Ask me what I love most about Paris, and I’ll give you one answer. It’s not the breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower or the buttery croissants from La Maison d'Isabelle—it’s the fashion. I’m forever inspired by the way French women dress. Somehow, they manage to make wardrobe basics—like trench coats, button-downs, and tailored trousers—look like the chicest thing you’ll ever see. Most impressively, though, they’re always one step ahead of the latest styles. Case in point: this season’s Paris Fashion Week, where street stylers are effortlessly mastering fall’s most coveted trends.

Outside of Bassin de l'Octogone, where Jonathan Anderson presented Dior’s Spring 2027 show, one showgoer stood apart from the rest in a head-to-toe plaid outfit. Opting for sleek silhouettes, neutral shades, and minimal jewelry, she made her ensemble feel subtle instead of overwhelming. Elsewhere, a PFW guest ditched baggy bottoms for slim cigarette jeans—a denim trend that’s been taking the fashion set by storm. Another standout look came in the form of a cropped collared jacket, which was cinched with a thin belt for a structured silhouette.

Given that much of my personal style is heavily influenced by French fashion, it should come as no surprise that I’ve already added these PFW looks to my autumn mood board. Oh, and I’ve also shopped them out, pulling a range of pieces from affordable brands and designer labels that will help me to incorporate these trends into my own wardrobe.

If you want to follow my lead, scroll on. You don’t have to be in the City of Light to dress like you belong there.

Funnel-Neck Jackets

During the New York Fashion Week Spring 2027 shows, I spotted funnel-neck jackets on the runways of Ashlyn, Kallmeyer, and Sandy Liang. Since then, it appears as though the outerwear style has traveled approximately 3,600 miles to Paris, emerging across the PFW street style scene. I love how this showgoer assembled the look, keeping things casual with earthy hues and relaxed separates.

Plaid

Okay, technically plaid isn’t a trend—it’s a classic autumn print that's become more of a staple than anything. However, the way fashionistas are wearing the look these days feels very fresh. Take this street styler, for example, who fully committed to the criss-crossed pattern.

Pencil Skirts

Pencil skirts can be worn beyond board meetings and corporate lunches, and this look proves it. Styled with a mock-neck top, lofty pumps, and a designer handbag, this polished outfit can fit right into your going-out rotation. Wear it for a date at a chic cocktail bar or for a girls' night out at an upscale lounge.

Cigarette Jeans

Inspired by this savvy dresser, I’m ready to say au revoir to my baggy jeans. There’s something about a slim silhouette that feels inherently more sophisticated. Plus, this denim trend is a year-round staple, which means it has staying power. During the fall and winter, cigarette jeans will pair exceptionally well with cozy cashmere sweaters and faux fur coats. And once temperatures warm up, they’ll match with barely-there tank tops and classic white tees.

Cropped Jackets

Lately, I’ve been really into cropped outerwear. I’ve learned that the key to styling this trend is to balance out proportions with high-waisted bottoms. Take notes from this PFW attendee, who anchored her outfit with high-rise trousers. Then, she finished things off with a leather belt, glossy heels, and an elevated clutch.

Culottes

For those fall days that feel more like summer, swap your sweeping pants for a pair of culottes. This calf-grazing pants trend allows ample airflow, so it’ll keep you nice and cool. Teamed with a button-down and simple black shoes, this laid-back outfit will work for any casual occasion, whether you’re running errands or grabbing coffee with a friend.

Animal Prints

I might be a devoted minimalist, but this street styler has convinced me to give animal prints a try. I’ll do just that by adding a feral piece of outerwear to my fall wardrobe. Since the coat is the focal point here, I won’t need much else—just a simple slip dress and elegant accessories.

COS's latest arrivals are a reminder that the smartest wardrobe isn't necessarily the biggest—it's one where nearly everything speaks the same language. The new collection is filled with pieces that feel distinct, all without being difficult. A mix and match, anyone? An argyle knit brings pattern to a leather midi skirt, a vivid turtleneck interrupts the severity of black tailoring, and a fluid royal purple dress offers an instant outfit on days when layering feels like too much work—plus, it's the fashion set's favorite color of now. Even the quieter staples—wide-leg trousers, crisp shirting, quilted jackets for temperate weather, and minimalist outerwear—have enough of a vibe to stand on their own.

What makes this assortment particularly useful, though, is how easily it can be rearranged. The belted coat works just as naturally over a sweater and mini as it does with tailored trousers; the leather skirt can skew polished with a button-down or more relaxed knitwear; and those foundational separates can be mixed into wardrobes far beyond COS. It's modular dressing at its best, and somehow makes getting dressed feel less complicated. A win-win for all.

