15 Best French Fashion After-Christmas Sales, From an American in Paris

My Christmas list may have been small this year, but that’s because I know the time to shop is when the post-holiday sales start. The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the one time of the year when I give myself permission to indulge—in shopping, that is. The festivities don’t have to end on January 1 if you have the right travel outfits to keep your spirits high even when temperatures are anything but (which is the case, living in Paris). 

Whether scouring deals to stand out on the streets of Paris or match the chic looks in the French Alps this winter, I’m eyeing everything from long faux fur coats to vegan leather wrap skirts to blend comfort and style. The reason this is the most wonderful time of the year is that sale season allows some of your dream items to become reality—and with these finds at Amazon, Madewell, J.Crew, Quince, Nordstrom, and more, you can capture an Emily in Paris-inspired look for much, much less.

Best French-style Winter Deals Overall

Madewell Long-sleeve Polo Midi Dress

A demure take on the ever-popular naked dress, this long-sleeve midi style from Madewell is one that’ll get me through the rest of the winter season. Midnight olive is a much-welcome departure from basic black and really pops when you accessorize with a mix of gold jewelry and deep winter shades like aubergine and chocolate. The side slit shows enough leg without being too revealing, and the sheer overlay is flattering, draping curves in just the right way. I can’t wait to pair it with a faux fur coat and suede knee-high boots for a look that’ll go from day to night. Get it for half off when you use the code EXTRA at checkout.

Quince Faux Fur Coat

Shots of Carrie Bradshaw in the first Sex and the City movie running in heels on New York’s snow-covered streets with nothing but an oversized, knee-length fox fur coat to keep her warm seem to be everywhere at the moment—as if we needed a reminder that fur season is underway. Exuding timeless glamour, this faux mink coat from Quince is at a relatively reasonable price of $130. My favorite way to style it? With baggy denim, black leather mules, a T-shirt, and a baseball cap—a celebrity’s fashionable way to throw the paparazzi off their track (but still look polished if they happen to snap a photo). 

J.Crew Factory Leather Gloves

After spending the past few weeks in the French and Swiss Alps, I’ve become obsessed with perfecting my attire on (and off) the slopes. I’ve scrolled through Instagram and seen influencers sporting layers of leather and fur, and while elbow-length leather gloves may look chic in photos, they’re not so practical in person. On sale for 60 percent off at J.Crew Factory, these classic leather gloves are a staple for any winter wardrobe. Not only are they sophisticated enough to make any outfit look polished, but they are also equipped with touch screen-compatible fingertips, so no need to slide them off as you’re snapping photos strolling around Val d’Isère or Verbier this holiday season. 

Banana Republic Super-soft Soma High-rise Barrel Pant

If you’re going to narrow down your travel wardrobe to one pair of versatile pants, this high-rise pair from Banana Republic should be it. A more approachable take on winter white, natural beige will match all of your dark basics: jet-black sweaters, slate-gray cropped cardigans, and chocolate cashmere tanks. Unless you’re of model height, it’s tough to pull off slouchy pants, but this barrel-leg style is a fit that’s flattering on all types of figures. Since I’m on the shorter side, I’d pair them with slingback kitten heels or ankle boots with the slightest of heels, but they would also look great with a lug-sole mule or even sneakers for days packed with nonstop sightseeing.

Feisedy Oversized Retro Shades

While skiing in Verbier last week, I noticed everyone on the slopes donning retro-style aviators that could withstand the sun even while tackling a red or black run. I fell in love with this pair from Moncler, but the three-digit price tag was way out of budget. After spending some time scouring Amazon, I came across this near dupe from Feisedy that offers glare and UV ray protection. Even better, they feature anti-scratch lenses. The leopard-style frames nod to the print that’s having a major moment right now, and the skin-friendly nose pad will keep these sunnies in place without leaving any dents while you’re skiing or dancing on tables during après at La Folie Douce. 

Sam Edelman Laguna Shearling Boots

A staple that deserves a place in your ski wardrobe is a pair of shearling-lined boots. While I love the dramatic, knee-high faux fur Moon Boot it seems every model is sporting this season, these on-sale Sam Edelman boots at Zappos are a much more practical pick while being every bit as stylish. 

Waterproof with a lugged sole, these will provide enough grip on icy streets and withstand the elements when the weather shifts from sleet to snow. The subtle faux shearling lining adds enough design detail to instantly elevate an outfit without overpowering it. When I want to pack light and wear a pair of boots from day to night, this style is perfect with leather leggings for après or with sheer black tights and a leather skirt for an evening out.

Banana Republic Cotton Poplin Volume-sleeve Top

When I’m craving summer and want to shake off the winter blues, I love a pop of color like this striking cherry-red top from Banana Republic. When tucked into a pair of high-waist dark denim, it’s the perfect daytime ensemble that looks polished without trying too hard. What’s also great about this piece is that it’s one you can don year-round with linen trousers in spring, structured eyelet white lace shorts in summer, or light-wash jeans in fall. Top it off with a metal buckled belt and block heel black ankle boots, and you’ve found your go-to look for the season—especially with an oversized plaid or charcoal gray coat draped over.  

