As a fashion capital, Paris seemed the perfect place to investigate the current Autumn/Winter trends. Just a month after the hustle and bustle of Paris Fashion Week, the city seemed quieter with the streets just half-full - but the PFW influence remained in the air, gripping the residents of this magnificent city. A short stroll through the Tuileries Gardens showcased the contrasting fashion that Paris has to offer; from the self-identified tourists posing in front of the Louvre, with a red beret resting upon their head, to the effortless French look found within the Parisians sat smoking at a café.
November in Paris is something special. The sun beating down upon the painstakingly beautiful architecture throughout the central arrondissements, whilst a crisp chill in the air sharply reminds you that it is in fact not summer. With Christmas looming, the city is in its transitory phase moving from Autumn to Winter. Residents have taken this annual change in their stride, demonstrating their ability to dress for the season, layering outfits and adding seasonal accessories.
Scarf season is upon us; Spotted throughout the city was the mid-knit scarf. Opposing an Edinburgh staple of the skinny scarf, the mid-knit scarf elevates outfits, adding an element of class often found within the Parisian style. Last year saw the rise of chunky colourful scarves- the Acne Studios thick checked scarf was one of the central pieces to the 2021 A/W wardrobe. The popularity of such scarves is still strong and can be seen throughout Paris, though the timelessness of neutral mid-knit scarves has made a comeback. The simplicity of mid-knit scarves is key in their appeal, helping to create an effortless look with neutral patterns and block colours. Though this might hit hard for many skinny-scarf lovers here in Edi, it could be time to switch it up with a classic scarf, or perhaps enter your Scandi era with a colourful thick-knit scarf.
There is no better demonstration of practicality in fashion than the Trench Coat. Its gradual return over the past year has been welcomed by many, slowly filling up the streets, its re-emergence can be felt within Paris. From boxy coats, that drown the wearer with warmth, to sleek slim-fitting leather trenches, it has returned with a vengeance. It has reclaimed its position as the winter coat, bridging the gap between looking good and bracing the cold weather. This constant struggle arises each winter, and luckily, the trench coat provides the perfect solution – by adding to the outfit instead of distracting from it, this article of clothing keeps its simple. An investment in a trench coat is sure to pay off over the years, the continental appeal has returned and doesn’t seem to be leaving any time soon!
Parisian style this winter centres around 1990s workwear. A classic outfit involves the use of loafers, a loose shirt, and a trench coat. These three items cannot be missed when people-watching in Paris. This gender-neutral formula encapsulates the basic, timeless fashion of the 90s. Black loafers epitomise Paris; The patent leather shoes are a staple in any wardrobe, adding a small piece of class to any outfit. Dr. Marten’s Adrian Loafers are a perfect example of a staple, long-lasting shoe which mirrors the style found within the city. Combining loafers with suit trousers and a relaxed work shirt provides the perfect base to work with. Parisians seemed keen on a striped loose-fitting work-shirt, layering with knitwear to add a pop of colour to the outfit. It doesn’t surprise me that so many people are wearing work-shirts, their versatility is impressive, not only acting as the base for an outfit, but also allowing the wearer to centre the outfit around the shirt tailored to their own style- these shirts can be found virtually anywhere, from vintage shops to stores like ARKET.
The style of the city is founded in doing simple very well, with the average wardrobe filled full of basic items that can be worn for years. This longevity is a crucial part of fashion and is what Parisians capitalise upon. If you take anything away from this small blog post it should be that fashion is cyclical, the emergence of ‘new’ trends is simply the re-emergence of trends from decades previous. When thinking about what you are going to wear this A/W season, maybe consider how the Parisians explore fashion and buy pieces that not only fit your style, but are durable, maybe even venture into the 90s workwear style. Remember, the Parisians view fashion like they view their city: old but gold!
Mackenzie Edwards
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