At the end of August, as Parisians start trickling back into the city, the energy changes along with the season. Fall in Paris unofficially kicks off with la rentrée (the return), when shops and restaurants reopen, children head back to school, and friends catch up for apéro (apéritif) and share stories from their summer holidays. After a busy month traveling throughout the South of France, staying with friends in Nice and Monaco, I can’t wait to trade out the contents of my carry-on bag and welcome in a new wardrobe (and cooler weather).

As seasons become more unpredictable around the world, the best way to prep for fall is with layers and a few standout accessories, like a patterned scarf or statement-making bag. The sales in France may have finished in July, but Labor Day is a great excuse for an expat like myself to score deals online and stock up on essentials that’ll have me feeling fresh and ready to herald in the new season. I’ve scoured the sales and narrowed down some of the best finds worth adding to your shopping cart. From comfy Reebok sneakers and high-waisted Everlane jeans to retro round sunnies and a sleek wide-brim fedora, here are 15 items that effortlessly capture the sought-after French girl cool aesthetic — starting at just $8.

J.Crew Denim Barn Jacket

On a recent trip to St. Moritz, I went hiking with a Parisian stylist and instantly fell in love with her laid-back style. Hair up in a messy (but, of course, effortlessly chic) bun with black leggings and an oversized denim jacket worn as a shirt, it was just practical enough for a cool morning in the Swiss Alps but still looked put together enough for a Champagne-filled lunch at slopeside hotspot Paradiso. 

This majorly discounted denim barn jacket from J.Crew is similar in style and can be worn on its own over black leather leggings with Chelsea boots or loose over a white T-shirt or silky button-up top. “The weight is the perfect amount to wear over a chunky sweater so you don’t overheat,” said one J.Crew shopper, adding she loved the oversized patch pockets — a flattering design detail adding structure to the relaxed fit.

Madewell Denim Oversized Shirtdress

Madewell’s Labor Day sale is one for the record books, and at the top of my wish list is this Denim Oversized Shirtdress that’s been double discounted to $39 from $128. A breezy shirtdress is a great piece to transition into fall and show off your summer tan. Roll up the sleeves on warmer days and pair them with fisherman sandals or sneakers. Throw on a pair of thigh-high boots and chunky gold necklaces for a look that’ll really turn heads on a night out in Paris. Or, on cooler evenings, wear it over a pair of tights with ankle boots and an oversized, boxy wool coat and you’ll fit right in with the crowd attending Paris Fashion Week.

Everlane Way-high Jean

Finding a pair of jeans that can transition seamlessly with the seasons isn’t an easy task, especially in a city like Paris where denim is a cornerstone of your wardrobe. This style from Everlane checks all the boxes — the flattering high waist and straight fit from hip to ankle make anyone’s legs look supermodel-long, while the slight stretch in the organic cotton adds a layer of comfort making these an easy go-to when you don’t want to think too hard about what you’re going to wear for the day. 

I’m not the only one who is a fan — nearly 1,000 shoppers have given them a perfect, five-star rating, raving in their reviews that the jeans “got comfortable within minutes” and “always get compliments.” One satisfied shopper adds: “First pair of Everlane jeans and let me just say, I love them. They are super flattering and comfortable and make my butt look great — what more could a person ask for?” I completely agree! 

Reoria Butsmooth Sleeveless Racer Back Halter Bodysuit

A smooth, tucked-in look that’s sophisticated yet not too fussed up, a bodysuit is a fantastic basic to add to your suitcase. A great piece for layering (which is how the French approach styling), wear it with jeans or wide-leg trousers, with a pair of high-waisted shorts, or paired with a denim jacket and blazer. Dress it up for an evening of drinks and dancing somewhere like Le Carmen in Pigalle or keep it casual with denim and sneakers for a day of shopping and lunch in town.

Reebok Classic Leather Sneakers

Whether you plan to actually make it to the hotel gym or get your steps in strolling the banks of the Seine, this vintage-style pair of sneakers from Reebok doubles as day-to-day footwear and athleisure. The sleek silhouette with its low-cut design and lightweight cushioning make these both comfortable and fashionable, allowing you to pair them with everything from jeans or linen trousers to leather leggings or even a knit midi dress. As one of its five-star reviewers said: “They’re super comfy and [you] can wear them with almost everything — [my] best footwear purchase in a long time.”

Tulucky Long-sleeve Striped Round Neck Top

There’s a reason why something becomes a cliché — while stripes are perhaps the style most synonymous with the French, it’s also a look that will never fade from fashion. Unlike berets, my French friends own more than a few striped tops similar to this boatneck, three-quarter sleeve style — which is a year-round wardrobe staple. One of the easiest pieces to pack for a trip to Paris, this top can’t be styled wrong. wear it with a pair of dark denim or black jeans, ballet flats, or ankle boots, and a boyfriend-style blazer. Complete the look with cherry-red lipstick and a pair of large gold stud earrings and you’ll instantly blend in with the Parisians.

J.Crew Contrast-trim Cardigan Sweater

A play on the classic Chanel cardigan, this two-tone version from J.Crew is elegant without being too formal. Lighter and more playful than traditional styles, this all-cotton sweater has a youthful feel thanks to the three front pockets and tailored fit that falls just below the hip. Dress it down leaving a few bottom buttons undone and pair it with boyfriend-style light denim jeans and white leather sneakers, or dress it up for a day of cafe- and gallery-hopping around Paris with straight-leg black trousers and a pair of micro-kitten heels.

