PARIS – FALL / WINTER
Féli I, in black and white. 10 December 2025.
I’ve been wanting to write a proper fashion-focused article for a while now. So, before leaving Paris in December 2025, I collected some notes on what was being worn around the Sorbonne’s Michelet Campus. Although the Fall / Winter season is decidedly over and we are well into the Spring, why let my ideas and photos go to waste? Having procrastinated this for long enough, I’m coming back to my thoughts to reflect a little bit on the elegant style of Parisian students and some of the fashion elements that rubbed off on me in particular.
This is a little ode to the French capital, everything I miss, and the fabulous clothes people were wearing there.
Perhaps it was the season, cold and grey, that had made the streets of Paris slightly variable for fashion. Perhaps it was the residential, cozy vibe of the 5th arrondissement where I was living that didn’t quite provide the outrageously high-end Parisian fashion I had in mind before arriving in September.
Parisians were reluctantly heading back home following les grandes vacances, the residents’ exodus from the capital for the summer months (particularly August), so September marked the return to work, to school and to university.
My first impression of the city’s fashion was mixed, despite its global recognition for design and haute couture. Paris is, of course, a stylish place – there’s no doubt about that. But upon arrival, I had doubted how Paris could begin to compare to the bold and rebellious eclecticism of London… Until, I was assuredly proven wrong. It was as though Paris had heard me say,
“I prefer London fashion to here”
Suddenly, the city had a point to make.
That’s when I made my way to the Sorbonne’s Institute of Art and Archaeology – the Michelet Campus, where I was attending two classes. The outfits I saw were everything that I had anticipated before coming to Paris: the clothing valued trends but remained individualistic, with that Parisian flair of slightly aloof but graceful chic. Darker colours and furs honoured the approach of the winter season, and maybe Theodora’s album release. But still, it’s safe to say that the History of Art students of Paris are among the most well-dressed people in the city.
In my mind, this was the fashion centre of Paris: Sleek, elegant, sometimes understated, occasionally eclectic, yet always with an air of retro aesthetic and timelessness. Lectures and seminars are the true Parisian runways.
The building for the faculty is fit to house its residents. It’s unique, castle-esque and eccentric, standing out amongst the traditional Haussmannian buildings that surround it.
The Michelet Campus. 19 December 2025.
Designed by architect Paul Bigot and completed in 1932, the faculty building is located next to the Jardin du Luxembourg.
While at the Sorbonne, I chose to study 19th-century decorative arts and design – a subject choice which at first I seriously questioned, considering a large part of the paper was learning furniture vocabulary. That said, this module gave me a new-found appreciation for the significance of textures, patterns, fabrics, (and furniture) that I saw in Paris. Whilst I am a firm believer in fashion maximalism and grunge-y, alternative styles, the minimalist dress sense seen in the capital did begin to grow on me throughout my stay.
Intentional, precise uses of colour, an always smart-casual style, and the combining of specific textures made each outfit feel more visually elevated, even when the colour palette was monochrome. For the Parisians, it’s nuance over vibrancy.
Reading over my notes, I seem to have had three key takeaways:
You need a good pair of boots. Vintage and smart, but durable to walk the city.
The “suit” can be incredibly versatile. Don’t shy away from a blazer, two-piece or double denim outfit.
For the Fall / Winter season, a long-line overcoat is your go-to.
The warmer months are well on their way, but that doesn’t stop me looking forward to the endless possibilities of winter layering.
First and foremost, boots remain popular all year round. A heeled boot seemed to be an essential in Paris, though the styles varied dramatically. From lectures to bars to clubs – boots always fit the vibe.
Here, a tanned suede boot is paired with a cargo maxi skirt. The slouchy silhouette of the boot feels New Romantic, and its warm colour leans into the “boho chic” trends that are incredibly popular now and which will continue throughout the spring and into summer.
Suede boots in the street. 10 December 2025
The cargo skirt gives it the late 90s-early 00s edge, but a boot like this is incredibly versatile and can really lean into whatever style you would like to channel. This particular pair could be worn over skinny or boot cut jeans: think 2000s Kate Moss. For those who hate skinny jeans (and I would count myself among the haters), if you’re willing to attempt something new, try pairing them with a textured and eye-catching knee-high boot. Skinny jeans have made a comeback, so grab a pair and some retro boots – the more interesting the silhouette the better. Channel your inner supermodel.
Mathilde’s rings. 10 December 2025.
Paris is a city of curated aesthetics, and colour is no exception to this matter. From the beige sandstone walls of the buildings to the dark bottle-greens of the metro signs and park benches, the use of colour is incredibly intentional.
Our eye is drawn to certain features: here, the darker colours of the clothes are contrasted with silver rings and a necklace. Small pops of colour in the jewellery draw us in. The mesh purple top adds variation to the textures and colours of the outfit whilst still highlighting the silver.
For me, it’s the jewellery that really captures our attention. Jewellery can be incredibly quirky. However, when combined with a certain subtleness, the vibe of the outfit is kept elevated and chic. Nothing is overstated or garish in Paris. Rather, this outfit utilises varying textures and a contrast between lights and darks, warmer and cooler tones to create accents: the warmer mauve mesh is combined with timeless staples (the cooler navy longline overcoat and skirt) and a vintage boot, keeping the outfit elegant yet fun.
Mathilde. 10 December 2025.
A longline coat has something inherently philosophical, rebellious and academic about it when worn in Paris. We might start to think of l’Académie Française and the Panthéon. Maybe our minds gravitate towards the likes of Camus, Sartre, and Beauvoir. Maybe we visualise chain-smoking and discussions of existentialist philosophy over a black coffee. Or maybe we recall the students of May 68 – barricades and defiance. Whatever the case, Paris is home to a rich history of intellectuality combined with rebellion and creativity. There’s a vibe.
