{2024} The Practical Guide to Looking Perfect in Paris

Feeling intimidated by French fashion? If you're wondering what to pack for Paris as an American tourist, check out my easy tips on the staples you do not want to forget. Not to mention a few tips on how to achieve that impeccable Parisian je ne sais quoi, even as a visitor.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Post updated, December, 2023.

What to Wear in Paris:
​Where to begin?

Aux Champs-Elysees

Ah, Paris. The City of Light. The City of Love. The city of the best food you could ever imagine, incredible stunning architecture around every corner, and enchanting, inviting cafes. And, of course, the birthplace of true sartorial style.


Of all the things that intimidated me about the prospect of our first trip to France, embarrassingly, I have to admit that having the perfect stylish clothes to wear throughout our visit was right at the top of the list. And second on the list was brushing off those rusty school French skills. If you're worried about French manners, check out one of my favorite and most popular blog posts of all time: 5 Ways to Charm the French.

Parisian women aren't just on the cutting edge of fashion...they *create* fashion. Daily. They are fashion, and they always have been. And the French don't save their fashion moments for the runway or fabulous evening events. Morning 'til night, Parisian style is on display, on the Metro, in a cafe, and certainly walking down the street. And they certainly don't run down to the shop in their pajamas with filthy hair. It's inimaginable. *Le Gasp*

As a first-time visitor to Paris, I really was not prepared for how enchantingly French women dress. Thankfully, I happened to have nearly all the right things in the suitcase, if largely, admittedly, by accident! 

So, I compiled this post to help you, the ever resourceful and prepared traveler, ensure that you have the right items in your suitcase, intentionally for your trip to Paris. We'll lay out a few ground rules, discuss where to shop if you need to add some items to your wardrobe in advance, go through a few specifics, and then, finally, I'll give you my Parisian packing list, to wrap things up. Allons-y, mes amies!

6+ Unmissable Art Museums for Your First Trip to Paris

What to Wear in Paris:
​Rules to dress by

Before we get into specific pieces of clothing you'll want to actually pack or purchase for Paris, I think it's helpful to lay-out some high-level concepts you'll want to consider in your packing approach. So, let's discuss a few notes on how French women achieve that chic Parisian style, day after day:

1. Focus on fit.

As you'd expect, there is plenty of mind-blowingly expensive fashion to be had in Paris. That said, the French are not only concerned with splashing out huge amounts on clothes and the latest fads. 

When it comes to selecting pieces, the French tend to focus on quality, structure, and fit. Just because something is expensive doesn't mean that it fits or suits you. Just because something is inexpensive doesn't mean it can't fit properly. And French women get things tailored if they need it. So, to fit right in with those fashionable French, focus on packing likely your higher-end items and pieces that actually fit well, not on running out and buying random cheap, trendy pieces that are very "right now." The French are the very opposite of fast fashion. The French woman sports timeless pieces, skillfully styled. Easier said than done.

Takeaway for a tourist: If you're selecting items you already own, bring your best-fitting staple pieces.

Jardin du Luxembourg

2. Finish the outfit.

One of the first things you'll notice when you're able to do some people watching in Paris is that a perfect French outfit is always "finished." 

This means that before even dreaming of leaving the house, the French will add a scarf, or a belt, or a hat, or a necklace to top-off any outfit. I did find that they often achieved this by adding a light jacket, trench coat, or "topper."

A shirt and a pair of pants is just not going to cut it - that outfit is not "done." For a quick and easy example, almost all of the French men you see will be wearing a scarf - to complete the outfit - on top of his suit. There's a lot of effort that goes into that effortless look that defines Parisian fashion.

Takeaway for a tourist: don't forget to include scarves, necklaces, jackets, and belts in your suitcase

3. Neutral colors

I always recommend that anyone packing for a trip to Europe include mostly neutral colors. Not only do European dress more formally and subtly than Americans, but they also tend toward a less 'splashy' color palette. And, of course, it's easier to create a variety of outfits out of the items you've packed for your trip, and get the most wear out of each item if you can easily mix and match. Unsurprisingly, the same holds true in Paris. Leave the bright colors at home.


Takeaway for a tourist: Navy blue, black, white, gray.

4. No athleisure

If you've followed the blog for a while, you'll know that this American loves athleisure. You will find me in full yoga attire, even though you'll all-too-rarely find me on the actual mat....But even your author needs to enthusiastically remind you that athletic wear has no place in your Paris wardrobe. Though it breaks my heart to say it, leave those yoga pants at home. 


