As the winter chill sets in, French women are turning to an array of chic coats to navigate the season in style. This year, five key trends have emerged, each encapsulating the effortless elegance and timeless sophistication synonymous with French fashion. From the commanding presence of the long black coat, seen sweeping the AW23 runways with its sharp tailoring and oversized fit, to the cozy embrace of the scarf coat, a Parisian favorite that combines snug comfort with minimalist chic—there’s a style for every taste.
This selection is not merely about weathering the cold—it’s about embracing it with a coat that combines functionality with style. So whether you’re looking to invest in a single statement piece or update your entire cold-weather lineup, follow along as we explore the coats that are defining French style this winter.
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1. The Long Black Coat
The quintessence of Parisian chic, the long black coat emerges as a winter wardrobe essential, exuding an air of timeless elegance on the AW23 runways. This season’s iteration pays homage to precision tailoring with a sharp silhouette that commands attention—marked by pronounced shoulders and an oversized cut that gracefully sweeps just above the ankles.
When considering an investment in this iconic coat style, prioritize craftsmanship and fabric quality and opt for a silhouette that complements your personal aesthetic, ensuring that this garment becomes a cherished mainstay in your wardrobe for years to come. This season, I recommend this Totême Signature coat made from a sumptuous blend of wool and cashmere or The Row’s Malika coat crafted in Italy from double-faced wool-blend felt. I also love this très chic Sandro long coat in wool, which I’ve added to my wishlist.
2. The Scarf Coat
The scarf coat is a Parisian winter favorite, merging snug warmth with sleek style. This season’s selection offers woolen designs that promise both comfort and elegance. Minimalist in its aesthetic, the coat features an attached scarf for a touch of volume and a refined silhouette. Totême presents a standout piece with its shorter cut and distinct embroidered lapels. The Parisian label Rosaé Paris offers a similar and more affordable option with its Le Diogo coat. Alternatively, for timeless appeal, consider COS’s oversized pinstriped wool scarf coat, with its luxurious double-faced wool blended with Lyocell, for added fluidity. This simple yet sophisticated coat is a smart addition to any winter wardrobe, offering an extra layer of style for the season ahead.
3. The Pinstriped Coat
The pinstriped coat is a French favorite this winter, with Parisian labels like Loulou Studio leading the trend. Its très chic Ido coat mixes soft organic wool and cashmere with a relaxed, double-breasted style that’s both comfortable and chic. Complete the look with the matching Amoya pants and vest for an effortless Parisian style. Musier Paris offers a timeless long coat, a true made-in-France classic. And for a touch of New York fashion, Khaite’s Kento coat from its Fall ’23 collection brings a sharp, powerful look with its clean pinstripes and structured shoulders. These coats are perfect for anyone looking to add a smart, stylish piece to their winter collection.
4. The Chic Cream Coat
The cream coat emerges as a pinnacle of French elegance this winter, capturing the essence of chic with its soft hues and luxurious fabrics. An embodiment of this trend is the Hermès wrap coat in sumptuous double-sided cashmere. For those seeking a contemporary yet timeless silhouette, The Row’s Catena coat provides an oversized, double-breasted cut with sharp peak lapels that pay homage to menswear, while its wool and silk-blend cady composition ensures graceful layering. In contrast, Chloé’s wool-blend jacket offers a more feminine allure with its flowing lines, cocoon sleeves, and a sash belt that elegantly cinches the waist, accented with a mottled gold-tone button for a hint of glamour. These cream coats are a soft but bold declaration of style that stands out in the winter palette.
5. The Shearling Coat
The shearling coat effortlessly blends warmth with sartorial flair. A true staple in the realm of outerwear, its sumptuous texture and insulating properties make it an ideal companion to a variety of outfits, from knit dresses to statement sweaters. Renowned for its robustness, the shearling jacket is a piece crafted to withstand the test of time, promising longevity in your wardrobe. Whether draped over a turtleneck, paired with a sleek midi skirt, or teamed with tapered jeans, the shearling coat adds sophistication to any ensemble. This season, I have a coup de coeur for this très chic Totême paneled shearling jacket. Sézane offers a similar and more affordable alternative with its short sheepskin aviator Calixte coat. Finally, if you seek a more classic style, I recommend this gorgeous Loulou Studio Namo oversized double-breasted shearling coat in brown, which will look especially chic buttoned up over camel pants or indigo denim.
Hi there! I love your article. I’m wondering where you got the blazer from the picture you posted on No. 4? It’s gorgeous!
Bonjour Elia! Merci beaucoup for your comment 🙂 In picture n°4 it’s a faux-fur jacket you can get from Sézane (in their winter collection). I hope that helps! xo
Hi – love the trenchcoats – have one the exact same in the same colour ……not a fan of faux fur – and not the right shape for a puffer jacket………