Be real: how many times have you been scrolling through social media and thought, “Is everyone in Paris except for me?” The FOMO is real, especially when we’re bombarded with TikToks of all the girlies frolicking through Europe for their holidays. And it’s not just tourists that can trigger a twinge of wanderlust (and occasional jealousy if we’re honest).
But before you give up all hope, there’s a more affordable solution to getting your French fix without booking a flight—ahem, it’s lying in your closet. You don’t have to be living or traveling in France to channel the vibes; you merely need a solid arsenal of year-round staples. Some items are so synonymous with French style that they can make anyone feel like they’re a native Parisian (even if they’re not).
So which items can do just that? In search of that answer, I combed through hundreds of outfit ideas from our favourite fashion influencers to identify the essential pillars of French style. Ahead, you’ll find a list of 17 basics that Parisians rely on throughout the summer and beyond with shopping recommendations. While you don’t need every item, incorporating any number of these staples into your wardrobe can make you feel like you’re on “la fête” without even boarding a plane.