7 Chic Trends I Spotted on the Coolest People in Paris

Did I mention I went to Paris? I’m not sure I did…

I went with my husband because he wanted to see a band (Scratch Massive. No? Me neither). To be honest, if the offer had been standing tickets to that gig in London I probably would have given a polite decline — I like to sit down at gigs these days — but Paris? Count me in. With bells on.

We took the Eurostar (an absolute breeze, as always) and stayed at the Hotel Pulitzer Paris again. I was there in the summer with my youngest son and loved it. It’s reasonably priced, chic without trying too hard and perfectly located for exploring. I wrote all about that trip here and, to be honest, this visit followed a similar pattern… just with more stops at bars and brasseries and slightly less cycling. Due to the weather.

One addition to the recommendations list: go to Harry’s New York Bar if you can. A must for cocktail fans. Proper old-school charm.

This time, though, I had a mission. I kept my eyes firmly on the chic French women to see what they were wearing and whether we could take a little inspiration. I did intend to take photos, but I’m not very good at being covert (there’s something about pretending to text while aggressively zooming that feels unconvincing), so you’ll have to use your imagination here.

These are the top trends that I saw, along with some ideas on how you could recreate these looks in the comfort of your own town.

LONG COATS

Do Parisians wear puffer coats even when it’s 4°C out? The answer is a firm ‘non’. The coat du jour was definitely a long wool overcoat or a trench coat – the longer, the better.

This is good news for those of a shorter stature, as you can do literal floor-sweepers and be the coolest cat in town. They were layered underneath with grey or navy jumpers, and big scarves were added on top, wrapped around the head instead of a woolly hat.

TECHNICAL STYLE TRAINERS

I’m not just saying this because I took my new Salomon trainers to pound the streets in. I swear that style (the XT‑6) was everywhere. In fact, I predict a sell-out very soon. I can also confirm that they are supremely comfortable (true to size). AND my feet didn’t once get wet in the rain. I guess Salomons are made for actual sports, not just for fashion, so it tracks that they’re very practical. Other brands I spotted were New Balance and Autry. That said, the Adidas Samba was also all over the streets, so don’t get rid of your slim trainers just yet.

PLEAT FRONT CROPPED TROUSERS

The cropped trousers – ideally, with pleats at the front – were a popular choice. Worn with a good sock and a pair of chunky brogues or loafers. This could have something to do with the inclement weather, as long trousers don’t work too well in the rain. I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of navy pleat-front, slightly cropped trousers for a while now, and I’m pleased to report that I found the perfect pair at Soeur in Paris for less money than if I had bought them here. These from M&S look like a great budget alternative.

BASEBALL CAPS

I did see some beanie hats being worn, but the overall winner on the hat front in Paris was the humble baseball cap. Worn by as many women as men. I never really thought a baseball cap could be chic, but when worn with casual-but-not-at-all-sporty outfits, it really works. Plus it’s perfect for bad hair days.

OVERSIZED LEATHER JACKETS

There were quite a few faux fur jackets being worn, but the most popular choice was the oversized bomber/blouson-style leather jacket. This was styled with baggy jeans or wider-leg trousers and loafers, usually while gesticulating and smoking a Vogue cigarette.

STRAIGHT LEG JEANS & LOAFERS

I’ve been seeing this jean shape more and more often, and to my mind it has now cemented itself as the denim style for 2026 after I spotted this combo on many a cool girl in Paris. Lots of them were wearing white socks with their loafers, but I’m of an age where that reminds me a little too much of Michael Jackson. The jeans, though, I am fully on board with.

I have this pair from COS, and they are excellent and true to size. I’ve also tried this pair from Aligne, which feature a good high rise (size up), and this pair from Reformation, which are more ankle-length and great for bum-shaping (also size up here).

SMALL LEATHER BAGS WITH LARGER CANVAS TOTES

Not sure if this is a trend or more a necessity when carting things around the city, but I noticed a lot of people carrying a small leather crossbody for their essentials, along with an additional canvas tote for extras. So get yourself into that cupboard full of canvas totes and start making the most of them.

Of course, I bought another one at Merci (the best boutique in Paris) that I didn’t really need, but it felt like a thing, so I did it anyway.

In short, go to Paris, check out what the Parisians are wearing, drink some red wine and eat a large amount of charcuterie boards.

K x

WearsMyMoney

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