Here's the New Way Parisian Girls Will Wear Skinny Jeans

Much of the action on the runways of this past month has centered around protest and making a statement via the medium of clothes. That's all well and good (and we're always pleased to see designers and audiences engaged in debate and responding to the world around us), but there's no use in trying to stand up for oneself if the clothes involved aren't practical enough for you to do it. That was the pragmatic—and downright sensible—approach that we have seen coming out of the catwalks of Paris Fashion Week.

Rather than testing women to show their mettle in the most conspicuous ways possible, the Parisian fashion luminaries realise it's about being dressed for the task at hand: Busy lives need standout clothes and accessories that require zero effort. Because fighting the good fight is far easier when your mind isn't on a fiddly, fidgety blouse.

So from the new way to power up your skinny jeans (trust the French to bring back the idea) to the go-everywhere, do-everything dresses that allow you to get up and go, we've rounded up the most impactful—but effortless—trends that Parisian girls (and for that matter, any girl who has better things to do with her time) will love for autumn 2017.

Keep reading to see and shop these four fresh French fashion ideas now.

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#1. Thigh-Highs Over Jeans
(Image credit: Rex; PICTURED (LEFT TO RIGHT): Isabel Marant, Vanessa Seward, Saint Laurent)

Style Notes: How will French girls wear skinny jeans throughout the rest of 2017? Undoubtedly with over-the-knee boots layered on top. If Isabel Marant and Saint Laurent are doing it, cool girls in Paris will be doing it—just pick an OTK of your choice, and pair it with your favourite spray-ons.

Related: The 26 Best Front-Row Looks From Paris Fashion Week

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#2. Gigantic Accessories
(Image credit: Courtesy of Céline, Acne Studios, Rex; PICTURED (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): Céline, Acne Studios, Dries Van Noten, Loewe)

Style Notes: Feel like you've "been there, done that" when it comes to accessories? Well this season the novelty-factor lies not in gimmicky embellishment but in the jumbo proportions of many on offer. From Céline's blankets (just as chic thrown over a sofa as they were an arm) to Dries Van Noten's bigger-than-life bling, just one supersize item can throw a plain outfit into the spotlight.

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#3. The Does-Everything Dress
(Image credit: Rex; PICTURED (LEFT TO RIGHT): Sonia Rykiel, Sacai)

Style Notes: There's a fine line between an unflattering loose-fit dress and a flattering one, but that holy middle ground between a frock that you can fling on, belt up and wear to anything and the kind of clever item that skims and slims and never feels uncomfortable to wear… The Parisians nailed it.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Valentino, Rochas; PICTURED (LEFT TO RIGHT): Valentino, Rochas)

With clever use of volume and the kind of necklines and hemlines that suit everyone, you're going to be hard-pushed to pick just one dress next season. Decide on whether you're a block-colour kind of girl (and if so, the spectrum of khaki greens is key) or opt for a simple, elegant print like the black and white squiggles at Valentino.

Related: You Can Get an Expensive-Looking Checked Blazer on Every Budget

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#4. Big Knits + Pretty Skirts
(Image credit: Rex, Courtesy of Dior; PICTURED (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Dior)

Style Notes: We all know that roll necks are a girl's best friend, but the designers have spoken: Henceforth, you shall wear them outsized and chunky, and preferably tucked into a pretty skirt. Stella McCartney even saved you the work, layering fine lace over her turtleneck minidresses. But what's really going to cause a major riot? That turquoise Balenciaga jumper.

Want more Parisian wardrobe action? See the ultimate French fashion tips every girl should live by.

Next up, see the hottest new-in pieces you can shop now.

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the editor in chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.