Ahead, the best fashion at COS, now.

Alongside being an internationally-renowned pop star, Dua Lipa also runs the Service95 Book Club, inviting people to join her in reading a new book every month. As part of her Service95 venture, which explores everything from the arts to style and politics, Lipa recently founded the Manifesto Library, described as "a permanent collection of 100 books," many of which have been banned or destroyed around the globe.

While hosting an event with author Ai Weiwei, Lipa made her feelings about censorship clear with a statement tee emblazoned with the word "censored."

As well as wearing the white slogan tee, the "Training Season" singer opted for a sleek Schiaparelli suit. The matching set consisted of the label's West London Jacket, its matching West London Vest, and a pair of Schiaparelli Tailored Snail Pants.

For accessories, Lipa showed she meant business with a Schiaparelli Mini Sac Secret East West Bag, featuring gold hardware.

For jewelry, the musician paired gold Hugo Kreit Pistil Chain Earrings with the brand's Bulot Ring, and a Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Watch.

"Yesterday in Porto, I had the honor of interviewing the legendary Ai Weiwei about his book On Censorship, inside our permanent MANIFESTO library in partnership with Livraria Lello," Lipa shared in her Instagram caption.

Her post continued, "What an honor to become a small part of this library's rich history, and to have the opportunity to speak with one of the world's most important artists and voices on censorship, freedom, and the power of expression...A very special day, in a very special place. I can't wait for you all to hear our conversation soon."

Shop Outfits Inspired by Dua Lipa

Fall has most definitely arrived, but that doesn't mean Jennifer Lawrence is ready to give up her summer flip-flops just yet. And for a New York City outing on October 2, the Oscar winner paired her favored footwear with the khaki pants trend.

Lawrence's flip-flops—Archies Footwear Arch Support Flip-Flops in Black—prove that the actress refuses to sacrifice comfort while walking around the city. The stylish, laidback footwear paired perfectly with the khaki pants trend—which New York royalty Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy helped make famous decades ago.

Keeping the rest of her outfit casual, Lawrence styled her khaki pants with a white vest and a long black cardigan.

Sleek accessories helped to elevate her day-off look, including a Gimaguas Brown Laia Pocket Bag, which retails for just $435, and Dior's Oblique B1I Shiny Black Butterfly Sunglasses.

For jewelry, Lawrence opted for two classic rewears—her engagement ring from husband Cooke Maroney, and Yi Collection's Pyramid Large Ring in Emerald, which costs $8,150.

The weather might be colder, but Lawrence is clearly committed to her flip-flops, and who can blame her?

Shop Outfits Inspired by Jennifer Lawrence

Princess Kate is known for her ability to make items of clothing sell out almost immediately whenever she wears them. But the "Kate effect" seriously worried one fashion designer, who couldn't believe what happened when the Princess of Wales wore their brand.

British designer Jade Holland Cooper, who runs Princess Kate-approved brand Holland Cooper, revealed what happened when the royal endorsed her label during an appearance on the "Olivia's House" podcast.

"The first time she wore it, it was just like amazing," Cooper explained (via People). "She's probably the only person globally you can't pay to wear something...so when she wears something, you know, she likes it, [and] she's picked it organically."

The designer continued, "I remember looking down at my phone, and I had like 200 missed calls, and I thought, 'Oh my god, someone's died! What's happening?'"

When Princess Kate wore two outfits from the designer on the same day in May 2021, Cooper was pretty overwhelmed.

"She wore our double-breasted blazer in the morning, and then she wore our trench coat on the red carpet in the evening, and it was just like this...supersonic day where the globe goes green, everyone's shopping all over the world," Cooper explained.

The designer continued, "You're on every press article, every news coverage, there's 500 million fan accounts, like, it's crazy."

As Cooper noted, "They call it the 'Kate effect' for a reason." Basically, the Princess of Wales can completely alter the trajectory of any brand, which is more than a little impressive.

Shop Holland Cooper

Between the 2026 MTV VMAs, the Verity and Sense and Sensibility press tours, and Paris Fashion Week, this week's celebrity looks set a high style standard for October.

