Every new trend and pitfall to avoid in Paris this autumn

Now that sunny days are a thing of the past and the leaves are slowly slipping from the trees across France, it's time to make way for the autumnal transition by adjusting your wardrobe, bringing out the mid-season jackets and preparing the winter coats, while leaving aside the mini-skirts - unless you're particularly intrepid. For fashion lovers, this season offers the ultimate opportunity to show off their style, as the art of layering clothes, sporting daring coats or original boots comes into its own. Get ready for autumn with these timely tips on the best trends of the season.

Inconspicuous colours 

Miu Miu

Gucci

Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent

If you're looking for the perfect coat for this autumn, follow the advice of Alexandre Marain, journalist at Vogue France and opt for camel colours. This colour blends harmoniously with the deep browns, chestnuts and orange shades that characterise the season. It's interesting to note the fashion industry's recent emphasis on minimalism. Designers often favour soft colours rather than bright hues, as was highlighted at Gucci's latest SS24 show. Similar trends were seen at the SS24 shows of Saint Laurent, Ami and Neil Barrett, where soft tones were the order of the day, sometimes complemented by brighter touches. Back to the camel coat. This essential piece was present in a variety of forms at the FW24 shows, from the creations of Dries van Noten to those of Miu Miu. Whether you prefer a belted style or one with simple buttons, this colour and style of coat lends itself to a multitude of looks. Whether you're heading to the bakery or coming back from a sports session, it's the perfect way to keep warm and stylish at the same time.

Of course, trench coats are one of our favourite must-haves. But perhaps the most sought-after and stylish are leather trenches. Whether worn or faded, leather trenches are undeniably fashionable and timeless. Paired with a turtleneck and dark sunglasses à la Julia Roberts in Nothing Hill, they always create an impeccable look. To keep up with current trends, pair a green, ruby or chocolate trench over a sheer top or dress. It's important to stress that all these pieces are unisex, offering styling flexibility to suit individual preferences and moods. And let's not forget to mention the cropped trench coat, ever growing in popularity.

From revisited suits to multi-faceted blazers

Zegna

Saint Laurent

Miu Miu

Miu Miu

Autumn is the perfect time to slip into a great suit, but it doesn't have to be the full ensemble: blazers are also all the rage this season. Whether oversized or patterned, a simple blazer can transform any outfit, especially if worn casually with straight leg denim and a pair of boots. And blazers aren't limited to trousers. According to an article by journalist Halie Lesavage published in Harper's Bazaar, the current trend consists in a blazer paired with a long skirt, or even wide trousers, in a skirt-and-breeches style inspired by Japanese models.

Another trend spotted on the Balenciaga catwalk was the oversized suit. Playing with feminine silhouettes, oversized trousers and blazers seduced fashion lovers. They go perfectly with trench coats, often worn casually over the shoulders to highlight the suit. And for men, jackets can easily be worn with baggy jeans, enhanced by shiny loafers or pointed boots. The professional look traditionally associated with blazers is now a thing of the past. Even hoodies work well with them, as seen in the Miu Miu FW24 show, creating casual looks while providing welcome warmth. For an even more relaxed look, team a blazer with a classic baseball cap. This is Parisian autumn fashion, casual and sophisticated at the same time.

Cowboy boots and sneaker collaborations 

Ganni

Khaite

Puma Ottolinger

Acne Studios

Miu Miu

Ah, boots are all the rage these days. And we're not talking about the usual Uggs. The streets of the City of Lights are awash with boots, for men and women, in every shape, colour and style imaginable. One surprising trend? Cowboy boots. Who would have thought that the spirit of the American Wild West would find its way into European fashion? We almost wonder if the cowboy hat will be next on the list! But all joking aside, cowboy boots should clearly be the highlight of your wardrobe this autumn. And don't necessarily think leather, think suede. For example, the knee-high western boots from Khaite, with their small heel, are the perfect pairing with a camel coat, and if you're looking for a little more sparkle to contrast with the autumn colours, opt for the bright red boots from Ganni. And, let's not forget, even if soft tones are king, variations of red are in vogue this season.

But cowboys aren't the only ones galloping across Parisian pavements. Biker boots are also all the rage. Not only are they a fashion accessory in their own right, but they lend themselves to all kinds of styles. From simple outfits to daring biker looks, they can take on anything. The most stylish biker boots? Definitely Acne Studios. Yes, they're an investment, but they'll last you a lifetime. Finally, let's talk about this new alliance between sports brands and luxury houses. From Puma's collaborations with Ottolinger to those with Coperni, goodbye big Balenciaga trainers! Now it's hard to meet anyone in Paris who isn't wearing a pair of Salomons or Asics, with a touch of haute couture. It's a great way to combine useful tech/sportswear with fun.

Red balaclavas and berets

Saint Laurent

Coperni

Marni

Ferragamo

Bottega Veneta

Accessories are the icing on the cake of any wardrobe, but it's perhaps in autumn that they shine brightest. This season, it's all about knitwear, especially balaclavas. Coperni, Lemaire, Casablanca, Marni, the list is endless. And the great thing is that they come in an infinite range of colours, so you can stand out even with a more sober look. Let's also talk about hats: a grand style is making a comeback, and not your typical beret, but rather a revisited, Kangol style look that makes all the difference. And then there are the gloves, but not the simple knitted ones. Opt for leather or suede, as seen recently at the Saint Laurent SS24 show in Paris. These long black gloves, inspired by the style of the 50s, are back in force, adding a chic touch to any outfit.

When it comes to handbags, autumn is undoubtedly the season for red. From Bottega Veneta's Hop Small Leather shoulder bag to Ferragamo's Wanda leather Top-Handle and Coperni's Swipe Mani patent leather Top-Handle, deep shades of red dominate the fashion accessories scene. Another trend this autumn is XXL tote bags, such as those by Jil Sander, Coach and Anne Demeulemeester. These bags are practical, offering enough space for everything you need on a busy day. What's more, they allow you to stash your accessories if you're feeling hot, or slip in an extra jumper or scarf when the chill starts to set in. That's what autumn fashion is all about: the perfect balance between style and functionality.