5 Autumn Trends My Parisian Friends and I Are Going to Wear

Every month, Londoner turned Parisienne Marissa Cox of Rue Rodier will bring you her pearls of Parisian fashion wisdom and style tips straight from the French capital. A photographer, writer and influencer, we turn to the oh-so-chic Marissa on a regular basis for a truly unique take on her adopted country’s signature style. Whether we’re looking to her décor decisions, handbag purchases or chic hotel choices, we can all agree that being un petit peu plus Français could never be a bad thing…

As I explained in my very first article for Who What Wear, my style has matured and morphed since moving to Paris. Where my London self was a lot more adventurous and prone to panic-buying eccentric printed pieces, I’ve toned down how I dress since relocating to the French capital.

That’s partly to suit Paris’s more sober palette, but it’s also because I’ve learnt from the French how to build a capsule wardrobe and how to dress for my figure rather than religiously following trends. I’ve found that Parisians are interested in the latest brand offerings but will only wear items that they know will flatter them. (For example, there are few Parisian It girls who have adopted the dad sandal or ugly trainer.)

Despite Paris being the epicentre of the fashion world, there’s somehow less pressure to keep up with the Joneses when it comes to style; in fact, it can even be deemed uncool to be too on-trend. Yet each season, they will, of course, update their wardrobes with a few key pieces, so I’m cherrypicking four items inspired by the A/W 19 collections that are likely to be showing up in a Parisian’s closet as soon as the weather turns colder.

Keep scrolling to see the trends French girls will be adopting this season.

1. UTILITY TROUSERS

On Marissa: Arket blazer, trousers and sandals; Zara top; COS headband

France’s fashion darling, Isabel Marant, sent troops of models down the catwalk clad in an array of khaki and beige boilersuits, belted dresses and utilitarian shirts. And where Marant goes, Parisians usually follow. I envisage the city’s coolest wearing this trend in the form of cargo trousers, which look great paired with a blazer or a tucked-in knit (and most probably heels).

2. COSY CARDIGANS

On Marissa: & Other Stories cardigan and top; Citizens of Humanity jeans; Eliou necklace

Cardigans have made a big comeback over the last few autumns, and judging by the amount of brands (namely Christopher Kane and Miu Miu, who added them into their A/W collections this year), they’re here to stay. Gone are the associations with your gran; these days, the cardigan is the perfect transitional piece and comes in a myriad of styles, such as oversized and cropped. Don’t be afraid to experiment with finding the right silhouette or finish for your personal style. When it’s cold outside, layer your chosen cardigan under a trench or oversized blazer.

3. BEIGE EVERYTHING

On Marissa: Massimo Dutti jumper and skirt; Mango sandals; ATP Atelier bag

Still my favourite trend of the year, as it’s just so easy to wear! And the likes of Burberry, Max Mara and The Row agree, sending models in full-beige looks crafted from midi skirts, trench coats, tailoring and cashmere coats down the A/W 19 runways.

4. CHECKED BLAZERS

On Marissa: Zara blazer; Simon Miller jeans; Yuul Yie boots

Checks have showed up in a plethora of fall collections, and I’m thinking Chanel, Burberry and even the controversial new Celine woman had been transformed into the classic Parisian bourgeois lady. Checked fabrics acted as a thread tying the show together in the shape of blazers and midi skirts. It’s by far my key A/W 19 piece to imitate Parisian style and keep in your wardrobe for years to come—wear with everything from jeans to slip skirts and long boots.