Black Friday is far too long for me to wait to stock up on seasonal staples. As a travel journalist living in France for the past decade, I’ve taken advantage of sale seasons on both sides of the Atlantic, scouring the racks in Paris during the twice-annual soldes (sales) in January and late June, as well as online shopping during American holidays like Memorial and Labor Day. So, with Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event about to kick off— and travel gear already on sale for up to 92 percent off — I’m filling my shopping cart with all the looks I’ve been eying for fall.

Parisian style is all about curating a look that’s effortlessly chic while still being somewhat practical (it’s possible, I promise you!). For fall, think mixing and matching textures and patterns, adding a subtle accessory, and layering. For instance, one chic coat can truly go a long way: I found a faux shearling motorcycle jacket and the ultimate French girl trench on sale now. Or, you can easily dress up outfits with simple, stylish accessories, like a vintage-style gold Casio watch and a Prada-inspired shoulder bag. Here are 15 fall must-haves that capture Parisian cool, starting at just $12 during October Amazon Prime Day.

Rocorose Turtleneck Ribbed Elbow Knit Sweater Dress

A little black dress can go a long way — and so can a knit. One of the easiest pieces to pull on and instantly look put together, a black turtleneck sweater dress is effortlessly chic. I recently tried on a similar style at Bottega Veneta in Florence that was hundreds of dollars more, but this similar one is just as stylish and flattering — and within my freelance travel journalist price range. The ribbing accentuates curves but doesn’t cling to your body, which is one of the issues I often have with sweater dresses. 

Falling just below the knee, it pairs well with a variety of footwear, from knee-high boots to lug-sole loafers. The same versatility goes for outerwear: on a chilly evening, I’d wear it with tights and a structured, wool coat or tone it down with a leather jacket and sneakers for a day running around town in Paris.

Dream Pairs Knee-high Pull-on Boots

When nearly 8,000 shoppers give a pair of boots high ratings, I’m instantly intrigued. It’s hard finding boots that don’t require multiple wears (and blisters) to break in and are comfortable for traversing Paris’s sloping streets and metro steps. This slouchy design at Amazon is the solution many of us are looking for when it comes to knee-high boots: they’re spacious enough to slip over (and not squeeze) calves. The short side zipper makes them easy to pull on and off, and there’s even a small inside pocket if you just want to bring a credit card and leave your purse at home. “Beautiful material and comfortable to walk in,” said one shopper. “I never had knee-high boots fit my calves, and these are just adorable.”

Creamto Double-breasted Belted Trench With Detachable Hood

In a city where rain is perpetually on the forecast, a trenchcoat is a must — and double points if it comes with a hood. Water-repellent and windproof, this stylish alternative to a windbreaker is as Parisian as it gets. The mid-length style is hard to find, and the split design in the back and double-breasted front give this trench a tailored look. “The quality of this waterproof jacket is that of an Eddie Bauer or a more high-end store,” said one shopper, who was impressed considering the super affordable price point. “Fits like a glove and actually looks like a designer piece.”

Amazon Essentials Skinny Jeans

Once boot season starts, I’m switching out my looser, boyfriend-style jeans for something slicker like these white skinny jeans — now just $18 at Amazon. White is probably my favorite color for fall (we all know the “no white after Labor Day” rule is passé) since it pairs so beautifully with neutrals like gray and olive and patterns like stripes or plaid. Sitting right on the hip, this slim silhouette is flattering and comes in short, regular, and long lengths, so no need for hemming if you’re on the petite side like me. These jeans have racked up over 7,700 five-star reviews, including one person who raved about their new “favorite” jeans. “Your typical skinny jean without the excessive tightness or weird fit in certain places,” they said. “Everything slid on like butter, fits great in the waist, and doesn’t squeeze my tummy.” 

Amazon Essentials Classic-fit Long-sleeve Button Down Poplin Shirt

The core of the French girl cool aesthetic is tailored basics that look put together yet can be styled in a more playful, carefree way. This blue striped poplin shirt is the perfect example. Roll up the sleeves, leave a few of the top buttons undone, and let it fall loosely over a leather mini skirt or leather pants. Tuck it halfway into dark denim and pair with edgy motorcycle boots and an oversized black boyfriend blazer, and you’ll be looking just like one of the Parisians you’re strolling alongside in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Casio Vintage Gold-tone Watch

A few years before I moved from Nice to Paris, I was staying at a hotel in Le Marais with my boyfriend at the time and we walked past a shop window displaying vintage-style Casio watches. I admired this micro, gold-tone version with its cushion-shape black dial and digital display. We sat at a cafe and my partner said he’d be right back, and he surprised me with the watch. I wore it religiously for years and noticed a lot of my Parisian friends sported similar styles. Looks like we’re not the only ones who are fans — nearly 9,000 reviewers have raved about the size, calling it “dainty and perfect,” and the timer feature, which is “easy to use.” “I get many compliments wearing this and chuckle to myself when I remember how good of a deal this was!” one shopper said. “You won’t regret this watch.” 

