Paris street fashion
After a few weeks abroad, Maya McDonald returns to Milwaukee with a glimpse of what Parisian fashion trends may be making their way across the pond this year.
I had the great fortune of spending a few weeks in Paris this April. As an avid traveler, Paris had always been on the top of my wanderlust list. What’s not to love about the country’s rich history, delectable food, and, of course, its incredible fashion? Although Paris is home to legendary designers such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior, I was most fascinated with the street styles and trends I saw while sipping coffee at cafes and exploring the eclectic neighborhoods of the city.
Tapestry-Inspired Jackets
There are few pieces more boho-chic than the perfect tapestry jacket. Boutiques and brands throughout Paris were carrying these pieces, and I loved spotting the color variations on the gorgeously chic Parisian women rocking the trend. I often saw the look paired with ripped jeans, heels, and a lacy undershirt, giving the look a 60’s hippie vibe. Another look I loved pared a bold tapestry jacket with a long maxi dress or skirt to give the look more dimension and springy appeal.
Tapestry-Inspired Jacket via WGSN | Try this on for size – Zara
Peachy Outerwear
One of the trends I splurged on during my vacation was a pretty peachy jacket. I fashion-stalked several women wearing the trend in Paris. After days of following perfect peach blazers, jackets, and silk tops, I finally purchased a jacket from international retailer, Zara. Peach and blush tones are lovely and light for spring, and are versatile with a pair of blue jeans (and white denim) or pastel pencil skirt. I’m amazed at how many looks my jacket works with.
Peachy Outerwear via DBDD | Try this on for size – Wanelo
Metallic Boots
When I first spotted this trend, with a pair of Rag & Bone boots last fall, I fell in love with them. 
Since then, I was sad to see I hadn’t stumbled across too many others—until I went to Paris. Men, women and children all seemed to have a fabulous collection of metallic kicks (the oxfords and booties were my favorite), so I’m hoping to see more in the U.S. in the coming months. In my humble option, metallic goes with everything—from a little black dress to causal jeans—and these booties are a perfect addition to any wardrobe.
Metallic Boots via Harper’s Bazaar | Try this on for size – Nasty Gal
Lace Tops
From the moment spring had sprung in Paris, lace tops were everywhere. From colorful neon pieces to the classic white style, lace is “in” again for spring and summer. A classic white-lace tank is one of my favorite basic pieces, and I find myself wearing mine often whenever the warm weather returns to the Midwest. I love the versatility of lace, and how it instantly polishes an otherwise basic outfit.
Lace Top via Blogger | Try this on for size – Madewell
Leather Sleeves
Another favorite spring style I noticed while in Paris were two-tone jackets with leather sleeves. From rain to motorcycle jackets, leather sleeves were all over the streets of Paris. 
I love the edgy vibe of the traditional leather jacket, and these jacket sleeve versions amp up an otherwise basic style. My favorite combination is the stark contrast of a khaki bodice and black leather sleeves, but I’ve seen other gorgeous versions with charcoal grey, burgundy, and army green as well. With rainy spring weather, I’m putting one of these jackets on my wish list for next month!
Leather Sleeves via BW | Try this on for size – Urban Outfitters
If you’re as obsessed with these Parisian spring trends as I am, check out international retailers such as Zara and H&M for some of these styles. From my extensive fashion-stalking, I’ve noticed that it usually takes a few months for European styles to arrive in the U.S., but when they do, Forever21 does a pretty good job of carrying the styles for a steal. What are your go-to items for spring and summer this year? Did any of my Parisian picks make your list?
Hello Thanks for your article. I am from Paris and teach at UWM. Have been in the midwest for 10 years now. Yes, we may have some of the same stores here but in my opinion, what makes French style special is how pieces/looks are mixed and always feel relaxed and elegant yet not overdone or vulgar. Here things tends to be too obvious, too overtly sexy or trying to hard, and often end up being a bit on the cheap or overkill side.
I think it still comes from our sense of history and references….Birkin, Deneuve, Vitti, Bardot, Loren, Trintignant, Piccoli….also French people like to suggest rather than show everyhting which might explain the different approaches in both countries.