15 Black Friday Deals on French-inspired Styles

As a travel journalist who spends more than 200 days a year on the road, online shopping (or duty-free at the airport) is the only way I can take advantage of sales — so I’m often scouring my favorite sites and brands as the holidays approach. This year, I’m spending Black Friday flying back to Paris from Miami, after spending a week with my family, so the only shopping I’m doing is from my computer at the airport lounge. 

Taking a cue from the chic Parisians I’ve seen everywhere from the metro to Langosteria’s bar at Cheval Blanc Paris, I’ve curated my own wishlist of seasonal travel clothes that capture the French cool aesthetic while still being practical enough to wear on the rare occasion it’s snowing in Paris (which it just so happens to be as I work on this piece). Featuring the ultimate shearling jacket (faux, bien sûr!), sleek, over-the-knee boots, and a suede mini skirt, this list is packed with the best Black Friday deals to snag at Amazon, Madewell, J.Crew, and more — starting at just $20.

Sam Edelman Faux Leather & Faux Shearling Moto Jacket

The one investment piece I’m looking to score during the holiday weekend sales is a shearling moto jacket. Shearling is the definition of effortlessly chic, and if you need proof, just glance at vintage photos of Catherine Deneuve or Audrey Hepburn (or rewatch Almost Famous for Penny Lane’s take). While there’s nothing more rock and roll than a knee-length version, a cropped, motorcycle style in faux leather has more edge and can be worn into spring. This pick from Sam Edelman is a seasonal spin on a classic leather jacket with faux shearling on the notched collar, cuffs, and hemline, adding a layer of warmth perfect for winter in Paris — especially when worn with a stylish cashmere scarf and fedora.

Dream Pairs Over-the-knee Block Heel Riding Boots

For years I was skeptical of thigh-high boots. As someone who stands just over 5-feet tall, I always worried the higher the boots, the shorter my legs would look. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I purchased a pair of Stuart Weitzman boots that are similar to this Amazon pair, and I was impressed that my legs actually looked longer. This lookalike version has a convenient inner half zipper and adjustable backstrap lace — and it’s hundreds of dollars cheaper, yet just as stylish. 

In between seasons, pair these boots with a leather mini skirt and an oversized knit sweater for enough coverage to keep your legs warm (the faux fur lining also helps). In the height of winter in Paris, these are my go-to’s for an evening out sipping Champagne somewhere glamorous like Hôtel de Crillon or Girafe by the Eiffel Tower. With a cushioned insole, you can spend all day strolling the city and your feet won’t ache — a huge plus. As one of the 6,000-plus shoppers said, “I tried several brands, most more expensive, but ultimately went with these. More comfortable and better quality than similarly priced boot brands — happy with my purchase.”

Madewell Denim Western Midi Shirt Dress

Trends take a while before they trickle into France, but cowboy core is an exception. Lately, I’ve seen more cowboy-style boots and Levi’s than I can count. I’m a huge fan of shirt dresses (especially ones that don’t wrinkle!), since they’re an easy one-piece, and this western-style one from Madewell is my new obsession this season. Cinched at the waist with belt loops, the pencil dress-inspired cut is flattering yet doesn’t cling. Pair with knee-high boots, a gold buckle leather belt, and a silk scarf expertly tied at the neck, and you’re ready for everything from galleries and shopping in the Marais to an evening out at one of Paris’ hot new restaurants like Dandelion or Tarantula. Add sheer tights and a boxy overcoat and you’ve got your go-to look for the season. 

Fixmatti Two-piece Knit Turtleneck Sweater Set

You’ll never see a Parisian in an airport or on a plane in any sort of athleisure, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort for style. Two-piece sweater sets are a sophisticated take on a classic tracksuit and are a versatile combination that can be worn together or mixed and matched. This cream-colored set is great for lounging, and the turtleneck pullover sweater is chic enough to wear out with leather pants or wide-leg denim and ankle boots. 

