The Her Campus National Editors write about products we love and think you’ll love too. Her Campus has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. All products are in stock and all prices are accurate as of publication.
What are people wearing in the capital of fashion this fall?
Everyone knows about Paris, France. Some for its delicious food: cheese, wine and pastries like pain au chocolat, the sparkle of the Eiffel Tower at night, and the famous art found all throughout the city. Others, like me, are drawn to the city’s reputation as being the “capitale de la mode” – AKA, the capital of fashion – across the world. So let’s talk Paris fashion.
Every day, tourists come in troves, wearing matching red berets, black and white striped sweaters and tightly knotted scarves to take part in all the city has to offer. But what are Parisians really wearing? And, what’s the real Parisian uniform in fall 2025? Let’s talk about it, from my perspective as a senior international student in Paris, France this fall semester.
The fall color palette:
The color palette of Parisian outfits this fall has so far been stunning. Think of neutral, earthy, and romantic tones that fit in exactly with the changing of the leaves, the coffee and cream in your favorite mug, and the bold shade of a dark night sky. Classics like tan, gray and black, delicious shades of chocolate brown, olive green and cream, and my favorite pops of maroon, wine, and plum.
Bottoms
Paris bottoms are practical and effortless, as is most of the style. They are staple pieces that are fitted well, and rotated in different combinations throughout the season.
Trousers: This fall, I see people in trousers catching metros to work and class, relaxing in cafes and dinners with friends. They’re timeless and flattering, not just reserved for business casual the way they are in the US. Think dark shades, as to not get them dirty as people move about the city, like black, tan and brown. I have two pairs, one black and one beige, with me as I study abroad.
Jeans: A more relaxed and youthful option, I find jean fashion to contrast current styles in the US. Most cuts are classic straight and skinny, top to bottom. For the most part, I see no baggy jeans, rips or dramatic flaring. Popular colors are dark blue and classic black, perfect for pairing with a boot and dressing up a bit. They are also my favorite to wear around as well!
Tops
Tops worn in Paris this fall keep that same classic and timeless feel.
Shirts: I have been seeing a lot of neutral bodysuits, cozy sweaters, subtle patterned blouses and my favorite – brushed knit tops. Every store I go into I keep seeing this fabric that is both warm and soft, in all different styles. I bought a gray short sleeved top with a cute bell flare at the bottom and a plum light sweater from Zara. Such a comfy and fashionable look.
Blouses: Patterned blouses are also a common choice in Paris. This look tends to show more individual personality, with the vibe that the pieces were thrifted from fripperies or passed down. Material is thinner, patterns can be artsy and expressive with deep hues. At my humanities school, this is a common choice– I need to get some more!
Cardigans and sweaters: These are huge. Because of the range of temperature from morning to night and any given day, women all around are sporting some sort of inner-outerwear in addition to a coat or jacket. Silk button downs, knit cardigans and light open sweaters are a must, my favorite being my chocolate brown silk button down that I thrifted!
Outerwear
Because mornings can be chilly and there are short bursts of rain showers throughout the day, many people have coats, umbrellas and scarves of all fabrics. My favorite, and of course the most Parisian of the looks, is the long brown trench coat. I have one for myself, more for transitional weather, and I blend right in with other 20-something women on the metro. It’s like a hack for being an it-girl pretty much, or so my hip grammar teacher says. Aside from that, I see fur coats at nice dinners, leather jackets going out, and of course, scarves for the cold. I have one wool scarf for the really cold days, but am in the market for a thinner option that can be used for those milder fall days.
Bags
Purses and handbags vary a lot, and one of the most important parts of the look in my opinion. At the University of Michigan, the uniform is the Longchamp, a 100% French brand. I find it to be a bit less common here, seen as a practical choice– I wear my Navy Longchamp to class every day! For a bit more edge, go for a woven tote, suede brown purse (like mine from Madewell!), black leather drawstring bags or maroon gator skin if you want to be fashion-forward and chic in Paris.
Footwear
Fall shoes are the best here. I have four notable mentions:
Flats: For the warmer days or with daintier outfits. These can be velvet for a fancy occasion or a dry day, or the classic leather. I wear my black leather pair regularly and they are the best.
Reebok sneakers: These are worn by all of the youth, and I see them often in standout colors like maroon or even green. These are not as much my style as other options, but certainly a classic trend at the moment.
Ankle boots/booties: Fall in Paris means jean with short boot heaven. I see mostly brown or black for this, and love my own pair of brown leather booties.
Knee-length black boots: No surprise here. I see these during the day, at night, under long pants, over skinny jeans, with skirts. Super versatile and seemingly a staple in the Paris wardrobe, including mine.
Now that we have covered the inside outs of fall fashion this summer, I hope to have shared a little piece of my world this semester abroad. Paris is truly the fashion capital, and I hope this serves as inspiration to all of those fashion-lovers who are looking for ways to spice up their wardrobes at home or ideas for what to bring to the city of lights this autumn season!
