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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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