Kaliyadi Retro Round Sunglasses

It’s taken me a while, but I’ve finally gotten on board with the 1960s-inspired, round metal frame sunglass trend. During the summer, I prefer tortoiseshell cat-eyes or aviators, but for fall, this is a look designers are embracing — and you’ll notice everyone in Paris donning a similar style. If you’re not sold just yet, try out this pair that’s on sale for a mere $10, so you won’t feel too guilty if you lose them while traveling. Even better, despite the price, these shades are shatterproof and polarized, so you’ll look chic and your eyes will be protected from the sun.

Funyyzo High-waist Wide-leg Trousers

When I want to elevate a look, a pair of wide-leg trousers is the quickest way to make an ensemble look sophisticated and put together. On sale at Amazon for just $30, these khaki-colored, wide-leg pants are loose and breathable, but the pleated front adds enough structure so they appear much more expensive than they are. Tone down the look with a white ribbed cotton crop tank or dress it up with a button-up silk blouse and gold buckle-adorned leather belt. The best part is that you won’t have to worry about spending time ironing since the polyester-spandex blend won’t wrinkle — and they’re machine washable, so they’re easy to travel with.

Pro Celia Wide-brim Fedora

Another great way to make an outfit look instantly put together is a hat, and no, berets don’t count. A wide-brim fedora in light beige brightens up an ensemble and can make a simple jeans-and-tee combo really pop. If it’s rainy (which is often the case in Paris in the fall), a fedora offers an extra layer of protection (and you don’t have to stress about a bad hair day). Plus, it’s a stylish addition to a trench coat for a day of train travel. As one shopper raved: “I received many compliments on this hat and no one was more shocked to know it came from Amazon. I can’t wait to order a few more.” 

Amazon Essentials Belice Ballet Flat

Fashion, as most of us know, is cyclical, and one trend I’m glad to see returning to Paris is classic ballet flats. A more feminine alternative to lug-sole loafers, these flattering, round-toe shoes are easy to pack in a tote and trade out for heels and can be worn with tights when the weather starts shifting. No need to spend $1,000 on a version from Chanel when this faux leather pair at Amazon is just as chic — and only $22. “These are the best little ballet flats I’ve ever owned,” exclaimed one shopper. “I have tried everything from cheap to designer and still got blisters on the back of my heels. These don’t dig and just get more comfortable every time you wear them.” 

Available in regular and wide widths, the memory foam-padded flats have become so popular that they’ve received more than 48,400 five-star ratings from shoppers who love how comfortable and lightweight they are — the perfect flats for vacation.

Makkrom Double-breasted Windproof Trench

A trench coat is another wardrobe staple that defines French fashion, and this one at Amazon is both fashionable and functional. In a city that almost has its own microclimate, where the weather can shift multiple times in a day, a trench offers an extra layer of protection against the rain and wind. And when temperatures start to dip but it’s not cold enough yet for a fall coat, throw this trench on over a cashmere sweater with a silk scarf expertly tied around your neck and you’re ready to brave the elements in the most stylish way possible.

Fonyve Medium Square Satin Scarf

Hermès is to scarves as what Chanel is to purses, and while the gorgeous silk squares crafted at the brand’s atelier in Lyon are truly pieces of art, for most of us, they’re wildly out of budget. An option that is a lookalike of the designer version, this satin silk scarf at Amazon is on sale for $8 and can be tied French-style as a neckerchief or woven around a purse handle. “I purchased two of these for an upcoming trip to Paris, as everyone there wears a scarf in some manner as their go-to accessory,” said one shopper. “They take up absolutely no room in a suitcase and elevate an outfit — versatile and well worth the expense.” 

Everlane Glove Mule in ReKnit

As someone who is on the shorter side, I like to sport shoes with a bit of height. Heels in Paris aren’t practical (sorry, Emily in Paris!), but a mule version like these from Everlane is the ideal compromise. Crafted from breathable ReKnit fabric that offers enough stretch while still keeping your feet perfectly in place, these squared-toe, walkable heels are designed to fit like a glove — and according to shoppers, they do. According to one Everlane shopper, “These are stylish, make me look taller and I don’t feel like I am wearing high heels.” 

The burgundy shade is also a nice touch and pairs perfectly with any neutral-colored ensemble, so they’re versatile enough to wear multiple times throughout a trip, whether with jeans going out to dinner in Paris or with a cinched-waist, A-line dress for date night.

Sézane Milo Vintage Bag

Okay, it’s not on sale, but purses are my weakness. Something I quickly realized as a fashion intern years ago in New York is that the right bag and shoes can transform any outfit. While it’s rare that I splurge on a new purse, every so often I find the bag, one that I can’t picture my days in Paris without. Sézane is the epitome of French girl cool, and the Milo Vintage Bag exudes Jane Birkin elegance. I love the combination of suede-like leather and the simple brass buckle in the front. You can even personalize it with monogramming in gold on the back — très chic! 

If you’re not shopping with a Sézane budget, you can copy the look with these suede crossbody options from Amazon. This newly added burgundy-hued purse is an elegant pick for $20, as is this $40 retro-inspired shoulder bag with leather detailing. And if you love a sale, check out this suede camera bag that’s 27 percent off. 

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