Féli I. 10 December 2025.
Now, the next outfit consists of a more formal longline double-breasted coat. The double-breasted buttoning feels decidedly 40s, but the collar recalls a 60s silhouette. It’s vintage and smart, but paired with a light-washed jean and pointed leather boot, this outfit is the meeting of formality with a casual edge.
This outfit curates a bold, rebellious, yet smart aesthetic. Our eye is drawn to a small rip at the knee. Perhaps it's accidental, perhaps it’s a pair of ripped jeans. But that’s what gives this outfit its character. Again, a pair of boots are featured – angular and sharp – denoting a well-worn confidence.
Leather boots and jeans. 10 December 2025.
Jewellery and accents are equally important again – this time in gold. Despite its minimalist chic, Paris is still a city of glitz, glamour and luxury. And what outfit is complete without its adornments? Brassy buttons with gold rings, bangles and teardrop earrings stand out against the darker coat.
Féli II. 10 December 2025.
The suit can initially seem a daunting outfit choice, especially if you haven’t worn one casually before. The two-piece set often becomes associated with work or very formal occasions – too austere, too serious. You might imagine the corporate blazer, smart trousers, and a formal pair of shoes.
Don’t be fooled by their reputation. Suits and two-piece sets can be incredibly varied and can be worn throughout the year. Go beyond the traditional fabrics, accessorise it right, and the suit becomes perfect for many occasions.
Double Denim Suit. 1 October 2025.
The simple definition of the suit is a set of outer clothes made from the same fabric and designed to be worn together. Denim sets are increasingly popular, and I have noticed they are being featured a lot in store fronts for Spring/Summer collections. I walked into Desigual in Barcelona the other day and double denim is everywhere. The denim “suit” might not be found at the most formal of events, but its possibilities are endless, plus you can dress it up and down.
Here, the outfit has a retro vibe: the ruffled shirt is a bit of Bowie and Prince, and the silhouette of the jeans are a flare with a fitted denim blazer. The denim worn here isn’t an exact match. However, it’s undetectable and as a two-piece works well. So, if you have a favourite pair of jeans or a preferred jacket, try thrifting for a complementary piece of denim to go with it! The key is to try to match the colour of the stitching and the buttons if you would like it to appear as a set. With a pair of big platform boots or loafers this outfit is complete.
It’s worth mentioning, an increasingly popular trend for double denim is the oversized, outer denim jacket paired with a bootcut or wider-leg jean. You could wear your favourite pair of trainers and a smaller top (cropped, tank, or graphic) for a streetwear vibe. The denim doesn’t necessarily have to match either; I’ve seen some great outfits that combine a darker wash with a lighter one, topped off with a funky belt.
Kiss I. 10 December 2025.
Here is a more formal example of a two-piece set. The dark brown is accented with gold. You never see joggers in a lecture in Paris. This outfit fits the professionalism and elegance that the halls of the Michelet Campus expect to see.
In Paris, general trends for the Spring / Summer collections were leaning towards the smart-casual suit, in particular for women. Recent collections and runways that certainly influenced the streets of Paris include the Chanel Métiers d’Art Show and the New Celine Printemps Collection (SS26).
Western boots in the street. 10 December 2025.
The outfit is paired with some vintage boots – you must be sensing a trend. These are western style: the stitching (to my best knowledge) is medallion, decorative and diamond-like. The block heel, slightly curved, ensures stability whilst walking, and the pointed toe is incredibly elegant.
The smart-casual suit. 10 December 2025.
The blazer is trending massively for this Spring / Summer. In Paris, it was being worn on the streets far ahead of this curve. The next and final look is of a preppy style, and feels particularly classic. It’s a great example of how formal attire – jacket and tie – can be dressed in a way that feels relaxed and trendy.
The preppy blazer I. 10 December 2025.
This look is polished and feels like it comes straight out of a vintage magazine. Here, the blazer pattern consists of Glen plaid (or Prince of Wales check) with a subtle overcheck. The tie features swirling, intricate patterns. This is distinctly formal and smart.
The preppy blazer II. 10 December 2025.
Yet, when paired with jeans, a nice belt and loafers, this outfit dresses itself down and aligns itself with the “smart-casual suit”. The jeans, slightly upturned, are relaxed. Again, our eyes might be drawn back to the rings worn – the silver of the belt buckle pairs well with these.
This is an outfit that exudes a laid-back but charismatic elegance. Typical of the sophistication of the looks on the Michelet Campus, academic and professional, but always with aesthetic trends in mind.
Loafers in the street. 10 December 2025.
And there you have it.
No matter how cynical I was when I first arrived, Paris has earned its name as a stylish city for very good reason. The French capital lives and breathes fashion through its culture, history, and visuality. It’s chic and retro with plenty of vintage stores and markets, but it never loses itself in the past. Consistently predicting trends in clothing, the city remains forward-thinking yet classic, combining luxury with vintage staples. The outfits seen at the Michelet Campus are the perfect example of this – trendy and put-together, understated and intentional.
Remember the key staples: the retro boot, the longline coat, and the versatile suit. Combining a classic minimalist look with a bit of your own unique flair will make an outfit stylish but personal, and that’s what Parisian students do so well. It’s a way of life. I can honestly say that everyone I know who studies and works in Paris has had a fashion glow-up. So, if you’re looking for inspiration for your Fall / Winter wardrobe, look no further than this city and its numerous chic residents.
Thank you to everyone who agreed to be in my photos, to everyone who read the drafts for this, and to Paris. A city I fall in love with again and again. Whose fashion is reflective of its unique charisma – chic, retro, remarkable. Please let me go back soon.
All photos belong to Molly Middlebrook unless otherwise stated