8 Chic, Anti-Trend Colours I've Spotted French Women Wearing on the Streets of Paris

There's a common myth that French women's wardrobes are devoid of colour. Stereotypes would have us believe that French women are exclusively clad in Breton and monochrome ensembles and the neutral aspect does ring true on occasion, it certainly doesn't count for the majority. Since moving to Paris, I've noticed the opposite. French women adore and adorn themselves in colour and I've slowly been coaxed out of my neutral colour pallet. I've been inspired by women swathed in colour at every turn—from rouge lips to accessories from hosiery to handbags, awash with bold colour.

Now winter is on the horizon, bringing with it deepened lacquers, a span of saturated colourways and tones has entered the chat. Upon hearing this, you may wonder which exact colours French women favour and in short, it's many. If there's one rule, it's the refined and polished type—whether that's rich khaki colourways, burgundy or ecru. All the above isn't to say there isn't a place for neutrals. The French fashion ethos embraces a host of colours you mightn't expect. Continue reading to discover the colour wheel you're likely to spot on the feeds of your favourite French influencers this winter.

1. Grey

Slip into Style wears a grey outfit

(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Style Notes: Cool toned grey boasts a formality that we're most familiar with for suiting, which makes it particularly special when paired with nonchalant off-duty tops and trainers.

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2. Brown

Julie Sergent Ferreri wears a brown suit

(Image credit: @juliesfi)

Style Notes: French women in particular are singing the praises of the cocoa-hued colourway which poses (somewhat) as a neutral, timeless hue. They've called it and I'm certain it's going to become an integral part of the French uniform.

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3. Green

Aida Badji wears a khaki outfit

(Image credit: @aidabadji_)

Style Notes: Forest, khaki and mellow greens with yellowish undertones, are dominating the streets of Paris. All that's left to do is for you to pick your favourite tone!

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4. Black

Franny Fyne wears a black suit

(Image credit: @frannyfyne)

Style Notes: Black may appear lacklustre on occasion, however it can make an outfit feel considerably sharper—case in point with Franny's sleek suiting.

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5. Burgundy

thevisuelofgrace wears a burgundy outfit

(Image credit: @thevisuelofgrace)

Style Notes: If ever in doubt as to whether French women are favouring trends, simply head to street style and in the case of burgundy, there's a resounding yes. From handbags to footwear and leather skirts, I forsee burgundy becoming a repeat winter trend.

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6. Ecru

Amy wears an ecru outfit

(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Style Notes: Muted, off-white tones feel typically Parisian. Neither white, nor cream, this shade sits on the periphery between white and stone, or beige. Granted French women love the exploration of colour but neutrals are beneficial in every person's wardrobe.

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7. Stoney Beige

Rue Rodier wears a stone trench coat

(Image credit: @ruerodier)

Style Notes: Stone, beige and taupe are three shades that fall under this colour wheel and it's a particularly popular on outerwear due to its versatility.

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8. Navy

Emma Hoareau wears a navy suit

(Image credit: @emmahoareau)

Style Notes: Synonymous with outerwear and Breton, a deep blue hue is popular amongst the fashion set in France. This season, it's disrupting the usual black offerings, bringing something equally moody and sharp. It looks particularly great when paired with black and 2024's burgundy.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.