Every season I like to take stock of my wardrobe and assess exactly which items continue to serve me. As a fashion editor I’m naturally partial to a bit of shopping, but I also consider myself a conscious shopper, never wanting my clothing collection to feel overwhelming nor to shop frivolously. Because of this I find it particularly useful to check in and find out exactly which items I’m reaching for all of the time, and where any gaps might be when the seasons changes.
Having noticed a few such spaces in my rotation with the switch from summer to autumn, I’ve been keep to invigorate my wardrobe with the odd seasonal upgrade. Having chatted with Who What Wear’s Editor-in-Chief, Hannah Almassi, who just got back from Paris Fashion Week, I’ve been newly inspired to welcome in some of the autumn capsule staples that she saw over and over again in Paris this week.
“While the outfits of those attending shows are always worth taking note of, it was the outfits of Parisians—the stylish people who live in the capital year-round—that I found inspiring,” says Almassi. “In the four or so days I spent there, I kept seeing the same pieces crop up. If it’s a thing in Paris, then it’s definitely a thing worth knowing about.
As a forever fan of French street style, I can’t help but agree. So, below, I’ve charted the seven trends that are currently making up the Parisian’s autumn 2024 capsule wardrobes, as relayed to me by my eyes and ears on the ground.
SHOP THE PARISIAN’S AUTUMN 2024 CAPSULE WARDROBE:
1. CROPPED TRENCH COATS
Style Notes: This lightweight alternative to a traditional trench coat was all over Paris’s streets on the weekend. Giving your outfit the same polished energy as a classic trench without have to resort to a floor-sweeping coat, this chic jacket trend stood in place of leather jackets and bombers across the weekend, and looked incredibly chic doing so.
SHOP CROPPED TRENCH COATS:
This comes up a little large, so consider sizing down.
& Other Stories
Short Trench Coat Jacket
This also comes in black.
Mango
Cropped Trench Coat With Lapels
This elegant jacket looks more expensive than it is.
2. DOUBLE DENIM
Style Notes: Double denim has had a make over this season, and it’s now entirely rid of its “outdated” connotations. Embraced by the French—who have always had a penchant for a great denim garment—people are reaching for co-ordinating sets of neatly fitting jackets and relaxed baggy jeans, but the trend also looks chic in the form of denim shirts and straight-leg jeans, too.
SHOP DOUBLE DENIM:
This is well on its way to selling out.
Style with the matching shirt or wear with a fresh white tee.
This fitted shirt is perfect layering over a tee and under a knit this winter.
These also come in khaki and dark blue.
3. SCARF COATS
Style Notes: The chicest way to stay warm this autumn, the scarf coat trend has been permeating fashion capitals for a few seasons now. Simultaneously elegant yet effortless, this pretty coat trend ensures a sophisticated silhouette with minimal effort—making it perfectly Parisian.
SHOP SCARF COATS:
COS
Oversized Wool-Blend Scarf Jacket
Trust me—this cosy coat won’t be in stock for long.
Mango
Detachable Scarf Knit Coat
This includes a detachable scarf, so you can wear it on its own or bundle up with the scarf.
Toteme
Embroidered Scarf Jacket Dark Grey Mélange
This trending jacket is a fashion editor’s favourite.
4. LEOPARD PRINT
Style Notes: Pouncing on to the cities chicest outfits, the leopard print trend has been a fixture on Paris’ streets this season. Style a pretty miniskirt to nod to the growing trend, or wear a floor-length coat to enliven your outfit with a 2024 twist.
SHOP THE LEOPARD PRINT TREND:
Theory
Mini Trouser Skirt in Stretch Leopard Wool
Style with tights or wear with bare legs.
Ganni
Leopard Printed Izey Jeans
Ganni’s leopard print jeans are a fashion person’s favourites.
Zara
Animal Print Leather Ballerinas
This pretty leopard ballerinas won’t be in stock for long.
5. GUM-SOLE TRAINERS
Style Notes: Cushioning the strides of fashion people across the country, the gum-sole trainer trend is one of the most prevalent in Paris right now. Comfortable and functional, this streamlined shoe imparts a neat finish that styles well with the tailored trousers and relaxed denim that typically saturates a Parisian’s wardrobe.
SHOP GUM SOLE TRAINERS:
Adidas Originals
Samba Lt Nubuck-Trimmed Leather Sneakers
These classic trainers also come in black.
Reebok
Club C Grounds Trainers in White & Black
These comfortable trainers will soon become your most-reached-for pair.
Adidas Originals
Gazelle Indoor Leather-Trimmed Nubuck Sneakers
Add a subtle pop of colour to your autumn wardrobe.
6. BROWN HANDBAGS
Style Notes: One subtle wardrobe switch that I’ve noticed in so many fashion peoples wardrobe’s this season is the swap from black accessories to brown. Choosing supple brown handbags—often composed of soft suede fabrics—the brown bag trend imparts a lighter, autumn-ready energy to an outfit, and has become the go-to pouch for stylish Parisians.
SHOP BROWN HANDBAGS:
Coach
Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
This classic tote is having a major moment this autumn.
Marks & Spencer
Faux Leather Briefcase Bag
This chic bowling bag is a big talking point in the Who What Wear office.
Reformation
Medium Silvana Bucket Bag
The brown suede bag trend has been taking off this autumn.
7. MOTO BOOTS
Style Notes: It’s officially boots season and France’s most stylish are seeing it in with the season’s favourite boots trend. Swapping their Chelsea boots for grungy moto styles, the noughties trends is dominating France’s fashion circles this autumn.
SHOP MOTO BOOTS:
This also comes in a brown suede style.
Reformation
Francesca Moto Boot
Style with a voluminous skirt or pair with a pretty mini.
Pilcro
Pilcro Tall Moto Boots
It won’t be long until these are entirely sold out.