I’m on my flight back from Paris. Here’s what the girls are actually wearing.

Men’s fashion week is technically about the men. And the collections were incredible (more on that separately). But if you know anything about Paris fashion week, you know the real show is outside. On the street, between the venues, at the café at 11am, bopping in Le Marais, in the elevator at the hotel.

ONE THING to note: It was hot. Genuinely, 42 degree hot (100+ for my American pals). Which means everything was intentional because everything was visible.

Here’s what was on repeat.First off, the sneaker I saw the MOST on my peers, and you can still get your hands on it for retail is THIS Saucony.

Mesh everything-and not the kind you’re thinking

Not the chunky knit mesh, not the fishnet flats, not the sports bra situation. The mesh that’s having a moment right now is delicate, almost sheer, worn as a top over a bralette or a slip, or as a dress over a bodysuit. It looks expensive and slightly sensual in a way that’s more quiet luxury than going out? Paired with low-slung shorts or a midi skirt depending on the woman. The footwear underneath was almost always something slim- a flat trainer, a Mary Jane sneaker, a clean retro runner, or LOTS of flip flops The outfit has enough texture from the mesh that the shoe doesn’t need to add more. This is exactly the rule we talked about in our cheat sheet: interesting on top, quiet on the bottom.

IF we saw mesh shoes, they’re elevated from the flat. Like the Chazz Oxford (lots of this on foot with silky dresses or sport shorts!)

Mini shorts OR trouser shorts, nothing in between- but make them tailored

The sneaker is getting interesting again, but not in the way you’d expect

Here’s what I didn’t see: chunky dad shoes. Thick platform trainers. Maximalist everything. The sneaker moment in Paris right now is going the other direction: slimmer, more considered, more hybrid. The silhouettes on the street were either clean retro runners in muted tones, or something stranger and more interesting: the hybrid sneaker.

Demand for the Nike Air Rift is up 35% month on month, and the Adidas Samba Jane was one of the hottest products of the week (I saw it everywhere). The Mary Jane sneaker, the split-toe, the strap-across-the-foot situation, they look directional without looking costume. They’re the thing that makes an otherwise simple outfit feel like it came from someone who pays attention.

We have a lot of takes on what you’ll be seeing this coming year, and I’ll do that roundup next.

The accessories were doing a lot

Two bags were everywhere. The barrel bag, structured, cylindrical, and for evening, the tiny shoulder bag that’s almost not a bag at all (boy do I ever love a tiny bag). Sunglasses are still small but as I said in yesterday’s video, definitely getting BIGGER (think Jimmy Fairly)- anything that covered half the face. Scarves tied in the hair, around the neck, looped through a bag handle, I am obsessed with a silk scarf so it’s a forever yes for me.

The overall vibe if I had to name it

Confident minimalism with one “off” element. The base is always simple. Clean top, great bottom, slim shoe. And then one thing that makes you look twice.