12 French Fashion-inspired Red Travel Outfits

While neutral colors form the timeless base of most Parisian wardrobes, warmer weather calls for bolder pops of color—and on a recent two-week trip to France, I noticed a bright poppy red hue blooming all over the capital city in the form of cozy cardigans, woolly scarves, and chic ballet flats. I immediately sought out the sunny shade, and soon found it mirrored everywhere from brasserie booths to café terrace tables (which inadvertently made for some fabulous photo ops with my new outfits). With a tight budget in mind, I found a dozen capsule wardrobe-worthy pieces on Amazon to help you channel your inner French-girl, starting at just $11. 

From soft pullovers to effortless two-piece sets, each piece is an easy way to add a dash of playful color to your spring wardrobe. Best of all, the eye-catching red hue makes it easy to stand out in a crowd—even at five-foot-two, my friends could spot me in crowded museums and metro stations alike. Read on for travel-ready additions to brighten up your carry-on closet, with several styles discounted up to 50 percent off on Amazon. 

Best ‘French-girl Red’ Clothes for Travel

Wyeysyt Chunky Soft Knit Sweater

Thick knit sweaters are a staple of spring fashion, and the Wyeysyt Chunky Soft Knit Sweater is a perfect way to nail the trend. “This button-down cardigan fits beautifully and feels very soft against the skin,” wrote one five-star reviewer, who added that “it has become a dependable piece in my wardrobe and pairs easily with almost anything.” The soft, chunky knit is wrinkle-resistant and warm, making it a must-have transitional piece for spring trips to Paris and beyond. Wear it with tailored trousers for city strolls or with jeans and ballet flats for a French-inspired ensemble. 

Saodimallsu Button-up Cardigan

I gasped when I found this excellent lookalike for my beloved Sézane Gaspard Cardigan, which I wear on a weekly basis. The Saodimallsu Button-up Cardigan is crafted from a soft, lightweight polyester blend that is breathable enough to wear all day, and it packs down easily without wrinkling too much. Tiny, pearlescent buttons add an elegant touch and can be worn in the front or the back to maximize outfit versatility. I’d wear this buttoned up over jeans for a day of sightseeing, or partially unbuttoned over a mini skirt with tall boots for a night out. “I’ve been looking for a rolled neck sweater for a long time, and this one is comfortable, a quality weight, versatile, and hasn’t pilled even with multiple washings,” raved one shopper. 

Coach Patent Leather Mary Janes

It’s impossible not to strut with confidence in the shiny Coach Patent Leather Mary Janes, which add instant joie de vivre to any outfit. The charming pop of red will liven up anything from blue jeans to a linen dress, and their low profile makes them a breeze to pack for any occasion. I love that they’re crafted from at least 50 percent recycled leather and boast adjustable ankle straps to help you find your perfect fit. One shopper described them as the “most comfortable flats ever,” thanks to their slightly cushioned insoles and grippy leather outsoles.

Premillow Mohair Winter Scarf

More than any other accessory, poppy-red scarves were everywhere in the City of Light, from dainty cashmere designs to thicker wool versions. I wore mine—a nearly identical oversized style to the Premillow Mohair Winter Scarf—every day, and found that its thickness, length, and wider design made it an ultra-versatile addition to my wardrobe. I wore it Grace Kelly-style as a headscarf, and even used it as a blanket on the plane. The material is soft and never scratchy, and the tassels hold their shape well over time. Best of all, the scarf is currently 33 percent off. 

Rihero Mesh Ballet Flats

If last spring and summer were any indication, mesh flats will be back on city sidewalks and seaside promenades again in no time. I’m eyeing the darling Rihero Mesh Ballet Flats now that they’re 50 percent off—at just $20 a pair, I might even stock up on a few colors. I’d wear these with cropped trousers for a day of museum hopping, or layer them with frilly ankle socks and a midi dress for dinner with friends. I love that they feature a slightly square toe and that the mesh material allows for plenty of airflow to keep your feet cool throughout the day. “I walked around for miles in them [on a trip to] Europe—no blisters or issues,” raved one five-star reviewer. 