The end-of-September step-and-repeats started strong at the VMAs, where Taylor Swift debuted one of her best red carpet dresses yet: a black-and-bejeweled gown by Tamara Ralph. Once Swift premiered the "Patient Zero" music video, took home the inaugural Artist Director Award, and became the most-awarded artist in VMA history, the fashion focus shifted back to Paris Fashion Week. Rihanna boarded the Matières Fécales bandwagon that started with Zendaya's The Odyssey wings this summer, Jennifer Lawrence returned to Dior's front row in a lingerie-looking nightgown, and at Saint Laurent, Zoë Kravitz showed some skin in a lacy black look.

While Paris Fashion Week became the most star-studded Fashion Month chapter of the Spring/Summer 2027 season, Dakota Johnson and Daisy Edgar-Jones kept the style scene running elsewhere. After Johnson debuted back-to-back custom Calvin Klein looks at the VMAs and New York City's Verity premiere, she visited Late Night With Seth Meyers in a backless little black dress. Meanwhile in Australia, Edgar Jones gave the bra top and capri pants trend a Jane Austen heroine-style makeover.

With some of the season's most high-profile fêtes falling on the same week, it's no surprise that cool-girl celebrity looks just kept coming. Ahead, catch up on the week's best fashion moments—from J.Law, Johnson, and more—that you might've missed during your most recent FYP scroll.

Zoë Kravitz's Saint Laurent Look

Zoë Kravitz found her rightful place in Saint Laurent's front row, wearing an on-brand blouse and midi skirt sculpted from sheer black lace. Marie Claire couldn't help but notice that it resembled her nearly naked gown at the 2026 Met Gala.

Hailey Bieber's Vintage Narciso Rodriguez Dress

Hailey Bieber blessed Paris Fashion Week watchers with multiple fabulous fashion moments this week. Between the baggy Saint Laurent suit, her holiday party-ready dress, and the French girl-inspired jeans outfit, it's difficult to choose a favorite.

In the end, the winner was the vintage Cerruti Spring 1997 slip dress, which was designed by Narciso Rodriguez for his friend Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's rehearsal dinner in 1996. Her stylist, Dani Michelle, deserves finger-claps for that pull.

Katie Holmes's Black, White, and Red Look

Always on board for a little red bag, Katie Holmes brought her new Mansur Gavriel tote to Paris Fashion Week. There, the bucket-style sling became the pop of color against her black blazer, shade-matched stilettos, and white, feather-trimmed skirt from the London label Tove.

Daisy Edgar-Jones's Dries Van Noten Look in Australia

Daisy Edgar-Jones and her stylist, Dani Michelle, delivered look after look in Australia this week. In between a naked Miu Miu dress and a ruffled Alaïa look, the actor paired a cotton poplin bra top with matching capri pants (both by Dries Van Noten) in a refined, Sense and Sensibility-worthy way.

Dakota Johnson's Gia Studios Look at the 'Verity' Premiere in NYC

For her first late-night look of the week (she's the host of the new Saturday Night Live episode), Dakota Johnson kept it classic in a little black dress by Vietnamese designer Gia Studios. The open-back design was alluring, but the full-coverage front kept it TV-appropriate.

Jennifer Lawrence's Dior Dress

Jennifer Lawrence is a comfort-first kind of fashion girl—even at Paris Fashion Week. Giving the pajama-dressing trend a dash of glamour, the Oscar winner supported the Dior show in a lace-trimmed nightgown made of cool blue, brocade-adorned silk.

Tate McRae's Sheer Look

Tate McRae celebrated her first Paris Fashion Week in true pop star style: wearing an entirely transparent camisole with leather trousers, pointy pumps, a Valentino Garavani Spike bag, and a perfect blowout—during a dinner date with Bieber (casual).

Sabrina Carpenter's Backless Sweater Dress by Bernadette

Sabrina Carpenter skipped the red carpet at the 2026 MTV VMAs, but she made up for it with a Madonna-inspired performance outfit and, later in the week, an off-stage style serve. She wore a backless, lime green sweater dress by Bernadette with an adorable crocheted bandana.

Taylor Swift's Tamara Ralph Dress

Seconds before the 2026 MTV VMAs started, Taylor Swift won the red carpet in what Team Marie Claire called "one of her best looks ever." Dressing Swift in a high-collar bodice, a mesh corset back, and a bejeweled skirt with delicate drapery, the pop star's stylist, Joseph Cassel Falconer, added a new designer to her archives: Tamara Ralph. And did you catch the up-close shot of her wedding band?

I'm just going to say it: I'm bored to death of fall shoes. Too often, autumnal footwear trends can feel played-out and uninspired: the leather loafer, the knee-high boot, the simple ballet flat. It's not the shoe style that irks me, it's the same drab color palette we return to year after year.

