5 Fall French Fashion-inspired Going Out Outfits

Fall layers can make the season one of the trickiest to pack for, especially when you’re squeezing everything into a carry-on. After more than a decade living in France, I’ve picked up a few style hacks that have streamlined my wardrobe and made packing significantly easier. The key is choosing versatile pieces that mix and match effortlessly, transitioning from day to evening without a wardrobe change—which, let’s be honest, rarely happens when you’re squeezing in drinks before dinner.

In Paris, less is always more. With a few simple swaps, you can create a look that works equally well for a day of shopping or gallery hopping as it does for an evening that begins with un verre de vin and stretches late into the night with dinner and a nightcap. Why waste precious vacation time running back to your hotel room when you can have everything you need to step seamlessly into the evening? 

And, in case you need a pair of tights to complete your day-to-night outfit, there’s a Monoprix (the French equivalent of Target) on practically every corner. From striking two-piece sweater sets to a sophisticated wool cape and comfy Mary Jane flats, here are five looks to shop to capture French style this season.

French-inspired Day-to-night Style Essentials

Outfit 1: Runway Ready

Free People Alexandra Maxi Skirt Set

Banana Republic Oversized Distressed Leather Bomber Jacket

One of my favorite parts about Paris in the fall is the infusion of texture into seasonal staples. While I love breezy summer linens, fall’s rich silks, satins, velvets, and faux furs offer more potential to give an ensemble an instant boost—plus make an outfit look much more expensive than it is. When I came across this maxi skirt set at Free People, which combines two of these elements in an opal-like shade exuding the kind of quiet luxury Gwyneth Paltrow popularized, I was sold. 

The cropped, short-sleeve faux fur sweater has a runway-worthy look at an accessible price, while the crushed satin maxi skirt is a fall essential that pairs with everything from chunky knits to silky button-downs. Dress it up with an oversized belt or even a Chanel-inspired chain belt like this one at Amazon (a deal at just $10), throw on a retro-inspired oversized leather jacket like this version from Banana Republic, and you have a look that can take you from a day gallery-hopping to dinner and drinks somewhere stylish like rooftop restaurant Bonnie. Complete the outfit with round-toe patent Madewell Mary Jane flats in playful plum and a leather tote with hardware that adds enough shine—no accessories needed. 

Outfit 2: Edgy Leather and Lace

Free People Ownley Ricky Set

Automet Oversized Faux Suede Motorcycle Jacket

When it comes to French fashion, the key is balancing soft and edgy. Pair a sheer top or lace with studs or leather for that signature Parisian contrast. I recently added this buttercream Ownley Rickey Set from Free People to my all-seasons wardrobe. In my hometown of Miami, I’d style it simply with strappy stilettos and a clutch, but in Paris, I layer it with an oversized, retro-style motorcycle jacket from Automet—the perfect counterpoint to the delicate, sheer layers and strapless top. 

Since the high-rise skirt already shows plenty of leg, I balance it with the Vjh Chelsea Bootie, a sensible yet chic style that works whether you’re grabbing coffee and a long lunch or heading to apéro. The Montana West Slouchy Shoulder Handbag is practical enough to carry all my essentials plus any evening swaps, and it’s even roomy enough for a laptop if I’m heading straight from co-working at Soho House. It includes a spacious cosmetics bag that doubles as a wristlet, so you can check the main bag at coat check if needed.

Outfit 3: ‘70s Chic

Gap Rib Midi Sweater Dress

Madewell Double-breasted Plaid Trench Coat

One seasonal staple that never goes out of fashion is a sweater dress, but finding a style that doesn’t weigh you down is a challenge. Instead of thick cable knit, opt for a rib knit, which won’t take up as much room in your carry-on and looks flattering on most figures—especially this midi dress at Gap with its sleek side slit. You can even tie a silk scarf over the funnel neck during the day and slip it into your bag at night, trading it out for a sculptural collar choker like this plated 14-karat gold Alexis Bittar necklace.

Instead of a simple khaki trench, try a fall pattern like this double-breasted plaid coat from Madewell. It’s an investment worth making this season since it’ll instantly elevate any of your ensembles. Everlane’s suede Studio Bag and Studio Slingback Flat look great together, with their slight variation in caramel shades adding a nice contrast, so it’s not too matchy-matchy. Parisians don’t believe your purse and shoes need to match—très passé!

Outfit 4: Femme Fatale

Maje Ruffled Chiffon Top

Sézane Ciara Leather Trousers

Michael Kors Double Face Wool Blend Cape

October is one of the busiest months in Paris, packed with events like Fashion Week and Art Basel. Even at fashion shows, Parisians master the art of understated chic. The key is skipping overt designer labels and investing in versatile staples like Sézane’s leather trousers, which pair equally well with a crisp, oversized white button-down and blazer or something sexier, like this Maje ruffled chiffon top—a very French take on the barely-there trend that shows no signs of slowing down.

For a less formal look, tuck the top into high-waisted, dark-wash denim. Both outfits work with sensible yet stylish chunky pumps like this Amazon pair that nearly 28,000 shoppers rave about for comfort and style. The trick to making any outfit look expensive? Accessories. Take a cue from the French and invest in a quality bag like this patent leather Artiste Bag in burgundy. It’s the perfect pop of color against an all-black ensemble. Add a dash of mascara, ruby-red lips, and a stylish coat like this marked-down Michael Kors camel cape, and you’re ready for a night out at perpetually chic Girafe or natural wine favorite Bistrot des Tournelles.

Outfit 5: Film Noir

Free People Gwenna Sweater Set

Ekouaer Satin Camisole Top

The French are masters at making simple knitwear look chic, especially when you opt for a matching set in noir, like this pick from Free People. The Y2K-era slouchy look is back, and I couldn’t be happier about it. But the trick to an ensemble appearing effortless while still looking polished is to have one piece that is more form-fitting—like this set’s column skirt. Wear the cardigan open with a few buttons fastened, or layer it over a silky camisole for a more dressed-up evening look, especially when paired with a rounded pencil bag like this J.Crew style in patent tortoise—a subtle take on this season’s animal print obsession.

Since I’m constantly running around town, the glossy black Candice Loafers from Sézane are my go-to because they are flattering whether worn solo or with sheer tights or metallic socks. Accentuate the dramatic v-neckline with a single statement piece like this eye-catching pearl necklace from Madewell for a relaxed yet stylish look perfect for drinks on the terrace of a buzzy 11th arrondissement wine bar—or my neighborhood go-to, Les Œillets.

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