The side slit and cuff sleeves make the sweater top look much more expensive than it is, and shoppers say they get so many compliments, they end up purchasing a second set in a different color. “It was the perfect weight for the airport and cold weather, leaving and returning home [to the Midwest],” said one reviewer, adding that it was comfortable and great for travel. Another shopper added, “I needed a two-piece ensemble with the effortless feel of a sweatsuit that emphasized structure and femininity — Fixmatti nailed it. Any color combo is a great choice, but the dual tones are my next purchase.”

Topshop Wide Leg Faux Leather Pants

Leather pants are a piece I wear on a near-daily basis in Paris in winter since the texture pairs beautifully with cable knit sweaters and cashmere turtlenecks. A quick way to make an outfit look pulled together and more dressed up, these are an easy piece to pack for a trip, since they won’t wrinkle and can go from day to night. All you need are a pair of sleek ankle boots or micro kitten heels and tights and you’re ready for a night out. One shopping tip: go faux. Real leather can set you back hundreds, but if you find the right cut, pleather looks nearly identical — and this pair from Topshop is the best version I’ve come across this season. Skip skinny pants or leggings — the French are all about relaxed, high-waisted looks that seem effortlessly chic yet are tailored enough to fit like a glove. 

Grey Lab Faux Leather Trench Jacket

A leather jacket is one of my favorite pieces of outerwear, but it’s not a look you’ll often see in Paris. One piece that gives the wardrobe staple a French feel is this trench-inspired faux leather jacket from Grey Lab with belted cuffs and a removable belt. Trench coats are practically synonymous with French style, but this take transforms the look so it transcends seasons — and it’s roomy enough underneath to layer with a chunky knit if you’re traveling somewhere cold this winter.

The Drop Addison Top-handle Bag

In the latest season of Emily in Paris, Emily arrives in the chic French ski town of Megève donning double shearling in the form of an Isabel Marant Étoile faux shearling coat and Soeur crossbody bag. While I’m not a fan of most of Emily’s looks, this one she executes flawlessly. Shearling bags are a winter must-have (I even sport mine long into spring), and one playful way to make the trend festive for the holiday season is a faux fur version with a top handle in winter white. For daytime, I’d dress it up even more, wrapping a scarf around the handle or adding a tassel purse charm or two. 

Columbia Ice Maiden II Snow Boot

Until moving to Europe, I never needed serious snow boots (I’m from Miami, after all). But on winter trips to spots like Swedish Lapland in the Arctic, where temperatures are well into the negatives, functionality quickly outweighs looking fashionable. Serious outwear companies like Columbia, however, have perfected a stylish design equipped with all the right technology to keep your feet warm, dry, and supported on even the heaviest snow days. 

I’m not the only one raving about Columbia’s Ice Maiden II’s chic faux fur lining and elegant quilting that doubles as ankle support. More than 37,000 reviewers are also fans: “I bought a pair of these exact boots about eight years ago, and just at the end of this last winter they started to get worn,” said one shopper. “These are great boots, the price was unbelievable.” On sale for half off, this deal is too good not to scoop up and have ready for your adventures on the slopes this season. 

J.Crew Italian Wool Daphne Topcoat 

When it comes to winter wear, a coat is always the priciest piece, but a solid jacket can last years. This double-breasted, Italian wool coat is a staple that will never fall out of fashion. Structured and sophisticated, it instantly pulls an outfit together while providing plenty of warmth thanks to the tightly woven fabric that’s form-fitting and flattering. Falling just around or above the knees, this piece can be worn day or night over practically anything, from a thick cable knit sweater and jeans during the day to a silk slip dress with tights and ankle boots for an evening out in Paris at the ballet or opera during the holidays. 

Everlane Original Cheeky Jean

One of my favorite wardrobe pieces to stock up on during Cyber Week sales is jeans, since they’re often on the pricey side in Paris. Everlane’s higher-rise, straight-leg Original Cheeky Jean transitions with the seasons, but I especially love vintage wash denim in winter since it pairs nicely with neutral knits like cream and camel. Sitting higher on the waist, you can easily tuck in a thin sweater top, long-sleeve turtleneck, or bodysuit and drape over a boyfriend blazer or oversized, super chunky sweater. 

