I'm a New Yorker Living in Paris—40 Zara Items I'd Buy to Look Like a Local
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:
I've never been happier about a Zara purchase than this Fireman Clasp Blazer.
These earrings are so elegant that they almost look like a pair you'd find in a vintage shop in Le Marais.
Did I happen to pack five pairs of jeans? Oui. Did that stop me from seriously considering buying this baggy barrel-leg pair? Non.
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.
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.
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.
Pleated culottes are a crowd-pleaser among the coolest Parisians.
It took every last one of my brain cells not to come out of the Zara store with these red suede sandals.
The cape detail on this trench coat is très chic.
Perfect for carrying a single skinny cigarette.
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.
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.
Ballet flats are the foundation of every chic French woman's wardrobe—for good reason!
Somehow, I've already managed to misplace my sunglasses. Thankfully, Zara came in to save the day with this sophisticated pair.
The sculptural sleeves on this blouse feel very Jacquemus coded.
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.
Another Zara find that looks like it could have come from some obscure vintage shop in Paris.
Are you even French if you're not wearing a little skinny scarf around the city?
The styling of these balloon jeans is so French.
Slingbacks are a beloved staple.
Simple hoop earrings will always be my go-to accessory for a night out.
No matter which arrondissement you're walking in while in Paris, you will, without a doubt, see someone wearing a leather jacket.
The lace detail on this slip dress is so romantic.
Another great pair of slingback heels!
Trust me. These chunky resin bangles are *definitely* worth the space in your suitcase.
If you plan on taking a day trip from Paris to any destination in the south, you'll want to pack a white dress.
These simple sandals are the ideal piece to wear walking around a medieval French town. I'm speaking from personal experience!
The way I audibly gasped in the store when I spotted this asymmetrical top gave away my cover as a pseudo local for sure.
Calling all Chloé fans: These cool boho-coded rings were made for you.
Everyone will think you bought this little raffia tote from The Row's Paris boutique.
Now, here are pants that are almost as delicious as French butter.
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.
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.
There were so many good tank-top options at Zara, but in the end, I was drawn to the boatneck neckline on this top.
The shape of this shoulder bag rivals that of the sculptures at Luxembourg Gardens.
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.
I can't walk a block in Paris without spotting loafers, so I had to buy a pair. C'est la vie!
It might seem a little cliché, but I can confirm that the style crowd here does, in fact, wear silk scarves on the regular.
Spring in Paris is best spent in a statement raincoat. Enter this cropped funnel-neck version into the chat.
The ultimate hack to looking like a local: Put on a pair of capri pants. Et voilà, you're suddenly Parisian.
