Camila Mendes Proved This French-Girl Classic Is a Year-Round Staple

She kicked off 2024 in two of 2023’s biggest trends.

By

Kaelin Dodge

Published on January 3, 2024 @ 03:00PM

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Getty Images

This fall, I found myself head-over-heels in love with one item: a trench coat. The iconic piece that’s been worn by every celebrity — from Elle Fanning to Amal Clooney — makes any outfit look instantly more elevated. What’s more, it brings a much-coveted French-girl touch to simple jeans while matching the dressed-up feel of your favorite date-night dress. For me, it was spring and fall’s hottest jacket, and Camila Mendes just made me realize it’s winter’s, as well.

While out in New York yesterday, Mendes wore an outfit that expertly blended winter’s comfort-first approach with chic elements that made her entire look worthy of recreating (yes, I’m convinced my closet needs every piece). Mendes wore the best-selling Levi’s Baggy Dad Jeans in faded black, a tan turtleneck sweater, and simple white sneakers, which she topped with a trench coat, timeless oval sunglasses, and an eye-catching, striped blanket scarf from Urban Outfitters that’s a winter time must-have (just take it from Mary-Kate Olsen and our fashion editor).

Reformation Kensington Trench Coat

Buy on Reformation $368

Levi’s Baggy Dad Jeans

Nordstrom Levi'sÂ® Baggy Dad Jeans — Nordstrom

Buy on Nordstrom $108

Urban Outfitters Holly Brushed Scarf

Buy on Urban Outfitters $29 $15

For me, there were a lot of reasons to love Mendes’ look, one being that it masterfully showcased how to layer when it’s freezing. I’ve been guilty of grabbing the biggest, puffiest jacket I own and throwing it on top of my already oversized sweater, making for an outfit that’s nothing shy of a Stay Puft Marshmallow Man costume. But alas, Mendes showed that a sleek, more streamlined coat can be winter-appropriate when paired with the right pieces, like a heavy sweater that makes up for the lighter outerwear and a thick, long scarf that’s basically like a blanket. Because unless the windchill is in the negatives, you probably don’t need every element to be knitted, padded, or down-filled.

The other reason I loved the actress’ look? It combined some of 2023’s trendiest pieces, proving they’ll be just as big in 2024. Of course, my main takeaways were that the trench coat is here to stay — and even more versatile than I already believed — and baggy jeans, a denim trend that dominated in 2023, will be just as big (pun intended) this year, too. The denim styles reached its peak last spring and summer, when everyone from Hailey Bieber to Viola Davis wore it, but Mendes made a case for the silhouette being a winter essential. After all, the silhouette is roomy enough to fit a pair of fleece-lined tights underneath — when the weather requires them, of course.

Mendes’ French-girl look proved last year’s hottest pieces are year-round staples. What’s more, it also demonstrated that it might be time to switch out your puffed-up parka for something a little more streamlined — at least when it’s not totally freezing. Shop more denim and coat styles inspired by the actress’ look below.