Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and our guide to Paris style Autumn/Winter 2025. Amongst the things that are envied about the French, their sense of fashion is certainly high up on the list. It’s true — everyone wants to dress like a Parisienne : the effortless elegance, the timeless flair and that “je ne sais quoi” that gets everyone staring and talking about.
The effect may resemble some sort of sorcery or enchantment but rest assured, the formula isn’t magical — it’s actually something that resembles common sense, one that extends to a sense of style.
Paris Style Autumn/Winter 2025: A guide to French elegance
Paris is not just a city—it’s a state of mind. But what is it about Parisian style that captivates the world? It’s the effortless blend of timeless elegance, casual sophistication, and a certain je ne sais quoi.
In this insider’s guide by Parisian contributor, Hannah Rees, we’ll unlock the secrets of Paris style Autumn/Winter 2025, offering you both inspiration and practical tips to emulate their coveted look.
The Essence of Parisian Style
The Parisienne doesn’t like things to be more complicated than they ought to be and in order to avoid any fashion faux-pas, she simply follows a few sensible rules :
- Quality over quantity. This means buying less but better and the Parisienne invests in quality pieces that are made with natural fabrics (cotton, silk, cashmere…) and that will last her lifetime as well as that of her children, if properly taken care of.
- Add colour to a neutral outfit. If you walk the streets of Paris, especially in Autumn, you will see very little colour. Some people may find this sad, the Parisienne finds this elegant. Colours such as black, navy, beige, camel, brown and grey are timeless and constitute the perfect base upon which to add a touch of colour (a red lipstick, a bright blue scarf, an orange bag…).
- Fit is everything. The Parisienne has a close relationship with her tailor, to which she brings everything that needs altering, from a Chloé dress to a Zara blazer. If fabric and quality of the sewing matter, fit matters just as much and she will have no issue spending as much on getting a blazer tailored than she did on the blazer itself.
- Just a little bit undone. Whether it’s her hair or her shirt, the Parisienne always keeps a little something unfinished in order to achieve that effortless “I just got out of bed” look. This is because there is nothing worse for a Parisienne to look like she is trying too hard. So whether it is her t-shirt that is only half tucked into her trousers, her hair that is only partly up in a messy bun with multiple strands coming out or her shirt that has only two buttons made up to show the beginning of a lace bra, the Parisienne knows what to do to get people to think she couldn’t care less.
- Repair rather than replace. This is actually a slightly longer rule that goes: take care of instead of repair, and repair instead of replace. The Parisienne knows how to take care of her belongings and will care for things that are of quality. She cherishes what she has and makes sure she’ll be able to keep it for as long as possible. And when, despite all the love and care she has shown it, her bag or shoes “break“, she repairs them rather than throwing them out.
- Mystery over exposure. In the same vein as keeping things a bit undone, the Parisienne will avoid over-exposing herself at all costs. She knows that the less there is to see, the more there is to think about. So she will wear a mini-skirt with opaque tights, or a cashmere sweater pulled slightly off the shoulder, or a backless dress … clothes that show a bit of the unexpected but never too much.
- A signature detail. Just like a signing a contract, the Parisienne aims to leave every place and interaction with her print on it. In order to do so, she has spent many years looking for her signature. This could be a particular perfume, a shade of lipstick, a hair style, a meaningful necklace… whatever it is, it is unique to her (at least amongst her social circle) and everyone in her entourage has associated that element to her and her alone.
But what really sets Parisian women apart is their attitude. They dress to please themselves, with a mix of femininity and insouciance. They don’t chase perfection; they embrace individuality.
Ok, now that we have looked at some of the fundamental rules that a Parisienne follows , let’s look at some of the staples pieces that can be found in her wardrobe this autumn, ready to be whipped out when the weather begins to turn.
Paris Autumn/Winter Style 2025: Twenty Essential Items
The Paris Autumn/Winter Style 2025 staples include A practical trench coat, an oversized scarf or a shawl, Classic brown leather boots , Oxford flats, brogues or loafers , a blazer that looks custom-made , A reasonably sized shoulder bag, An oversized coat , A classic pair of blue jeans, a Printed Scarf, Minimalist Gold Jewelry, A white Shirt, a LBD, a Mini Dress, Sunglasses, A Waterproof Hat, An Oversized Knit Sweater, A Compact Umbrella, a Pop of Colour, a Leather Notebook and of course – Confidence (the true Parisian secret weapon).
1: A practical trench coat
When one thinks of trench coats, one thinks of Burberry. I personally love Burberry, but it does require a budget. If you have that kind of money, it’s certainly an investment (as seen by the number of Burberry trenches sold on Vinted and how quickly they’re snapped up). But if you have a smaller budget to put into a trench at the moment, there are plenty of great options available too!