Grapent Wide-leg High-waisted Pant

Tailored trousers are an essential part of my travel wardrobe, and the best-selling Grapent Wide-leg High-waisted Pants are at the top of my wish list now that they’re available in poppy red. While the button closure looks professional enough to wear to the office, the elasticated waistband makes these comfortable enough to wear all day long, whether you’re taking a train ride to the sunny Southern coast of France or just exploring the market near your hotel in Paris. They drape beautifully, and two front pockets allow for plenty of space to stash your phone, wallet, and other small travel essentials.  

Amazon Essentials Demi’s Pick Relaxed-fit Collar Sweater

For just $15, the quality of the Amazon Essentials Demi’s Pick Relaxed-fit Collar Sweater is nearly too good to be true. Hand-selected by Demi Lovato herself, this celebrity-approved sweater can be worn buttoned up to show off the stylish spread collar, or unbuttoned and shifted to the side to show some shoulder. “The exaggerated collar is the showstopper, but I really love it all. The sweater’s color is a vibrant red just like the product photos,” wrote one five-star reviewer. For a boxy, effortless pullover that’s soft and easy to style, add this one to your cart while it’s still 42 percent off. 

Spanx AirEssentials Crewneck Tunic

I own several pieces from the Spanx AirEssentials collection, which consists of super-soft silhouettes that are made for busy travel days. The Spanx AirEssentials Crewneck Tunic is the platonic ideal of an in-flight layer, thanks to its incredibly comfortable and breathable fabric blend of stretchy tencel modal, polyester, and elastane. It’s an easy, lightweight piece to throw on when you want to look pulled together without putting in too much effort—plus, the fabric boasts built-in UPF 50+ sun protection for any outdoor adventures. 

Qinsen 2-piece Set

Matching sets are the holy grail of travel outfits, thanks to their one-and-done concept. The Qinsen 2-piece Set is your answer for what to wear on long flights and cozy hotel mornings alike; its body-skimming silhouette is versatile enough to dress up or down, and to wear together or separately for a wide range of outfit options. The fitted long-sleeve top could easily pair with jeans or a mini skirt for a day of sightseeing, while the comfy elastic waistband on the wide-leg pants is stretchy enough to sleep in. “Loving this cute and casual set,” wrote one shopper. “The material is soft but substantial, so it keeps you warm without feeling heavy or bulky,” they added, noting that the pants have practical pockets that are large enough to fit your phone, keys, and more. 

Yimoon Cropped Floral Quilted Jacket

With two deep pockets for stashing your phone and other small accessories, the bohemian Yimoon Cropped Floral Quilted Jacket is a perfect lookalike for the largely sold-out Free People Chloe Jacket. I love the pop of orange-red along the contrast trim and in the charming floral pattern—it’s an ideal way to incorporate a bit of color into your wardrobe if you tend to prefer more minimalist hues. While this particular pattern features my favorite new French-girl color, the boxy, lightweight jacket comes in 10 different vintage-inspired patterns. 

Pander Zipper Fanny Pack

Lululemon fans, rejoice—I found a near-perfect lookalike for the cult-favorite Everywhere Belt Bag, but at a fraction of the price. Sling this adjustable red crossbody bag around your torso or wear it around your waist for a stylish and secure way to keep your valuables in easy reach, whether you’re queuing up to see the Mona Lisa or jogging along the Seine. There’s a hidden zippered pocket on the back to stash your phone or passport, as well as several interior mesh pouches to organize your earbuds, credit cards, jewelry, and more, allowing you to soak up the City of Light with hands-free convenience. 

Breaksun Retro Oval Sunglasses

If bold colors aren’t really your thing but you’re open to trying them out, allow me to suggest sunglasses as the ideal launchpoint. Small but mighty, the ‘90s-inspired Breaksun Retro Oval Sunglasses add a cheery pop of color to any outfit, whether you’re hiking the rugged Calanques coastline in Marseille or vintage shopping in the Marais. I love the minimalist design and the delicate arms, which are free of any distracting branding. Best of all, they’re surprisingly durable; one shopper noted that they “took them on vacation to Europe, tossed them in my purse, and honestly didn’t take great care of them, but they’re still in perfect condition.” 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.