I yearn for something more than classic black, espresso, or whatever forest-grown hue designers are favoring at the moment. Give me pattern! Give me texture! Give me the full spectrum of color! Thankfully, that's exactly what fall 2026's shoe offerings have provided.

Fall's shoe selection has taken an abrupt turn for the titillating. We, as a society, have (mercifully!) evolved beyond the confines of brown suede and black leather. Now, it-girls are shopping funky autumnal styles in every matter of fabric and hue. I'm talking sneakers coated in snakeskin, hot-girl clogs covered in curly fur, knee-high boots with a swanky slouch, and color-blocked pumps that give a distinct Matthieu Blazy vibe.

It's this shift toward the fresh and invigorating that inspired me to put this story together. Ahead, shop the coolest fall shoe styles that will influence your next shopping trip.

Can I speak French? Despite taking classes for six years straight, no. I am, however, fluent in the language of French girl fashion. I didn't learn the lingo by keeping my eyes fixed on the celebrity-filled front rows at Paris Fashion Week. For the real master classes, I had to (metaphorically) step outside the Spring/Summer 2027 shows, where the street style circuit translated the secret to getting dressed like a Parisienne: trench coats.

When I say trench coats are everywhere this season, I mean everywhere: Balenciaga. Schiaparelli. Chloé. Dior. While there is certainly no shortage of Jane Birkin-approved pieces (with their slightly oversized silhouettes and in chic neutrals), French girls are giving the storied classic a modern-day makeover.

The trenches around town feature cropped hems, glossy leather, funnel-neck collars, pops of prints, and anything-but-khaki colors. See? Being French doesn't automatically make you a minimalist.

Take everything you think you know about trench coats (calf length, camel-colored) and widen your horizons. For instance, cropped trenches, featuring extra-large lapels and double-breasted buttons, are covering only a portion of French girl outfits. Because the waist-high hem are already outside the norm, most showgoers stick to timeless neutral tints.

Getting bolder as the days go on, patterned trenches soon appeared One guest, while en route to Chloé, wore a chocolate brown coat with peekaboo plaid along the calf-sweeping interior. Another style setter confirmed that Sienna Miller and New York fashion editors aren't the only ones obsessed with Sézane's sold-out Clyde Trench Coat, known for its brown-and-blue gingham lining. It's truly a French girl favorite, too. Meanwhile, maximalists are letting their fully patterned pieces (see: a black-and-white houndstooth trench) do all the talking.

Now, leather is all over the recent spring runways, but I never expected it to swallow street-style trenches, too. Calfskin coats bring the drama and, as such, are popular among A-listers like Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and more. But fashion insiders are showing off burgundy, black, green, charcoal gray, and even croc-embossed trenches like the street style celebrities that they are, too.

Back to Birkin, who in the '70s preferred her trench coats large and in charge. It seems some of that energy rubbed off on today's Fashion Week fans: high-collar coats are putting scarves out of a job. It seems French girls sourced style inspiration from the pre-Paris fashion shows in New York City—that way, by the time the style parade reached France, they were on trend. Funnel-neck coats covered the catwalks at Altuzarra, Khaite, and Ralph Lauren, before flocking to coat racks across the pond.

While high-collar coats came straight from NYC, the colorful trench trend emerged a little closer to home. Everyone from Chloé and Tom Ford to Dries Van Noten and Saint Laurent doused their Spring 2027 styles in shocking shades of yellow, blue, green, and gold. Outside the shows, attendees are following suit, co-signing trenches in tangerine brocade, terracotta canvas, burgundy, cobalt blue, and more.

On the simpler side, some showgoers are expanding their color stories with unconventional neutrals—not necessarily hues that would make you stop and stare. This is an easy, effortlessly chic way for minimalists like me to warm up to trench coats beyond the borders of beige, camel, and ecru.

Thus concludes our French (girl fashion) lesson of the day. All that to say? There is one universal language—or look, rather—that all style setters understand: trench coats. So, join me in shopping the made-for-Fashion-Month styles below, and I guarantee someone will mistake you for a local before the Fall/Winter 2027 season next February.

Shop French Girl Trench Coats Inspired by Paris Fashion Week

Affordable fashion is at its best when price is almost beside the point—when a $150 blouse or under-$350 dress earns its place in your rotation because it looks good, feels good, and can survive far more than a single season. This week's affordable fashion edit is filled with exactly those kinds of finds, from softly draped blouses and scarf-neck tops that can sharpen up jeans for the office, to lightweight knits that make transitional dressing considerably less complicated. The palette is equally intriguing: powder blue, cream, tomato red, and chocolate brown offer enough color to feel fresh without singling out a particular moment in fashion history.