Gap Recycled Vegan Leather Midi Wrap Skirt

When I moved to Paris seven years ago, I instantly retired all of my miniskirts. Emily in Paris may be a fan of tight and short, but in reality, the French are the opposite—length adds sophistication. An asymmetrical take on a traditional pencil skirt, like this vegan leather one from Gap, gives it enough edge so it can’t be mistaken for anything you might wear to the office—yet it’s still polished enough to go from work to happy hour or a dinner date. Wear it with a long-sleeve bodysuit, cropped cardigan, or even something as casual as a plain tee and slip on a pair of Mary Jane flats (on sale for just $32 at Gap), and you have the ultimate outfit for nearly any occasion.

Quince Italian Leather Mini Bowler Crossbody Satchel

During the holidays, I prefer to feel as light as possible. Out are the summer boho bags and totes—I’m already weighed down by multiple layers of clothing. Instead, I’m eyeing accessories like this mini bowler crossbody satchel from Quince. Party-ready thanks to its removable strap, the structured silhouette makes it look as expensive as anything designer, yet it’s practical enough for everyday use—especially when worn as a crossbody over a coat while taking the metro in Paris or cycling through the city. 

Adidas VL Court 3.0 Sneaker

The French practically invented the celebrity “off-duty” look—that effortlessly cool style that seems thrown together but is, in fact, carefully curated. Even in winter, a pair of white Adidas sneakers completes any ensemble. I love a high-low feel, whether it’s mixing and matching a designer piece like a structured purse with something more low-key like a simple baseball cap and the perfect slouchy trousers. Add a bit of glitz to the outfit with a structured statement piece, and you’re ready for nearly any kind of outing in Paris.

Nvlt Fringed Eyelash Knit Sweater Coat

Western wear has moved beyond hats and belts, seeping into skiwear and winter coats. I’ve long been a fan of fringe, so I’m eagerly embracing the style this season but opting for pieces that can transition from spots like Aspen to the streets of Paris. This shawl collar sweater coat at Nordstrom Rack is the perfect example—classic black and belted around the waist, this piece of outerwear is versatile enough to wear in both a ski town and capital city without looking out of place. 

Reminiscent of French designers like Isabel Marant, known for her stylish mashup of cowgirl core and bohemian flair, this coat will turn heads without blowing through your holiday budget—and it’s a look that won’t fall out of fashion, so you can wear it year after year on rotation in your winter wardrobe. 

J.Crew Gwyneth Slip Skirt

As I’m packing for a marathon of travel that’ll take me everywhere from Big Sky, Montana, to Mexico, I’m gravitating toward pieces I can mix, match, and layer to wear in climates that couldn’t be more opposite. In the evenings, whether I’m dining at a swanky ski town restaurant or sipping a cocktail at a bohemian beach bar, my go-to is a slip skirt—espeically one like this style from J.Crew that falls right above the ankles. 

The timeless silhouette and sleek slit in the back make this piece feel much more expensive than it is, and thanks to the extra 60 percent off sale styles when you use the code FESTIVE, it’s practically a steal. For the snow, don a chunky sleeveless cable knit sweater and mules, and for more tropical locales, you can’t go wrong with a simple, oversized white tee or breezy off-the-shoulder crop top.

Mango Faux-leather Fur Collar Coat

If I had to name the “it” item of the season, it would be a brown leather trench. Trench coats are synonymous with French style, but if you trade the typical texture for something more luxurious (and thick enough to keep you warm), the piece becomes a luxe go-to for winter parties and travel. 

On sale for nearly 40 percent off at Mango, you could easily mistake this faux leather coat for being the real deal. The detachable faux fur collar dresses it up for nighttime and adds to the chic factor. This is a look that’s equal parts polished and edgy, so go all-out with a full leather ensemble, wearing leather pants or thigh-high leather boots with a Parisian signature—a pouty red lip.

Everlane Selfie Tank Dress

A tank dress is my favorite throw-on-and-go piece for days I don’t want to dig through my wardrobe. At 70 percent off, this staple from Everlane is one of the best deals for a basic I’ve seen this season. Mid-length and designed to mold to your body like a glove, this ribbed-knit dress is stylish and sophisticated—and an easy piece to pack for practically any trip. 

Throw it over a pair of tights with ankle boots and a boxy leather bomber jacket for daytime strolling around Paris, or dress it up for an evening out with a black boyfriend blazer, block heels, and a patent leather shoulder bag for a sky-high cocktail bar like 16th-floor Bonnie at SO/ Paris, whose floor-to-ceiling windows show off some of the best views of the Seine.

Sézane Suzanne Low Ballerinas

Bordeaux is my seasonal shade—you’ll see me sporting everything from Bordeaux-hued nail polish to coats and leather pants. I’ve been after a pair of dressier slingback flats, so when I came across these vintage-inspired ballerinas from Sézane, they were too perfect to pass up—despite the price tag (my neighborhood cobbler knows my shoes far too well since I’m resoling them at least once per season). 

The pointed toe and delicate strap create a feminine silhouette that’s flattering with everything from jeans to silky midi skirts or even a party dress. For New Year’s Eve, I’m envisioning pairing these with a cinched-waist black dress and throwing in festive sparkle in the form of a statement-making sculptural gold bangle and metallic clutch.

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