What to Wear in Paris – All Seasons

I go to Paris a couple of times or more per year, and I have seen what to wear in Paris and how locals dress evolve over the years. A decade ago, French fashion was much more monochromatic - black and neutral colors mostly, which is easy to pack. While you can still wear mostly black and no one will bat an eye, Parisians now have a much broader set of rules when it comes to what to wear in Paris. When I’m assembling my Paris packing list, I don’t hesitate to take a few pops of color, especially accents of red, as well as more bold pieces. It spices up my trip and gets me excited to walk the streets as a fellow Parisienne.

Before all of my trips, I try on my outfits so I don’t overpack and can fit everything into a carryon suitcase. I’ve realized as I travel solo to Paris or to Europe in general how important it is to be able to easily carry my suitcase, as I am the one carrying it or dragging it down the uneven streets in Paris, dodging poop and puddles as I go. Reducing the cargo simply makes for an easier trip to my favorite city. Now, let's see how French women dress.

Winterized in Paris

Winter in Paris can be quite cold. Parisians would possibly say brutal. The weather is rather unforgiving much of the season and there are many gloomy days in that timeframe. For me, it’s still Paris and I love the City of Light as much then as any other season. While visiting, though, it’s good to be prepared and know what you’re getting into, which is why I am writing this. I want you to have the best time, even if you find yourself popping into more wine bars than you had anticipated to get out of the cold.

Wool Winter coat

An absolute must. While I don’t have a heavy 100% wool coat, I do have wool blend coats and I typically take two: a black one and a camel colored one, but on a recent trip I opted for a navy blue coat instead of black. This ensures I can match them with anything.

Layers

One of my favorite things to purchase are tight long sleeve shirts or bodysuits that I can use as a base layer when I travel to cold places. They help keep my core warm, and whatever I wear over them I can wear again because I don’t stink them up. Yes, you sometimes still stink even when it’s cold. At least I do. So much walking in Paris!

Boots

This is a category you can pack the way you want. I prefer ankle boots to tall boots because they are much more manageable to pack, but you make the call. I do carryon only, so the smaller the better.

Hat

Something cute and reasonable is going to work. My preference is a cashmere or wool hat that covers my ears. And yes, a little ball on top makes me happy so I do wear that style.

Scarf

No matter what season it is, Parisians love scarves. In the dead of winter, however, take with you a wool or cashmere scarf so your neck is protected. I have forgotten mine before and immediately went out and bought a replacement. It’s a must for Paris in the winter.

Sweaters

Since most of the time you won’t be able to see what’s on under your heavy coat, packing a few sweaters to put on over your base layer is perfect. Basic black, ivory/off-white, or navy are the perfect combination to help you fit right in for a classic Parisian look.

Silk Scarf, Red Leather Jacket. Perfect Combo

Spring is my favorite time of the year in Paris. It’s still chilly enough to wear a jacket during the day, but sometimes it’s possibly to shed said jacket when the sun is out and shining. Luxembourg Gardens is starting to show off with all of its blooms, and cherry blossoms are seen all throughout the city. It’s simply a beautiful time to go to Paris, and the perfect time to show off some of those cute outfits you’re dying to wear. Get those fashion sneakers out, because we’re doing Paris in spring!

Leather Jacket and Trench Coat

I’m a huge fan of leather jackets and trench coats. For leather, I have several in several different colors, and I love rocking my red and black ones in Paris. For trench coat, classic is always best. You can’t go wrong with either option, so take both!

Fashionable Sneakers

There are a few brands that are trending. My go-to is Veja because they are comfortable and also a French brand. You will see them all over Parisians, as well as the Samba sneakers made by Adidas. Both are cute, and you’ll fit right in. Naturaly there are plenty of other brands, so pick your own poison.

Mary Janes

Since metallics are always an easy match, I like my Madewell Mary Janes. They go with most of the outfits I take, and they are comfortable to walk quite far. Don’t have any? They are literally everywhere and at all price points. Pick up and pack a pair before Paris.

Silk Scarf

You won’t go wrong when you’re wearing a beautiful silk scarf around your neck. I got one recently from my favorite expat store owner, Nessy, who owns Messy Nessy’s Cabinet of Curiosities. I couldn’t resist, and now I wear it everywhere.