The dresses here are particularly strong, if I do say so myself, spanning polished midi silhouettes, languid satin styles for dinner plans, rich prints, and flashes of red and cobalt that can easily move from workdays and lavish reservations to fall weddings and holiday parties—believe it or not, 'tis the season! And the accessories do some of the heaviest lifting: sleek kitten heels, retro sneakers, narrow sunglasses, and pointed-toe flats can make even your most familiar basics feel relevant again.

Better still, everything in this edit is under $350, proving that the best affordable fall fashion isn't necessarily about buying more and more—it's about discovering those smart, versatile pieces that look far more expensive than their price tags suggest.

Tops, Blouses & Tees

This season's best blouses are anything but buttoned-up and boring. Draped necklines, scarf details, fluid fabrics, and soft (colorful!) knits give these affordable styles a sense of polish.

Trousers, Denim & Skirts

Consider these bottoms the foundation of a vary good fall wardrobe. Wide-leg trousers from Leset and Madewell, straight-leg denim from Everlane, and polished midi skirts, from With Jéan and Dôen bring just enough personality to everyday dressing.

Dresses

If you're looking for fall dresses that do all the work for you, you've come to the right place! Rich prints and saturated colors feel polished enough for the office, dinner, or an upcoming evening event.

Bits, Bobs & Baubles

The right accessories can make the most pared-back outfit feel intentional and considered. Sleek kitten heels, retro sneakers, sculptural bags, pointed flats, and slim sunglasses bring a distinctly current finish to fall basics.

Outerwear

Fall outerwear should work as hard as the clothes underneath it. From suede and corduroy jackets to classic trenches and wrap coats, these under-$350 layers bring rich texture, warm color, and an expensive-looking finish.

If it wasn't for the teeny-tiny Rhode pimple patch beneath her sunglasses at Paris Fashion Week, I might've mistaken Hailey Bieber for a casually cool local. To camouflage herself on October 1, Bieber styled classic jeans that looked fresh from a French girl's closet. Even her two-week-old leather jacket (courtesy of Magda Butrym's first New York Fashion Week show) could've earned endorsements from a Parisian or two.

The paparazzi spotted Bieber outside the Hotel Plaza Athénée party, wearing her most laid-back Paris Fashion Week look of the Spring/Summer 2027 season. (Leading up to her runway show-free fête, the Rhode founder rotated between an oversized Saint Laurent suit, a backless little black dress, and a glittery gold holiday look.) This time, she sourced Magda Butrym's Spring 2027 collection for a cropped, shoulder-padded jacket, featuring wispy calfskin fringe, rather than the more traditional shearling, on the collar, closure, and cuffs.

As for her bottoms, I don't need a stylist—or a connection to the creative director—to add her jeans to my denim drawer. Bieber's denim pants resemble Levi's Ribcage Ankle-Length Jeans, $110 denim that's currently 40 percent off. Believe it or not, her beloved Hailey Bieber x Gap jeans (which the mall brand just restocked today) haven't popped up in Paris, but Fashion Month isn't over yet.

To accessorize (and seemingly dress down) the Magda Butrym jacket, Bieber kept a low profile in a sporty Mercedes-Benz baseball cap, that wouldn't have looked out of place in L.A. or New Yok; a classic black clutch; and peep-toe leather pumps.

The leather-jacket-and-jeans uniform has plenty of Parisian fans this Fashion Week. However, similar to French-girl fashion, it's an oldie but a goodie in Bieber's regular rotation.

Bieber started stacking leather jackets over jeans in the mid-2010s, making this relationship longer than the one with her husband. Since then, she has remained loyal to the cool-girl look, adding rugby shirts, Saint Laurent bags, and It shoes to the mix, but never betraying her baseline everyday basics: black jackets and sky-blue bottoms.

Who knew Bieber and French girls shared the same taste in denim dressing? Now that I do, I'm tripling the amount of leather jackets and jeans in my fall-to-winter wardrobe. To join me in stocking up for the season, shop the similar styles below.

Shop Leather Jackets and Jeans Inspired by Hailey Bieber

When Sarah Jessica Parker walked the red carpet at the New York City Ballet Fall Fashion Gala on October 1, I had a Carrie Bradshaw déjà vu moment: I couldn't help but wonder, "Why does her dress, a sheer tea-length style by Simone Rocha, feel so familiar?" And just like that, it hit me: The London-based brand was featured in an episode of the Sex and the City spin-off series.

