5 Highly Specific Items I Spotted on the Coolest People During a Trip to Paris

Another trip to Paris, another great dose of outfit inspo care of all the stereotypically cool people I saw out and about. As always, the best looks I spotted weren’t trying to do too much—they were grounded in those stereotypically chic French basics, like black trousers, neutral knits, blazers, denim, flat shoes, you know the drill. Where it got good was the styling, especially when it involved the introduction of something just a little bit unexpected.

As I was out and about, I noticed a new knitwear trend (that I immediately shopped), I was reminded why I’ll never get rid of my vegan-leather trench, and I pinpointed two accessories that are making classic winter outfits feel modern. Here are the handful of fashion items that kept popping up on stylish people in Paris this month.

Brushed Wool

Brushed-wool knitwear seems to be really having a moment. The ultra-soft and slightly scruffy texture felt chic juxtaposed with all the polished tailoring and loafers.

Leopard-Print Pants

Just so much leopard print?! I took a photo of my friend standing outside Laïzé Sainte-Avoye (great coffee, FYI) in the Marais wearing her leopard-print jeans, with two random people walking by her wearing leopard print as well. For some reason, I just didn’t expect this particular trend to translate across the Atlantic? But there it was—and when you reframe it as a neutral, it actually makes perfect sense.

Wrong Socks

Below the ankles, it was all about loafers with socks that felt like a little bit of a surprise. There were plenty of still-trending pops of red and the first hints of holiday-ready Fair Isle, but my favorite was a buttery yellow pair that perfectly complemented a long burgundy wool coat.

Leather Trenches

Loads of leather and vegan-leather trenches on display, perfect for the perpetually rainy but not-that-chilly weather. There were a few long styles that felt very Frankie Shop–esque, but mostly it was a slightly shorter length that hit somewhere around the knees and felt much more ’90s-inspired.

Suede Belts

In my opinion, suede belts were giving all those suede totes and suede trenches a serious run for their money. And while I spotted those covetable familiar shapes from Khaite and Toteme, something very similar to this under-$100 J.Crew style has my undivided attention.