6 Gorgeous Trends to Come Out of Paris Fashion Week—Plus 1 I Just Can’t Get Behind

Much like stripes, leopard spots are often considered a neutral that can be mixed and matched with just about anything in your wardrobe, in much the same way you can toss around black, white and beige with abandon. I saw this animal print everywhere I looked, in every shape and form—coats, dresses, boots, handbags, loafers, sweaters, you name it. Feel free to add as much or as little leopard to your outfits, but if you want your spots to be the center of attention I recommend sticking with neutral tones rather than brighter hues or other prints.

Cake was really onto something with their song ‘Short Skirt/Long Jacket’, and the women of Paris are taking note. This fun play on proportions is a great way to elevate a miniskirt by giving the illusion of more coverage without actually covering up your legs. Ankle-length trench coats and micro minis look fabulously chic together, but you can also go for a less dramatic difference in length. That said, to really make this combination work, I recommend wearing a coat that is no less than five inches longer than your skirt.

Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz called this out as one of the biggest trends of fall 2024, and Paris Fashion Week has certainly proven her correct. There was a mix of jackets with a built-in hourglass shape (i.e., one that nips in at the waist and flares very slightly out over the hips), while others faked the look by adding a belt to an oversize silhouette. As for how to wear them yourself, Meraz suggests either leaning into those tailored vibes or going all in on exaggerated shapes. “High-waist trousers or pencil skirts work particularly well and look unbelievably chic for a special evening or work event,” she notes. “Or you can try barrel-leg jeans or pieces that follow the flared hem of the jacket, continuing the balloon affect before tapering at the legs.”

Another trend that’s been growing in popularity (and now has the French women’s stamp of approval) is sequins for day. Multiple fashion week attendees were spotted in sequin mini dresses and midi skirts or carrying sequin shoulder bags. The best way to make these party-ready pieces work for day is by pairing them with casual basics in neutral hues—a beige trench coat, a white button-up shirt, anything denim. And be sure to keep all other accessories minimal as well.

I was originally quite surprised to see so many guests wearing head-to-toe black, but I suppose I shouldn’t have been, given that this is Paris. They all demonstrate the key to wearing a monochrome outfit in a dark color and not looking like an amorphous blob, which is to opt for a range of textures. Pair shiny leather with fuzzy cashmere, or sheer mesh with rough denim. This helps define your outfit so even if you opt for a boxy jacket, wide-leg pants or oversize sweater, you won’t lose your shape.

Trend forecasters have been listing fringe as an emerging trend for a few years now, but this is really the first time I believe it. Rather than seeing just a handful of fashion week attendees in fringe dresses or skirts (most of whom were obviously dressed by the designer of the show they were watching), I saw lots of people incorporating fringe accessories and clothing into their ensembles in much more relatable fashion. I recommend opting for silk fringe over suede and starting with something small, like a mini handbag or fringed shirt cuff, before you go all in on a fringe midi skirt.

I anticipate we’ll be seeing a lot more 2010s-era trends making a comeback in the next few years, but I am simply not ready for the return of the skinny scarf. They feel as unnecessary and oddly proportioned now as they did the first time around. I much prefer the look of a pussy bow blouse or bandana if you’re looking to add some adornment to your neck that isn’t jewelry.