{2025} The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Paris in October

Planning a cozy Fall trip to Paris? Wondering what to wear in Paris in October? You've come to the right place! I'll walk you through my October in Paris travel essentials!

JSB

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So you're packing for a trip to Paris in October?

Exploring the Chateau de Fontainebleau (an excellent day trip from Paris, if you're in the market). JSB.

I'll let you in on a little secret. The trip we took in mid-October to Paris to celebrate my 30th birthday is, to this date at least, my favorite Europe trip of all. October is a great time to visit the City of Lights.

Even all the way into late October, with an average daytime temperature in the mid-to-low 60's, you can walk 20,000 steps a day in at least temperature comfort (if you wear the right shoes!). The summer crowds are long gone, but everything is open and functional. The leaves are changing, there isn't much rain...need I go on?
Worried about packing the right attire to fit in with those notoriously fashionable French women? Pas de problem. I'll walk you through exactly what you'll need to bring to Paris in October to be comfortable, fashionable, on-trend, and as under-the-radar as an American tourist can ever be ;)

Rules to Dress By in Paris

Neutral Colors
In Europe in general, for packing in general, and for Paris specifically, stick with neutral colors. 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. Additionally, 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
On that note, 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.

{2025} The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Paris in October

The right light jacket for October in Paris
The most important piece of your wardrobe for your October 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 October?
No. For our October trip to Paris, I hauled the same wool winter coat I'd taken to London that spring, and yet again, the poor coat voyaged across the Atlantic, only to return unworn. It simply isn't cold enough in Paris in October for a full wool, traditional winter coat.  

FAQ: How much does it rain in Paris in October?
Luckily for you, the answer is: not as much as London! You will likely encounter some rain during your time in Paris in October, as the city averages 8 rainy days in October, so approximately 2/week. But don't let that hold you back. Water-resistant shoes (they don't have to be rain boots - more on this below), a trench coat, and a small umbrella will do the trick!

Comfortable walking shoes
The right 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 October in Paris, I have a few categories of recommendations for navigating those cobblestone streets:

• ankle boots / waterproof boots (NOT rain boots)
• sneakers (white or minimal logos)
• loafers

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 light 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 October? French women tend toward silk scarves, and I'd recommend doing the same, especially since it won't be terribly cold in October. Don't have a scarf you love that fits the bill? Why not buy one in Paris?

Light sweaters for October in Paris
While October is definitely still a transitional month, and there are colder months ahead, I'd recommend a light sweater under your jacket to keep you warm/ that'll be warm enough on its own if you want to take off your coat. Want to feel truly Parisian? Opt for a cashmere sweater.

Practical pants for Fall 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 October 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:

• It should zip fully. Even though October isn't the height of tourist season, pickpockets still gravitate toward touristy areas.
• It should be small. There's no need to haul around all of your belongings and large purses/backpacks often need to be checked at museums and attractions. 
• It should be able to be tucked under your coat in the event of rain.
• If you're wanting to bring a luxury purse, it should be understated. Louis Vuitton / LV logos are obviously fine, but maybe not the multi-colored one?

FAQ: Can I wear a crossbody Lululemon bag/fanny pack in Paris?
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!). Additionally, I'm not terribly concerned about this, but leather is general more difficult for a pickpocket to access than nylon.

{2025} Paris in October Packing List {10 Days}

• Outer layers:
  • Waterproof light jacket/ classic trench coat
• Compact travel umbrella
• 1-2 scarves
• 2-3 pairs of shoes (ankle boots, sneakers, loafers/knee-high boots)
• Leather, crossbody bag
• 1 versatile 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

{2025} October in Paris Essentials

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope I gave you some food for thought as you pack for your trip to Paris in October. There's no better time to visit the most romantic city in the world. 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!

The 8+ Essentials You Need to Pack for Fall in Europe

Bon voyage!

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