After the first sunny spring day, Parisians have officially packed up their winter wardrobe and replaced knits and boots with breezy trench coats and elegant ballerina flats—a look the French are perhaps most famous for. Don’t get me wrong, there are still days when temperatures can be unpredictable, but that doesn’t stop Parisians from dressing for the season—or at least the weather they want.
I’ve long admired some of the Paris-born fashion brands, like Rouje, whose stylish founder, Jeanne Damas, creates feminine capsule collections that transcend time. When I ask how she would describe spring fashion in Paris, Damas told me, “It’s never too styled; it’s more about attitude and comfort, about feeling like yourself.” I couldn’t agree more. Taking a few cues from the former model and style icon, here are Damas’ 12 must-have pieces to capture Parisian style this spring, along with how to get a similar look using basics like wedge heels, T-shirts, and capri pants from Amazon, Quince, Zappos, and more—starting at just $10.
Capri-length pants
The spring and summer 2026 runways had one look for the season I wouldn’t expect ever making a comeback: capris. The throwback trend has been modernized and restyled with much more polish. Think below-the-knee fitted pants paired with a structured oversized blazer and pumps. Damas adds her own spin to this look, saying, “The classic ballerinas-and-trench combo is a cliché—but I still love it. I’d modernize it with an oversized shirt and capri-length pants underneath for a more unexpected silhouette.” For a simple take, these noir wide-leg capris at Amazon are a sophisticated style that’ll become a quick go-to replacing jeans while museum hopping or shopping in a city like Paris or Madrid this spring.
Wedge heels
Damas has figured out how to balance fashion and practicality with footwear. When I asked Damas what she recommends packing for a spring trip to Paris, she offers up two picks: “Ballerinas and mules—chic, practical, and easy to walk in all day.” Instead of traditional ballet flats, she opts for these Rouje suede heel ballet flats, and Damas weaves in ever-popular tortoise print in an unexpected way through these square, open-toe wedge mules from Rouje. For a look for less, these Madden Girl Cluney wedge heel sandals capture a similar feel and are only $49.
A white midi dress
When I asked Damas what makes spring fashion in Paris different from other cities around the world, she said, “It’s that balance between something a bit romantic, like a delicate dress or soft fabric, and something more structured.” She added, “It’s this mix that makes an outfit feel alive and personal, rather than perfect.” Finding this contrast when curating an outfit isn’t always easy, but if you find the right pieces, the look is a cinch. The perfect example? Rouje’s white buttoned seersucker midi dress with its elegant gathered sleeves and removable belt that allows the delicate fabric to fall in all the right places. Great for a city like Paris or somewhere by the coast like Mallorca, I’m planning to sport a few different versions of this look in spring, including a linen version from Quince, I’ll pair with leather sandals and a basket bag.
A crisp, oversized shirt
When I ask Damas what capsule pieces she would suggest investing in, she said, “A great trench coat, a crisp oversized shirt, a slip dress, and a pair of well-cut trousers—they’re versatile, layer easily, and work from day to night.” Of course, the French can make anything look cool, even something as androgynous as an oversized striped shirt like this pink poplin style from Rouje. Before moving to France, I considered button-down shirts as purely office wear—the opposite of my freelance writer wardrobe. The trick, of course, is how you style it, whether that be half-tucked into cigarette jeans with mules or worn open and loose over a slinky dress. And if you’re looking for a similar style at a fraction of the price, this striped blouse at Amazon is nearly identical and comes in tons of other striped styles.
A trench coat
“Spring in Paris is really about living outside again,” Damas said. “I like clothes that feel effortless but still put together—pieces you can wear all day without thinking too much about them.” One example she gives is a timeless, double-breasted trench coat like this one from Rouje that can be thrown over a silky slip dress or paired with structured trousers. The back storm flap and removable belt add structure without being constricting; you can tie the belt in the back and leave the jacket hanging loose with the stylish leopard print lining showing, or button it all the way up for a more formal feel. A similar style at Amazon, this shorter trench looks just as polished, and it’s wrinkle-proof, so no need to worry about bringing an iron while traveling.
