I for one, did not need the snowy reminder of winter’s arrival which graced us with its presence last weekend in Paris. My hands had firmly been buried in my heavy coat pockets for the past few days already and I was only too keenly aware that Fall was long gone. A bunch of my friends, however, have surprised me by being caught unaware of this abrupt change in weather, so much so that their light wardrobe leaves somewhat to be desired in the current cold context.
Needs must, I have endeavoured to create a little guide to the different shops to head to in order to find the perfect sweaters, gloves and coats without breaking the bank:
Au Vieux Campeur (or the adventurer’s haven)
This first address is not one I visit often, but when I do, you best be sure I’ll leave with heaps of technical gear. Au vieux campeur is the ideal place for those looking to attack the cold head on and run to snowy peaks for boosts in adrenaline, on and off piste. Other than providing you with ski, hiking and all sorts of sporting attire, Au Vieux Campeur will also have the basic winter undershirts and tights which I proudly wear whilst trotting along the paved city streets. They have a special section dedicated to second-hand gear and they often offer seasonal discounts which with the onslaught of Christmas gifting, is much appreciated.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Monoprix (the classic)
If you’ve lived in Paris for a bit, you’ll know where your local Monoprix is. What you may not know is that this over-average supermarket also sells beautiful pieces of clothing. When winter comes, I head to their lingerie and home-wear section to get the cosiest undershirts, robes and knits. They also have coats and shoes at affordable prices.
Visit your local Monoprix now, you won’t regret it.
Re.Love Vintage Paris
Available on Instagram as well as in their shop rue de Paradis (a pop-up store which they share with the gorgeous General Store, selling vintage furniture) Re.love vintage offers the perfect festive wear, with wool and velvet two pieces, feather light gloves and frilly white shirts (my personal favourites). Whether you’re looking to pimp out your own style for December celebrations or to find a personal, history filled gift, this is the place to go.
Troc en Stock
My personal highlight of this list, Troc en Stock steals the show.
Nestled on the short and sweet rue Clauzel just off of the rue des Martyrs in the 9eme arrondissement, this pre-loved taste of heaven sells hundreds of very fashionable seasonal attires. Coats from the likes of Vanessa Bruno or Isabel Marant meet cozy sweaters and unbranded golden finds. They also are constantly on the lookout for new clothes to sell, drop off your unwanted pieces to get some extra cash from which they only take a very reasonable percentage.
American Vintage
This last entry is somewhat above the minimal price range which I held myself to in the previous items on the list. It is however such a cozy and very French (despite the misleading name) brand that I had to add it here. Their t-shirts are the best in the game when it comes to the quality of cotton and how warm they are. They also offer myriads of cool knitwear and home-wear. Who knows, maybe adding some of them to Santa’s list will change your Christmas for the better? Not only do they have shops all over Paris, they also have one of the best online outlets I know in terms of affordability.
Whether you are looking for the perfect glitter-sweater fancy outfit vibe or something much more practical and warmer, these shops should have you all set for a season which, as I rediscover every year, tends to last. I always find that in winter; I am in dire need of some pop of colour in my wardrobe and I certainly love seeing others with a quirky one as well.
Think of me and indulge in the fuzziest, brightes red hat or orange coat you stumble upon, you’ll do a great favour to the general mood of the season.
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See more about Paris here in Dispatches’ archives.
Zoé Manset
Zoe Manset is a French actress, writer and producer based in London, UK. After growing up in the Fragrant Harbour otherwise known as Hong Kong, Zoe moved to London in 2018 to pursue a BA in Art History at the Courtauld Institute of Arts. Missing the stage too much, she then completed a two year MFA in drama school and is now living the freelance actor life at full speed. Zoe is a fashion history lover, a great pub amateur, a dancer and a big foodie!