As the vice chair of the New York City Ballet Board (and creator of the Fall Fashion Gala back in 2012), Parker warmed up the red carpet at the single-night soirée, which features world-premiere performances and raises money to support the dance company. This year, Simone Rocha created the costumes for the gala's on-stage showing of Mirror/Sky. In continuation of her tradition of supporting the guest designer (see: her black swan-style, Iris van Herpen gown in 2025), Parker sourced Simone Rocha's Fall 2026 fashion show for a whimsical, long-sleeve look.

For the foundation of her fairytale outfit, Parker paired a cream-colored bra with a pleated tulle petticoat (perhaps a nod to the ballet tutu), layered under a slightly sheer dress. The milky midi featured itty-bitty rosette embroidery, an elegant V-neck, and cascading corset-style ribbons that stretched from shoulder to hem.

To finish her latest red carpet look, Parker accessorized with bejeweled Manolo Blahnik pumps (another Carrie-coded choice), ballet-pink bows braided into her Rapunzel-looking hairstyle, and Simone Rocha's Lasercut Lace Shopper Tote. Even the cute white carry-all boasted the ribbon motif.

The tea-length dress looked a lot different on the Fall 2026 catwalk during London Fashion Week. Not only were the sleeves capped and short, but a strawberry-red track jacket from the Simone Rocha x Adidas collaboration (which sold out last month) appeared beneath the floral-printed piece, giving it a sportier feel. The ribbons were also more undone, adding more volume to the shape. To double down on the balletcore aesthetic, the model wore high-vamp, ballet slipper-style flats instead of heels.

Now, Simone Rocha wasn't just the fashion star of the Fall Fashion Gala's show. The brand also played a part in And Just Like That..., the HBO Max Sex and the City sequel series.

While filming the third and final season, Parker opened the episode in a sheer tea-length style from Simone Rocha's Spring 2024 collection. The Emmy winner's green bra wasn't the only design detail on full display: faux pink roses were packed into pockets on the dress's voluminous tutu (a Carrie Bradshaw classic) and an identical trench coat. Shockingly, Manolo Blahniks traded places with strappy Aquazzura sandals.

And just like that, Carrie Bradshaw's story (and her legendary closet) lives on in Parker's personal style. If only Simone Rocha could permanently create the New York City Ballet's costumes—and thus dress the Fall Fashion Gala's celebrity guests. The brand brings out the feminine, statement-making side of Parker's fashion—one that, without Sex and the City, we don't see as often anymore.

Ballet flats have become more of a default than ever in recent seasons, as ease continues to shape how we want to dress. They’re simple, comfortable, and have that nonchalant quality that can make almost anything feel a little less done-up.

For fall, the variations are especially interesting. Supple, glove-like flats that mold closely to the foot have already been gaining traction this summer and are climbing the trend ranks for fall, while higher-cut vamps put more emphasis on sharp, pointed toes. Mary Janes have had staying power for several seasons now, too, with quintessentially sweet versions alongside styles toughened up with bolder hardware and embellishments. Woven leather, rich suede, and satin add more tactile appeal, while cherry red, cobalt, and animal prints bring a pop of personality.

The relaxed quality of flats is exactly why they pair so well with such a wide range of looks. For early fall, wear them with tailored Bermudas and slightly slouchy trousers with a fitted knit, then layer on a jacket or blazer as temperatures drop. Baggy jeans with an oversize shirt or sweater lean into that same sense of ease, while a skirt and polo bring in a more grown-up collegiate feel. They also work beautifully with monochromatic looks, whether the outfit is casual or more refined.

And there’s no reason to keep them strictly casual. Ballet flats with a formal dress take some of the formality out of the look in a way that feels cool and unexpected. That contrast feels particularly relevant for a fall season that’s shaping up to be decidedly refined: The flat keeps all that from feeling too precious or overly done.

Ahead, shop the ballet flat trends defining fall 2026.

I've never been to Paris Fashion Week, but this fall, when a fellow style setter spots my jeans on the street, I want them to think I'm fresh from an Air France flight. (For context, French girls have top-tier taste in denim.) To get mistaken for a Parisian transplant, I'm shifting my fashion focus from the celebrity front-row circuit to the street style scene, where showgoers on the sidewalk offer enough inspiration to revamp my entire denim drawer.