Denim

Yes, this is general, but my obsession with denim continues in Paris. Take with you looser fitting jeans (skinny jeans are not in style right now) and/or a denim jumpsuit. Everyone in Paris wears jeans, and you will fit right in with your sneaks and blue jeans.

Perfect Outfit for a Summer Day

There is not a bad time to visit Paris, in my opinion. However, summer would be my least favorite time. The temperatures are much higher, and the people (tourists) are out in record numbers. If I go in the summer, I prefer to go in August, when many Parisians leave the city for other vacation spots and I feel like the city is all mine. This is my preference, as I can travel at odd times of the year due to flexibility. The weather is great, and the city is quiet, and I get to pack lightly because of warmer temperatures.

Pants or Skirts

As a woman, I like to wear cute pants, jeans, or skirts for the majority of my summer trips in Paris. Pants might be too warm, so you may want to focus more on cotton or lightweight materials. Avoid polyester or synthetic materials so you don’t end up in the hospital with a bloody yeast infection. The amount of walking you do will not lend itself well to tight, synthetic fabrics.

Dresses

Packing some simple dresses that are fashionable and comfortable are key. Since I like to get my photos taken while in Paris, I pack something that I wear in the photo shoot and that I can also wear the rest of the day without looking overdone. It’s not my style anyway, but a few neutral dresses, plus a nice black dress for the evening, will do you well.

Comfortable shoes

For summer, sandals that you can walk miles in are a good choice. Just make sure they are not flip flops and they don’t give you blisters. My go-to is fashion sneakers, and I live in them most of the time in Paris.

Lightweight Jacket

A denim (white or blue) jacket is a perfect daytime jacket if you get a little chilly. I am typically on the cold side, so I take one in case I want to rest by the Seine and need something more than a shirt. For evening, consider a blazer or something dressier. Remember, Paris is a few notches up from most American cities in terms of dress code, and I want you to feel comfortable anywhere you go!

Sunglasses

Paris weather shows off and the sun is out! My favorite sunglasses come from Jimmy Fairly, and the stores are all over Paris. The price is reasonable for fashionable sunglasses, and I have bought several pairs while there. Highly recommend picking some up for yourself, and they will help you choose what looks best for you.

Trying on Outfits for My Trip to Paris

Paris in autumn is a cozy time of the year. Winding down the excitement of summer and preparing for cooler temperatures in Paris is a beautiful time of year. Generally, October is my favorite month to travel anywhere because it’s typically not very crowded. You aren’t subjected to freezing temperatures, and you are also not sweating with no air con in the rooms either. Autumn is a great time to visit Paris, so let’s see what you need to take with you.

Coat and Blazer

I find that Parisians over-wintrify (I made this word up) themselves, even when the temperatures are not that cold. With that being said, I would recommend packing something wintery looking, like a tweed blazer, plus a wool blend coat for the chilly days and nights.

Tights

Break out the cute (or plain) tights to wear with your more seasonal skirts or dresses. I absolutely love wearing tights, and I also like being warm. This season is a happy medium to do both.

Sweaters/Shirts

You’ll possibly have to layer, but maybe not. A cotton, cashmere, or wool/wool-blend sweater will be just fine on its own underneath a jacket of your choosing. And when in doubt, a plain white button up shirt is a perfect, crisp option for any Paris day.

Shoes

Consider a few: some fashion sneaks, cute flats or Mary Janes, and a pair of boots. As I stated before, I like ankle boots, and particularly the Blondo brand because they are waterproof. Whatever boots you want to take, be sure they are comfortable and stylish.

Bottoms

In Autumn, you can wear pants, skirts, dresses, and jumpsuits. The entire gamut goes in this season. No need to go overboard, though, as I would recommend shopping while you’re there and picking up some fun pieces. Anywhere you go is amazing, and I’ve bought from high end to casual shops to vintage in Paris. It’s all about your taste.

Dress with Sneaks is a Perfect Way to See Paris

There is no shortage of ways of how to enjoy Paris. Being comfortable in your clothes from a physical comfort to an “I want to look like I belong here” stance are both very important. Both are also achievable! With my constant trips to Paris, I am here to help you get everything you need out of your trip, even if it is just one time that you visit. Paris is a magical city that has so much to offer, and what you wear is just part of the puzzle. I hope this helps give you the guidance you need to be your cutest, best version of yourself in the best city on earth.

If you liked this blog, you may also like one I wrote called "Is Paris safe for solo travelers?"

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