I Live in L.A., and My Friend Lives in Paris—We Agree on These 5 Winter Trends

I met French fashion influencer Géraldine Boublil almost a decade ago at a dinner party I threw with my French boyfriend at the time in Hollywood. We immediately bonded over the quinoa salad recipe I had made that evening. (She may be French, but she definitely appreciates the healthy Cali lifestyle!) Aside from her warm and loving personality, I was immediately struck at how incredibly stylish she was—the epitome of that effortlessly chic French-girl aesthetic we write and talk about so often here at Who What Wear.

Fast-forward 10 years, and it's been such a joy following Géraldine’s Instagram @erinoffduty. From her fashion week outfits to her travels and all the of-the-moment It items she knows about first, she's always a great source of sartorial inspiration.

While Géraldine lives in Paris and I live in L.A. (where everything from the weather to dressing habits can differ greatly), there are certain specific trends and styles we always agree on. Given that we’re often intrigued by what people are wearing in various cities, today I thought I’d share some of our favorite winter trends we both gravitate to during the cold-weather season. Perhaps it sparks some interest in your daily wardrobe (regardless of where you live!). Keep scrolling for a range of visual inspiration on the winter styles we both love.

1. Long Wool Overcoat

"I love my coats extra long like a blanket during cold-weather season, usually styled with jeans and boots with thin low heels. Invest in a good one, as it's a timeless closet piece."

There's nothing chicer than a long, wool overcoat, and while I may not need as many layers underneath during L.A. winters, I certainly still wear them on heavy rotation for everything from work to meetings and day-to-day activities. It can elevate even the most casual of outfits."

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2. Black Knee-High Boots

"Chic black knee-high boots can make a whole look. My favorite way of styling them is worn over leggings with a big chunky knit and a hobo bag."

Versatile and chic, black knee-high boots work with practically every outfit. For an event or evening out, I'll pair them with tights and a skirt, and during the day, I'll wear them with jeans or knit dresses. I tend to favor boots with a small walkable heel or flat equestrian boots that can easily work for day or night."

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3. Velvet 

"Velvet separates are the perfect alternative to dresses for a chic yet relaxed look. I love wearing them with loafers and a statement chain belt."

I'm such a big fan of velvet during winter—it's not only warm but also adds a festive touch to winter outfits. I love a pair of wide-leg velvet pants or a miniskirt, and if I'm going to a holiday party, I'll reach for a timeless black velvet dress.

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4. Loose Jeans

"I love to pair relaxed jeans with chic jackets—either a denim one for a denim-on-denim look or an oversize blazer with a simple white T-shirt underneath."

Loose, wide-leg jeans are a trending silhouette I'm wearing nearly every other day this winter. I'll style them with boots or sneakers and a chunky sweater or cute knit top.

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5. Knit Dresses

"Knit dresses are a favorite throughout winter—they're always so cozy. I like them thick but loose, and I like to style them with sandals and cashmere socks or with equestrian riding boots."

Whereas Géraldine goes for thicker knit dresses to brace those frigid Parisian winters, I'll go for lighter iterations—often a sleeveless style that I can style with a cardi or coat.

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