Hoxis Oversize Vegan Leather Weekender Tote

When I’m planning a quick overnight or weekend trip, like one I recently took to La Maison d’Estournel in Bordeaux, I try to pack as light as possible since I’ll be on a train and lugging both my bags and my pomeranian, Indiana Jones, with me. Instead of a carry-on, which can be a pain to carry up and down my apartment building (and metro) steps, I started following the lead of the French with a simple, sleek weekender bag instead. 

This lightweight, stylish soft vegan leather version at Amazon is one of the best oversized tote bags I’ve come across. Large enough to carry a mix of toiletries, clothing, change of shoes, and a laptop, this tote is sturdy so I’m not worried about a strap breaking on the journey. “I’ve been stressing a trip to Europe and what bag to use as my carry-on, and this tote is PERFECT!” raved one reviewer. “It fit comfortably under the seat in front of me because it’s not rigid, but it’s big enough to hold a bag of toiletries, snacks, mini iPad, bag of chargers, change of clothes, thick socks, bottle of water, and my crossbody purse. Was also able to strap my travel pillow to it. 5 stars.”

Hixiaohe Button-down Corduroy Shirt Jacket

I’ve been roadtripping around Tuscany the past week, and the one piece I’ve gotten the most wear out of on the trip is an oversized shirt jacket, similar in shape to this corduroy version at Amazon. I’ve sported it over a sweater with leather pants on chillier mornings, worn it with a cocktail dress at a friend’s pizza party wedding welcome reception in Chianti, and thrown it over gym clothes while doing yoga at my gorgeous countryside hotel, Monteverdi Tuscany, in Val d’Orcia. 

A piece as versatile as this one makes for the perfect fall outerwear yet it doesn’t look like I’m constantly repeating outfits. “These shackets are the best I’ve ever found — I love the weight of the corduroy and the style of the jacket,” raved one shopper who was so happy, they bought six different colors. “I hate to wear a heavy coat in the wintertime in the car, so these have definitely become my go-to outerwear garment. They are truly one of my favorite purchases!”

Uaneo Cropped Sleeveless Puffer Vest

On cooler days when it’s not quite coat weather, a puffer vest does wonders. This khaki color pairs perfectly with denim or an all-white ensemble — which is how I’m planning to style it. You can wear it over a thin knit sweater, long-sleeve striped top, chambray shirt, or, if you want something more playful, a jumpsuit. This is a piece that’s great for mixing and matching with other textures, like corduroy or leather pants. “So cute, comfortable, and warm!” raved one reviewer, who declares it was worth every penny. “Not too puffy, exactly what I wanted. I will be buying at least one more color.”

New Balance 515 V3 Sneaker

When sneakers started making their way into the French wardrobe as an everyday staple, this pair was part of the new Parisian “uniform.” It took me a moment to get on board, but once I tried on a pair of New Balance sneakers, I was sold. With their lightweight foam cushioning in the midsole and heel, it feels like you’re walking on a cloud (even when you’re trying to navigate crooked cobblestone streets). 

The classic logo and ‘80s-inspired leather upper feel retro without risking falling out of fashion too soon, and the color combination of white and aluminum gray is versatile enough to pair with everything from dark denim to leather pants. They can even double as gym shoes if you’re packing light. As one shopper raved: “First time wearing them we hiked several miles with elevation, rocks, scrambling, and not a rub, blister, anything uncomfortable at all. They have good arch support and were super comfortable — absolutely no break in time.”  

Kate Kasin Faux Leather Pencil Skirt

Pencil skirts often get relegated to stiff office attire, but if you style them the right way, they can be one of the most fashionable pieces in your daily wardrobe. This faux leather pencil skirt has a bit of stretch and falls right at the knees, so it’s flattering on a variety of figures, even if you’re short and somewhat curvy like I am. Chestnut is such a beautiful shade for fall; wear this skirt with a simple black long-sleeve top or sweater and pair of faux snakeskin or crocodile boots and you’re ready for everything from a stylish lunch in Le Marais to an evening out having drinks on the rooftop of Cheval Blanc Paris.

Ly Varey Lin Faux Shearling Moto Jacket

A near-perfect lookalike to pricer versions by designers like Isabel Marant, this faux shearling motorcycle coat is among the best deals I’ve found so far. Nearly half off, the oversized jacket is the one piece of outerwear that’ll take me through all of fall, and I still won’t be tired of it once winter rolls around. Edgy but elegant, this piece is a great alternative to a classic leather jacket and can be worn over thicker knits and wide-leg denim pants or with thigh-high suede boots and a long-sleeve mini sweater dress. “Was influenced to buy this item off TikTok with low hopes for it…but to my surprise this jacket is amazing!” said one shopper. “It’s warm, soft, and so cute. I’ve gotten so many compliments on it. Highly recommend!”

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