15 Best French Fall Fashion Labor Day Sales

While swimwear and sandals are perhaps my favorite attire (I’m from Florida, after all), I’m also looking forward to crisp fall weather in my adopted home of Paris—and the cozy knits that come along with it. Americans close out the season with Labor Day weekend festivities, but in France, the end of summer holidays is marked by what the French call la rentrée, or “the return.” There’s the same excitement in the air as the first day of school, but instead of class, we’re meeting over wine-fueled soirées and showing off our tans from sailing trips and days basking on beaches in Mykonos or Mallorca. (The French find any excuse to celebrate, but this is perhaps my favorite one.) 

Not only do I love the energy of the start of a new season, but I love the excuse to freshen up my wardrobe. I may not be barbecuing or picnicking over the long weekend, but I can still fête the holiday in true American fashion—by shopping the many Labor Day sales. I’ve been scouring my favorite sites and brands to curate my dream fall capsule wardrobe that captures the Parisian cool-girl look. From stylish suede ankle boots to versatile flare jeans, here are 15 of the best French fashion-inspired items to add to your wardrobe this season.

My Favorite French Fashion-inspired Finds 

Gap Cropped Ribbed Cardigan

This summer in Paris, temperatures have swung from the cool low-60s one day to an unbearable heatwave the next, which can make packing more complicated than it already is. The weather in fall is as much of a seesaw, so I’m stocking up on layers like this cropped ribbed cardigan that acts as the perfect base under a leather jacket or heavier wool oversized coat. This top would pair nicely with a low-slung midi skirt, the tiniest hint of midriff peeking through, or with high-rise barrel jeans and sneakers. You can also lean into the ‘90s look with a pleated miniskirt, tights, and ankle boots, layering on a plaid wool coat on chiller days. 

Sézane Goran Trousers

In France, you’ll notice women donning slim-fit leather trousers, a style that’s sexy while still slightly androgynous and versatile. The key is to find a pair that’s tailored, yet not too tight. Parisian brand Sézane is the master when it comes to stylish staples. These leather pants in a warm honey shade are perfect for fall; they pair nicely with a simple white tee, denim button-down, or cream cable knit sweater. For the evening, give it extra edge with a transparent black silk top and chunky heels, and you’re ready for date night in Paris that ends with dancing at Bambino or Fréquence. 

Shopping on a budget? Try:

Banana Republic Drapey Utility Shirt Dress

The utilitarian trend shows no sign of slowing down, and I, for one, am quite the fan. This drapey shirt dress at Banana Republic takes the military style and infuses a touch of sophistication with a flare skirt and sleek slider belt that cinches the waist so the shape doesn’t drown your figure. Perfect for late summer with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of thick-strap burgundy leather sandals, it also transitions nicely into fall with leather ankle boots and a wide-brim wool hat. 

Shopping on a budget? Try:

Sanctuary Short Sleeve Sweater

Sweaters are the most challenging part of packing a carry-on in the fall. I’ll typically sport a short-sleeve version on a plane or train and pack a thinner long-sleeve knit I can layer throughout the trip. This boxy short-sleeve sweater at Nordstrom is my best find yet, since it hangs right around the hip, yet it has stylish slits on either side, so it won’t feel too constraining. Plus, the looser look gives you more room to play with layering, whether it’s under a leather trench or worn over a silky midi dress for a style that can take you from day to night.

Everlane Relaxed Blazer

French women are revered for their style because they know how to pick a few polished pieces that’ll add the right amount of contrast to liven up an otherwise ordinary ensemble. Case in point: a classic oversized blazer. Worn with a pencil skirt, it feels like office wear. But when you opt for an unexpected shade like oat and pair it with faded jeans and pointed-toe flats, you’ve found the perfect look for a day of shopping and strolling in Paris. You can even drape one over an evening dress for events to add edge to a more formal look.

J.Crew Vintage Flare Jeans

French fashion icons like Françoise Hardy and Jane Birkin left their mark on Parisian style in the form of bohemian flares that look just as chic now as they did in the ‘60s and ‘70s. These J.Crew Vintage Flare Jeans offer a modernized take on the retro style, capturing that same French girl cool aesthetic with a semi-stretch denim that looks vintage and already lovingly broken in. The flare is just dramatic enough to hang over a pair of chunky heels or ankle boots without being too much, and the sizing comes in classic, petite, and tall, so you can find a fit that suits your height. 

Pair these bottoms with a breezy embroidered linen top and camel suede jacket, or for something more casual, throw on a loose mohair sweater and a pair of loafers. You’ll capture that minimalist Scandinavian style that’s as popular in Paris as it is in Stockholm.

Banana Republic Denim Cropped Tie T-shirt

I’ve long been a fan of a denim top in fall—actually, it’s a piece I wear year-round, and I’m not afraid to pair denim with denim. While I typically sport a denim button-down top that’s often slightly faded, I had a change of heart when I came across this dark-wash cropped tee. The front tie gives it a summery feel, which is perfect for those slightly balmy late September days when the Mediterranean is at its finest. Then, pair it with matching dark jeans and black leather flats, and it’ll look every bit as appropriate for fall in cities like Paris or Milan. To dress it up for evenings, all you need is a pair of block heels and a suede shoulder bag.