Now, I'm not saying that Fashion Week fans in New York City, London, and Milan aren't worthy of a spot on my denim mood board. In NYC, the arrivals outside Calvin Klein made a strong case for Canadian tuxedos. Meanwhile, The London Effect influenced me to give barrel jeans another go. But there's something about the pairs in Paris (whether classic colors or relaxed legs) that makes me forget about all of my friction with jeans and go back to the beginning—of building my denim collection, that is.

What I adore most about the jeans at Paris Fashion Week is how different they are—especially since I'm trying to step outside of my sky blue, straight-leg comfort zone. Cuffed denim was one of the first designer-tested trends to get the street style treatment; the looser the legs, the better. Most attendees rolled up the hems to reveal interesting shoes. See: razor-sharp stilettos or horsebit leather loafers.

Even if hems weren't cuffed, French girls rejected the skintight resurgence in wide-leg bottoms. If spacious jeans stretched beyond their shoes, scuffing and potentially tearing against the Parisian sidewalk, they didn't blink twice. The style sacrifice was well worth it. At the same time, not everyone was willing to take that risk, so stuffing extra-long hems into fall boots became a foolproof fix. And it helped the baggy bottoms look more refined in a boho-chic way.

Turns out, when cuffed and wide-leg denim migrated from NYC and London, they weren't alone: Canadian tuxedos tagged along, too. That's not to say that double-denim attire looked the same on Parisians. In France, mid- to dark-wash jackets and jeans were stacked over white T-shirts and tanks à la Jane Birkin. Whereas in NYC, most pro-Canadian tuxedo people kept their button-downs closed, completely concealing the layers underneath.

Yes, Birkin is the epitome of the French girl aesthetic, but less-is-more denim looks aren't for everyone. Some picked unconventional pants that were guaranteed to turn heads, just to keep fellow showgoers and photographers on their toes. Outside Fashion Shows from Dior, Chloé, and more, sequined, patchworked, bedazzled, and striped jeans were present (even leather Western-looking chaps popped up).

Usually, to ensure the rest of their looks wouldn't steal the show, the maximalists would dress their denim with timeless black or white tops. The stylist and content creator Tina Leung, on the other hand, couldn't resist styling Dior's sequin-adorned denim with an asymmetrical, statement-making coat.

Now, my inner minimalist must give an honorable mention to the trendsetters wearing simple-on-the-surface jeans in Paris; the ones that lean more Birkin than bold. Going braless beneath a tank top, refusing to retire well-loved ballet flats, keeping it classic in a cropped trench coat, and finishing everything with a grab-and-go bag by Louis Vuitton, The Row, or Hermès is denim dressing in its Parisian prime. And that effortlessly chic energy is on full display at Fashion Week.

All this to say? My Paris Fashion Week debut could be months or years away, but when that time comes, I plan on packing my luggage with jeans inspired by the stars of the Spring/Summer 2027 circuit. Who knows? Maybe my homage will be so strong that someone will ask me for directions to the nearest fashion show. In the meantime, the pieces below will bring a little bit of Paris to the Midwest.

Shop French-Girl Denim Inspired by Paris Fashion Week

Somewhere between the first wisp of chiffon and the last unapologetically pretty skirt at Dior’s Spring/Summer 2027 show, I decided I’d been dressing far too practically. Suddenly, I don’t want a sensible little outfit. I want to look as though I’ve just emerged from the final chapter of a very expensive period drama—slightly windswept, hopelessly yearning, and wearing something diaphanous enough to suggest I have nowhere particularly urgent to be.

Jonathan Anderson’s latest Dior collection has that effect. For Spring 2027, he took some of the house’s most recognizable codes—the cinched Bar jacket, sweeping circle skirts, careful tailoring—and seemingly slackened their laces. Chiffon rendered traditionally structured silhouettes nearly weightless; tiny, translucent skirts winked beneath softly tailored jackets; ribbons replaced rigidity; and dimensional pastel flowers appeared as though they’d been plucked from some exceptionally well-tended fictional garden. The result was romantic without becoming overemotional, nostalgic without feeling remotely stuck in the past. A modern-day love story, only instead of waiting for a knight in shining armor, I’m waiting for the wardrobe.

And now I want in. Not on the corsets and courtship part, necessarily, but on the wardrobe of the modern romantic heroine: sheer blouses with a little drama at the sleeve, brocade details, skirts that move when you walk, softened tailoring, delicate florals, and dresses that seem destined for an afternoon spent doing something wildly unproductive. Anderson’s Dior woman doesn’t look like she’s playing dress-up in another century. She looks like she borrowed its most romantic ideas, loosened them up, and brought them firmly into the present—which is precisely how I’d like to dress next spring.

