I'm an American Writer in Paris, and No One Will Know These 12 Chic Pieces Are From Amazon's Fashion Outlet

Travel + Leisure

2 days ago

Growing up in Florida, I quickly mastered the art of outlet shopping. I'd road trip to Orlando in college for a weekend of browsing the racks of heavily discounted designer wares, curating a wardrobe that I couldn't even come close to affording if I shopped full price. Flash forward to the era of Amazon, and I no longer need to travel to snag deals—I can simply scroll on my morning commute on the métro in Paris, where I now live. To complete my summer looks, I'm eyeing the many wardrobe essentials on sale in the Amazon Outlet Store.
I've lived in France for over a decade and spend most of my summers in the south around the French Riviera, where I learned that day-to-night ensembles are the norm. Often, long days à la plage meld into evening apéro drinks and late dinners on a terrace, leaving little time to change in between—which isn't necessary unless you're heading to one of the Riviera's haute casinos like Palm Beach in Cannes or a swanky Michelin-starred meal like Mauro Colagreco's Mirazur in Menton.
Whether you're heading off to Saint-Tropez this summer or you just want to look like you are, these are the best Amazon fashion finds from the retailer's outlet store to dress the part. From strappy leather sandals to a stylish, breezy romper, here's what to shop for a French fashion-inspired summer wardrobe.
A romper is my ideal day-to-night ensemble while traveling to coastal locales. This striped version at Amazon is flattering with its strapless ruffle top and soft, lightweight fabric, so you won't have to worry about it wrinkling or sticking to your skin. To dress it up for an evening out, all you need is a pair of wedges or chunky heels, gold bangles, and a clutch, and you're ready for dinner and drinks. It also looks great layered with a leather or denim jacket if you're staying on a breezy island like Crete or Santorini, and it pairs nicely with sneakers for a day of sightseeing.
It seems like every major designer has modernized the classic Spanish espadrille and added a haute spin—and a price tag to match. Pop into any shop in Nice's Old Town and you'll find something similar for much, much less.
What I love about this slip-on pair at Amazon is that it adds a sneaker-like twist to the staple. The suede leather heel pad and flexible knit upper ensure that they're comfortable and breathable, yet they look elevated enough to pair with a midi skirt and strapless top for dinner or a blousy linen dress during the day. I know these will be a permanent fixture in my travel tote when I'm visiting Provence or the Tuscan coast.
As soon as temperatures rise above 80 degrees, I'm trading out jeans for anything lightweight and loose. Some wide-leg pants can look more like loungewear than something you could don in the evening somewhere like Cannes or Saint-Tropez, but this elevated pair looks expensive and stylish—and is only $20.
I'm a huge fan of rich, earthy shades in summer, and this mustard yellow would pair beautifully with everything from a simple white tank or halter top to a breezy linen off-the-shoulder cropped blouse. It could even double as beachwear over a bikini bottom when you're ready for lunch at a club in Saint-Tropez like Byblos Beach.
Paris was experiencing weekend heat waves weeks before summer even started. As I'm writing this, friends are trying to check into hotels to escape their apartments (air-conditioning is a true luxury—and rarity—in the city) and the 95-degree heat. I'm all about comfort, especially when it's sweltering outside, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. This flattering strapless tank is an elevated version of the classic, '90s-era tube top. One of the best summer staples, this is a piece that I'll be wearing all season long, paired with structured white shorts, a midi skirt, or with jean shorts for a casual day by the beach in the South of France.
While traveling, I'll often try to squeeze in a morning workout like Pilates or yoga in my hotel room before a day of exploring. Loungewear, like these breathable cotton shorts, is something I can wear to bed, around my room or villa, or while working out. Even better, they're structured enough to pair with a casual white tee or tank for strolling around town in Nice or over a bikini at the beach. When Europe reaches those record highs this summer, these shorts are what I'll immediately be throwing on for a look that's comfortable yet pulled together.
I use summer as my excuse to get out of my Parisian 'uniform' of black and other neutrals to embrace brighter shades. I love a deep pumpkin color—especially for dresses — and I was shocked when I saw the super low price of this breezy summer maxi dress. I tend to struggle with shoulder straps, but since these are adjustable, there's no need to worry about getting them tailored to your frame. And with more than 1,200 shoppers giving this dress five stars due to its 'super comfortable' and 'good quality fabric,' I was instantly sold. One reviewer even added, 'I want this in every color for every day of the week or event.' I completely agree.
I'm heading to Greece for nearly two weeks in late July, and I've been searching for the perfect pair of strappy leather sandals that look as authentic as what you'd find in Athens but are comfortable enough to stroll the city's winding cobbled streets and dusty Acropolis in the height of summer heat.
This Amazon Essentials pair checks all the boxes: the high-quality faux leather and suede are similar to the real deal, and the adjustable ankle strap and padded insole with latex foam ensure all-day comfort. The style may seem simple, but that's the point—they can take you from a day at the beach in Paros to dinner in town that night; all you need to change out of is your bikini.
In summer, a tote is a much more practical option than a traditional purse, especially when you're in a beach destination. This crochet bag is easy to fold and pack in a suitcase or throw inside a large travel bag, yet it's spacious enough to hold a Kindle or iPad, plus your daily essentials like sunglasses and sunscreen. You can even throw in a Turkish towel for a day at a beach club or fresh fromage and charcuterie after a morning at the market in a chic French Riviera town like Antibes.
I'm about to travel for the next two weeks in the South of France with only a carry-on, so everything I'm bringing has to be versatile for easy mixing and matching (and no one will guess I'm repeating looks). A swimsuit is a must, of course, but this one-piece easily doubles as a bodysuit when worn with a pleated midi skirt or high-waisted linen shorts. I love the tummy control aspect, and the adjustable shoulder straps make the suit feel like it practically molds to your figure. White is always chic in summer, but this style also comes in playful shades like hot pink and neon mint—both of which would look stylish with breezy beige linen pants and strappy tan leather sandals or raffia wedges.
I never travel without a silky scarf, since it's one of the most versatile accessories you could pack. This pashmina-like oversized wrap can be worn as a sarong on the beach or a full cover-up over a bathing suit at lunch. Nothing looks more stylish than a scarf converted into a headband or headwrap, and this vibrant pattern could easily be mistaken for a designer version from the likes of Versace. And when you're flying back home, it serves as the perfect shawl or blanket on the plane.
Traveling with jewelry is always risky, and you don't want to waste some of your precious vacation time at a police station filing a report for lost or stolen jewelry. Leave the heirlooms and pricey pieces at home. Instead, sport a vintage-inspired watch similar to Cartier's iconic Panthère like this one, which is crafted from stainless steel and has a gorgeous gold finish that looks more like jewelry than a traditional timepiece. This style is sophisticated and dainty, so you can stack it with bangles or other summer jewelry for a look that's chic while still being practical since it's waterproof, making it perfect for beach days.
Sunglasses are the first item I add to my packing list, especially in summer in Europe when it doesn't start getting dark until after 9 or 10 p.m. While traditional cat-eye shades can look a bit dated—despite being Grace Kelly's go-to shape in the 1950s—a thicker oval style instantly feels modern. Designers like Celine have popularized this shape, but you can capture the same look for just $14 with these shades from Amazon's Outlet—and get a two-for-one deal, mixing and matching for different moments throughout vacation. 'I am obsessed with these glasses,' says one shopper. 'The shape is very trend, and it's an amazing value! Can't beat these.'
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