I’d like to think I’ve become fairly immune to vacation shopping envy after years of covering fashion, but Paris has a way of making even the fullest closet suddenly feel…off. The suitcase filled with things I carefully selected quickly feels like it could’ve been styled out better. I spent several days in the French capital during one of the hottest stretches the city has seen, and despite the soaring temperatures, the best-dressed people never looked like they were sacrificing style for practicality. Instead, they mastered the kind of effortless outfits that only seem to get better the longer you look at them.
My home base for the trip, CitizenM Paris Champs-Élysées, couldn’t have been a better place to experience it all. Tucked just steps from one of the most stylish parts of town with the best shopping one can find, it’s fair to say I got tons of outfit inspiration from the neighborhood alone. By the time my flight landed back home, I wasn’t just dreaming about buying more clothes—I was rethinking almost everything I’d packed. Below, find the 6 things I’m shopping now that the trip has wrapped but I’m still dreaming of it.
Tapestry Skirt
If there was one piece that instantly elevated even the simplest outfit, it was a richly textured tapestry skirt. Whether paired with a fitted tank, an oversized button-down, or a lightweight knit, these statement skirts brought dimension without feeling overly precious. I saw them a few times before I was inspired to try it for myself.
Bold Shorts
Statement shorts certainly aren’t new, but in Paris, they came in vibrant stripes, rich reds, and unexpected colors that made the entire outfit feel intentional. Styled with simple tanks or crisp shirting, they proved that sometimes all a summer outfit needs is one confident pop of color.
Knit Maxi Dress
When temperatures climb, the instinct is usually to wear less. Parisian women seemed to do the opposite, opting for lightweight knit maxis that skimmed the body without feeling restrictive. They looked polished enough for lunch, shopping, or dinner—no outfit change required.
Poplin Sets
Matching poplin separates were everywhere, and it’s easy to understand why. They feel crisp without trying too hard, photograph beautifully, and make looking put together as simple as throwing on two pieces. In extreme heat, that kind of effortless formula is hard to beat.
Ballet Pumps
One of the biggest surprises? Closed-toe shoes. Rather than defaulting to minimalist sandals and elevated flip flops, stylish women leaned into elegant ballet pumps that instantly made dresses, skirts, and tailored shorts feel more refined. It’s an unexpectedly sophisticated swap I’ll absolutely be making this season. Regardless of the temperatures.
Polo
Perhaps the easiest trend to recreate was the return of the polo. Whether knit, ribbed, or classic cotton, it added just enough structure to make even the simplest bottoms feel elevated. It’s sporty, polished, and somehow manages to look expensive every single time.
