10 French Fashion-inspired Mix-and-match Travel Outfits

One of the first things I learned to say in French was il fait froid (it’s cold). Paris in the winter is charming but chilly—and after making several fashion faux pas while living there, I quickly learned to master the art of layering. As a travel writer who refuses to check a bag, I’ve had to distill my travel wardrobe down to 10 versatile staples that can easily mix and match to create over a dozen outfits.

Whether I’m wine-bar hopping in the trendy 11th arrondissement, playing tourist by the Eiffel Tower, or splurging on a fancy dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, I need pieces that can be dressed up or down—and crucially, that will keep me warm. Soft sweaters, fleece-lined tights, and puffy down jackets are non-negotiable for my annual winter trip to Paris. Ahead of your next trip to the City of Light, read on for my curated capsule wardrobe of Parisian-approved travel clothing. 

Best Versatile, Winter-ready Travel Clothes

Sézane Gaspard Cardigan

To combat Paris’ famous grisâtre—the city’s overcast winter atmosphere—I always pack a few bold pieces that are sure to brighten my day, like the poppy-colored Sézane Gaspard Cardigan. The oh-so-soft knit is a blend of mohair and alpaca, which is warm and breathable enough to wear in chilly museums, on long train rides, or for romantic strolls along the Seine. The pearlescent buttons and rounded neckline add a delicate, feminine touch to the cardigan, which can be worn with the buttons in the front or the back. This is truly one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe, despite its memorable hue—I’ll reverse it for a casual pullover look, or wear it open over a tank top during the day; at night, I’ll leave it partially-buttoned and pair it with a mini skirt. 

Spanx SpanxSuperSmooth Stretch Twill Wide-leg Pant

Spanx has become my go-to brand for flattering and comfortable travel pants, thanks to their petite-friendly styles that never need to be hemmed. I own at least five pairs, and the SpanxSuperSmooth Stretch Twill Wide-leg Pants are on constant rotation in my winter wardrobe. They’re stretchy yet structured, with a slimming silhouette that flares out to make my legs look longer. I love how wrinkle-resistant they are, and that they feature zippered side pockets to keep my phone, earbuds, and wallet secure while I’m out sightseeing. Best of all, they’re comfortable enough to wear all day long—I’ll pair them with my sneakers and a pullover during the day, then dress them up with heeled boots, a necklace, and a cropped sweater for dinner. 

Quince Washable Silk Skirt 

This skirt goes everywhere with me, all year-round—it’s silky, soft, and machine washable, which are the Big Three for me when it comes to a perfect silk skirt. It’s lightweight enough to wear in the summer, and its timeless silhouette layers beautifully over fleece-lined tights in the winter. I love that it folds up into next-to-nothing, so it’s a breeze to pack (I’ve even stashed it in my coat pocket in a pinch before). The midi style is available in 10 colors, all of which can be dressed up or down for daily wear or elegant outings alike. 

Hoka Rincon 4 Sneakers

After two years of regular wear, it’s finally time to get a new pair of Hoka Rincon 4 Sneakers, which have long outlasted my usual everyday shoes in terms of comfort and durability. I’ve packed them on every single trip over the past two years, grateful for their lightweight and flexible construction, which makes them easy to squish into a suitcase without ruining their structure. From weekly runs to all-day sightseeing and long hours spent working on a French vineyard, these sneakers have kept my feet comfortable through it all. Plus, the black-and-white style is incredibly versatile, and I often wear these with all-black outfits for a laidback daytime look.

La Canadienne Dwayne Shearling-lined Suede Bootie

Paris is a walking city, so I have to be prepared to log at least 15,000 steps a day on every visit—which is where my chic and cozy La Canadienne Dwayne Shearling-lined Suede Booties come in. They’re equipped with excellent traction to tackle everything from snowy sidewalks to slippery metro stairs, and the fuzzy shearling lining keeps my feet toasty without overheating. The soft Italian suede is treated with the brand’s proprietary City Dry technology, which creates a waterproof exterior to combat rain and slush. Plus, the memory foam insole keeps my feet comfortable even after a long day of sightseeing. While these are a splurge, I found a nearly identical pair at Amazon for just $57.

Madewell CloudSoft Drop-shoulder Crewneck Sweater

Crafted from an ultra-soft wool and alpaca blend, the Madewell CloudSoft Drop-shoulder Crewneck Sweater is my go-to layer for chilly flights and busy travel days when I need to throw on something warm and breathable. The classic crewneck is great for layering over a button-down, but the material is soft enough to wear with nothing underneath. I love the relaxed fit of this slightly-slouchy sweater, which pairs perfectly with my Madewell Corduroy Mini Skirt and a pair of fleece-lined tights.  

X-cheng Fleece-lined Sheer Tights

Call me crazy, but even in freezing weather, I want to be able to wear my favorite skirt or dress out to dinner, which is where the X-cheng Fleece-lined Sheer Tights come in as an essential part of my winter travel wardrobe. As someone who prefers sheer tights but craves the warmth of thick, opaque styles, I love the trompe-l’œil aspect of the sheer fabric. These cozy fleece-lined tights are durable, stretchy, and slightly compressive—to that end, you may want to consider sizing up for a more relaxed fit. The soft lining is warm and holds heat without trapping sweat; they’re perfect for chilly walks through Paris’ marvelous Saint-Ouen flea market or the hilly Buttes Chaumont Park. 

Madewell Corduroy Mini Skirt 

A timeless mini skirt is a non-negotiable for me on any trip, as it’s a perfect day-to-night piece that can be layered for an afternoon of museum-hopping or a night of dancing. The ‘60s-inspired Madewell Corduroy Mini Skirt has a retro vibe and just a touch of stretch, which makes it comfortable enough to wear while sitting down at dinner or walking around the city. I’ll play into the vintage look with a tight turtleneck on top and knee-high boots, or pair it with the slightly oversized Madewell CloudSoft Drop-shoulder Crewneck Sweater for a comfy daytime look. 

Suuksess Double-lined Boatneck Tank Top

When I saw that my all-time favorite tank top was almost out of stock—the Spanx Jersey Boatneck Tank—I immediately turned to Amazon to find a suitable alternative. I was extremely impressed with the quality and luxurious feel of the Suuksess Double-lined Boatneck Tank Top. The stretchy, buttery-soft fabric is thick yet breathable, and the double-lining offers enough coverage and compression for me to comfortably wear without a bra underneath. Since it’s available in 18 colors, I’m stocking up on a few more shades while it’s 44 percent off. 

Uniqlo Seamless Down Parka

I’ve traveled with my trusty Uniqlo Seamless Down Parka to at least six countries, and have been floored by how well it’s kept its shape over the past three years. The plush down filling always springs back into place, even after I’ve shoved the parka into a tote bag or balled it up to use as a pillow on a flight. It’s perfect for cold-but-not-freezing temperatures—the longer design hits at the top of my thighs and boasts a cushioned collar that zips up to my chin, effectively locking out moisture and cold air. The adjustable hood is plush and protective, while the overall finish is water-repellent enough to keep me warm and dry in light rain or snow. Crucially, there are two zippered side pockets and a hidden interior zippered pocket, which provide peace of mind that my phone, wallet, and other essentials are secure when I’m navigating crowded streets or metro stations. 

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