The most important thing to remember is practicality! After all, trench coats are the descendants of the military coats made for British soldiers during WWI to wear in trenches (hence the name). After the war, officers continued to wear their coats from the trenches, and the look caught on !
When investing in a trench, be it Burberry or else, make sure you pick a neutral colour such as beige, navy or camel, as you can always add a pop of colour later with a piece that is slighly less of an investment. And for a Parisienne feel, make sure to loosely tie the belt at the back for that undone feel.
2: An oversized scarf or a shawl
A wide scarf is a staple in that it can be used for so many things — from wrapping around your neck to avoid that pesky November cold, to draping over your shoulders as a cardigan replacement (and looking classy as ever), to wrapping around your head during those annoying October showers.
Make sure you pick one in natural fabrics — either wool or cashmere for a warmer feel or linen if you want to keep things cooler.
I still remember a friend of mine from university showing me how she tied her scarf, something I later realised was what can be called the “Parisian knot” — a loose knot that lets the scarf drape.
When choosing a colour, opt for one that goes best with your coat — it doesn’t have to be and even probably shouldn’t be the same colour, but rather they should complement each other.
3: Classic brown leather boots
You can’t go wrong with brown leather boots, whether they are knee-high or ankle boots.
Now, remember the rule about repairing rather than replacing, well the Parisienne knows that shoes get very little love for the work they do (Paris is a very walkable city!) and she makes sure she treats them to some polishing and some resoling from time to time. The goal — as is with any cherished relationship — is to go the distance, and that is only possible with care and attention.
4. Oxford flats, brogues or loafers
Still on shoes, the Parisienne needs a pair of elegant flats. And since Autumn rings with academia (it is when school starts again, and there’s definitely that Gilmore Girls vibe in the air), a great way to channel that is with Oxford flats. Brogues and loafers are also excellent choices !
5: A blazer that looks custom-made
As previously mentioned, the Parisienne has a close relationship with her tailor and so even if none of her clothes are custom made, they all look like they are.
And fit is particularly important for a blazer yet a custom-made blazer can cost a fortune — and again, the goal isn’t to get oneself into debt trying to look good. Instead, the Parisienne chooses a blazer she likes, making sure the wool is of good quality and the colour is a seasonal one — and then she brings it to her tailor.
Now, there is also something to say about oversized blazers that, paired with a mini-skirt or blue jeans can create that “I just borrowed it from my boyfriend” look. But even an oversized blazer fits well, just in a loose manner.
6: A reasonably sized shoulder bag (similar to Joey’s purse)
If there are any Friends fans reading, you probably remember the episode with the bag. For anyone not quite as enamoured with the TV show — in that particular episode, Rachel dresses Joey and lends him a shoulder bag; and in doing so, sets off bag envy in many hearts.
The bag itself is a classic leather piece: structured and practical — the perfect balance of being big enough to hold everything you need, yet still small enough to carry easily on your shoulder.
Like the Parisienne, choose a bag in a neutral colour such as tan, black, brown or even burgundy and make sure that the leather is of good quality so that it ages well… and of course, remember to take care of it.
7: An oversized coat
Autumn means layering! It’s the best way to avoid getting caught out by the temperamental weather during the months of October and November. And the great thing about an oversized coat is that it can go over a regular coat — like a trench or even a blazer — to add warmth and protection from the rain.
The important rule to follow when layering — and this is particularly true with an oversized coat — is to balance proportions well.
8: A classic pair of blue jeans
They are a classic for a reason, and that reason is that they go with absolutely everything !
You can throw them on with a simple white T-shirt for a morning coffee run, a cosy sweater for an afternoon walk in the park, or a chic top and heels for a night out about town.
I mean, Lana Del Rey even wrote a song about them so they definitely deserve their place in your wardrobe. When choosing one, opt for a straight-leg, cropped or even cigarette cut, all of which feature in the Parisienne’s wardrobe. Skinny jeans and distressed jeans are not quite as loved in France as they are elsewhere but they can still be styled in a French manner.
9: A Printed Scarf
A printed scarf is a versatile accessory that adds instant polish. Tie it around your neck for a vintage look, in your hair as a headband, or on your bag for a pop of color. Look for classic patterns (polka dots, florals) in silk or cotton blends.
10: Minimalist Gold Jewelry
Parisians prefer understated pieces: thin gold chains, small hoop earrings, or delicate rings. These add a subtle glimmer without overpowering an outfit.
Pair a simple gold necklace with a white blouse and high-waisted trousers or stack rings for a modern touch
11: A white shirt
Similarly to blue jeans — and running with what Lana Del Rey sang about — a white shirt is a classic that can be paired with anything and can instantly smarten up any look. Again, make sure that it is made of good quality cotton or even silk and remember the French tuck: half in, half out.
