How French Women Choose Their Winter Coats

Before diving into trends, here are a few essentials to keep in mind:

• Composition. Make sure your coat contains at least 60 % wool (or cashmere for a more luxurious version). It will make all the difference in warmth and longevity.
• Length. If you’re petite, opt for shorter or mid-length cuts (just above the knee) to elongate your silhouette.
• Cut. Avoid extremes: neither too oversized nor too fitted. A slightly structured, straight cut is always the most timeless.
• Color. Neutrals will always outlast trends. Choose shades that flatter your complexion and feel effortlessly elegant with your wardrobe.

Here are the styles I love most this winter:

• The scarf-integrated coat. First introduced a few years ago by Toteme, this is still one of my favorite styles: minimal, enveloping, and quietly sophisticated.
• The long black coat. A true classic: sharp, versatile, and forever chic. If black feels too severe, consider charcoal grey or light grey: both timeless and softer against the skin.
• The white or cream coat. Ivory, off-white, soft vanilla… I adore wearing these tones in winter. They echo snowy landscapes and have that effortless, luxurious calm only the French seem to master.
• The wool cape. One of my current obsessions. It gives any look a sense of drama and comfort at once. Thrown over a turtleneck or blazer, it creates that slightly mysterious silhouette I find so elegant.
• The shearling or faux-fur coat. For the coldest days, nothing feels more comforting. These are the coats I reach for when the air turns crisp; cozy, tactile, and made to be lived in.

Of course, this is purely personal, but here are a few I’d skip this year:

• Animal prints. Leopard, or zebra… strong, yes, but rarely timeless and often hard to pair elegantly.
• Camel tones. Once everywhere, they now feel a little dated. Instead, look for soft beige, mink brown, or tobacco, richer and more nuanced.
• Multicolored or heavily printed coats. They look beautiful in photos, but are tricky to style daily and tend to age quickly.
• Extreme cuts. Too oversized or too tight, I’ve tried both, and neither ages gracefully. The best coats are the ones that hold their structure season after season.