Just Wait, I'll Be Living in Kaia Gerber's French Girl Outfit Once Fall Rolls Around
Our take

The cyclical nature of fashion, particularly the resurgence of timeless aesthetics, is rarely as elegantly demonstrated as when Kaia Gerber adopts a signature style well before its mainstream moment. Her early embrace of the “French-girl” outfit – a seemingly effortless combination of tailored separates, often featuring a trench coat – signals a shift away from the maximalism that defined much of the recent past. It's a quiet reclamation of understated chic, a sentiment echoed in recent trends. We've seen a similar embrace of practicality and enduring style, as evidenced by the enduring appeal of Dua Lipa Traveling With a Ludicrously Capacious Chanel Bag Is as Iconic as Airport Style Gets, proving that even luxury can find its footing in functionality. And while summer’s vibrant hues linger in our minds, the anticipation of fall’s more muted palette is already palpable, as illustrated by I’m Not Emotionally Prepared for Summer to End—3 Viral Color Combinations I’m Holding On To, demonstrating a desire to extend the season's best elements while hinting at the shift to come. Gerber’s preemptive styling isn’t just about personal preference; it’s a subtle curation, a visual foreshadowing of what’s to come.
This phenomenon speaks to a broader cultural desire for authenticity and a rejection of fleeting trends. The “French-girl” aesthetic, in particular, has always represented a certain nonchalance and ease – a carefully cultivated image of effortless style that resonates deeply with a generation seeking a more grounded approach to fashion. It’s a rejection of the performative aspects of social media style, opting instead for a quiet confidence rooted in timeless pieces and a minimalist sensibility. It’s not about broadcasting your purchases, but about cultivating a personal style that transcends trends. The subtle elegance being championed by those embracing this look, and as explored in Sorry, Flip-Flops—Elegant Over-50s Are Preferring to Wear This French Shoe Trend With Denim, underscores a desire for pieces that feel both sophisticated and inherently comfortable, a shift away from the often-uncomfortable demands of high fashion.
The influence of figures like Gerber, who embody this understated elegance, cannot be overstated. They aren’t dictating trends, but rather embodying a sensibility that many are quietly yearning for. This isn't about following a rigid formula, but about adopting a mindset—one that prioritizes quality, longevity, and personal expression over fleeting fads. It's a return to a more considered approach to consumption, where investment pieces are valued for their enduring appeal rather than their temporary relevance. This subtle shift mirrors a broader societal movement towards conscious consumerism and a rejection of disposable fashion, favoring instead a curated wardrobe of pieces that tell a story and reflect a personal style. The focus is less on acquiring the latest "it" item and more on building a foundation of timeless staples that can be styled in countless ways.
Ultimately, Gerber’s early adoption of this French-girl aesthetic isn't just a fashion statement; it’s a reflection of a larger cultural shift. It's a move towards quiet confidence, understated elegance, and a rejection of the relentless pursuit of novelty. As fall approaches, and we inevitably begin to gravitate towards those classic trench coats and tailored separates, the question remains: will this be a fleeting trend, or a lasting evolution in our approach to style – a move towards a more sustainable, and ultimately more authentic, expression of self?
While I haven't even touched my favorite trench coat since at least April, Kaia Gerber kept hers in regular rotation all summer long. No matter the weather, she found ways to wear the French-girl favorite with various denim trends, little black dresses, and ballet flats, of course. On August 13, one of the coolest days during L.A.'s heatwave, Gerber's classic trench and ballerinas looked ready for a perfect fall date night in Paris.
After weeks of promoting Ryan Murphy's new nostalgic TV series, The Shards, Gerber enjoyed a much-deserved dinner with her boyfriend, Lewis Pullman. The actor's off-duty outfit wasn't too different from her press tour style, which featured '90s-inspired slip dresses and statement scarves, too. Opposite Pullman's barn jacket and white jeans, Gerber dressed herself in a knee-length LBD, the khaki-colored trench she can't stop styling, and black suede shoes from her March 2026 collaboration with French footwear brand Repetto.
There must've been a chill in L.A. last night, because Gerber also wrapped a chocolate-brown sweater around her neck like a scarf. After she traded Chanel's new Maxi Flap Bag for a vintage navy blue version, the supermodel finished her French girl 'fit with silver hoop earrings and oval-shaped sunglasses.

This trench—complete with epaulettes, buckled cuffs, and a Peter Pan collar— seems to have joined Gerber's coat rack earlier this year. So far, it's been spotted with her beloved Gucci Jackie Bag, cropped Dôen cardigans, and no shortage of straight-leg jeans.
Gerber is an L.A. girl, through and through, but she shares the Parisian penchant for foolproof uniforms. However, I didn't expect to see so much of her trusty trench coat and ballerinas before switching my calendar from August to September.
Here's hoping Gerber brings the timeless two-piece to Paris Fashion Week. If cosplaying French locals this fall also tickles your fancy, shop the Gerber-approved coats and shoes below.
Shop Trench Coats and Ballet Flats Inspired by Kaia Gerber
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