We spent a lot of time studying the wardrobes of French women, what they wear to weddings, which jeans they prefer, the brands they regularly shop and so on. However, we’ve decided to approach this article with a different tack.
With a discernible chill in the air, right now, our minds are hardwired to think only of autumn and what we’re going to wear (and temporarily discard) for the season ahead. And that got us thinking: Instead of focussing on the trends French women will wear, we wanted to find out which autumn trends they’ll be passing on.
We’ve already outlined the trends for autumn 2021 in our trend report, which covered all the noteworthy looks you need to know. However, if you’re short on time, we’ll sum it up—they’re somewhat eclectic. The bold and daring ensembles on one runway were balanced out by sleek tailoring and neutral palettes on another, which certainly made for interesting viewing. It also means that this season is perhaps more divisive than any other—you’re either in one sartorial camp or another.
Always eager to get a Gallic girl’s fashion perspective, we asked four French women to tell us the trend they personally won’t be wearing this season as well as the trend they will. Whether you agree with their choices or not is entirely up to you—there’s no right or wrong way to interpret this season’s trends. We just thought it would be interesting to find out what these knowledgeable French fashion types are gravitating towards when it comes to autumn’s top trends. Scroll on to see what they said.
The Autumn Trend Léna Won’t Wear: Y2K Looks
The Autumn Trend Léna Can’t Wait to Wear: Luxe Co-Ords
“The trend that I can’t wait to wear is the luxury knitwear co-ords,” says influencer and founder of Maison Solen Léna Farl. “This autumn, I want to feel stylish and comfy in my clothes, and knitwear has become an important part of my wardrobe. (I even wore some this summer!) It’s so versatile, and for the people who feel the chill like I do, it is really the perfect trend to wear when the weather gets colder. The trend that I’ll probably be skipping this season is the Y2K trend. Even though I love the nostalgia of the ’00s and colourful, bold silhouettes, I feel that it doesn’t fully match my personal style. Saying that, I am tempted to include some bustier and mesh tops in my autumn wardrobe.”
The Autumn Trend Franny Won’t Wear: Super-Wellington Boots
The Autumn Trend Franny Can’t Wait to Wear: Fashiony Boots
“This season, I really want to invest in a pair of rain-ready boots with a fashionable edge that I can combine with my looks, just in case,” says influencer and vintage fashion expert Franny Fyne. “Autumn will soon set in, which means rain will be on the forecast in Paris, so I feel like a pair of waterproof boots is going to be an essential ally for my outfits. I am, however, quite specific about the boots I’ll be investing in. I like Mango’s offering because the colours go well with everything, and the shape of them is quite understated. The pairs I’ll be avoiding are the super-chunky, almost clog-like, like the Bottega Veneta boots.”
The Autumn Trend Marissa Won’t Wear: Fussy Prints
The Autumn Trend Marissa Can’t Wait to Wear: Versatile Tailoring
“Tailoring is going to be at the top of my list for autumn dressing,” says influencer and author of Practising Parisienne Marissa Cox. “Tailored trousers, suits and skirt sets from the likes of Arket, Frankie Shop, and House of Dagmar that can be teamed with jeans and easily transitioned from day to evening. I’ll be skipping the floral and fussier print trends, as I’ll be keeping things minimal and simple this autumn and mainly investing in pieces to update my capsule wardrobe.”
The Autumn Trend Loïcka Won’t Wear: Old-Fashioned Florals
The Autumn Trend Loïcka Can’t Wait to Wear: Trench Coats
“This season, the trend I’ll be avoiding is old-fashioned, chintzy florals,” says influencer and fashion stylist Loïcka Grâce. “While I like them on other people, they just don’t really feel like my aesthetic. Instead, this fall, trench coats are my priority. And I’ve found the perfect piece for the season in this Malene Birger trench. Also on my wish list is a new pair of loafers—they might have been in our wardrobes for several seasons already, but they are still essential. I always love styles from Prada, Vagabond, and Miista. There really is nothing better than a simple and effortless autumn look.”
