French style has long been admired for its simplicity, and Parisians are often held up as the blueprint for a refined, minimalist wardrobe. My love for French dressing never wavers, but I have a particular soft spot for how Parisian women approach winter—especially when it comes to their December-in-Paris outfits. When the cold hits and getting dressed feels like a chore, I find it genuinely helpful to save a few outfit ideas for days when inspiration is running low. French style is such a big influence on the way I dress, and seeing winter outfits on Parisian women in real life always reminds me to look at the pieces I already own with fresh eyes.
I’m currently living through my third winter in Paris and each year I’m struck by how Parisian wardrobes sit somewhere between timeless staples and just the right amount of trend-led pieces. This season, the comeback of faux fur has been especially popular, along with lace blouses, silk trousers and classic leather jackets. At the same time, the appeal of the French capsule wardrobe becomes even clearer in winter. Dressing for the cold is never as effortless as we’d like to pretend and the season brings its own practical challenges. While many of us lean hard into warmth and function, French women somehow manage to balance everyday wearability with hints of uniform dressing and inspiration drawn from the city’s culture.
From what I’ve noticed, trench coats tend to take a back seat once the real cold sets in, replaced by heavier outerwear, of course. Dresses are worn far less often than you might expect, even with tights, and accessories become surprisingly important.
If you’re curious about how French women are dressing for December in Paris, I’ve pulled together five refined winter looks that capture this French approach to getting dressed.
5 December-in-Paris Outfits I've Spotted French Women Wearing:
1. Structured Blazer + High Neck Jumper + Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: Allow the elegant Franny to dispel any preconceptions you have about black and brown ensembles. Ever the lover of neutral hues, Franny refreshes a uniform blazer-and-trouser pairing by wearing two contrasting colours. The result is a polished, suited look, with flats peaking beneath free-flowing trousers. The pièce de résistance is the Jacquemus Salon clutch, 2025's approach to the baguette bag silhouette.
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Finding a wool blazer on the high street can be challenging, which makes this Other Stories pick (comprising 97% wool and a polyester-free inner lining) all the more exceptional, especially considering the attainable price point.
As far as quality knitwear goes, you won't find a more premium and lifetime offering than this substantially weighted woollen sweater, courtesy of Danish label OMHU.
This season, look no further than Asket for your tailored trouser needs.
Jacquemus' Salon bag offers many playful elements, from the elongated shape to the contrasting geometric hardware closure.
I've been championing Essen's footwear for years. Essen X Whistles introduces some of the brand's popular styles in exclusive colourways and differing fabrics.
2. Faux Fur Coat + Skinny Belt + Indigo Jeans
Style Notes: Faux fur is one of the leading winter coat trends for 2025. Make like Sylvie and play with the proportions of this exaggerated style with cinched accessories, such as the skinny belt. To prove the versatility of this statement coat, add denim for a striped-back element. French women are committed to denim, regardless of the season or occasion.
If you're considering one trend-led piece this winter, let it be a faux fur coat. It's an item you'll invest in now and wear forever, for its warmth appeal and luxe silhouette. Consider which shape and texture profile best suits your style. Take your pick from brushed, shaggy, coarse fur to a streamlined fit or a bulkier shape.
These jeans are an exact colour match for the above image. It bears an undeniable likeness to indigo Vintage Levi's 501s, in colour and shape.
In 2025, I've learned never to underestimate the power of a slim belt. Add it atop your coat and you'll instantly elevate the appeal by breaking up the fabric.
You can always rely on St Agni for a streamlined shoe with a '90s lilt. Between the silver buckle and narrow heel, it's a great contender for your party wardrobe.
3. Camel Coat + Straight Leg Indigo Jeans + Pointed Toe Ankle Boots
Style Notes: For French women, a camel coat is to winter what a trench coat is to spring/summer. The tawny hue adds warmth to winter looks, which are, more often than not, monochromatic. Ellie wears the now sold-out Malina Anouk Yve Coat, comprising a faux fur trim and cuff detailing. The style has proven immensely popular among the fashion set. To emulate this look, pair a camel coat with a faux fur scarf and offset the tones with the depth of a rich brown accessory.
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When it comes to outerwear on the high street, look for a substantial wool percentage and sharp tailoring—two elevating features. The addition of a faux fur detail will bring a convertible element and plush touch.
The faux fur scarf is one of this season's most coveted trends.
No other high street retailer compares to COS when it comes to denim silhouettes. The brand offers considered styles in premium-passing colourways—from the denim itself to the threading.
Manu's East West Cambon has rightfully earned its place as a cult bag of 2025, especially the brown suede iteration. Adorned with the skinny belt, generous capacity and elegant baguette-like profile, it's evident why. The East West Cambon is Wholesale Replica Bag style in my handbag capsule and it's barely left the crook of my arm. The same rings true for many French tastemakers residing in the capital, of whom I've witnessed sporting this exact handbag style.
French favourite Sézane is renowned for its cult status items, from the Barry cardigan (awash with several spirited colours), to the Clyde Trench Coat and the brand's footwear is equally impressive. AW25 has granted us a capsule of refined and comfortable options and the Garance reigns supreme.
4. Burgundy Leather Jacket + Midi Skirt + Cashmere Scarf + Heeled Pumps
Style Notes: From autumn, attention turns to leather and lighter fabrications are swapped out for their weather-wicking and warm counterparts. French women have long adored leather pieces and worn straight-cut leather blazers and distressed biker jackets; however, the past seasons have seen the reinvention of leather outerwear, for something that feels inherently French and contemporary iterations of the aforementioned styles. This includes the celebration of colour—namely burgundy. Loïcka's tonal look is fresh with classic elements.
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Head to Parisian label Nour Hammour for all of your leather needs. It's outerwear is among some of the most impressive that I've witnessed to date. From androgynous funnel neck jackets to floor-length suede coats, its one of the most coveted specialist brands of 2025.
This seasonal trend of leather has been given a switch-up—the result is a juicy burgundy hue that's worth writing home about.
Allow me to introduce you to Strathberry's exceptional ready-to-wear capsule. Although the Scottish brand is renowned for luxury leather goods, the brand has extended its offerings to include sumptuous cashmere and delicate wool pieces—including scarves and cardigans.
This season has reintroduced the ballerina, ankle boot hybrid with a concealed silhouette (read: toe and instep coverage). It's a directional and contemporary offering to consider if you're hoping to refresh your shoe capsule this winter.
5. Lace Blouse + Silk Trousers + Heeled Sandals
Style Notes: With the festive season afoot, take note from French women, who tend to approach party dressing with ingenuity. While sequins have their place, so too do winter wardrobe heroes with one or two elevated tweaks—be it bold earrings or delicate lacework. This time, it's the latter, with a bold naked dressing element.
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This lace blouse (albeit shrunken compared to Anne's elongated free-flowing tunic) lends a romantic element to the outfit.
Coined the most comfortable underwear on the market, Stripe and Stare is my go-to for all my undergarment needs, even when it's on show. I wholeheartedly attest to this bold statement as I'm yet to try a piece from the brand that doesn't feel like a second skin.
This season is all fluid lines and I was heavily inspired by Meghan Markle's custom Balenciaga ensembles during Paris Fashion Week. I've since paid homage to silken fabrications in my winter wardrobe. Don't be intimidated and style silk trousers just as you would jeans.
Toteme's T-Lock silhouette comprises a compact sunken silhouette with striking metal hardware. This clutch bag offers the allure of a bejewelled party bag with an added touch of refinement.
You'll span so much wear out of this classic sandal during party season.