Interestingly, you can wear joggers, as part of a finished outfit and preferably under a trench coat.


Takeaway for a tourist: No leggings.

5. Subtlety is key

No short shorts, no low-cut tops, no beach flip flops, super high heels, or crop tops. Just don't. Unless you're 19, in which case, this might not be the blog for you.


Takeaway for a tourist: Keep it understated.

FAQ: What's the weather like in Paris?

The temperature in Paris is fairly mild, though they do 'have' all four seasons. In July, the average high/low is 78/61 and in December you can expect 47/39. Not too hot, not too cold...just right? I'd say so. One of the many perfect things about Paris! You will have a few rainy days, but nothing like a trip to the U.K.

Accessible French Brands
​(available in the U.S.)

• Sezane
• Ba&sh
• Soeur

Traveling in Spring? Learn more about the 8 Packing Essentials You'll Need in Europe This Spring.

Paris Packing Guide

First things first:
​Don't forget the packing cubes!

Before we get into my clothing suggestions for Paris, no packing article would be complete without recommending my favorite packing cubes.
​
These nifty cubes keep everything you pack organized before, during, and after the trip in those tiny European hotel rooms and all-too-small checked and carry-on suitcases.

Check out my constantly updated list of ​Europe Travel Essentials you'll need "across the pond!" 

Paris Packing Guide:
​Selecting a light jacket

Spending time in Le Marais, Paris

With the exception of comfortable walking shoes, which we will discuss soon, the most important item you'll pack for your trip to Paris is your jacket.

​Even when it's not chilly, at least by my standards, the French often wear light, stylish overcoats, which appear to be more of a fashion statement than anything else. Sometimes blazers, a lot of rain jackets, and often what I've always called "toppers."

I was not at all prepared for this, but luckily, I had brought a light jacket, that I often wore to work, from Eileen Fisher.

FAQ: Do I need to bring a winter coat to Paris?

Overall, the weather in Paris is fairly moderate, as we discussed. If you'll be in France in the winter, you'll want to bring a winter coat, but our most recent trip was in mid-October, and I never even unpacked the heavy, bulky, wool coat that I had hauled all the way across the Atlantic, assuming I'd need it to keep me warm. Of course, I live in the Midwestern US, so your temperature preferences may differ from mine. But, it just wasn't cold.

Paris Packing Guide:
​Don't forget your scarf!

The French love, love, love their scarves! Without one, I always felt simply naked. Especially in Fall - a scarf is a *must.* I brought quite a few scarves along with me, and I picked up several others on the trip. A quick scarf change can allow you to make different outfits for distinct parts of your trip, or even to change you appearance in pictures, while you might still be wearing the same basic attire.

And, of course, you must know how to tie any scarf properly. Hermes has some lovely videos, if you want to study up on how to twirl your scarf in advance. I learned in the store and the first one they have on that page is the only one I can ever remember, on the fly.

Gorgeous silk scarves at Hermes, Paris

Hotel de Ville, Paris

Paris Packing Guide:
Do they really wear those striped shirts?

St James classic Breton Stripe Shirts are definitely the staple, as far as an authentic striped top is concerned. They look lovely under that aforementioned light jacket, and they're good in most forms of French weather. Add that scarf and voila!


Beyond the striped shirt, I'd include a few light sweaters/long-sleeved shirts and a couple of button-down shirt for layering. I'd avoid logo t-shirts or oversized sweatshirts.

Check out my Paris Neighborhood Guide,
​as you plan your trip!

Paris Packing Guide:
​​Picking the right pants

I would suggest a couple pairs of well-fitted, cropped ankle pants for your trip to Paris. As we've discussed, I'd leave the leggings and certainly the pajama pants at home. No need to make a French woman faint.

FAQ: Can I wear jeans in Paris?

Yes. You can wear jeans in France. They should be fresh, fitted, and not overly distressed. Be mindful that there are occasionally dress codes and theaters or fancy restaurants that forbid jeans, so be sure to have some 'real pants' in the suitcase as well.

Paris Packing Guide
​​Stylish loafers and booties

Picking the right shoes for Europe is the single most important decision you'll make during your packing journey. Generally, I recommend including three pairs of shoes. Two for your big walking days - always good to alternate - and one that you can also wear for evening (generally boots). And one of those pairs should be waterproof. Ok, so comfortable shoes and waterproof shoes- let's discuss.


