ComScore

The #1 Parisian Spring Fashion Micro-Trend Is So Easy to Pull Off Stateside

The French-approved way to accessorize

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

french-styling-scarf-hack-for-trench-coats
Raimonda Kulikauskiene / Getty Images

The other day, I opened my Instagram to find a reel waiting in one of my DMs from my best friend. It was about new, fresh ways in which Parisians are styling their trench coats, and amongst the handful of clips, there was one that stood out to me (but more on that in a minute). Does it surprise me that it came from the women who ooze with je ne sais quoi? Absolutely not. From fluffy sweaters trends to ballet pumps, the French surely know how to create the perfect capsule wardrobe with staple pieces like the beloved trench coat. So, pull out your trench coat with me because I’m about to show you the French styling hack that will make you look très chic this spring. Spoiler: You might want to start buying some scarves.

Want more exclusive picks from a fashion editor? Sign up for our Shop On It newsletter now—because you don’t have to window shop your dream closet away.

As you’ll see in the video above, Linoya, content creator behind @whatpeoplearewearing, captures how people are wearing their trench coats in Paris, and the first way is pure genius. Best of all, it’s rather simple in nature and easy to recreate, so let me break it down. The Parisian woman wears her Trench coat buttoned all the way up and swaps out a traditional belt for a decorative scarf. To perfect this yourself, make sure to fold a large square scarf diagonally into a triangle, then grab the furthest corners and wrap it around your waist, tying it into a bow at the side of your hip for security. You’ll be left with an incredibly fashionable look that took little effort to achieve.

Think of it as a fun way to accessorize staple outerwear you already own. Plus, it gives you a new way to wear your jacket beyond throwing it over your outfit à la carte. To get you started on your spring look, I’ve included a few of my favorite large scarves and timeless trench coats to shop.

Shop Scarves and Trench Coats

1. Grace Scarves Silk Scarf

Grace Scarves

This heavyweight silk scarf is finished with two different colors on either side, giving you two looks in one.

I have this water-repellent, oversize trench coat and can confirm that it’s even better IRL, and I’m not the only PureWow editor who approves of Sézane’s Clyde trench coat, either. Just wait until you look at the different colorways and prints.

Animal print against a khaki-colored trench is a match made in heaven for the trendsetter.

Honestly, I can’t believe this luxe beauty is less than $40.

This olive green is everything, but that water-repellent cotton twill, which is sourced from a premier Italian mill, is a close second. Plus, the removable belt makes it easy to try out the French styling scarf hack whenever you please.

Made from a blend of cotton and silk, this vibrant scarf is primed to bring on all the spring vibes with its citrus-forward print.

This 100 percent silk charmeuse scarf is handmade, high quality and high fashion. What more could you ask for?

If you’re the type of person who likes an oversize fit, then look no further than this unisex trench coat from Gap. It’s loose-fitting, so I would suggest sizing down if you want a more classic fit that’s tailored and bespoke.

I had to include this lightweight silk scarf from Coach with its signature labeling as its print. It comes in a slew of colors, including pink, navy and ivy, to name a few, so you can switch it up depending on your color palette of choice.

I swear by anything Massimo Dutti, and this ombré scarf is earthy and moody—basically everything this minimalist adores.

This best-selling trench coat is a fan-favorite for its double-breasted collar, relaxed silhouette and cozy interior lining.

Florals for spring? Groundbreaking and oh-so fabulous indeed.

Another unisex trench coat that I love is this style from Uniqlo. It’s made from 100 percent cotton twill fabric that’s uber-classic and has a glossy finish, plus it’s designed to be worn buttoned up on either the left or right side.

Because who says heart motifs are strictly reserved for Valentine’s Day?

With pops of purple, red, yellow and brown, there’s a lot to love about this lightweight scarf.


IMG 0045 e1692204525583

Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

  • Covers all things fashion and shopping
  • Boasts over 23 years of experience as an avid shopper, having secured a personal stylist at Limited Too at the age of four
  • Studied English literature, communications and creative writing at the University of San Diego, and completed the Columbia Publishing Course at Columbia University in New York

Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.