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Planning a cozy (cold weather!) Winter trip to Paris? Wondering what to wear in Paris in Winter? You've come to the right place! I'll walk you through my Winter in Paris travel essentials!
Paris in winter (SPC)
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Wondering what to wear in Paris this Winter?
Winter in Europe is a surprisingly under-utilized resource, I’ve found. Paris in the snow, magical Christmas markets, sipping a hot cider in Le Marais…The holidays are magical (and bustling with tourists), but if you have flexibility and can travel outside of ‘peak’ times, even non-holiday season in Europe is a lovely time to visit. Attractions may have reduced hours, but are largely still open, you won’t find crowds (outside of the holidays), but you will have shorter days. Additionally, it simply isn’t as cold in many parts of Europe as it is in the US and they definitely get less snow (Midwest here!)
Worried about packing the right attire to fit in with those notoriously fashionable French women and their impossibly cool Parisian winter style? Pas de problem. I'll walk you through exactly what you'll need to bring to Paris in Winter to be comfortable, fashionable, on-trend, and as under-the-radar as an American tourist can ever be… winter in Paris travel essentials ->Frequently asked questions about what to wear in Paris in Winter
FAQ: When is winter In Paris?
January and February are the coldest months in Paris, with December and March still colder, but 'winter shoulder season' as it were. Rain, rather than snow, tends to be the predominate precipitation, though it does snow in Paris. FAQ: How cold does Paris get in Winter? In Paris, you can expect after highs in the mid-40s and average lows in the low to mid 30s, generally still above freezing. FAQ: How do people dress in Paris in winter? In most cities, my response would be something along the lines of ‘to keep warm,’ and while Parisians obviously are not immune to the cold, they look as incredible in winter as in any other season. You’ll be impressed. And, as always, Parisians dress more formally than Americans, so your winter outfits, as with any other season, should tend 'business casual' rather than 'athleisure,' if you want to fit in. FAQ: What should I pack for Winter in Paris? Pack elevated versions of your winter travel essentials, for winter in Paris. Leather gloves, chic scarf, tasteful, non-athletic material winter hat, coat, waterproof boots (no rain boots, even though you’re likely to get some rain) are perfect for exploring and fitting in on the streets of Paris. FAQ: Can I wear a puffer coat in Paris? You “can” but I wouldn’t wear a huge Midwestern winter coat that looks like the stuffing of a duvet. Opt for a wool long coat, lined if you’re visiting in the depths of winter, or a shearling jacket. If you simply must puff, wear a thinner puffer, like this thin puffer from Quince. Rules to Dress By in Paris in Winter
Neutral Colors
In Europe in general, for packing in general, and for Paris specifically, stick with neutral tones. The goal should always be to mix-and-match to make different outfits, without trying yourself down to specific "outfits" in the event of a spill, weather change, etc., and this is always easier to do with fewer color restrictions to work around. Additionally, (bonus points!) Europeans wear more neutral colors than Americans/less neon, etc. I'm not saying you have to wear all black, but I would stay away from a ton of bright colors, and I'd even recommend against my beloved Lilly Pulitzer. You just won't see people dressed that way in Paris. Finish the Outfit One ingredient in a chic Parisian outfit is "finishing the outfits." A shirt and pants isn't going to cut it. Add a scarf, belt, jacket to look polished and put together. Minimize Your Logos, please Once you start thinking about it, you'll notice just how many logos we Americans wear on a daily basis. You can wear logos in Europe (they do!), but I would keep them to a minimum if you want to fit in. And please, please, please no graphic t-shirts. No athletic wear Europeans do not wear athleisure to the same extent as Americans. Unless you are on your way to the gym or actively working out, Europeans wear "real clothes" rather than yoga pants. Additionally, French women are less likely to wear baseball caps than we are here in the United States. If you want to wear a baseball cap, opt for a plain navy or black, with no logos. Want to learn more about fashion faux pas in Paris? Check out What Not to Wear in Paris {2026} The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Paris in Winter
