What To Wear In Paris

Visiting Paris is always a good idea. And it really doesn’t matter what time of year you go, you are guaranteed to enjoy the City of Light. Sure there are perks to nicer weather, but there is also a charm to seeing a gloomy Paris in the winter and cozying up with hot chocolate in a bistro. Or maybe you visit during the holidays and get to see the city dressed up in holiday cheer.

There truly is no bad time to visit in my eyes, so here is what to pack for Paris in each season. From casual days of exploring, museum hopping and shopping, to nicer dinners or nights out on the town.

What to Wear in Paris

No matter what time of year I’m visiting Paris, there are a few things I always include in my Paris packing list. And when it comes to packing for your travels, I think there are two schools of thought. I tend to pack my favorite things I feel my best in, while I know some of you may want to embrace Parisian style and lean into the destination.

Spring Paris Outfit Ideas

Spring in Paris runs March through May and the temperatures can vary from lows in the mid 40s, to highs in the mid 60s. It can be a bit chilly in early spring and then gradually warm up to some really beautiful days. Adding in the sunshine, and lots of walking, those mid 60 days can feel quite warm.

Pack light layers and outerwear like trench coats, lightweight sweaters and an umbrella just in case. Dresses and skirts are great this time of year too.

Spring Paris Outfit For A Day Of Museums And Shopping

For a day of shopping or exploring museums in Paris I like to wear my favorite jeans paired with a comfortable walking shoe and a lightweight sweater or blazer. I love a tee paired with a leather jacket and a sweatshirt as backup over the shoulders just in case.

Try styling trousers with sneakers, or jeans with a comfortable loafer or flat. Lightweight jackets and layers are key this time of year. You can also wear a midi or maxi skirt or dress this time of year with a sneaker, sweater or light jacket over the look.

Spring Paris Outfit For A Picnic On The Seine

One of my favorite activities to do in Paris is to head to a marché and pick up a few things like cheese, meat, bread, butter, some fruit, and a baguette of course and head to the Seine for a picnic. You can do this at any park, the Eiffel Tower, or just along the Seine River. It’s my favorite way to spend an afternoon. And you can even bring a bottle of wine to enjoy. Aim for comfort in a flowy dress and light sweater. Some spring days can get warm, so I love a matching cotton set for those days. They feel pulled together, while still being comfortable.

Evening Apéro Outfit Idea For Spring

Apéro hour is a very big deal in Paris. It marks the end of the work day, and the start of the evening. Usually before dinner, head to a bistro or bar to enjoy a snack and drink with friends. You can do this more casually as many people are coming from work, but you can also get dressed up before you head to your dinner afterward. Either works here during apéro hour.

Summer Paris Outfit Ideas

When visiting Paris in the summer months of June through August, you can really see some warm temps ranging from the 60s to 80s. Heat waves are also a possibility, and there is not a lot of air conditioning available. The weather is mostly warm and sunny and the peak of summer can be a bit humid. Wear your favorite dresses and skirts in breathable fabrics like cotton and linen.

Shorts and tanks are a staple this team of year too. Pack comfortable lightweight sneakers and sandals, don’t forget the sunglasses and some SPF for your face and shoulders while exploring. At night, you may need a light jacket, so be sure to check the weather before you pack.

Summer Paris Outfit For A Day Of Museums And Shopping

Summer in Paris can be a bit warm so you’ll want to dress in lightweight breathable clothing when you’re exploring. And opt for comfortable walking shoes to wear in Paris. I would avoid flip flops and instead choose a more supportive sandal or canvas sneaker that you can walk a lot in. Linen dresses and shorts with tanks are my go-to. You can always make these outfits feel more interesting by adding a cool belt, an interesting bag and some jewelry.

Summer Rooftop Drinks In Paris

There are some great spots to have rooftop drinks in Paris that have incredible views. Get dressed up in a cute dress and heels to sip on a cocktail before dinner. Try a cute crochet dress, or a trendy short with a blazer. At night, there can still be a bit of a chill in the air so a light jacket is perfect for your rooftop drink look.

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Fall Paris Outfit Ideas

One of my favorite seasons to visit Paris, September through November will provide you with mild and crisp weather, with a few warmer days early on, and a few cooler days in November. The temperature can easily range from 45 to 70 degrees. Which means, layers.

