women News

Saturday, October 24, 2026

I Work in NYC But Dress Like a Parisian—6 Anti-Trend Items I Rely On to Look Chic

It's fall in NYC, but for some reason, I can't stop dressing like I'm in Paris. French style has taken over my feed, from Parisian color trends to the flat-shoe trends French women are wearing. I'll admit I've never received more compliments. So I decided to look inward to analyze what makes my style feel so European. And I found it's in the basics.

The anti-trend pieces French women rely on year after year—that's the key. I don't want to give too many spoilers, because ahead you'll find the six anti-trend Parisian items I'm talking about, but think timeless, classic items like a crewneck cardigan or leather skirt. These pieces are workhorses, meaning styling them comes easy. And so do the compliments. Scroll on to see which French-woman essentials made my list.

6 Anti-Trend Parisian Items for Fall 2026

1. Suede Blazer

@juliesfi wearing a suede blazer, jeans, and white T-shirt — (Image credit: @juliesfi)

This humble jacket carries the weight of most chic Parisian wardrobes. It's simple, low-effort, and sharp.

H&M

Jacket

Reformation

Veda Remi Leather Jacket

ZARA

Faux Suede Jacket

ZARA

Zw Collection 100% Suede Leather Oversized Jacket

MANGO

Straight Blazer With Front Stitching

2. Leather Column Skirt

@sylviemus_ wearing A.L.C skirt and button-down — (Image credit: @sylviemus_)

If there's one thing to take away from this list, it's this: a leather column skirt. Particularly, ALC's Marta Skirt. Even our cofounder Hillary Kerr swears by it.

ALC

Marta Leather Midi Skirt

Favorite Daughter

The Meyer Faux Leather Midi Skirt

Modern Citizen

Briony Back-Slit Vegan Leather Skirt

Vince

Leather Midi Skirt

Nordstrom

Leather Pencil Skirt

3. Crewneck Cardigan

@salome.mory wearing a black cardigan, jeans, and white ballet flat heels — (Image credit: @salome.mory)

During my first visit to Paris, I noticed French women love a crewneck cardigan. And now so do I.

J.Crew

Jackie Cardigan in Premium Ultrafine Cotton

Shopping_NonBrand

Reformation

Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan

COS

Jersey Cardigan Top

Vuori

Halo Cardigan 2.0

Nordstrom

Cashmere Crewneck Cardigan

4. Pop of Red

@annelauremais wearing a semi-shirt white swear, red cardigan, trousers, and white heels — (Image credit: @annelauremais)

I'd be hard-pressed to find a Parisian who doesn't believe in a pop of red. Whether it's in the form of a red lip or knit, this addition of color is always welcome.

Madewell

Arden Rollneck Cotton Pullover - Pomegranate Seed

COS

Rounded Wool Crew-Neck Sweater

MANGO

Limoni V-Neck Sweater

Reformation

Dove Cashmere Oversized Turtleneck - Lipstick

Alex Mill

Nottinghill Wool Sweater

5. Plaque Belt

@emmanuellek_ wearing a button-down, belt, jeans, and Ralph Lauren bag — (Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Arguably the "trendiest" on the list, this statement belt was popular long before the urban cowgirls of Paris started styling it. It adds a chic, Western flair to just about any outfit.

maje

Leather Belt With Oval Buckle

B-Low the Belt

Leighton Croc Embossed Leather Belt

Madewell

Oval Buckle Suede Belt

L'AGENCE

Machado Ribbed Dome Belt - Chocolate Suede

rag & bone

Wyatt Belt - Olive

6. Straight-Leg Jeans

@sabinasocol wearing a shawl and straight-leg jeans — (Image credit: @sabinasocol)

It will be years before straight-leg jeans to go out of style (if they ever do). The relaxed fit makes them wildly easy to style. Go for a shawl or an oversize knit, and thank me later.

ZARA

Zw Collection High-Rise Straight Fit Jeans

Brinley Mid Rise Straight Leg Jeans

Vuori

Vintage Straight Leg Jean 30"

ZARA

Trf Mid-Rise Straight Fit Jeans

AGOLDE

'90s Pinch Waist High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

from Latest from Who What Wear https://ift.tt/KNaMnL7

I Love a Minimalist Fall Look—These Are the Pieces on My Wish List Right Now

I gravitate toward minimalism as the foundation of my closet. It makes getting dressed feel effortless, so I rarely have "nothing to wear" days since everything I have is easy to mix and match, and then I can add in fun statement pieces from there.

When it comes to designers who do minimalism best, I think of Calvin Klein, Jil Sander, Khaite, The Row, and Toteme. I also have a mental note of brands I like browsing that often cater to this style: Almina Concept, Banana Republic, Camper, Carel, Cou Cou, Gap, J.Crew, Leset, Rue Sophie, St. Agni, and Vagabond.

For wardrobe staples, my most-worn items for fall include boatneck T-shirts, capris, cardigans, cashmere sweaters, kitten heels, knee-high boots, knee-length skirts, slip dresses, and trench coats. I'm also eyeing pleated skirts, faux-fur coats, and high V-necks. Below, shop these and more chic pieces.