I Live in Paris—Here Are the 7 Winter Trends I'm Wearing Right Now

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(Image credit: @itsnajmaahmed; Pictured: Nelly jacket)

There’s no doubt about it, the people in Paris just know how to dress. No matter what the season, I’m constantly taking inspiration from outfits on the streets of Paris but French winter fashion always stands out as particularly good. One of the people I’m looking to right now? Nadja Ahmed, whose elevated take on basics constantly has me inspired. Curious to get her take on French style, I asked Ahmed to share how it’s impacted her personal style and the pieces she’s wearing this winter.

Relocating to Paris from Sweden nearly two years ago, the city has made a big impact on Ahmed’s style."I walk down the street and I see effortlessly chic French women and men, and I instantly get inspired,” she explained. "Parisians are all about that simple, chic, and effortless look. I’ve noticed that ever since I moved here. I’ve invested in more good basic pieces that will last me longer.” So, which timeless basics is she wearing on repeat this season? Ahead, Ahmed is sharing the seven French winter fashion essentials she recommends.

1. Oversize Blazers

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(Image credit: @itsnajmaahmed; Pictured: Verge Girl blazer; Monki pants)

"This one is a must-have in my wardrobe. It’s perfect for every season and goes with everything. I personally prefer men’s blazer for that oversize look.” — Najma Ahmed

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2. Knee-High Boots

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(Image credit: @itsnajmaahmed)

"I swapped my everyday Dr. Martens to a pair of knee-high boots this fall/winter and I couldn’t be happier. They look so cute paired with a dress or a skirt.”

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3. "Peter Pan" Collars

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(Image credit: @itsnajmaahmed; Pictured: Envii top)

"This trend I’ve recently started wearing and I’m already obsessed—it’s so cute. I personally style it under a jumper/sweatshirt or a dress.”

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4. Faux-Leather Trench Coats

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(Image credit: @itsnajmaahmed; Pictured: NA-KD coat)

"I’ve been wearing mine nonstop and you can really dress it up with a pair of heels for a cute night out or a white T-shirt, jeans, and some sneakers for a more casual look. It’s such a must-have staple in one's wardrobe.”

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5. Pearl Jewelry

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(Image credit: @itsnajmaahmed; Pictured: Eliou Aleko Necklace ($320))

"This year, I’ve been reaching more for my pearls than my everyday gold jewelry. I love wearing a very edgy look and mixing it with a delicate pearl necklace to give it a little more feminine touch.”

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6. Babydoll Dresses

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(Image credit: @itsnajmaahmed)

"This is more of a spring/ summer dress but I’ve been loving it this fall/winter and been pairing it with knee-high boots and some cute tights for an elevated look.”

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7. Puff-Sleeve Sweaters

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(Image credit: @itsnajmaahmed)

"I love a good sweater with a nice detail like a puffed shoulder for that little extra something. It makes a usually basic sweater look a little more interesting.”

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Associate Director, Special Projects

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.