Paris in Winter (SPC)
The right light jacket for Winter in Paris
The most important piece of your wardrobe for your Winter Parisian adventure is undoubtedly the right lightweight jacket. For early mornings, rainy days, and looking chic at any moment in between, you can't go wrong with a light topper or a trench coat. FAQ: Should I bring a winter wool coat to Paris in Winter? Yes. A classic wool coat is perfect for winter tourism in Paris. Or a light, mid-hip puffer coat. It’s simply not cold enough for your Canada Goose – more of a November/December in the Midwest feel. FAQ: How much does it rain in Paris in Winter? You’re more likely to get rain than snow in Paris in Winter, so come prepared. Temperatures generally hover above freezing and into the 40s. I'd qualify this as "chilly weather" rather than cold. Comfortable walking shoes Comfortable shoes are essential to support you throughout Paris, as you walk upwards of 20,000 steps/day. Trend-wise, we should all be very grateful that there is such a thing as stylish walking shoes, and that sneakers are no longer taboo in Europe. As far as "the best walking shoes" for Winter in Paris, I have a few categories of recommendations for navigating those cobblestone streets, while maintaining that chic Parisian style:
FAQ: Will I encounter dress codes in Paris? If you'll be visiting high-end restaurants, you may encounter occasional dress codes, general forbidding "trainers" (British term for sneakers), athletic wear, and sometimes denim (though this is more rare now than it used to be). So be sure you have a pair of loafers/boots and non-denim pants or a dress for those events. Additionally, churches will often have a request for modest attire (such as you'll see here at the re-opened Notre Dame). The essential Parisian scarf There's no better way to "finish your outfit" (and keep warm) in the most Parisian way possible than with a scarf. A scarf is as Parisian as the Eiffel Tower and as ubiquitous an object as you'll see during your time in France. What type of scarf should you bring to Paris in Winter? French women tend toward silk scarves, though in Winter they’ll bundle up a little more. Don't have a scarf you love that fits the bill? Why not buy one in Paris? A winter hat for Paris I'd recommend a knit beanie to keep your head warm when the snow falls in Paris. As I mentioned, European women don't wear baseball caps in the same way as Americans. If you'd like to wear a baseball cap, I'd recommend doing it in the way that they do - no logos and you'll do just fine. Sweaters for Winter in Paris Warm, but not overly bulky, sweaters are the name of the game for tourism in winter months in Paris. Want to feel truly Parisian? Opt for a cashmere sweater or merino wool base layers over a chunky sweater. Feeling extra French? A turtleneck sweater is always classic. Practical pants for Winter in Paris So if I can't wear yoga pants...which pants should I bring to Paris? You truly can't go wrong with classic blue jeans. While we think of them as American, in a certain style, there's nothing more French and you'll see a lot of Parisian women, perhaps even the majority, going about their days in jeans. In addition to the jeans, I'd recommend a couple pairs of joggers/travel pants/black pants, both for travel and your time in Paris. As I mentioned earlier, be sure to bring something non-denim, if you're going to be going to a nice restaurant/the theater, like a dress or midi skirts. The ideal purse for Winter in Paris One of the items I'm most frequently asked about for Europe travel is purses. The purse you take to Paris should have several important attributes:
Yes, you "can," but I would recommend a leather crossbody bag, rather than the one made of nylon. Parisian women prefer leather purses, so you'll fit in better and your outfit will look more elevated (since you won't be wearing athleisure – right?). I also find crossbody fanny pack style purses hard to accommodate with a winter coat. Thanks for Stopping By!
I hope I gave you some food for thought as you pack for your trip to Paris this Winter. I know you'll have a fabulous time. Now, armed with my easy pack tips, you'll feel comfortable and look tres tres chic.
And, while you're here, I hope you'll take some time to explore the many free resources I've created to help you plan your trip to Europe, and Paris specifically. Bon voyage! {2026} Paris in Winter Packing List {10 Days}
{2026} Paris in Winter Packing List {10 Days}
{2026} Winter in Paris Essentials
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