The butt-boosting rear pockets add instant lift and definition, which is often hard to achieve with slim-fit denim, and the raw-edge hem adds a vintage vibe but also makes these jeans versatile enough to wear with all types of footwear, from leather sneakers to suede ankle boots. Shoppers agree that they are “a perfect fit” and “so stylish, yet comfortable.” One even adds, “Exactly what I’ve been looking for — they fit like a glove! I am in love.” As someone who struggles to find jeans to fit my shorter, curvy frame, these sound like exactly what I’ve been searching for.

Madewell Essentialist Bucket Tote

A bucket tote is a staple no matter the season, and this amber-brown leather version from Madewell is one that can double as a day-to-day accessory as well as a travel bag. Spacious enough to store up to a 15-inch laptop and water bottle, this is a more fashionable alternative to a canvas or cotton tote. And thanks to an adjustable strap that ranges from 11 to 13 inches in length, it can be tailored so it falls perfectly under your shoulder or around hip height. “It’s my all-time favorite bag — I take it everywhere with me,” raves one shopper. Another adds, “I searched for the perfect brown bag for a while — I love the structure and size. Goes with everything.” As someone who travels more than half the month and needs a versatile purse that can be a carry-all yet is still structured enough for a Michelin-starred dinner, this one checks all the boxes.

Simplee Women’s High Waist Faux Suede Mini Bodycon Skirt 

The quickest way to dress up a winter look is by sporting a sumptuous texture like suede. Pair this high-waisted faux suede mini skirt over a ribbed cream bodysuit, sheer black tights, Chelsea boots, and silk scarf and you have the ideal travel ensemble that’ll have you fitting in (and looking chic) whether you’re shopping at Harrods in London or strolling Paris’ streets this holiday season. And if you need an extra layer of warmth, simply don thigh-high boots over thick wool tights and voilà — a sleek ensemble you can wear even if the temperature unexpectedly dips.

Aldo Serrafina Bootie

Ankle booties are my version of elevated footwear come winter, and if you sport a pair with a subtle touch of gold hardware, they can look as dressy as a pair of heels (and are a lot more practical on Paris’ metro steps and cobblestoned streets). This pair from Aldo is similar to Jimmy Choo booties I scored majorly discounted earlier this year — and a lot more affordable. On sale for Black Friday at 30 percent off, these stacked blocked heel ankle booties are one of the best footwear finds I’ve come across this season. The squared-off toe is elegant yet offers a layer of comfort, which is important when it comes to boots, since blisters are all too common. Mine have already become a daily staple that seamlessly transitions from day to night, especially when paired with a leather mini skirt and an oversized blazer for a look that’s feminine with a bit of edge — the epitome of Parisian cool.

Open Edit Cotton Rib Funnel Neck Sweater

Shoppers always think the best scores during Black Friday are the big ticket items, but some of the top deals are on pieces you’d least expect, like basics. I wait until Cyber Week sales before stocking up on everyday staples like this olive funnel neck sweater — which I know will become my daily go-to in Paris this winter. As I’m typing, Paris is receiving its first snow of the season, and I couldn’t imagine a cozier piece than a wooly sweater; it’s an easy item to throw on with a silk midi skirt and tights or jeans and lug-sole loafers for an ensemble that’ll instantly look pulled together.

J. Crew Classic Straight Jean 

I’m biased here — white is my favorite color in winter, especially for denim. This pair of straight-leg jeans offers just enough stretch to feel like they’ve already been broken in, saving you the work so they’re comfortable from the first wear. Dress them up with a white button-down silk top and statement-making leather belt or wear them for après-ski with a cozy knit, snow boots, and Moncler-inspired puffer coat. “These jeans fit like second skin,” raves one reviewer. “Everyone needs a pair of white pants in their closet — get it!” I couldn’t agree more — especially now that they’re an incredible 89 percent off at J.Crew when you use the extra-60-percent-off code FRIDAY at checkout.

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