No amount of planning can ever fully prepare you for the reality of traveling somewhere new for an extended period of time. At least, that’s been my experience as a nouveau expat who has swapped the bustling streets of New York for Paris‘s cobbled sidewalks. Even though I’d consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur when it comes to planning a travel capsule wardrobe, my first few weeks here have shown me how woefully unprepared I was for this city’s fickle climate. We’ve all been there. You have a clear idea of what you want to wear when you travel to [insert destination]. Hell, you might even have a whole PowerPoint, but then fate, a bad forecast, or what the French like to call “un temps de chien” comes in to change your plans. The moment you open your suitcase and realize you’re missing something is an experience I wouldn’t wish on even my worst enemies.
While there’s nothing worse than paying extensive luggage fees only to realize you don’t have enough functional pieces, there’s one fringe benefit: having an excuse to visit Zara. Admittedly, I prefer shopping at a vintage pop-up store in Paris’s Le Marais district, but things got a little dire for me in those first few weeks. Not only did I manage to destroy my favorite Nordstrom tank in the washer (French laundry machines are complicated), but Paris’s nonstop rainstorms and my plans to head down south also made it clear that a Zara pilgrimage was required. Honestly, sifting through racks at Les Halles made me remember just how much it hits the spot. Simple staples? Trendy jackets? Chic accessories. Oui, oui, oui. The new-arrival selection was so good that I figured I’d share the items I left the store with as well as some I’m considering going back to buy. Whether you plan to travel to Paris or simply want to indulge your inner Francophile, these 40 Zara finds will make you feel like a local, even if you’re not.
Shop my Parisian-inspired Zara edit:
ZW Collection
Fireman Clasp Peplum Blazer
I’ve never been happier about a Zara purchase than this Fireman Clasp Blazer.
ZARA
Multi-Piece Button Earrings
These earrings are so elegant that they almost look like a pair you’d find in a vintage shop in Le Marais.
Zw Collection
Barrel High-Waist Jeans
Did I happen to pack five pairs of jeans? Oui. Did that stop me from seriously considering buying this baggy barrel-leg pair? Non.
ZARA
Die-Cut Leather Bag
If you’re obsessed with Proenza Schouler’s accessories—ahem, moi aussi—then you’ll find that this bucket bag is the perfect piece to hold you over until you can save up.
Zw Collection
Flowy Oversized Shirt
Whether you’re walking around in Saint-Germain or Saint-Tropez, wearing a simple button-down shirt is a surefire way to look like a local.
ZARA
Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt
I’m not going to lie: I’m regretting buying this tank top in black only because the red and white versions are equally elegant.
ZARA
Culottes With Pockets
Pleated culottes are a crowd-pleaser among the coolest Parisians.
ZARA
Flat Leather Sandals
It took every last one of my brain cells not to come out of the Zara store with these red suede sandals.
ZARA
2-in-1 Removable Vest Trench Coat
The cape detail on this trench coat is très chic.
ZARA
Metal Fringed Tube Necklace
Perfect for carrying a single skinny cigarette.
ZARA
Short Sleeve Interlock T-Shirt
I’m not normally the type to fawn over a simple T-shirt, but this one has slowly become the only staple I want to wear almost every day while living in Paris.
ZARA
Low-Rise Straight Leg Pants
The style set here isn’t afraid of a risqué staple, such as low-rise trousers. I’ve seen countless locals donning their own versions of these Zara pants around the city.
ZARA
Leather Ballet Flats With Topstitching
Ballet flats are the foundation of every chic French woman’s wardrobe—for good reason!
ZARA
Oval Sunglasses
Somehow, I’ve already managed to misplace my sunglasses. Thankfully, Zara came in to save the day with this sophisticated pair.
ZARA
Puff Sleeve Top
The sculptural sleeves on this blouse feel very Jacquemus coded.
ZARA
Limited Edition Asymmetric Poplin Skirt
The asymmetrical hemline on this skirt channels some of the vintage design codes of Dior’s atelier, making it the perfect piece to wear in Paris.
ZARA
City Bag With Metal Handle
Another Zara find that looks like it could have come from some obscure vintage shop in Paris.
ZARA
Fringe Scarf Halter Top
Are you even French if you’re not wearing a little skinny scarf around the city?
ZARA
Trf Mid-Rise Baggy Balloon Jeans
The styling of these balloon jeans is so French.
ZARA
Slingback Heels
Slingbacks are a beloved staple.
ZARA
Thin Maxi Hoop Earrings
Simple hoop earrings will always be my go-to accessory for a night out.
ZARA
Oversized Faux Leather Jacket
No matter which arrondissement you’re walking in while in Paris, you will, without a doubt, see someone wearing a leather jacket.
ZARA
Contrast Lace Satin Dress
The lace detail on this slip dress is so romantic.
ZARA
Leather Kitten Heel Shoes
Another great pair of slingback heels!
ZARA
Two-Pack of Rigid Resin Bracelets
Trust me. These chunky resin bangles are *definitely* worth the space in your suitcase.
ZARA
Poplin Halter Dress
If you plan on taking a day trip from Paris to any destination in the south, you’ll want to pack a white dress.
ZARA
Flat Strap Sandals
These simple sandals are the ideal piece to wear walking around a medieval French town. I’m speaking from personal experience!
ZARA
Asymmetric Flowy Top
The way I audibly gasped in the store when I spotted this asymmetrical top gave away my cover as a pseudo local for sure.
ZARA
Pack of 2 Maxi Stone Rings
Calling all Chloé fans: These cool boho-coded rings were made for you.
ZARA
Raffia Mini Shopper Bag
Everyone will think you bought this little raffia tote from The Row’s Paris boutique.
ZARA
High-Waist Cropped Pants
Now, here are pants that are almost as delicious as French butter.
ZARA
Strappy Sandals
Pro tip: If you’re going to purchase heels for your trip to Paris, avoid super-high pairs at all costs. Navigating the cobblestone streets in sky-high heels isn’t cute.
ZARA
Textured Peplum Blazer
While I did bring a little black blazer with me, spotting the tailoring on this one in store did make my heart skip a beat.
ZARA
Washed Effect Rib Halter Top
There were so many good tank-top options at Zara, but in the end, I was drawn to the boatneck neckline on this top.
ZARA
Elongated Shoulder Bag
The shape of this shoulder bag rivals that of the sculptures at Luxembourg Gardens.
ZARA
Trf Mid-Rise Folded Baggy Jeans
When you want to signal that you could own a holiday home in Saint-Tropez without speaking a lick of French, white denim will always do the trick.
ZARA
Soft Ruched Loafers
I can’t walk a block in Paris without spotting loafers, so I had to buy a pair. C’est la vie!
ZARA
100% Silk Printed Scarf
It might seem a little cliché, but I can confirm that the style crowd here does, in fact, wear silk scarves on the regular.
ZARA
Short High Neck Trench Coat
Spring in Paris is best spent in a statement raincoat. Enter this cropped funnel-neck version into the chat.
ZARA
High-Waisted Pants
The ultimate hack to looking like a local: Put on a pair of capri pants. Et voilà, you’re suddenly Parisian.
Explore More:
