12 Best Presidents Day Sales for French Fashion

As an American who has lived in France for more than a decade, I often forget about holidays like Presidents Day — that is, until I see the online sales popping up. I think of Presidents Day weekend as the kickstart to spring (just like Memorial Day ushers in summer), and even though we have another month or so of winter weather left in Paris, I’m eyeing transitional pieces and travel clothes that will prepare me for sunny days ahead.

But there is one part of winter I’m still thoroughly embracing — and that’s the last bit of ski season, when Parisians flock to Val d’Isère or Verbier for a spring break on the slopes outfitted in après styles. From a faux fur-adorned Fusalp ski jacket to an Isabel Marant turtleneck midi dress and embossed Paige jeans, these 12 looks at Amazon, Nordstrom, Everlane, and more will complete your spring collection — and are on sale for Presidents Day weekend at up to 75 percent off.

Ann Taylor Essential Mock-neck Sweater

By mid-February, Parisians are over the winter cold, but there’s still a month before signs of spring start showing. While temperatures are currently frigid, locals start shedding heavy knitwear in favor of lighter, layerable pieces like this cherry-red mock-neck sweater. Its slim fit makes it the perfect everyday piece under a heavier jacket or coat, and since it hits around hip height or just below, you can tuck it into a pair of high-waisted jeans. 

The piece will also transition nicely into spring with a leather jacket or camel-colored trench. Plus, at 67 percent off, it’s practically a steal. As one shopper raved: “It is the softest, most comfortable sweater I have bought in a while. [It] fits perfect, and the neck is not too high.”

Everlane Corduroy Sailor Pant

Corduroy is a quick way to dress up an ensemble, and while the fabric exudes ‘70s vibes, it’s easy for the cut to make the look all wrong. This navy pair from Everlane is on sale for 70 percent off, with its wide leg and high-rise waist giving off cool French girl vibes, especially when paired with a slick button-down and lug-sole loafers. “These are terrific pants — a very light corduroy, so a three-season pant in NYC,” raves one shopper. I have a feeling I’ll be purchasing them in a few shades.

J.Crew High-rise Straight Jean

Jeans are practically a daily go-to in Paris — you’re less likely to see mini skirts and tights here (instant flag you’re a tourist!). But the type of denim you’re donning also gives away a lot. Skip anything with holes, rips, or designs — classic is always the best rule of thumb, and you can’t go wrong with a simple, timeless staple like light wash, straight-leg jeans. 

This semi-stretch pair is flattering since it's high rise and slim in the hips, so it won’t be clinging too much to any area. Even better, if you’re short, you can opt for the petite inseam and avoid getting them hemmed. While these are great year-round, I love them in the late winter or early spring with a pair of kitten ankle boots or retro-style sneakers for a day of running around town. And if the weather happens to be on the warmer side, they look great paired with a trench coat.

Reebok Glide Sneaker

The easiest way to fit in with the French is through footwear, particularly sneakers. Parisians have a way of making even the simplest pieces look cool, and vintage-style tennis shoes are part of the city’s unofficial dress code. This unisex style from Reebok has lightweight cushioning, so it’s comfortable and offers support while navigating the city’s cobbled streets, and the low-cut design pairs with practically anything, from jeans to midi skirts and dresses. While traveling, they could also double as gym shoes so you can save room while packing.

Risissida Faux Leather Blazer Jacket

Leather outerwear is always a good choice in Paris, but instead of going for a long trench, opt for something a bit more feminine and fresh, like this structured, button-down blazer version that ties at the waist. The belt is detachable, so you can wear it loose over a pair of jeans, a white T-shirt, and a scarf, or layer it over a dress and tights in the evening. It’s one that you can wear well into the spring, too, since the piece is light and breathable, and the super-soft faux leather is designed to be wind- and water-resistant — perfect to keep you dry during those April showers.

Free People We The Free Opal Swing Cord Jacket

Since the weather in Paris can shift entirely from day to day, transitional pieces like this cord jacket from Free People are key. The relaxed, oversized fit is great for both layering and wearing on its as a shirt jacket with jeans or leather pants. Since it’s still chilly at the moment, I’d layer it over a thin cashmere crew-neck sweater with a heavier oversized cropped wool coat on top. The deep straw shade is also giving vintage Stevie Nicks vibes, so I’d play into that aesthetic with a pair of suede, cowgirl-inspired ankle boots and a fringe crossbody bag.

