If a recent trip abroad has taught me anything, it's that Parisians know how to dress for the weather. Christmas in Paris isn't all sunshine and sightseeing; there are cold and rainy days in a city built for walking, not knowing when the next downpour will happen.

Walking the city, I began to note what the locals were wearing and what high-fashion solutions our French-speaking friends had made to combat the constant chill. After a while, I noticed a simple solution I saw at every turn: a winter uniform adopted by those running to work or walking the streets with their friends.

A long wool-tailored coat of brown or black, a thick warm scarf you can cover your hair with, and a thick-soled boot. The Acne Studios scarf was a clear fan favorite in bright colors and tartan patterns, and I haven’t seen so many Doc Martin boots in years. While simple sneakers were another option for younger passersby, the winter boot was the overall style winner.

No matter what was worn underneath, I noticed rather quickly that the vast majority of Parisians wore this same combination. They covered their hair with scarves when there was an unexpected downpour and walked through puddles without care of ruining their favorite shoes.

There are no puffer jackets and earmuffs, just simple, tailored, and put-together looks.

While the French idea of put together is quite different from our stateside views, we can look across the Atlantic for inspiration for our wintery wardrobes.