Dressing for winter is always a balancing act. Coats get bulkier, layers pile up and suddenly looking stylish feels slightly less effortless than it did in September. Staying warm is essential, but so is feeling put-together—and that sweet spot can sometimes be hard to find.
Whenever I feel in need of cold-weather outfit clarity, I look to French women. Their winter style is built on pieces that are timeless, practical and quietly elegant—no overstyling, no fast fashion chaos, just smart wardrobe choices that work year after year. Parisian dressing may be rooted in simplicity, but that’s exactly why it translates so well into everyday winter outfits.
After a few weeks of scrolling, saving and studying the looks coming out of Paris, five key trends kept appearing. They’re wearable, investment-worthy and incredibly chic — exactly what I want from my winter wardrobe. And happily, most of them utilise winter wardrobe staples you likely already own.
Below is my edit of the top winter trends to know this season, as inspired by my favourite French fashion influencers. And should you find yourself in the mood to shop, I’ve cherry-picked pieces that will help you embrace each trend, whatever your budget.
5 Winter 2025 Fashion Trends French Women Are Backing:
1. Minimalist Coats
Style Notes: Minimalist coats are the backbone of French winter style. Clean lines, zero fuss, and a structured silhouette make this trend feel timeless and elevated. In true Parisian fashion, the coat does all the talking.
Shop the Trend:
ZARA
Oversized Wool Blend Coat With Scarf Zw Collection
Proof that winter fashion can be très chic.
hush
Italian Wool Cocoon Coat
The sort of coat you’d want to hibernate in.
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Gaia Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Coat
The most gorgeous grey hue.
M&S
Single Breasted Longline Tailored Coat
You can always rely on M&S for elevated pieces at a reasonable price.
KHAITE
Jelson Belted Wool-Felt Coat
If you’re really looking to treat yourself.
2: Fairisle Knits
Style Notes: I love all the trends in this round-up, but if I had to pick a favourite, it would be the humble fairisle knit. There’s something so nostalgic and comforting about the print that makes it hard not to smile whenever I don one. Brands are clearly catching on — there’s so many to pick from at the minute.
Shop the Trend:
H&M
Jacquard-Knit Turtleneck Jumper
50 shades of neutral (and loving every single one of them).
Nobodys Child
Burgundy Fair Isle Jumper
Wiggy Kit
The Alpine Sweater
Gucci
Norwegian Wool Jacquard Sweater
The knit on all of our wish lists.
3: Burgundy
Style Notes: Burgundy is one of the standout shades of the French winter palette, and this outfit shows exactly why. There’s something about the richness of burgundy that just feels sophisticated, every single time.
Shop the Trend:
& Other Stories
Relaxed Knit Jumper
A gorgeous wine-coloured hue.
Reiss
Wide-Leg Pintuck Trousers in Burgundy
Perfect for office-turned-dinner days.
Knitted midi skirts are my new obsession.
I’d find it hard not to get the matching jumper along with the skirt.
ZARA
100% Suede Leather Blazer
4: Leather Bombers
Style Notes: Leather minimalism is gaining momentum in Paris, with bombers taking centre stage over traditional biker jackets. They’re proof that winter dressing can still look cool.
Shop the Trend:
ZARA
Leather Effect Bomber Jacket
Thrown this on with your jeans and you’ve got effortless style.
Reformation
Veda Harrison Leather Oversized Bomber
This just landed at Reformation, and I’m very tempted.
RÓHE
Leather Bomber Jacket
A brand to have on your radar, if it isn’t already!
New Look
High Neck Faux Leather Bomber Jacket
This looks much more expensive than it’s price tag.
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Viper Oversized Leather Jacket
Of course Frankie Shop has the perfect style.
5: Plaid
Style Notes: Plaid is having a major French-girl revival, and this look is proof that it can be wearable, toned down, and cosy. I’d also pair plaid outwear with simple denim for an effortless winter look.
Shop the Trend:
Boden
Cocoon Wool Coat-Brown, Teal and Pink Check
A fantastic high-street coat.
To me, this is a work of art.
M&S
Checked Midi Drop Waist Dress
Love the plaid and suede boots combo.
With Nothing Underneath
The Classic: Fine Brushed, Blue and Red Plaid
VERONICA BEARD
Mikaela Belted Checked Flannel Jacket
The most gorgeous mix of colours.
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