5 French-inspired Airport Outfits From Amazon

When you’re traveling nearly half the month like I am, going to the airport can feel like heading to the office. As an American living in Paris, I spend more time at Charles de Gaulle Airport than in my own apartment these days. While I’d love to be one of those business travelers who comes prepared with a crisp second set of clothing they can switch into at the arrivals lounge, I’m often jaunting off to a meeting or lunch as soon as my plane touches down. Luckily, I’ve figured out a few style secrets from my decade-plus time living in France that’ll help you look put together even on your most frantic of travel days.

I’ve combed through Amazon’s fashion storefront to curate five looks that’ll give your tried-and-true travel ensemble an instant upgrade. You’ll still be just as comfy in these more polished looks as your favorite pair of sweats, and the best part is that you don’t have to shell out a fortune to look fabulous while traveling. Even if you’re flying economy, you can still dress like you’re destined for business class with these stylish finds—starting at just $8.

French-inspired Airport Outfit Essentials

Outfit 1: Café au Lait Chic

Europeans are the masters of quiet luxury. Take a look around the airport and you’ll quickly tell the French or Italians apart from the tourists simply by what they’re wearing. The trick to looking pulled together even on the most grueling travel day? Shades of brown and beige that exude Brunello Cucinelli vibes—but at a fraction of the cost. 

A pair of ankle-grazing, straight white jeans is a wardrobe staple that transcends seasons, and the NYDJ Marilyn Straight Denim Jeans are a higher-rise fit that looks great with both tucked-in tops or cropped sweaters. Pair with a classic basic like the Zesica Short-sleeve Ribbed Knit Top and practical yet chic moccasins like the Artisure Leather Penny Loafers, and you have a look that can go straight from the plane to the sidewalk terrace of Café de Flore in Paris.

To finish off the look, skip a clunky tote (I prefer a carry-on with a front pocket for my laptop, like this one from July) and opt for a polished, faux leather shoulder bag like the Wsrydjdl Crescent Handbag that looks as expensive as the versions from Coach but costs a mere $16.

Outfit 2: From Gate to Grand Palais

Packing for fall in Europe can be tricky—one moment it’s crisp sweater weather, and the next it feels downright arctic. Instead of lugging around a puffer or heavy winter coat, opt for a versatile layer that works on those in-between days, like the Hooever Wool Peacoat. At under $50, this coat is a total steal that’s sure to make even the simplest of airport outfits look sophisticated. Layer it over a chunky knit sweater and Levi’s High-rise Straight Jeans, which are as comfortable as your favorite yoga leggings thanks to the super-soft fabric.

Accessories are the key to looking polished in transit, and the quickest way to elevate your ensemble is with a structured tote like the Lovevook Laptop Bag, made with durable, scratch-resistant faux leather with plenty of convenient storage compartments—including one designed for your computer.

Comfortable shoes are crucial while traveling, and the Afeetsing Round-toe Ballet Flats are soft, with a thickened insole perfect for days when you’re running through the airport and heading straight into sightseeing. They’re a stylish take on classic styles from designers like Chanel that were all the rage on recent Paris Fashion Week runways.

Outfit 3: Jet Set Sportif

Dressing for a long-haul flight is usually where Americans get it wrong. You’ll rarely see the French in a tracksuit or hoodie (unless it’s emblazoned with an Isabel Marant logo). You can travel in comfort without sacrificing style with a few easy swaps. Instead of a sweatshirt, sport a bomber-style jacket like the Zeagoo Zip-up, the perfect lightweight piece to layer over a basic like the KevaMolly Loose-fit T-shirt or roll up and stuff into a travel tote (I’m a huge fan of this stylish puffer carryall from Bagsmart).

There’s a way to make a sporty look chic, and that’s with pieces that are on the more polished side, like retro-inspired, bone-white Reebok Tennis Shoes (which are easy to slip off when you get on the plane) and cropped, high-waisted G Gradual Ankle Pants that would look as appropriate on the golf course as an airport (never sweatpants—I repeat, never sweatpants). Pull the entire ensemble together with a simple sportscap, and you’ll give off the air of a celebrity trying to avoid paparazzi, which is a good look to aspire to.

Outfit 4: Trench Classique

This outfit has become my travel go-to in the fall, and I’ve worn it on repeat everywhere from Menorca last week to the Eurostar train to London for a quick overnight trip. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a trench like the Makkrom Double-breasted Coat in classic camel. A trench coat is perhaps the most versatile piece of outerwear you can add to your wardrobe, since it can be worn practically year-round with a midi dress in spring or with jeans or a skirt and tights in fall. 

To capture that Parisian je ne sais quoi, pair it with the Dream Pairs Chelsea Ankle Boots, a crisp white long-sleeve button-down, and a pair of loose-fit straight jeans or tapered black trousers. As for accessories, less is more here: a simple bag like the Hoxis Leather Tote is all you need to keep your essentials organized and ready for a day of museum-hopping in Madrid or shopping in Paris. Complete the look with the most French accessory of all—a silk scarf like this one at Amazon that you can tie around your travel tote, neck, or a bun for an easy way to make pulled-back hair look chic.

Outfit 5: Effortless Ensemble

A matching set is the easiest travel hack on long travel days, where the last thing you want to worry about is what you’re wearing. The Sampeel Lounge Set is an affordable and more wearable alternative to a cashmere sweater set (no dry cleaning necessary!), and you can sport the pieces separately once you land. This look is all about comfort, from the effortlessly chic Dokotoo Oversized Denim Jacket—another piece great for layering in cold weather over flannel or a knit bodysuit—to the super-comfortable Stq Quilted Sneakers, which feel like walking on clouds. 

On trips within Europe—a weekend getaway to Berlin or Stockholm—I’ll pair the look with a lightweight shoulder bag, like the playful Naariian Puffer Crossbody. Reminiscent of Bottega Veneta’s iconic Cassette bag, this much more affordable version (on sale now for just $25!) checks all the boxes when it comes to a stylish yet practical purse: it’s waterproof (ideal for unpredictable European weather), large enough to carry a 12-inch iPad, and has a detachable strap so it can double as a clutch in the evening.

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