and for the year ahead. Ahead, she’s breaking them down and sharing photos of exactly how to style them.
1. Sweatsuit Sets
"My priority has always been to feel comfortable when I am creating a look. I don't know anything more comfortable than sweats! Since COVID, I have been working from home and have been wearing sweats almost every day since. You just need to add some gold jewelry to elevate your look a little bit and you're ready! I also love the fact that from summer to winter you have an alternative from shorts to pants."—Claire Most
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Shop the matching Boyfriend Hoodie ($89)
Shop the matching Sweatpants ($13)
2. Boxy Cardigans
"Cardigans are so cute! I feel like it's the perfect piece to create an effortless Parisian outfit. The cropped fit adds a more modern and younger aesthetic. I think it looks amazing with high-waisted denim jeans."
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3. Leather Pants
"This trend is everything! You can bring back the Matrix vibe or you can also create a really classy look. I definitely would recommend vegan leather or vintage if you can. It will keep you warm in winter but make sure there's a lining in the pants to avoid feeling like Ross from Friends!"
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4. Second-Skin Tops
"I am always looking for interesting tops because I usually wear denim jeans or sweatpants. I think second-skin tops are perfect with those bottoms. It's lightweight—it's literally like a second skin—and you can find interesting designs like stitching details or prints."
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5. One-Shoulder Tops
"I love asymmetric tops because even when you wear the most simple outfit, it's super impactful. It creates an interesting but effortless aesthetic."
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6. Scarf Tops
"I loved this trend because it was a super easy DIY. Pair with cute denim jeans to create an effortless but edgy outfit."
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7. Hair Scarves
"Another DIY. Once you're done with your top, you could also use your scarf as a hair scarf. What I loved the most about this trend is the 'summer in Italy' aesthetic."
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Next, shop 25 cool fashion finds I’m obsessing over right now.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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