No, You Can’t Be French, But You Can Buy the 17 Summer Items All Parisians Love

Be real: how many times have you been scrolling through social media and thought,  “Is everyone in Paris except for me?” The FOMO is real, especially when we’re bombarded with TikToks of all the girlies frolicking through Europe for their summer vacations. And it’s not just tourists that can trigger a twinge of wanderlust (and occasional jealousy if we’re honest). One can’t argue that Parisians do every aspect of summer better—from planning a picturesque holiday by the beach to wearing ultra-chic summer outfits. They’ve got us beat. 

But before you give up all hope, there’s a more affordable solution to getting your French fix without booking a flight—ahem, it’s lying in your closet. You don’t have to be living or traveling in France to channel the vibes; you merely need a solid arsenal of summer staples. Some items are so synonymous with French style that they can make anyone feel like they’re a native Parisian (even if they’re not).

So which summer items can do just that? In search of that answer, I combed through hundreds of outfit ideas from our favorite fashion influencers to identify the essential pillars of French style. Ahead, you’ll find a list of 17 basics that Parisians rely on throughout the summer with shopping recommendations. While you don’t need every item, incorporating any number of these staples into your wardrobe can make you feel like you’re on “la fête” without even boarding a plane.