15 Capsule Wardrobe Tricks I Learned From Living in Paris

When I moved to Paris in 2023, I brought my over-stocked American wardrobe with me, but months later, the tags still hung from many of the seasonal purchases I’d made before the move, unworn and no longer in style. I looked to my Parisian friend’s closets for inspiration, noticing how their highly curated capsule wardrobes were uncomplicated yet effortlessly chic. I immediately began whittling away my closet until I was left with only pieces I loved and knew wouldn’t be going out of style anytime soon. 

My morning routine suddenly freed up as I no longer waffled about what to wear to drop off my kids at school each morning (which often felt like a fashion show—not a pair of leggings in sight). I could easily mix and match every item in my closet quickly, and I dressed in confidence that I was ready for whatever happened that day. 

Best French Wardrobe Essentials

Since recently moving back to America, I’ve fallen into a few old habits—like occasionally wearing workout gear to school drop off—but for the most part, my capsule wardrobe remains the same, and my mornings have also remained relatively stress-free. From my favorite all-purpose jeans to the comfiest (and cutest) pair of flats I own, here are the French fashion-inspired clothes I love having on hand in my American closet.

Everlane The Mariner Tee

Although the beret has fallen into tourist-only territory, this historically classic French shirt is still a staple in many French wardrobes. The marinière was part of the French Navy’s uniform in the 19th century, and it’s still a source of national pride throughout the country. There are many versions out there, but this Everlane Mariner Tee is comfortable and soft due to its 100-percent organic cotton material, and it’s versatile and easy to wear with a pair of straight jeans and flats.  

Sézane Barry Cardigan

I broke the “don’t-talk-to-anyone-on-the-metro” rule to ask a French woman where her cardigan was from while I lived in Paris. She responded without being surprised, like I wasn’t the first to ask, and I spent the rest of the ride home with this Sézane cardigan in my online cart. Now, I’m the one answering, “It’s from Sézane,” when someone stops me at the grocery store home in the States. I love wearing it backwards with the V in the back, but it’s also really easy to tuck into a pair of straight jeans or a long skirt.

Zara Straight Fit Blazer

A blazer is the light jacket of choice for most Parisiennes, wearing them over T-shirts, blouses, and dresses with equal panache. This Zara straight-fit version was my staple for so many nights out, whether with friends or for work. I still wear it out, often draped over my shoulders comme les Françaises.

Midi A-line Pleated Skirt

A fitted white T-shirt, a pair of flats, and this pleated skirt, and boom—point me toward the nearest marché, even if that may be Trader Joe’s instead of my corner market. I bought a similar style midi skirt off Amazon in green while living in France—and it quickly became one of the most-worn pieces in my wardrobe. I actually like that the buttons aren’t functional, too, because that means fewer wardrobe malfunctions and more care-free flaneuring.

Nordstrom High-waist Straight-leg Jeans

A high-waisted, straight jean is très French, but you don’t have to travel far to find high-quality denim—in fact, one of my favorite places to shop for jeans is the American-made brand Madewell. While they’re known for their well-made (get it?) denim, like this straight-leg pair, there are similar pairs from Nordstrom, Quince, and more to add to your wardrobe. These timeless styles look polished, but can easily be dressed down with a tee and sneakers.

Rothy’s The Almond Loafer

Loafers have been popular in France for decades, and, judging by how many women I noticed were still wearing these on a daily basis (with jeans, skirts, and dresses), it’s clear the style isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. I love this pair from Rothy’s because they’re machine washable and incredibly comfy. They’ve become my favorite travel shoe, in addition to my everyday shoe—I can wear them for everything from running errands to grabbing dinner.

Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Crossbody

I will never part with my beloved crossbody bag. I liked having multiple zippered compartments in my purse while living in Paris to organize things like metro cards and bulky apartment keys, and, it turns out, it comes in equally as handy in America. Quince’s leather crossbody is my daily wear purse since it pairs perfectly with everything in my capsule wardrobe, and I also wear it as a wristlet at times since it comes with two different detachable straps.  

Uniqlo Mini T-shirt

I thought I brought enough Monoprix organic cotton white T-shirts (i.e., my favorite white T-shirt … and only 8 euro each!) with me back to America, but I already went through my stash and have been on the search for my next favorite white tee. This mini Uniqlo T-shirt is the closest I’ve found so far, and I appreciate that it’s less sheer than my favorite French version. 

Quince Leather Everyday Sneaker

I remember thinking French women must walk in heels everywhere, but I learned the day I moved to France how wrong I was. All I saw were loafers and sneakers—and not much else. White sneakers, to be more precise. I prefer these leather Quince shoes to any cloth versions since they’re easy to wipe clean. Plus, I’ve worn them so much that the leather has molded perfectly to my foot, making them one of the comfier shoes I own.  

J.Crew Small Hoop Earrings, Set of 3

French style is all about subtle elegance, and this gold-plated hoop earrings set from J.Crew nails that ethos. These hoops are not too big or too flashy, and, for me, the medium pair is the absolute perfect weight and size. I wear these with a white T-shirt and black shorts to class up an otherwise very casual look.

Jimmy Fairly The Elvie

I traded in my mirrored aviators when I moved to France, and I have yet to go back. I love these Elvie sunglasses from Paris-based Jimmy Fairly—and so did many Parisians since the style was all over the city. Wearing them around the U.S. sort of feels like an “if you know, you know” situation (to all you Jimmy Fairly wearers out there). There are less expensive models out there, but I prefer the luxe look of these shades.

Dream Pairs Ankle Strap Block Heel

The few times I left my apartment in Paris wearing stiletto heels, I went straight into an Uber (or, more accurately, into a G7 or Bolt). These chunky heels were my go-to pair for all the other times I wanted a heel but still needed to be able to walk in them. Comfy enough to get me to the metro and back, and stylish enough for the bar à vin that came in between.   

Reformation Lora Knit Dress

There are few pieces more versatile than la petite robe noir (i.e., the little black dress). Most French women own at least one high-quality, timeless black dress that they can style multiple ways. I chose this chic and flattering LBD from Reformation for exactly those reasons. I’ve dressed it down with white sneakers and a jean jacket, and I often wear it as-is with kitten heels and a chignon. 

Cordée Case Gia Phone Chain

Crossbody bags were my standard recommendation for everyone asking me what to wear while visiting Paris, but by the time I moved, most of the Parisians I knew had swapped a daily purse for a crossbody-style phone sling instead. I first saw one on my favorite chocolatier, Jade Genin, and quickly became influenced to get one just like hers. There are some great French brands that ship to the U.S., like LaCoqueFrancaise, but I’m a fan of this Miami-based version for its simplistically chic design.

Fragonard Perfumeur Set

A friend of mine, who has lived in Paris longer than I did, often reminded me that perfume was a vital part of a French ensemble. I first discovered Fragonard on a family trip to Grasse in my early teens and have been a fan of the French brand ever since. Even after leaving France, I still finish every outfit with a quick spritz from one of these tiny sprays.  

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