I Just Came Back From Paris—6 Coat Trends I Spotted Everywhere (and Bought Immediately)


I just came back from Paris! As you can imagine, my mind is rife with sartorial inspiration and outfit ideas straight from the streets of the French capital. I was incredibly curious to see how Parisian women would still be able to turn a look while wearing layers upon layers in the middle of winter, and as you'd expect, I couldn't help but notice how effortlessly chic French women make even the simplest coat look. It’s like they have this secret formula for timeless elegance with a touch of cool, combining classic coat trends with fun accessories like colored boots and statement bags.
All in all, Paris truly proves that less is more when it comes to mastering the art of understated, yet undeniable, chic. Below, scroll through the six coat trends French women were wearing, from Le Marais to the Latin Quarter.
Wrap Coats
Wrap coats are some of the easiest, no-fuss Parisian coats you can buy. A slouchy, oversize silhouette with a simple, tied waist is an instant way to elevate any outfit while still being cozy and warm.
Scarf Coats
Although scarf jackets and coats were a major trend in 2022, Parisian women know that this practical coat trend lives far beyond any moment of TikTok virality. This year, I spotted so many women in the French capital wearing long, slouchy scarf coats in lieu of the two-toned cropped scarf jackets taking over my feed last year.
Trench Coats
While trench coats are more of a timeless staple than a trend for most French women, it doesn't negate the fact that this coat was nearly on every single chic French woman I saw in Paris. Wear over your favorite basic outfit to emulate that Parisian je ne sais quoi.
Leather Coats
For an edgy, '90s take on coat trends in Paris, look no further than a buttoned-up leather coat. While the French women I spotted wearing this trend were partial to all-black styles, mocha-brown leather coats look nearly as sleek and elevated without giving off a retro vibe akin to The Matrix.
Military Coats
Buttoned-up, sleek military coats were the pièce de résistance among elegant French women's outfits while I was strolling the bank of the Seine. Most women wore this coat style with black miniskirts and tights, opting for a feminine look when paired with the coat's statement hardware and tailoring.
White Coats
Although winter whites aren't quick to catch on in the mainstream, I saw quite a few French women strolling around the quiet luxury neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in ivory, white, and cream-colored coats. Paired with slim-fitting black trousers or jeans, this coat trend is the perfect way to make a statement in an understated, minimalist way.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.
-
Parisian Style Means Chic—French Women Would Be So Into These 42Replica Store Anniversary Sale Items
Effortless and elegant picks.
-
Sorry, Flats—These Anti-Trend Heels Are Every French Woman's Quiet Go-To for a Night Out in Paris
A classic choice.
-
If a French Woman Shopped the Amazon Prime Day Sale, She'd Instantly Add These 31 Chic Picks to Cart
Effortless and affordable? Yes, please.
-
If You Want to Look More French, This Is the #1 Pant Trend to Buy and the Shoes to Wear With Them
As seen on an It girl in Paris.
-
Black Heels Are Fine, But in France, Everyone Knows This Shoe Color Looks Better With White Dresses
Spotted at Versailles.
-
I Just Got Back From Paris and Saw These 4 Summer Trends on the Chicest Women
French-girl summer.
-
Hold the Sneakers—This Is the Classy Flat-Shoe Style French Women Wear With 3 Different Casual Pants
The chicest look.
-
According to the Fashion Set, It's Officially a Sardine Summer—35 Picks They Can't Get Enough Of
The tinned-fish trend is in full effect.