What to wear in Paris: 9 key items to pack and foolproof outfits for every situation

Wondering what to pack for your trip to Paris? Known as the world’s fashion capital, Paris is home to some of the largest designer houses in the world, including Dior and Chanel. Parisians are also renowned for their sense of style, so you’ll have to put some effort into your dressing to avoid sticking out like a sore thumb.

Here are some key items to add to your Paris packing list.

Cobblestones have lined Paris’ streets since the 12th century, imbuing the city with old-world charm. Unfortunately, Paris’ picturesque streets can be a pain if you don’t have the right footwear. Heels can easily get caught between cobblestones, and you’ll feel every bump and ridge if your shoes don’t have adequate cushioning. Plus, it’s hard to admire the view if you’re constantly looking down to avoid tripping.

Instead, pack your most practical walking shoes to ensure you’re comfortable enough to explore the city’s top attractions. While about one-third of the streets in Paris have been layered with asphalt, historic neighborhoods like Montmartre still preserve their cobbled paths. Whether you’re climbing up to the Sacre-Coeur or shopping along Champs-Elysees, you’ll need the right shoes to support you.

Paris has four distinct seasons, but the city’s climate can be unpredictable. Summer can see heat waves or cold fronts, causing temperatures to soar to more than 100°F or plummet to the low 50s. As the sun begins to set, it can also get chillier, especially if you’re on a windy evening cruise along the Seine, which means you’ll need to pack smart if you’re planning to stay out all day.

To stay comfortable no matter the weather, Parisians have mastered the art of layering. For most of the year, light jackets, long sleeve tops, cozy T-shirts, and jeans will be your key staples, and you can add or remove any layer depending on how you feel. Throw on a maxi dress or Bermuda shorts in the summertime, and pack some thermal wear in winter.

Tip: Stick to neutral colors so that it’s easier to mix and match your layers.

For clear, rainless days, the best time to visit Paris is between mid-June and mid-September. However, this is also peak tourist season, and travelers looking to avoid sky-high prices will have to visit Paris another time. This means you’ll likely encounter rain; throughout the rest of the year, Paris sees at least a 25% chance of rainfall on any given day.

December is the rainiest month in Paris, so ensure you’re well-prepared—you don’t want to be caught off guard while visiting the Christmas market at Les Halles or exploring the famous graves in the Père Lachaise Cemetery. We recommend packing a waterproof outer layer, such as a jacket or windbreaker, as well as waterproof shoes or boots.

While Paris is nowhere near the coast, you can still enjoy a beach holiday in the city. Every summer, temporary artificial beaches are created along the Seine for people to laze under palm trees and umbrellas.

The “Paris Plages” event has even been expanded to the La Villette Canal Basin, where you’ll find three swimming pools as well as pedal boats and canoes for rental. Shower and toilet facilities are available, so you can easily change into your swimsuits and beach attire (unlike some of France’s other beaches, topless sunbathing is not allowed here).

The average temperature in Paris during winter is about 41°F, with a low of 36°F. Between mid-January and mid-March, you might even encounter snow. If you’re planning to use your phone to navigate around the city, it’s crucial to get a pair of touch-sensitive gloves that can protect your hands from the cold while allowing you to access your smartphone’s touch screen.

Every French fashionista knows less is more, so it’s important not to go overboard when accessorizing. Worn right, a simple and elegant accessory can elevate any outfit, from a pair of sunglasses to a straw hat.

Parisians also love their scarves, and you’ll spot people of all genders rocking une écharpe (a heavy winter scarf), un foulard (a thin silky scarf), or une étole (a long wide stole) depending on the season. A shawl can also come in handy if you’re visiting a religious site like the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal and want to dress more respectfully.

Like most cosmopolitan cities, Paris boasts a thriving nightlife, and you’ll have your pick of entertainment options. A pub crawl is also a fantastic way to make new friends and get to know another side of Paris. However, note that most nightclubs and upscale restaurants in Paris have a smart casual dress code, where jeans, running shoes, and T-shirts are frowned upon. If you’re attending a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge, a dress code applies as well. As a rule of thumb, contact or do some research about the venue you want to visit to avoid being turned away at the door.

While Paris is generally a safe city, pickpocketing is a problem, particularly in crowded areas, on the metro, and near tourist attractions. To avoid losing your valuables, ensure you keep your belongings out of sight or in your hotel’s safe; better yet, leave your flashy jewelry and branded goods at home. We recommend wearing a concealed money belt or neck wallet to store your ID, cash, credit cards, and passport. And if you’re going shopping for luxury items, consider getting a private transfer back to your hotel.

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