French style tips an Irish girl learned from living in Paris this winter
Leaving her home in Dublin for Paris, one of the fashion capitals of the world, Kara O’Sullivan has been surrounded by good style since arriving last summer. But what does one wear when temperatures plummet and legs-out season is over? She shares the top winter dressing tips she’s learned from Parisians since moving.
When I moved to Paris last September, I was greeted by beating sunshine, bright blue skies, and 34-degree weather. Whilst the heat was a welcome surprise, temperatures quickly dropped and have been as low as -7 since the start of the new year. That was a shock to the system for sure! Over the last few months, I’ve been picking up some tips and tricks from the Parisians on how to look cute whilst staying warm and braving the bitter cold.
The art of layering
When it comes to layering, it doesn’t have to be practical, and there is definitely more than one way to do it.
More is more
While most might see it as a challenge, Selma Sebbagh (@selmakacisebbagh) sees the excitement in layering and loves how she ends up with a fun, unexpected ‘fit every time.
“I actually adore winter dressing way more than summer! I tend to think it’s the best season to dress, where you can really express your style. Winter provides the perfect opportunity for indulging in my favourite activity – layering! There’s something about the art of layering during this season that’s just different. It’s like creating a fashion parfait; throw on different pieces, and voilà, you’ve got a whole new look. The joy of layering isn’t just about staying warm; it’s about turning your outfit into a style adventure. It’s the cosy chaos that somehow ends up looking effortlessly cool.”
Undercover layering
But, as I said before, there are more ways to layer than one.
Freja Settergren (@frejasettergren) likes to use puffer vests as a key piece in her winter outfits, allowing her to stay warm whilst still showing off what she’s wearing underneath. “I love to wear knits or a hoodie with a puffer vest without arms. It’s more flexible than wearing a coat but still warm. I dress how I like my men to dress!”
I can’t disagree – there is something very cool and easy about a good puffer vest.
One of the more unexpected ways of layering, which I’ve seen more and more in Paris this season, has been using jeans or trousers as a layer with people wearing them under mini skirts or midi dresses. This style of layering may not be for everyone, but I back it!
This also helps to dress down somewhat fancier pieces, making them more wearable day-to-day which we love! Freja nailed this trend by styling her mini skirt over matching pants. Melissa Bon (@melissabon) is also a fan of this trend, styling her look over a pair of loose-fit jeans to add some edge.
Make it monochrome
A layering formula that never fails? Monochrome. If you find layering daunting, trying to mix and match different colours and styles, you can’t go wrong by sticking to one colour. And no, it doesn’t have to be black! I love this grey example from Marie Gaguech (@mariegaguech). She may be wearing lots of layers but she still looks super chic.
I have also discovered the amazing secret of Uniqlo heat tech. You can wear lighter layers from a more spring-based wardrobe by stacking up on hidden layers underneath and nobody will ever know! It’s a very practical Irish Mammy tip, but a great one nonetheless!
Wear the Rainbow
Who said winter has to be dark, dull and depressing? While the short days and woeful weather don’t help, no one’s stopping us from adding a little colour into our winter wardrobes and there are so many fun ways to do this! This season, Parisians have opted for colourful tights, bold bright coats – which are almost an outfit in themselves – or accessories which give their outfits a pop of colour.
Colourful tights
Freja loves to make an outfit more fun by adding colourful tights. Her top tip is to “style it with a hoodie or shorts to make it cool, and not like a kindergarten teacher” – noted! I love how she has styled it here with an otherwise neutral grey outfit.
My favourite, and the most stylish, mother-daughter duo Agatha and Cheyenne (@tycheagatha) love a matching moment. They also love coloured tights to add some fun to their outfits. Sometimes, they pair their looks with white tights which is very 60s of them! I think white tights are a great alternative to the go-to black, which can look harsh when worn with lighter or more colourful outfits.
I adore how Sabina Socol (@sabinasocol) has styled this red velvet dress – the colour of the season! – with matching red tights and super fun red heels. The full red look is chic, feminine and sexy, whilst still being winter weather-approved.
Bright coats
Agatha and Cheyenne are big fans of a statement coat. These pastel puffers give the feeling of summer but are a perfect way to stay snug. If you’re a warm-weather baby in denial about having to dress for the cold, these are for you.
Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise
A final tip, winter is the best time to have fun with your accessories. Adding something bright for a pop of colour or introducing a funky print or an interesting texture to an outfit can really help make a look!
Cute hats
Take inspiration from Agatha and Cheyenne, who are the queens of cute hats. “The things that inspire Cheyenne and I this winter are cute balaclavas and hats to help us face the cold. We are huge fans of the balaclava trend!”
This photo was taken a blustery day in Copenhagen but the two didn’t have a hair out of place thanks to their fun chapeaux!
Funky prints
Of course leopard print has been all the rage this winter. A controversial comeback at first for some, leopard has truly earned its place as a neutral this season. This double-leopard look on Emna Semilli (@emnitta) proves it!
I’m also obsessed with these Ugg x Palace Tasman Slippers that Selma is wearing. The khaki colour will go with almost anything, whilst the fun embroidered patches will certainly spice up any look.
Fun textures
I have been loving the bouclé , shearling kind of textures that I’ve seen lots of this season. They’re great for adding warmth to any outfit, as well as a bit of interest to an outfit. I adore these shearling Repetto ballerinas on Emna.
And you definitely wouldn’t miss this Gucci bag, seen on Marie Gagueche. The texture makes it really stand out and gives it a bit of an edge. I’m sure it would be the focal point of any outfit.
Leg warmers
According to Freja, leg warmers are a must. “I love tall wool socks to layer on top of tights, or even sweatpants. I can still wear mini skirts in winter thanks to cashmere tights, thick socks and legwarmers. It’s honestly warmer than wearing jeans!” She even knitted her own pair (pictured above in the photo of her wearing green tights). I am obsessed!
My must-haves
My own winter must-haves have truly been my uniform this season – this coming from a summer baby who was never a fan of layering (anyone who knows me knows I’d rather freeze than wear a pair of thick black tights with a cute, colourful outfit)! I’ve come a long way in dressing for the weather. It doesn’t have to be practical and boring… in fact, I’ve discovered it can actually be a lot of fun!
A major maxi coat
A coat that you can call a full ‘fit is a must for me. It makes getting dressed on the dreariest of days that bit easier, and gives you a piece to hide behind when you’re lacking inspiration! You can’t go wrong with a long faux fur or a vintage gem. I love this look from C’est Clau (@cestclau).
Equally, this long puffer as seen on Melissa would be a dream to hide under for the worst of weather. Effortlessly cool.
Timberland boots
I have absolutely lived in these boots for the last few months in Paris. They’re comfortable as well as rain, hail and snow friendly, and make any outfit look that little bit cooler. I’ve now acquired three different pairs! MV Tiangue (@mv.tiangue) is my style inspo.
Earmuffs
Earmuffs are such an easy way to make an outfit look cuter. There’s something about them that just brings a bit of nostalgia and makes me feel like a little girl. And for bonus points, they don’t give you hat hair! I love this cute pair on Capucine (@capucinerqllrt), who paired them with a teddy bear jacket and a fun pair of Uggs.
Imagery sourced via Instagram. We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
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