What People in Paris Are Wearing in Transitional Weather
Here's how Parisians dressed under Paris Design Week
Over the past few weeks, the weather has been shifting between bursts of heavy rain showers and the last warm breaths of summer. Meanwhile, the city’s creative crowds have been filling the streets of Le Marais as Thursday marked the opening of Paris Design Week. This transitional season is always the most difficult to dress for, in my opinion. So, I grabbed my pen, notebook, and phone and hit the streets to see how the French are dressing right now.
Generous use of accessories
I don’t know if it’s a matter of practicality or an emerging trend, but I’ve noticed many people pairing a casual tote bag with a gold-studded leather purse. I referred to this in my notes as “accessory stacking” because, apart from the double-bagging tendency, people are also layering multiple pieces of minimalistic jewelry.
Casual daytime dresses
During the warmer days this month, I saw a lot of casual dresses on the streets. When I went digging through my own closet, I realized I don’t own a single daytime dress! As a child, I hated wearing dresses, and I’m now wondering if that preference subconsciously followed me into adulthood. Either way, I’m glad I noticed this now because I want to start wearing dresses! (And Les Galeries Lafayette has a pretty good sale going on at the moment.)
Flat, strappy sandals
While you might expect fall to usher in chunky footwear and leather boots, flat, strappy sandals are still going strong on the streets of Paris. They’re worn with everything from the aforementioned daytime dresses to tailored jeans and blazers. Somehow, strappy sandals just work for this in-between season.
Lots and lots of denim
The Madewell x Alexa Chung collaboration dropped just in time for fall, featuring some great denim pieces that speak right into the Alexa Chung vibe we know and love. Why am I mentioning this? Because one of the most common denominators around these corners is denim. As I noted in my last street style report, Parisians wear denim in every possible form. Most seem to love wide-legged, mid-wash jeans paired with a casual button-up. Others are sporting Canadian tuxedos, but mixing and matching dark- and lightwash denim.
Hair clips & scrunchies
Hair accessories are back in a big way, with both colorful crochet scrunchies and minimalistic hair clips.
Midi skirts
Midi skirts remain a wardrobe staple. I’m beginning to think they might be a year-round essential in Paris. I’ll be keeping an eye on this in the coming seasons and report back.
Oversized trench coats
I have a vintage Burberry trench coat that I have been itching to break out. It’s one of those pieces I never really knew how to style. So, I’ve been soaking in all the street-style inspiration I’m seeing in real-time. The girl below had removed the belt and buttoned up her oversized trench coat. I’ve never seen anyone wear a trench coat like that, but it looked so, so effortless.
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If you’re in the mood for more Paris street style, you can read my previous send right here:
Love a Paris style report and the fun accessorizing ideas!