12: A LBD
A Parisian wardrobe isn’t complete without the iconic Little Black Dress. This timeless piece transcends trends, offering a perfect blend of sophistication and versatility. Whether it’s a tailored sheath, a simple slip dress, or a playful wrap silhouette, the LBD embodies effortless chic.
The magic of the LBD lies in its adaptability: it can easily be dressed up or down and can be made to look fabulous for just about any occasion at any time of year.
It has become a timeless fashion favourite, thanks to Coco Chanel, who made it a must-have for many women. See our top picks above and just click on the relevant image to find out more.
13: A Mini Dress
And why not opt for a Mini Dress? There’s something so Brigitte Bardot about a mini dress: fun and free. In autumn, it’s best to opt for seasonal colours such as brown, black, terracotta, or navy blue.
If you’re more on the colourful side, make the dress your pop of brightness and tone it down with an otherwise neutral outfit. For a particularly autumn feel, pair it with a turtleneck or some over-the-knee boots.
14: Sunglasses
Despite the weather getting cooler, autumn isn’t all grey and rain (depending on where you live, of course). For most, autumn also means sunny afternoons in the park — and so, sunglasses are still very much needed.
In the streets of Paris, you will find cat-eye and round frames, and many Parisiennes wear them when the sun isn’t quite as bright as you’d expect it to be, just in order to maintain an air of mystery.
15: A waterproof hat
Hats seem to have run out of fashion, but if you look back at a picture taken less than a century ago, everyone was wearing hats. Over the years, hats stopped being a requirement and became more of a fashion choice. But let’s keep in mind that hats are also practical.
They protect your head from rain and other things that may fall from the sky (yes, I’m thinking of pigeon droppings — and if you’ve ever had to get some out of your hair, your mind would go there immediately).
16: An oversized knit sweater
There’s something so cosy about an oversized knit sweater – they are warm, easy to throw on and go with everything.
To make it more Parisienne, go for an off-the-shoulder, a turtleneck or even a backless one. In terms of colours, cream is the preferred colour to recreate the ultimate autumn look, but grey, camel and navy are also timeless colours that pair well with everything.
17: A compact umbrella
The weather can be unpredictable in autumn and that is why the Parisienne always has a compact umbrella in her bag, ready to be pulled out when the first raindrops fall to protect her suede jacket or bag.
18: A Pop of Colour
A bold red lip or a scarlet accessory (think clutch, shoes, or scarf) elevates a minimalist look. It’s an instant confidence boost and an iconic Parisian signature.
19: A leather-bound notebook
Another thing a Parisienne always has in her bag is a small notebook, because writing your thoughts in your phone just isn’t as timeless.
20: Confidence is a key item for Paris Autumn/Winter Style 2025
The secret weapon? Parisian women own their look, whether dressed in head-to-toe neutrals or mixing patterns. It’s about wearing clothes that feel authentic and walking with confidence and ease.
Embrace imperfections—a loose hair strand, a slightly wrinkled linen shirt—because style isn’t about perfection, but about personality and poise. As you walk around Paris, you won’t see a single French woman who doesn’t strut around as if she weren’t herself, one of Paris’s most emblematic and unmissable attractions.
A Week of Outfits with our Paris Style Autumn/Winter 2025 picks
Here’s how to pull together our Paris Autumn/Winter Style 2025 picks to create a Week of Outfits:
Monday
Trench + shoulder bag + classic jeans + white shirt
Tuesday
Blazer + LBD + brown leather boots + oversize scarf
Wednesday – mid-week coffee with friends
Jeans + oversized knit sweater + loafers + hat
Thursday
Mini dress + black tights + oversized coat
Friday
Blue jeans + white shirt + Oxford flats + bag
Saturday – night out
Mini dress + black tights + gold jewelry + brown leather boots + red lipstick
Sunday – walk in the park
Classic blue jeans + sunglasses + oversized knit sweater
Final Thoughts on Paris style Autumn/Winter 2025: A guide to French elegance
Here you have it, a guide to French elegance during the autumn, or how the Parisienne does sweater weather. Just keep in mind the rules we saw earlier and most importantly that French elegance is about knowing yourself and choosing good-quality timeless pieces that make you feel like you.
Whether you’re strolling along the Seine, sipping espresso in a café, or just adding a French twist to your daily look, these 20 essentials will have you channeling Parisian chic with ease.
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Look good, feel good, live your best life 🙂
With love,
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Article By Hannah Rees
Hannah Rees is a writer based in Paris. She currently divides her time between completing her second novel, writing songs on her guitar and working as a fashion designer for private clients. She has a strong fashion background, having studied fashion design in Paris, and counts Prada, Lemaire, House of Marlow, Saint Laurent and Stella McCartney among her influences. She loves discovering the world and dreams of going to Iceland.