As we bring in a new year, there’s no better time to breathe new life into our wardrobes by embracing the latest fashion trends. And what better place to draw inspiration from than Paris, the style capital of the world? After all, Parisian women have an innate ability to stay ahead of the curve.
As I am determined to refresh my closet this January, I dove into the Instagram feeds of my favorite Parisian people. The outcome was a carefully curated selection of seven winter trends currently captivating attention, along with seven others that are being left behind in the fashion dust.
So, without further ado, continue scrolling to discover and shop the chic, cold-weather fashion trends that Paris’s stylish elites wholeheartedly are endorsing this year. Prepare to be inspired.
Skip: Boxy Short Coats
Adopt: Cinch-Waist Long Coats
Whether people like it or not, one thing is clear: Parisians are fully embracing the waist. The trend of cinched and nipped waistcoats is here to stay in 2025, pushing boxy, oversize coats to the sidelines. This resurgence isn’t entirely new; it’s a nod to jacket styles that dominated the ’80s and early ’90s. Unsurprisingly, this silhouette is staying in the spotlight—it’s streamlined, figure-enhancing, and incredibly chic. These sophisticated styles, with their hourglass effect, elevate chic dressing to new heights, offering various options. In Paris, people are embracing this look with designs featuring gathered drawstring details, tie belts, and tailored craftsmanship.
Skip: Pleated Mini Skirts
Adopt: Midi Pencil Skirts
Say goodbye to flirty mini skirts because there is a more polished and mature style in town: the pencil skirt. Before you dismiss pencil skirts as stuffy, consider that this year’s styles are refreshing and distinct from those of the past. Instead of sticking to navy or grey, chic Parisian women are embracing fun textures and warm colors; however, classic black is still a top choice for evening wear. When it comes to fabrics, these women are opting for sleek power leather, stretch-knit, or mesh, moving away from office-appropriate wool. This shift demonstrates that pencil skirts are no longer confined to the workplace; we’re now styling them for off-duty looks as well.
Skip: Leopard Print
Adopt: Zebra Print
In 2024, the fashion world embraced leopard print, captivating designers and style enthusiasts alike. As we look at this new year, a fresh wave of creative inspiration is already taking center stage with the emergence of zebra print. This chic pattern is making its way onto shoes, accessories, and clothing, promising to add a fresh twist to our wardrobes. Like leopard print, zebra print is a versatile neutral that effortlessly pairs with understated and striking pieces.
Skip: Baseball Caps
Adopt: Unique Soft Caps
Trendsetters in Paris are taking note of the fall/winter and spring/summer 2024 runway shows and implementing soft, sculpted hats into their 2025 wardrobe. From chic Pillbox hats reminiscent of Altuzarra, perfectly paired with tailored outfits, to warm-weather bucket hats that complement knit dresses, these versatile accessories make a bold statement. Regardless of the silhouette or how they’re styled, these hats are poised to be one of the most defining trends of 2025.
Skip: Cashmere Gloves
Adopt: Leather Gloves
I’m not saying that if you have cashmere gloves, you shouldn’t wear them, but if you’re in the market for a new pair of gloves, consider adding leather gloves to your rotation. This chic accessory is not just simple and stylish—it can instantly make any outfit look expensive. Plus, they keep the hands incredibly toasty. In fact, many would argue that leather gloves even outdo cashmere in warmth, thanks to their cozy lining and durable leather exterior. You can’t go wrong choosing sleek black longline gloves, bold, short burgundy ones, or anything in between.
Skip: Mink Coats
Adopt: Shearling Coats
This winter, Parisians are embracing the bold elegance of Mongolian (or faux) shearling jackets, proving they’re the ultimate statement piece to elevate any outfit effortlessly. With their shaggy, relaxed designs, these jackets offer a delightful contrast to the high-end mink styles. While they look great with formal attire, we’re noticing them styled most with wide-leg jeans and leggings, demonstrating a masterclass in high-low dressing.
Skip: Tote Bags
Adopt: Bowling Bags
Call it the Miuccia effect or not, bowler bags will continue to be popular in 2025, according to chic Parisian women. While Miu Miu’s Beau bag dominated 2024 with its structured, boxy silhouette, this year’s designs are all about softness and fluidity, featuring gentle curves that add an elegant touch. Similar to last year, we will see a variety of styles, ranging from black leather to tan suede, in all different sizes.
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