Paige Mayslie Cropped Coated Straight-leg Jeans

I flew from Paris to New York on New Year’s Day, and in the month and a half since, I’ve traveled to Aspen, Miami, and Cape Town — places with different climates (and seasons). The one constant in my carry-on has been a pair of cropped leather pants, which I’ve worn with Moon Boots and a puffer for après-ski on Aspen Mountain, a button-down shirt dress and blazer for dinner in New York, and with a short-sleeve sweater top and ankle boots on safari in the Kalahari in South Africa. Basically, these pants are versatile — a quality that Parisians love. 

This style from Paige is similar, with the coated chocolate denim resembling leather. Belt loops allow you to tuck in a shirt and dress up the look with a statement-making buckled belt and kitten heels. Cropped pants are always in style in Paris (and great if you’re short!), and this style transcends seasons. You can wear it on a summer trip with a crop top and sneakers or in the fall with a striped sweater and trench coat.

Allegra James Bella Embossed Boot

The kitten heel trend is more popular than ever this winter, but in Paris, you’ll see women donning the look with knee-high boots. This pair, half off at Nordstrom, captures the look perfectly with textured, matte snake-embossed leather and an elegant pointed toe. The thicker kitten heel makes it easier to traverse the city streets and métro stairs while instantly elevating a look, taking these boots from day to night in a snap.

Fusalp Vela Faux Fur-trimmed Belted Down Ski Jacket

The French make everything look elevated, and this is especially true when it comes to ski (or après-ski) looks. Whether you’re heading to Courchevel or Chamonix, what you’re sporting on the slopes should be a mix of fashion and function. Sure, you can go designer with a Moncler puffer, but if you really want to nail the Parisian look, opt for leading French brand Fusalp, founded by two tailors in Annecy back in the 1950s.

I recently popped into the boutique off the Champs-Élysées, where the gorgeous pieces hung as elegantly as a couture dress. I invested in a printed faux-fur belted quilted down ski jacket similar to this one — except this sleek all-black look is 60 percent off at Net-a-Porter. I love how the belt cinches the waist so it’s flattering and feminine, and the faux-fur collar is detachable, so you can remove it on heavier snow days. Plus, this is fashionable enough to double as a winter jacket with leather pants and snow boots.

Wandler Oscar Trunk Leather Shoulder Bag

A good deal is always an excuse to invest in a staple bag like this black crossbody from Wandler, which is a great size and style for day-to-day wear in Paris. While traveling, this is the ideal bag to tote while cycling around a city like Copenhagen or Amsterdam (the shoulder strap is adjustable!) and stylish enough for an evening out in Milan or London. Plus, the magnetic-fastening front flap keeps valuables safe inside, preventing pickpockets on the métro in Paris. Now at half off, this is the perfect time to snag the pricier piece from the Dutch designer who is becoming a favorite in Paris.

Isabel Marant Turtleneck Midi Dress

French designer Isabel Marant captures French girl cool in practically all her bohemian-chic pieces. Dressing for Paris’ constantly changing weather can be difficult, but her looks are easy go-tos that always look put together and can be dressed up or down. This wool-jersey turtleneck midi dress is the ideal French fashion staple since you can wear it practically year-round with everything from ankle or knee-high boots to heels, sandals, and sneakers (my favorite pairing in spring).

The original price definitely gives sticker shock, but after a few markdowns, I consider this to be an investment piece that you’ll get your money out of. The shoulder pads and front slit give it an ‘80s vibe, which continues to fall back into fashion, and if you want to give it a more shapely silhouette, add a belt, and voilà — you’re ready for your next trip to Paris.

Sojos Oversized Round Sunglasses

Parisians are masters of high-low fashion, investing in key accessories like shoes and bags that’ll last years, and finding designer dupes of items like sunglasses — which are a daily essential even when the weather looks like it’ll never clear up. The vintage-inspired frames feature UV 400 protection lenses and reinforced metal hinges, so your eyes will be shielded from the sun’s harsh rays and you won’t have to worry about them instantly breaking. 

More than 33,000 shoppers rave that they’re “great for the price” and offer “good visibility.” And just because you’re snagging a deal at Amazon doesn’t mean you’re not getting quality. As one reviewer added, “Beautiful large shape, love the turtle shell and they look so sleek. I would buy these again and again.”

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