6 Winter Accessory Trends All the Chic French Women Are Suddenly Into

I was back in Paris a few weeks ago and—as always—had one eye firmly on local trends at all times. There were fashion items that I noticed cool people wearing every time we were out and about, plus so many unsurprisingly chic and effortless looks to be seen out and about on the streets. Now that I’ve had a moment to reflect (and scroll through Instagram as I’ve sat in various airports this past week), there are definitely a handful of French accessory trends that deserve a moment.

Given how Parisian style typically leans quite classic, accessories take on a major role in elevating French women’s looks that are so often grounded in understated, neutral apparel. These accessories that are being used as easy styling tweaks run the gamut from purely decorative to highly practical, and the best thing is that they can all be rather affordable outfit upgrades if you know where to shop. From weather-ready footwear to a rich-looking way to style leather gloves, here are the accessories currently trending on the streets of Paris.

Tucked Leather Gloves

Leather gloves are basically instant elegance—even more so if they’re slightly longer in length or in a snake-embossed leather. What’s most notable is the way they’re being styled. The trend is to have them tucked into belted outerwear in an intentional way that makes it very clear that fashion is your passion.

Belted Outerwear

Speaking of belted outwear, I witnessed a movement of chic French women using regular leather belts to cinch their oversize coats. It was all about black and brown styles in leather and suede, regardless of width or buckle shape. Belt loops were absolutely not required.

’90s-Inspired Headbands

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy would 100% approve of all the headbands on show in Paris this month. Velvet, leather, and satin styles were all spotted, but ’90s-inspired tortoiseshell patterns are still my personal favorite.

Rain Boots

If functional fashion holds a place near to your heart, you’ll be thrilled to know that rubber boots were out and about, which makes perfect sense in such a stereotypically rainy city. The required styling seems to be chunky wool socks pulled up high.

Hooded Scarves

In another burst of practicality, hooded scarves seem to be trending with all ages of French women. I was as into the puffy styles worn by cool teenagers with oversize leather jackets as I was the elegant plaid styles draped over long wool coats by women in their 50s.

Baseball Caps

Speaking of keeping your hair dry (or at least slightly safe from the wind), there was no shortage of cool caps on display in Paris. Denim, a long coat, and trendy sneakers complete the look, which remains the universal off-duty uniform of cool girls everywhere.