Spotting microtrends is one of my more niche skills. What is a microtrend, you ask? Trends can be born from many places—the runways, social media, street style and so on. Microtrends are smaller offshoots of these bigger trends that come from said places. By the time a microtrend emerges, it's usually been distilled over months from the overarching moments, and what we're left with is perhaps one of the most impactful ways to wear it.
Take the long pencil skirt for example (which, spoiler alert: appears in my edit below). It would have started life as just one of the many puzzle pieces that make up the '90s trend that's dominated for the past few seasons. It's only sometime later, when other pieces have been tried, that dressers will start to hone in on the items they like most, and you'll begin to see those everywhere. Now, just about every influencer I follow owns a long pencil skirt; a piece that you could argue sparked the whole "office siren" fashion movement. Such is the power of a microtrend.
Now, microtrends should be approached just as you would the main trends—with trepidation. Never buy into something just because it feels current. We always advocate only investing in pieces that serve your personal style and aren't already lurking in your wardrobe. However, if you're interested in making your outfits feel timely and here's a microtrend that truly speaks to you, this can be a sensible way to try it on for size without any major commitment.
I've already anaylsed the microtrends taking over this season across the board, but I decided to investigate further. I wanted to see which microtrends French women were interested in right now, combining two of my main fashion loves in the process. So, without further ado, scroll on to see the small updates that are making it into the wardrobes of French women in 2024. You already know one, but can you guess the others?
FRENCH-FASHION MICROTRENDS TO TRY IN 2024
1. LONG PENCIL SKIRTS
Style Notes: 2024 is going to be the year of the skirt (as told by the runways), and we're already seeing long pencil silhouettes take off amongst the style set.
Neutral colours are the order of the day as they really loan themselves to the '90s appeal of the piece—this is not the time to opt for a bright colour.
Shop the Microtrend:
So elegant (and it also comes in cream).
Mark my words: this skirt will be everywhere during Fashion Month.
This will look gorgeous paired with the bright-red colour trend, too.
2. BURGUNDY BAGS
Style Notes: We called out the burgundy accessories trend a few weeks ago, and it seems that French fashion people have taken note, choosing to wear it by way of oxblood bags.
Whether you opt for a designer crossbody or an elegant top-handle, the burgundy colourway will elevate whatever outfit you pair it with.
Shop the Microtrend:
Savette was founded by a former handbag designer for The Row, so the brand has serious merit.
I love this angular shape.
I own this bag in taupe and it always earns me so many compliments.
3. LEOPARD PRINT
Style Notes: Sure, it feels integral to the "mob wife" aesthetic that's doing the rounds, but leopard print was huge on the S/S 24 runways, too, cementing its longevity as opposed to it being a flash-in-the-pan purchase.
The French keep their leopard print classy, opting for coats that they wear against a base of jeans and a T-shirt, or to pep up an otherwise neutral or dark outfit.
Shop the Microtrend:
This is selling like hotcakes right now.
So cute! So French!
I mean, wow.
4. OFF-THE-SHOULDER NECKLINES
Style Notes: The clue is in the name—off-the-shoulder necklines, otherwise known as Bardot necklines, are named after French actress Brigitte Bardot, who wore them throughout her peak in the '60s. Basically, they're part of the French style DNA.
Either in dress or jumper form, this is a silhouette French women never tire of—even when fashion trends move on, they hold strong to this conviction.
Shop the Microtrend:
This elegant top will work just as well with jeans as a polished skirt.
A chic sale find.
This colour is going to be everywhere come spring.
5. BASEBALL CAPS
Style Notes: Sportswear might not be the first thing you think of when you consider French fashion, but as lovers of all things retro, it does play a big part in their style culture. And right now, French women are channelling it via baseball caps.
Minimal and sleek, this look perfectly encapsulates how French women typically do athleisure—a cap, slogan sweater and trainers, which are then lifted with tailoring and a chic bag.
Shop the Microtrend:
Fashion people will instantly recognise the tiny Toteme logo on the side.
This looks so high-end.
Brown is still a major colour trend for the season ahead.
6. COLOURFUL TRAINERS
Style Notes: That's right—it's not all ballet pumps in Paris! Right now, French women are just as into their trainers as the rest of us.
It seems colourful trainers are the way to go too (another trend we've spotted lately). This is a no-brainer method to add interest to a look or to make a fun outfit even more statement.
Shop the Microtrend:
You know these won't hang around for long.
New Balance trainers continue to dominate on social media.
A gorgeous colour clash.
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