The 10 Items French Women Never Travel Without
French women are famous for their impeccable style, and if you find yourself strolling down the streets of Paris, it’s easy to see why. They have a command of easily mixing tailored basics with classic wardrobe staples that always read as endlessly chic. But what do these stylish women wear when they’re traveling away from the French cities they inhabit?
I studied the travel photos many of them have posted on Instagram to find out which items they always pack in their suitcases. To no surprise, many of these pieces—like cashmere sweaters and straight-leg jeans—are ones they regularly wear in their hometowns. Others are functional travel items or destination-specific essentials that you wouldn’t spot them wearing at home. Ahead, see the 10 items French women never travel without.
CREWNECK SWEATERS
French women all own timeless cashmere sweaters, a staple they wear and own for years. The basic is the perfect item to throw in a suitcase for the fall and winter.
WHITE SNEAKERS
Another essential? Classic white sneakers, which are the perfect comfortable shoes for exploring a new city by foot.
PRINTED DRESSES
Printed dresses are the French-approved necessity for a warm-weather holiday.
MIDI SKIRTS
Midi skirts are perfect for travel because they easily transition from day to night.
DARK DENIM
French girls never leave home without a great pair of versatile dark jeans.
SLIP DRESSES
Tropical holidays require slip dresses.
LEATHER BAG
A practical but stylish leather bag is a must when heading on vacation.
BLAZERS
French girls love their blazers and always bring them on vacation—whether they're wearing them with jeans or throwing them over a printed dress.
ONE-PIECE SWIMSUITS
You won't spot many people wearing swimsuits in Paris, but when French girls travel to an oceanside destination, they always pack a one-piece.
ANKLE BOOTS
Boots are another shoe style you'll always spot French girls wearing on their travels.
Next up: Here's one trend I'm skipping.
This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany Co., and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
-
I Was a VIPReplica Store Stylist, and I Just Got Back From France—I Wore These 7 Items to Look Chic in Paris
Parisian-inspired looks.
-
Looking Parisian in Paris Is Only Doable If You Own These 12 Fall Wardrobe Essentials
Buy them; look French. It's as simple as that.
-
I Know I'm Going to See This Specific Parisian Outfit All Over NYC and L.A. This Fall
Expect to see everyone wearing some variation of this easy, cool look.
-
6 Fashion Pieces I Regret Letting Go (and What I Learned)
The pieces I should have kept and why they still haunt me.
-
5 Street Style Trends From Milan Fashion Week That Will Be Everywhere This Fall
Take notes.
-
This Is the NYC Way to Wear the Anti-Trend Jeans Color French Women Are Obsessed With
As seen on NYC It girl Irina Shayk.
-
Yes, Ballet Flats Look Good With Skirts, But They Look Even Better as Part of This Parisian-Approved Combo
Very '90s.
-
This Dated Denim Pairing Is Suddenly the Chicest Way to Wear Jeans for Fall 2025
Easy and stylish.