I Just Spent 4 Days in Paris—7 Items Everyone Was Wearing That I Now Need Too

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:

H&M

Short Trench Coat

£40

This comes up a little large, so consider sizing down.

& Other Stories

Short Trench Coat Jacket

£145

This also comes in black.

Mango

Cropped Trench Coat With Lapels

£60

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Style Notes: Double denim has had a make over this season, and it's now entirely rid of its "outdated" connotations.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:

H&M

Waisted Denim Shirt

£45

This is well on its way to selling out.

H&M

Crease-Leg Jeans

£45

Style with the matching shirt or wear with a fresh white tee.

Arket

Fitted Denim Shirt

£88

This fitted shirt is perfect layering over a tee and under a knit this winter.

Arket

Amber Loose Jeans

£97

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

£200

Trust me—this cosy coat won't be in stock for long.

Mango

Detachable Scarf Knit Coat

£90

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

£810

This trending jacket is a fashion editor's favourite.

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

£295

Style with tights or wear with bare legs.

Ganni

Leopard Printed Izey Jeans

£235

Ganni's leopard print jeans are a fashion person's favourites.

Zara

Animal Print Leather Ballerinas

£56

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

£100

These classic trainers also come in black.

Reebok

Club C Grounds Trainers in White & Black

£85

These comfortable trainers will soon become your most-reached-for pair.

Adidas Originals

Gazelle Indoor Leather-Trimmed Nubuck Sneakers

£110

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

£495

This classic tote is having a major moment this autumn.

Marks & Spencer

Faux Leather Briefcase Bag

£40

This chic bowling bag is a big talking point in the Who What Wear office.

Reformation

Medium Silvana Bucket Bag

£398

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:

H&M

Suede Biker Boots

£140

This also comes in a brown suede style.

Reformation

Francesca Moto Boot

£498

Style with a voluminous skirt or pair with a pretty mini.

Pilcro

Pilcro Tall Moto Boots

£160

It won't be long until these are entirely sold out.