In my opinion, when it comes to fashion, the French do it best all year round. But, when you throw in the extra layers, additional fabric options and the variety of hem-length choices that we are afforded in winter—that's when you'll see them do their best work. In pursuit of building my dream winter capsule wardrobe, I've been paying close attention to how the French manage to move through the winter season in style, and I've picked up a few tips on the way. Keen to broaden my trouser arsenal, here I've focused in on the best French-endorsed trouser styles to shop this season.
From the perfect shade of winter denim to the "dated" trouser style that French women love, below I've rounded up the trousers that help to set French women's winter style apart from the rest. Read on to see what I've discovered and to shop the chicest French-inspired trouser looks below.
1. GREY WOOL TROUSERS
Style Notes: Light grey tones are a trending colour this winter. In trouser form, they add a cool, fresh touch to any look. Styling well with most other colours, grey is the new-season shade I'll be wearing instead of black this winter.
Shop the Trousers:
The double pleats add fluid movement to these straight-leg trousers.
Wool trousers will keep you warm all winter long.
Slouchy in all the right places, these are the grey trousers I'm investing in this season.
Wear with chunky black boots or sleek leather loafers.
2. DARK-WASH DENIM
Style Notes: Forgoing bright, light washes, in the winter the French fashion set turn their attention towards darker denim. Pairing well with equally deep shades, these dark denim tones can be spotted throughout the streets of Paris when autumn turns to winter.
Shop the Trousers:
This comfortable cut also comes in black, white and blue.
Wear with a fresh white tee for an easy weekend look.
Style with black boots or sleek kitten heels.
Low-rise jeans continue to trend this season. Style with a chunky knit or wool cardigan.
3. CORDUROY TROUSERS
Style Notes: For seasons past, France's most stylish have favoured corduroy trousers to keep them warm and looking chic throughout the winter months. For a retro and very French spin, style with a tweed blazer and a chunky knit.
Shop the Trousers:
Brown corduroy is one of the biggest trouser trends this season. Style with chunky brown boots or sleek leather loafers.
These draped trousers puddle at the ankle for a relaxed and casual silhouette.
Wear with a bright white tee or try styling with a red jumper.
These also come in khaki green.
4. PINSTRIPE TROUSERS
Style Notes: The epitome of French-girl elegance, pinstripe trousers will help elevate any casual outfit. Style with colourful trainers or smart black boots depending on the occasion.
Shop the Trousers:
With an elasticated waist, these trousers will see you through winter in comfort and style.
Wear with a longline blazer and pointed-toe kitten heels for a comfortable take on formal style.
These are made from a soft wool blend. Style with a thin cashmere jumper for an outfit that'll keep you warm without overheating.
Wear with the matching structured crepe top for an easy yet super-stylish look.
Shop the matching Pinstriped Draped Top (£75).
Next Up: 10 Timeless Items French Women Have in Their Capsule Wardrobes
-
If Minimal Effort, Maximum Style Is Your Vibe, Then These 29 Cool Items from Gap Deserve a Spot in Your Outfit RotationNYC It girls shop here.
-
Dark-Blue Jeans Are Definitely "In" for Fall 2025, But so Is This Other Elegant Denim WashTrust us–you'll want to include it in your cold-weather wardrobe.
-
Cozy Cashmere! Sleek Suede! Dark Denim! 32 Affordable Fall Pieces You'd Find in a Wealthy Person's ClosetOh, did I mention they're under $250?
-
This Dated Denim Pairing Is Suddenly the Chicest Way to Wear Jeans for Fall 2025Easy and stylish.
-
The Specific Way Everyone Stylish in NYC Will Be Wearing Boots With Jeans This FallIt's all about this styling trick.
-
No One Wears Jeans Like Chic Parisians Do—7 Effortless Outfits I'm Copying From the French This FallGet inspired.
-
Whoa, Everything Is on Sale at Madewell Right Now—Some of These Chic Items Rarely Get DiscountedAt 30% off, these are bound to sell out.
-
Looking Chic at the Airport in 2025 Means Wearing This Shoe Trend With Straight-Leg JeansTake notes from Margot Robbie.