Spym Faux Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is an all-seasons piece of outerwear that will keep you warm if you’re somewhere cool, like the coast in Brittany or visiting Burgundy’s vineyards. And, if temperatures dip, all you have to do is layer it over a cashmere sweater and plaid button-down with a scarf. 

I was in St. Moritz early last fall and lugged around a heavy wool coat for a week when something as simple as a faux leather jacket would’ve been more than enough. This version at Amazon is “super comfortable, soft, and believable as a leather jacket even though it’s not leather,” says one shopper. Another adds: “What I was looking for…at a price that wasn’t too painful for faux leather.” Perfect for the plane or even over a midi dress while picnicking along the Seine, this is one staple that’ll become your everyday go-to.

Open Edit Pleated Miniskirt

While the French never wear anything too short or too tight, a mid-thigh grazing miniskirt is the perfect compromise. The pleated houndstooth of this piece looks polished but not too preppy, especially if you pair it with a loose cashmere sweater, suede ankle boots, and a thick cream-colored cashmere cropped peacoat. When temperatures dip, wear it with tights and lug-sole loafers for a look that can easily go from day to night while traveling. The best part? You won’t have to worry about the fabric wrinkling too much in your suitcase—creases should fall out of the rayon, polyester, and Spandex blend.

Mango Mini Shopper-style Shoulder Bag

A structured tote is my favorite type of bag to bring while traveling since it can hold all of my essentials for a full day of exploring, yet still looks polished enough for a dressier dinner or event. This shoulder bag from Mango is among the few that features an adjustable closure with a hook, making it perfect for cities like Rome and Barcelona that are notorious for pickpockets. 

What’s also great about the style is that you can wear it as a crossbody or along your side, thanks to the removable shoulder strap. It’s also compact in size, making it easy to pack into a carry-on or throw into your travel tote on the plane after passing through security.

Madewell Lexie Ankle Boot

While I’m from Miami and practically live in sandals when I’m home, ankle boots have long been my go-to since they’re the easiest form of footwear to transition from day to night—and they always pull together an ensemble. But not all pairs are created equal—in fact, many can take ages to break in or never quite mold to your feet. That’s why I’m willing to spend slightly more on a quality pair, like these Madewell Lexie Ankle Boots, which are 100-percent leather and feature padding in the sole that guarantees all-day comfort. The square toe and stacked heel also add a sophisticated air, especially in a shade like stunning chestnut suede.

Shopping on a budget? Try:

Everlane Ranch Jacket

Corduroy is practically made for the fall, but donning an entire jacket made from the material might be too hot for early in the season. This Everlane Ranch Jacket, however, ever-so-subtly incorporates corduroy using the fabric as a statement-making collar. The relaxed fit makes this piece great for layering over button-downs and sweaters, but you can also wear it solo as a shirt buttoned up over a pleated midi skirt with lug-sole loafers or pointed-toe ankle boots. “It is casual yet classy, looks great with dark jeans and fits my petite frame nicely (which is not something I take for granted),” raves one shopper. “I have a feeling it will become a wardrobe staple before too long.” I couldn’t agree more.

Mango Short Knitted Turtleneck Dress

A chunky turtleneck sweater dress is my fall staple, since it can be worn on its own with thigh-high suede boots, over tights or leggings with loafers, or as loungewear around a hotel room or chalet. What I love about this Mango dress is that the neck is rolled, which adds a nice design detail and feels much more comfortable than a traditional turtleneck. An easy piece to dress up, it only requires a thin leather belt with a delicate buckle, an oversized leather clutch, and sculptural gold earrings, and you’re ready for cocktails at Bar Hemingway and dinner at one of Paris’s buzzy new restaurants like Magnolia in Pigalle. 

Tingrise Pointed Toe Knit Ballet Flat

An easy way to dress up a look, these pointed-toe knit ballet flats at Amazon are the perfect pick for a day of sightseeing around Paris since they’re stylish yet practical. The non-slip rubber sole and memory foam insole ensure all-day comfort, especially when you’re navigating cobbled streets up to sights like Sacré-Cœur. The gorgeous cinnamon shade practically screams fall and is versatile enough to pair with wide-leg cream trousers, high-waisted denim, or breezy midi skirts. Plus, they’re easy to slip into a tote bag if you want to switch out your shoes for dinner in the evening.

Sézane Ambre Coat

The French may be like New Yorkers and always play it safe in black, but dark colors feel far too wintery when it comes to early fall outerwear. There’s plenty of time to sport charcoal and deep chestnut in January and February, when the tones match the city’s mood. The one trend from summer I’m bringing into fall is pastels—specifically a version of butter yellow that (thankfully) still feels very much à la mode. 

I’ll allow myself one big splurge for the season, so I’m eyeing this cropped coat from Sézane. Designed mostly with wool, the shawl collar and buttoned front give it a vintage feel, and it drapes beautifully over a cashmere turtleneck top or denim button-down. Since the style is meant to be slightly oversized, it looks even better left open in that effortlessly chic way the French are known for.

Shopping on a budget? Try:

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.