10 French Fashion Tailored Basics to Pack for Paris Trips

I’ve been in a long-distance relationship for 14 years—with Paris, that is. It was love at first sight when I first arrived in the French capital, and I’ve spent the intervening years cobbling together two- to three-week-long visits each year to keep our amour alive. Along the way, I’ve mastered the art of mixing-and-matching a few timeless, tailored pieces that help me channel my inner French-girl ahead of every trip. 

From crisp button-downs and lightweight trench coats to breezy linen dresses and stretchy, stylish capris, my curated carry-on wardrobe helps me to blend in while window-shopping on the stylish streets of the Marais or museum-hopping around the Tuileries Gardens. Read on for 10 Parisian-approved wardrobe staples from Reformation, Gap, Quince, and more, starting at just $24. 

Best French-inspired Tailored Basics

A crisp white button-down is a non-negotiable for any spring trip to Paris, and the Aoudery Oxford Button Down Shirt is an exceptionally high-quality pick for just $24. Sure, you could snag this more than one of the 17 vibrant colors available, but white will prove most versatile for styling with sundresses, trousers, or silk skirts of any shade. I love to French-tuck mine into denim shorts or wide-leg trousers, or wear it tied like a sash on top of a dress. It’s the perfect lightweight, packable layer for spring weather, and the soft feel of the cotton makes it comfortable and breathable enough to wear all day long. 

A true wardrobe workhorse, the Reformation Santino Knit Top is my platonic ideal of a day-to-night top. The chic, Parisian-approved boatneck and eye-catching cropped sleeves make for a flattering silhouette that can be easily dressed up or down, while the stretchy cotton fabric allows for a full range of movement. Pair this with high-waisted linen shorts and comfy sneakers for days when you’re bopping between cafés and museums, then slip on a silk skirt and heeled sandals before a night of wine-bar hopping in the trendy 11th arrondissement. 

I’ve owned the dreamy Quince 100% Washable Silk Skirt for two years now, and it’s traveled with me to more than a dozen countries. It’s practically weightless, and any creases that crop up in transit are easy to steam out in a matter of seconds. It takes up barely any room in my suitcase—I’ve even stashed it in a jacket pocket for a backup outfit option before. I find myself reaching for this whenever I want to look pulled together without putting in much effort, as the soft elastic waistband and satiny material are comfy enough to sleep in—I often wear this on flights and then straight out to meet friends for a decadent three-hour lunch when I land. Best of all, it really lives up to its name: I’ve washed it dozens of times, and it’s held up beautifully. 

Linen pants are a staple of my spring wardrobe—they’re the perfect balance of breezy yet structured, and the Reformation Alex Linen Mid-rise Pants are one of the highest-quality pairs I’ve ever worn. Style them with scarf tops, baby tees, or a cropped cardigan, and be prepared to receive compliments. (Like, a lot of them.) While the price tag may feel a bit steep, these sustainably-crafted pants are worth the splurge—they’re made from luxurious, ultra-breathable 100-percent linen and are designed to last for years to come. That said, I also found a fantastic lookalike pair on Amazon for a fraction of the price. 

Parisians’ jaws will drop when they find out this APC-lookalike is actually from Old Navy. The Old Navy Fitted Long Blazer is body-skimming, remarkably flattering, and crafted from a soft and breathable linen-blend that moves with you throughout the day. The button-down design works perfectly with jeans and sneakers for weekend antiquing at the Saint-Ouen flea market, or it can be dressed up with a mini skirt and tall boots for dinner out with friends. I love the collarless neckline, which would look gorgeous with a statement necklace for a more elevated evening look. Wear this open over a little black dress, or buttoned up for a sophisticated day-to-night piece. 

Transitional weather hates to see the Quince Lightweight Cotton Cashmere Link-stitch Dolman Sweater coming. This relaxed pullover sits somewhere between a top and sweater, crafted from a supple cotton-cashmere blend that you can wear on its own with trousers or layer over your favorite button-down for a bit of preppy flair. It’s a polished basic that drapes beautifully and offers just the right amount of warmth for early spring weather. The link-stitch texture feels soft against skin, and it’s lightweight enough to wear even while basking in the sunlight on a café terrace. Plus, it packs well, and wrinkles shake out easily. 

A good trench coat is a classic wardrobe staple, and the Gap Oversized Mac Trench Coat is a steal at $150. This water-repellent khaki jacket comes in regular and petite sizing, and while both are designed to be oversized, you can size up or down for a more fitted look based on your personal preference. The belt tie and spread collar allow you to change up the silhouette and to help keep out wind on chilly days, while the vent slit at the back ensures full range of movement as you stroll along the Seine. Throw this on over any outfit for an effortlessly cool and weather-appropriate layer that won’t weigh you down. 

I’ve become a diehard fan of Old Navy dresses over the past few years, and the Old Navy Fit & Flare Sleeveless Linen-blend Midi Dress is a fantastic lookalike for some far pricier versions I’ve purchased from Reformation. The simple fit-and-flare silhouette is flattering and easy to style for any occasion, whether you’re picnicking along the Canal Saint Martin or meeting a handsome Frenchman for a Hinge date. Black or white would offer maximum outfit versatility, but at this price point, you might also want to spring for a flirty floral version. I love that there’s a zipper at the back instead of elastic, which makes for a more elevated and expensive look. 

Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw in these adorable Quince Ultra-stretch Ponte Kick Flare Pants, which are made for long travel days when you want to look and feel like you didn’t just hurtle through the sky for seven hours. Just imagine spotting someone in the airport wearing these and a cashmere sweater—so chic, you’d assume they were French, non? Wear them on the plane and straight on to your plans for the day—the soft, stretchy ponte fabric is comfortable enough to wear for hours, and the flirty kick-flare looks fantastic with sneakers, flats, and everything in between.

Jean shorts may not seem the most obvious choice for the City of Light at first glance, but the gorgeously tailored DL1961 Taylor Relaxed High-rise Shorts are in a league of their own. They’re crafted from this season’s favorite dark indigo wash, and feature a relaxed fit that won’t feel constricting after you’ve consumed your weight in croissants. Their structured silhouette is designed to adapt to your body’s contours over time, so they’ll only get comfier with each wear. I own a few pairs of jeans from DL1961, and it’s the only denim I’ll travel with—it’s structured yet soft against skin, and doesn’t lose its shape after being packed in a suitcase. 

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