Fact or fiction: French women rarely wear ultra-trendy styles. While you'd think it's the latter, you'd be mistaken. French women—in all of their white shirts, black ballerina flats, and neutral-colored coats—actually do participate in of-the-moment trends more often than not. Unlike other well-dressed folks, Parisians often mix their trendy items with timeless pieces already in their closets, such as simple denim, white button-down shirts, and oversize blazers.
Even though it's widely believed French women don't stray from their tried-and-trusted arsenal of elevated basics, I spent three hours looking at the Instagram pages of all of my favorite French women to get the lowdown on what micro-tends they're following this fall. The results? Miu Miu-inspired hoodies, chili-esque dresses, and this one pastel hue that's the definition of anti-fall.
Below, browse the latest fall fashion trends French women are actually getting behind along with styling inspiration to get your shopping juices going.
Elevated Loungewear
After seeing 2023's massive Miu Miu effect, it's no surprise that the brand's leisure-inspired F/W 23 runway is trickling down into French-girl style. Oversize hoodies, sweatshirts, and leggings are making a slow comeback.
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Tweed Jackets
Opt for this quiet luxury–inspired trend by pairing an elevated tweed jacket with your favorite pair of jeans and a sophisticated handbag, as seen above.
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Full-Length Skirts
Buh-bye, miniskirts. The full-length, voluminous maxi skirt is here to stay for the fall season. Case in point, the ankle-grazing style is all over the feeds of French women everywhere. Style with a basic white T-shirt layered under a button-down for an effortless look.
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Red Dresses
Not only do our editors firmly stand behind the red color trend, but the coolest French women do too. While the hue has been booming in popularity since a few appearances at this February's fashion week shows, the chili effect is in full force now that the weather is slightly cooling.
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Distressed Biker Jackets
Has there ever been a jacket trend so beloved by It girls everywhere? Probably not. The distressed-biker-jacket movement is all I've been able to think about over the last year. Opt for your favorite model-off-duty leather jacket over a silky slip dress for a look that will inevitably spark joy.
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Butter Yellow
French women aren't just fans of butter in their croissants—they like to wear it too. This color trend has to be one of my personal favorites of 2023, and frankly, it's not hard to see why. Nearly everything looks incredibly chic when drenched in this elevated pastel shade.
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Python Prints
If there's one thing you can count on in the fall, it's the return and rise of snakeskin print. While it feels unapproachable at first, the French fashion set has mastered the art of styling it, opting for clothing pieces and accessories featuring the python print next to simple blue jeans and black heels.
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