The French have a long and storied love of loafers that won't be ending anytime soon. Loafers are great shoes for a city vacation, if you invest in the right pair. I love anything from Sam Edelman, and I absolutely always include a pair of his Sam Edelman bit loafers in my Europe suitcase. Though it's definitely a breach of all travel advise, including my own, I actually brought a *never worn* pair of Edelman loafers to Paris and then proceeded to walk 10 miles a day. Birdies is another great option for pretty slip-ons!

And, finally, regardless of the season, you can't go wrong with ankle boots and booties in Paris! I love Blondo boots because they come in *waterproof* options and I can walk in them all day, rain or shine!

The 6 Types of Shoes You'll Need in Europe

FAQ: Can I wear sneakers in Paris?

Yes! You can wear nice, clean, sleek sneakers in Paris. If Kate Middleton can wear them, we can too. Leave the workout shoes and the pair you wear for gardening at home.

Paris Packing Guide:
​Finding the right purse for Paris

The purse you bring to Paris needs to be:
​

1. Lightweight
2. Hands-free
3. Full closable 

The reality of visiting major tourist destinations, both in Europe and the United States, is that you need to be conscious of pickpockets. The area surrounding the Eiffel Tower and the summit of Montmartre are two of the most notorious pickpocket spots in the world. I say this not to scare you or deter you from visiting, but just as a strong reminder to buy a purse with a full zipper. Be aware, not scared.


I would recommend a leather, crossbody bag.

Paris Packing Guide:
​Easy, Effortless dresses

Whether it's going out for dinner, or strolling Paris during the day, when I'm feeling fancy, I do love to wear a cute dress, particularly a structured one. Add tights/leggings, a scarf, and those booties we just discussed, and you've got the relaxed, chic, French vibe

Rowena Swing Dress, from Wool&

​One of my recent finds was the Rowena Swing Dress (gifted) from Wool&. It's lightweight, yet warm, and wool that doesn't itch or get that stale wool smell (who knew that existed?) and, it's got a great, structured look, with pockets. 

Avoid the top 10 Tourist Mistakes in Paris

Paris Packing Guide:
Travel Jewelry

Often, I leave my nicer jewelry at home on big trips, for fear of losing it. If you want to leave your wedding/engagement ring at home, but still want a bit of shine for your Parisian shopping adventures, check out Noémie which has stunning diamond eternity bands, perfect for travel! ​

Paris Packing Guide:
​A multipurpose belt

To dress up trousers or to finish a look with a simple dress, I'd suggest bringing a nice belt that can serve either purpose. I have a lovely suede belt from Sezane (the French mainstay we discussed earlier) that I adore.

Paris Outfit Ideas

I've shared a few easy Paris outfit ideas below. Follow me on Like to Know It, a fashion social media page, where I post tons of travel outfits.

Bon voyage!

Remember - put the fashion emphasis on classics and fit (the French aren't flashy dressers), and bring more coats and scarves than you might otherwise wear! If you get hot, you can always take off the coat...but not the scarf - you should definitely leave that on! ​

Paris picnic

I hope I've given you a short, helpful guide to French style that'll get your juices flowing as you pack for Paris! And while you're here, don't forget to subscribe to the blog and I'll send you my free, downloadable carry-on packing guide for Europe, and my new guide to packing for Spring in Europe.

The Practical Paris Packing List

• Outer layers:
  • Waterproof Light Jacket/ Trench coat
  • Topper/light coat/structured cardigan
• Very small travel umbrella
• 2 scarves
• 3 pairs of shoes (ankle boots, sneakers, loafers/knee-high boots)
• Leather, crossbody bag
• 1 neutral belt
• 3 long-sleeved shirts/nice blouses
• 3 light sweaters
• 1 pair of jeans
• 2 pairs of black ankle pants/joggers
• Travel set for return flight
• 10 pairs of socks, underwear, etc.
• Toiletry bag
• Medications
• Travel documents
• Chargers/converters/ear plugs

Paris Travel Essentials

You may also like...

• Etiquette in Paris: 5 Ways to Charm the French
• Paris' Left Bank, including the Eiffel Tower and Rodin Museum
• France by Train, day trips from Paris
• The Ultimate Guide to Packing for 10 Days in Europe

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