These are the 9 style trends everyone in Paris is wearing this winter

I’ll admit it: when the temperatures drop, my fashion game tends to fall with it. The temptation to pile on anything warm often leaves me looking more puffy than polished. That's why when the sartorial slump of the winter doldrums sets in, I like to glean inspiration from the French. Parisian women have a certain je ne sais quoi when it comes to staying stylish, even in the cold. While we might feel buried under puffer coats, they make winter dressing look oh-so chic, even when bundled up.

As much as I'd love to escape to the Champs-Élysées to soak up some street style in person, this winter I'll have to settle for a visit to Instagram for inspiration. This season I've noticed a few recurring themes — most of my favorite French fashionistas' outfits have been revolving around nine essential style staples. The good news is they are a cinch to incorporate into our own winter wardrobes. Think straight-leg jeans, relaxed button-downs and iconic loafers. Here are some of my favorite influencers flaunting some of the best — and most accessible — basics of the season. Because let's face it, if we can't be in Paris, we might as well steal their style.

Sleek midi skirts

A sleek midi skirt is a Parisian cold-weather staple. The length shields you from chilly winds while adding a bit of polish to your outfit. You can dress them up with knee-high boots, get a bit sassy by flaunting some tights with high-healed booties or keep the look relaxed with some comfy sneakers. This length is so versatile; it really works for any occasion and it's the ultimate transitional piece to (eventually) take you to spring.

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Classic straight-leg jeans

It doesn’t get much more classic than a pair of well-made straight-leg jeans. They're a timeless staple that flatters almost every body type, and with so many washes available, you can rock a different shade every day of the week. It's no wonder that this cut is the go-to denim style in Paris. Opt for a high-waisted option to elongate your figure or cropped style to show off your killer shoe collection.

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Comfortable loafers

While every season brings a slew of new shoe trends, a classic loafer is one style that always remains in heavy rotation in French women's wardrobes. Not only do they combine style and comfort but they are so easy to dress up and down. Add some flair with a cute pair of socks and a flouncy dress or skirt. If you're leaning toward a more relaxed vibe, pair them with your favorite jeans for a timeless, put-together look.

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Cozy cardigans

Parisian women prove time and again that a classic cardigan is the ultimate style chameleon. If you only think of it as a stuffy, librarian-chic layering piece, you're missing out. Button one up and belt it for a tailored look, leave it open over a simple tee for a casually elegant style or drape it over your shoulders for a preppy touch. A well-made cardi is like a sartorial passport to French flair; the only limitation is how creative you want to get with it.

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Knit Polo sweaters

Sure, a sweater is always a winter go-to, but collared polo knits will lift your look up a notch from the usual. Rather than looking bundled up, they look refined. And that little peek-a-boo of the clavicle? Très chic, n'est-ce pas? Add some necklaces or a silk scarf and you'll have a look that would have gotten a nod and a wink from Brigette Bardot. Don't be afraid to try one in a soft pastel or a bold, punchy color.

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Warm wool coats

While we Americans often bundle up in puffy jackets and ski coats during winter, our friends in Paris have a different style. They love to layer up in warm wool coats that not only keep them cozy but keep their lines clean and pulled together. It's amazing how a beautiful coat can instantly elevate your whole outfit. Pair it with an oversized scarf for an easy chic look. No one will ever guess that you're rocking comfy sweats underneath that stylish floor-length coat.

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Feminine ballet flats

A pair of ballet flats is a non-negotiable piece of Parisian footwear that has stood the test of time for decades. They balance grace and practicality, adding a bit of coquettish style and understated polish to any outfit. Pair them with those straight jeans or midi skirts that we just talked about, and take note that their versatility and slim profile make them one of our favorite picks for travel shoes.

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Stylish matching sets

A matching set is the ultimate shortcut to looking polished without the effort — a style trick that French women are the masters of. These coordinated outfits aren’t just fashionable; they're also a brilliant travel hack. Wear them together for an instantly put-together look, or mix and match the pieces with other staples in your wardrobe. They allow you to take a mini-capsule wardrobe on the road, giving you a whole closet of looks in just a few outfits.

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Relaxed button downs

Much like a classic LBD or a flattering pair of jeans, a button-down shirt is a wardrobe essential every woman should own. To channel that signature French style, opt for a relaxed fit rather than a structured one. It'll give you a look that's a timeless blend of comfort and elegance and it'll make the shirt a layering Swiss army knife — tie it, tuck it or get a bit cheeky by wearing it under that polo sweater we just mentioned. Oh là là!

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