A square-neck T-shirt
Sometimes the best fashion investment is one you wouldn’t expect, like a simple T-shirt. Damas suggests a flirty spin on a classic square-neck, like this fitted top at Rouje with its decorative hems. Perfect on its own with jeans or layered under a blazer or cropped cardigan, this piece can be worn all season long and straight into summer with shorts or a skirt. I’ve been looking at similar styles like this ribbed knit top at Amazon with its fashionable black trim that makes the lightweight top seem much more expensive than it actually is.
A slip dress
Feminine prints are a signature of Rouje and a look Damas wears on repeat—especially when it comes to dresses. In spring, Damas says, she often reaches for “a simple slip dress layered with a light jacket or a trench, something easy that moves with you.” One of her favorites for this season is this Rouje lace-hemmed midi dress in beige that’s emblazoned with a soft floral motif. The matching V-neckline in the front and back is a striking design detail that’s subtle yet sexy. A style that’s as versatile and classic, this dressed-up version from Free People adds in a slight vintage vibe with just enough frill while still looking of-the-moment—especially if you add a bit of edge with a leather jacket and Chelsea boots.
A basket bag
Accessories are how Parisians make each outfit look like it’s the first time they’re wearing it out. A simple jeans-and-tee combo takes on a whole new look with the right shoes and purse. This is a concept Damas has perfected with Rouje’s playful mix of leather bags and baskets. When I ask how she’d accessorize a look, Damas responded, “If I’m meeting friends at a café, I might add a pair of ballerinas or small heel sandals, a basket bag, and maybe a touch of red (on the lips or in an accessory).” Red really is the best color to give any look a pop, and Rouje’s woven raffia basket bag with its floral motif is sure to turn heads as you’re picnicking in a park like local favorite Buttes-Chaumont in Belleville.
A printed scarf
Speaking of accessories, one that the French are famous for is a silk scarf, which they tie to practically everything. I’m always on the hunt for a chic vintage Hermès scarf to don with a white linen long-sleeve top and caramel-colored suede jacket. Damas says a printed scarf is one style hack worth incorporating this season. “Tie a silk scarf around the hips of a slip dress or a simple outfit—it instantly adds structure and personality,” she advises, pinpointing Rouje’s red silk Flamenco print scarf. Similar in size and as vibrant in pattern, this satin pick at Amazon is only $10 and would look just as elevated around your neck as it would looped around linen pants like a belt.
Tailored trousers
One pair of perfectly cut pants can last all season long—a style trick the French know well. I’ve been scouring different sites trying to find a style that’ll suit my petite frame so it won’t look like I’m drowning. When I came across Everlane’s seam balloon pants, I was instantly sold. While the price is on the higher side, this is an investment worth making that will last me nearly all year. After recently trying on a pair of barrel-shaped pants at Madewell, I knew the look was one that would work given my height, especially with details like these sophisticated back pockets. The length is perfect with a pair of ballet flats or lug-sole loafers, and the structured shape matches with everything from a casual white tee to a silky camisole and cropped cardigan for a day-to-night look.
Strappy kitten heels
When it comes to footwear, I often see tourists in Paris gravitating in two very different directions: gym-ready sneakers or stilettos they can hardly walk in. As soon as temperatures start rising, I’m ready to put aside my slew of heavy boots in favor of something lighter and, let’s face it, more flattering. Damas feels the same, saying, “I personally love minimalist sandals when the weather allows.” Her version of minimalism isn’t what most would consider (case in point: these gorgeous Rouje burgundy rose gold-adorned sandals). I love the ramped-up take on traditional heeled sandals and found this strappy pair at Amazon that captures the same Parisian cool within my price point. I can’t wait to sport these to an exhibition next week at the Fondation Louis Vuitton art museum with a pair of tapered denim jeans and a blazer.
An off-the-shoulder top
As a model and trendsetter in her own right, Damas has an eye for what’s popular each season. For spring, she’s seeing “touches of red and pink, all-white looks, slip dresses worn day-to-night, and leather pieces mixed into lighter outfits.” One playful spin on all-white is this Rouje off-the-shoulder top with a drop sleeve dangling delicately on one side, perfectly falling over wide white denim jeans. A style I recently came across that I quickly added to my shopping cart at Nordstrom is this more casual one-shoulder knit top from Reformation, which I’ll wear nearly daily with barrel jeans and sneakers while running around Paris.
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