Bonjour! Recently, I was sitting on the lawn of the Champ de Mars watching the Eiffel Tower glitter. It was my first time in the city, and my expectations for Parisian style were high, thanks to romanticized shows brimming with covetable costume moments like Emily in Paris. Since I stayed in one of the most fashionable arrondissements (thanks to Uber Hotels picking up the slack and sifting through 1,600 options for me), Parisian style didn’t disappoint.
Being a Gen Zer working in fashion in the heart of New York City, I’d say I’m sartorially savvy. Since I was visiting one of the globe’s fashion capitals, it was only right to shove my most-complimented pieces into my Calpak carry-on. Still, the Concrete Jungle and the City of Love are separated by one big ocean, meaning the French dress a tad differently—and that’s especially true for the Parisian TikTok generation.
Stepping out of my boutique château, I wore a suede bomber jacket that’s highly popular in the States. Pretty quickly, I realized the cool girls of France preferred funnel-neck windbreakers. While I’ve always gravitated toward delicate jewelry, the Paris crowd reached for chunky statement pieces. I realized that while French style was rooted in timeless silhouettes, there was always an unexpected twist, be it a gloved vamp or a crawling neckline. Neither American nor French style was necessarily better, but discovering the subtle trend variations was part of the travel fun.
Discover the five Parisian Gen Z-worthy swaps I brought home in my carry-on. They give off that certain je ne sais quoi, no matter which continent you’re in.
Funnel-Neck Windbreakers Instead of Suede Bomber Jackets
There should always be space for at least one suede bomber jacket in your wardrobe, but the French know there’s something special about funnel-neck windbreakers, which were spotted all over the Spring/Summer 2026 runways. The swishy jacket is lightweight and easy, often styled with moto boots and slim sunglasses.
Glove Flats Instead of Traditional Ballet Silhouettes
Chanel and Audrey Hepburn turned the classic ballet flat into a timeless staple—and it’s not going anywhere. However, the glove flat offers a modern twist that’s slightly edgier. Wear them with tapered pants and an oversized cable-knit sweater for a laid-back-yet-chic look.
Chunky Pendant Necklaces Instead of Dainty Chains
I often think of Paris fashion as being minimal and streamlined, and while that is a core pillar of the intellectual Rive Gauche style, the artsy Le Marais aesthetic gets a bit more playful. Instead of barely-there chains, you’ll find Gen Zers wearing bold pieces, like cord necklaces and sculptural pendants.
Oversized Leather Totes Instead of Petite Handbags
Mini purses are certainly a thing in Paris, especially when you look at designer brands like Dior and Celine. But in a walkable, commuter-heavy city, a tote bag quickly becomes your lifeline. The chic girls elevate the look by carrying large leather versions slung on their shoulders, often in a geometric silhouette defined by sharp, clean lines.
White Denim Instead of Classic Blue Jeans
Summer may be over, but the Paris set isn’t saying au revoir to white denim. You’ll still see blue jeans parading around, but the light hue is timeless, turning a casual ensemble into an elegant look that can be dressed up or down. I mostly spotted the French girls wearing their ecru denim with low-profile shoes, simple tees, and cardigans draped over their shoulders.
Ruby Ford-Dunker (McAuliffe) is a fashion and lifestyle journalist featured in Vogue, InStyle, Elle, Who What Wear, Marie Claire, Brides, the New York Post, Business Insider, and more. When she’s not reporting on her latest fashion obsession, she can be found listening to Taylor Swift, hunting for the best vanilla latte, playing with her cats, or smiling her way through a dance workout. Email Ruby at therubybrand@gmail.com, and keep up with her on Instagram @rubyymcauliffe and Substack via Style Note.