Layers are key and you should definitely pack a comfortable boot and an umbrella. You probably won’t need your puffer coat just yet, but you’ll want to pack your favorite wool coats, or trench if it’ll be in the 60s and 70s.

Fall Paris Outfit For A Day Of Museums And Shopping

My go to outfits in Paris for fall when I’m doing a lot of walking, will always be my favorite jeans and sneakers. Add a sneaker and your favorite long sleeve shirt or light sweater. For jackets, trench coats are key in Paris, but a light shacket or coat is also great this time of year.

Fall Paris Outfit For A Cozy Dinner At A Parisian Bistro

For a cozy dinner at a Parisian bistro in Paris, try rocking a little leather. Leather pants, or a leather mini skirt with tights, are Parisian style staples in the fall. They feel more dressy, but not over the top. Top with a blazer or long light wool coat or trench to complete the look. You can definitely wear sneakers at night to dinner too.

Fall Paris Outfit For Dinner And Drinks

Get a little dressed up for dinner and drinks in Paris with cute tweed dresses, slip dresses or silky pants and a nice top. A comfortable shoe is still top of mind when I’m getting dressed for dinner out because I love to walk whenever possible. A loafer, or Mary Jane is great. And depending on the weather, you can still get away with a strappy heel. Adding a cool edgy jacket like a leather jacket feels very Parisian!

Winter Paris Outfit Ideas

A few cold months from December to February mean cold, damp and gray weather. You’ll see temperatures in the 30s to 50s. Paris doesn’t really see any snow, so you can potentially leave your puffer coat at home unless you love to be toasty warm. Wool coats with scarves and sweaters with comfortable, waterproof, boots are key for Paris in winter months.

Winter Paris Outfit For A Day Of Museums And Shopping

Depending on the winter weather, you can usually get away with a sneaker in Paris. If it’s in the 20s to 40s, I’d swap this sneaker for a Chelsea boot. Otherwise, you can usually wear your favorite sneakers

Winter Paris Outfit For A Cozy Cafe & Stroll

When exploring in the winter time in Paris, layers are key. Be sure to add a long sleeve shirt underneath your sweaters for those really cold days. Add socks to your loafers or sneakers to add warmth, and always pack a scarf and a pair of gloves. For a cozy cafe and strolling through the city be sure to wear comfortable shoes as always.

How To Plan Outfits For Travel

No matter when you take a trip to Paris, I always like to check the weather forecast before I start packing as close to my departure date as possible. This makes sure I am prepared as best as possible when I land. From there, I then figure out a loose itinerary and write down each day and what I’m doing. You can then easily see what days look like whether some are going to be more walking, others more chill, or a nice dinner and so on. Then you can begin to plan outfits for your travels.

When I plan outfits for travel I like to lean into the things I love and wear the most. I know I feel good in them and that can make getting dressed and packing for a trip so much easier. For me, this is not the time to try a brand-new outfit. I like to pack the tried and true.

If I have some extra space in my suitcase, sure I’ll throw in something new and fun. But I live by the idea that you should pack what you already love, and not buy a whole new wardrobe just for a trip. Unless you absolutely need something that you don’t have, I’m packing the greatest hits from my closet.

As for color coordinating my outfits, you can always aim for neutral colors to make it really easy to mix and match. And add in a pop of color with a coat, shoe or accessory. But at the end of the day, I just like to make sure my suitcase is full of easy to mix outfits that I know I feel good in.

I like to try most of my outfits on to make sure they all work, and work with other items in my suitcase. Being able to mix and match my suitcase will help me optimize my outfits once I’m at my destination. Then from there, I add in a few extras to round it out. You can also try the 54321 method which I talk about in this post. This packing method definitely comes in handy and is a good guide to get you started.

What are some ways that you prepare and pack for a trip?

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There you have it, what to wear in Paris from spring and summer, to fall and winter. From dressed up dinners with Eiffel Tower views, to casual strolls through Montmartre and Le Marais for shopping. Paris can be as casual or as dressy as you want it to be. And at the end of the day, it’s all about taking in the culture, the magical views and the incredible food.