When I think of J.Crew, one of fashion’s most iconic American heritage brands, I’m reminded of quintessential minimalism and polished prep style. Since 1983, the label has consistently delivered well-tailored basics that serve as capsule wardrobe building blocks—the kind you buy once and wear for years without worrying they’ll become passé.

Nearly four decades later, with Creative Director Olympia Gayot at the helm, J.Crew has maintained its signature design codes while introducing fresh twists on old classics. A prime example is the Rollneck collection, which houses some of the brand’s best-selling styles.

The original Rollneck—which debuted in 1988 and was famously worn by Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy—features a roomy silhouette, raglan sleeves, and a slouchy neckline that can be folded down or left untouched. Today, you can find that exact loose-fitting style alongside several contemporary iterations.

The 2025 Rollneck offers a slightly more relaxed fit compared to its boxy predecessor and comes in vibrant colorways like regal purple and cool blue. There’s also the Rollneck Reversible Cardigan, a more fitted alternative that can be worn with the buttons in front or reversed as a crewneck.

And, of course, I can’t forget about the newest addition: the Tiny Rollneck. Created in collaboration with Emma Chamberlain, this design features a shrunken hemline, chunky ribbed trim, and a quarter-zip closure. While it recently received some backlash for its Gen Z-centric appeal, it’s undoubtedly a favorite among fashion insiders—including Marie Claire Editor-in-Chief Nikki Ogunnaike and Staff Writer Meguire Hennes.

While each version varies slightly, one thing remains consistent about J.Crew’s Rollnecks: they’re versatile at their core. How do I know this? Well, I’ve tested each version thoroughly, wearing them for a variety of occasions and receiving plenty of compliments in the process. Whether paired with a lace-trimmed skirt and high-vamp flats for an upscale dinner or with wide-leg trousers and ballet slippers for a laid-back errand run, the styling options are endless.

My favorite thing about them, though, is how comfortable they are. Stitched with 100 percent cotton, these Rollnecks have the cozy feel of a plush blanket, making them the perfect companion for a chilly autumn day when the wind is howling and crisp leaves are piling up on the ground.

Given that sweater weather has officially arrived, there’s no better time to invest in a Rollneck for your closet. Do just that with the curated shopping edit below, and feel free to reference my outfits for inspiration. You’ll find yourself wearing these cozy layers on repeat this season—trust me.

Tiny Rollneck

While I’ve heard some chatter about how “controversial” the Tiny Rollneck is for its cropped silhouette, I actually don’t mind it at all. In fact, I love how the hemline hits me right above my waist. I’m five foot four inches—plus, I have a short torso—so it provides the perfect fit for my body shape.

For this outfit, I kept things casual, styling the Rollneck over a plain T-shirt for a layered look. Anchored with loose trousers, cushioned Mary Janes, and an easygoing shoulder bag, this off-duty uniform is fitting for a chill day—whether I’m grabbing coffee with a friend, visiting my local farmers’ market, or taking a stroll through the park.

1988 Rollneck

One of the defining features about this cult-classic sweater is its oversized construction. However, for someone like myself who is on the shorter side, spacious silhouettes tend to swallow my frame. So, I cinched this pullover with a fringed belt. Not only did it add some structure, but it also provided a whimsical touch. I played into texture by slipping into a lace-trimmed satin skirt, and then I embraced a hint of color with burgundy high-vamp flats and a cherry red handbag.

Although J.Crew’s Rollneck sweaters are inherently relaxed, this look proves that they can be easily elevated.

2025 Rollneck

Fashion’s English country style has been gradually infiltrating my closet, as you can see by this rustic look. Since J.Crew’s 2025 Rollneck is pretty roomy, I opted for a baggy barn jacket large enough to fit over it. Keeping in line with the farm-ready feel of this outfit, I incorporated jeans and riding boots. Intentional accessories—like a sumptuous suede tote and subtle gold jewelry—help to make this ensemble appear more polished.

Rollneck Reversible Cardigan

In a sea of sweaters, J.Crew’s Rollneck Reversible Cardigan stands apart from the crowd. Punctuated with charming buttons, it reads sophisticated and considered. I chose to fasten it all the way up for a classic turtleneck silhouette, but you can easily leave it slightly undone if that’s your preference.

I finished things off with a tailored trench coat, flared corduroy pants, heeled boots, and a leather laptop bag for a nine-to-five uniform that can easily take me from the office to a post-work happy hour.