I Only Had 24 Hours in Paris, Yet I Couldn't Help But Notice These 6 Winter Things Everywhere

Fashion editor Sierra Mayhew in Paris.

(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

Sometimes, Paris calls your name, and even at the least convenient of times, I go for it. Last month, I had only 24 hours to spend in one of my favorite cities, and surprisingly, I hadn't seen the place during the winter before. Winter and the holiday season in Paris feel like a storybook that's come to life—the twinkling lights on the Eiffel Tower, the cozy cafés, and, of course, the effortlessly chic style that seems to follow every Parisian down the cobblestone streets had my head turning constantly. My most recent trip went by in the blink of an eye, but that was more than enough time to notice the standout trends dominating the city.

It was a stark difference waking up one day in New York and the next in Paris because the outerwear vibe was so different. There were a few winter staples—from timeless outerwear to accessories that add a certain je ne sais quoi—that I felt separated Parisians from tourists, and now, I need them all. Naturally, I couldn't resist taking notes and snapping photos to bring some of that Parisian flair back home.

1. Gorpcore

French woman wearing gorpcore trend.

(Image credit: @theblab)

During this most recent trip to Paris, I couldn't help but notice how gorpcore had taken over the city that I once knew for elevated tailoring. Everywhere I turned, people were wearing items like windbreakers, cool sneakers, and cargo pants, making practicality look undeniably chic.

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2. Knee-Length Skirts

French woman wearing knee-length skirt.

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

I couldn't help but notice how playfully Parisians were styling skirts that hit at or just above the knee. Due to the weather during my visit, this look was often paired with tights, but these were the skirts that added an office siren vibe to the people I saw throughout the city.

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3. Unique Hats

French woman wearing a unique hat.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

It's not a trip to Paris without a bit of rainfall and a lot of wind. I caught all sort of weather during my 24-hour stint abroad, which is why hats were abundant. No, I'm not talking about touristy berets. Unique silhouettes that were reminiscent of the retro decades really stuck out to me.

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4. Interesting Socks With Loafers

French woman wearing interesting socks with loafers.

(Image credit: @pia_mbd)

I've always thought of loafers as a fall, spring, and summer shoe style simply because of practicality, so I was surprised to see a lot of people in Paris styling them for the winter. Unique statement stocks that popped out as a contrast against the loafers were everywhere.

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5. East-West Bags

French woman wearing an east-west bag.

(Image credit: @raissatch)

Bag trends come and go, even in a city as timeless as Paris, and it seems that east-west bags are all the rage over there. This trend is being spearheaded by Alaïa's Le Teckel bag, but I saw all kinds of iterations.

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6. Scarves as Hats

French woman wearing scarf on her head.

(Image credit: @leasy_inparis)

Styling is key in a city like Paris, and I saw people taking full advantage of their scarves during my trip to this beautiful city. People were wearing their scarves as balaclavas and finding other ways to keep warm, and I'm here for it.

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Sierra Mayhew
Fashion Editor

Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of experience in the fashion industry to the editorial team. Since joining Who What Wear in 2021, Sierra has made her mark by expertly blending luxury and accessible fashion content. Whether she's decoding the latest runway presentations or crafting a perfectly curated shopping list, Sierra's keen eye and relatable approach have solidified her as a trusted voice in the fashion space. She's also reported on major industry events like Paris Fashion Week and lent her expertise to red carpet coverage, ensuring her audience gets an insider's view of the most glamorous moments in style. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. Her ability to translate editorial expertise into viral social media content sets her apart, seamlessly bringing her articles and personality to life for a new generation of readers and followers. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra brings a unique perspective to the fashion industry that is informed by her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.