Insiders Fashion Guide to
What to Wear in Paris

... and what NOT to wear

What to wear in Paris? After flights and accommodations, this is one of the most frequent questions we hear.

Paris is one of the fashion capitals of the world and you'll want to try to look good while being comfortable as you explore the city, visit museums, eat in restaurants or shop in chic stores.

We've got some Paris fashion tips for you to help you look like you belong and not like a tourist.

There's nothing like the feeling of being mistaken for a Parisienne as you're walking down the street. And that's not as rare as you might think, if you walk with confidence while wearing clothes suited for the city known for its style.

In this guide about what to wear in the City of Fashion (and the seasonal articles that link from it) we'll cover the essentials, piece-by-piece and season-by-season, with ideas on what to pack.

What To wear – the movie!

The Paris Seasons

Jersey Batwing Dress

Much of your Paris wardrobe, like scarves, simple dresses and cashmere sweaters, are good for any season, and any time your visit Paris.

But there are other essential seasonal items you'll need to pack, depending on the time of year you will visit the City of Fashion. So, before you pack, take a little bit of time to read our seasonal guides —

• Spring »
• Summer »
• Fall »

What to Wear Essentials

Cashmere

French women (and men) generally shop for quality over quantity. That's why you'll see a lot of cashmere in Paris. Cashmere is soft, comfortable and always looks great. A cashmere sweater is a fashion essential in any season in Paris. Think simplicity when choosing a a cashmere sweater, v-neck or turtlenecks are a good option.

Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan

Round Neck Cashmere Sweater

Cropped Cashmere Cardigan

Cashmere V-Neck Sweater

The Black Dress

Once you find a simple black (or other color) dress you'll be well on your way to completing your What to Wear in Paris wardrobe. Make sure the dress is versatile, one you can wear to dinner yet still casual enough to wear underneath your trench coat or under a pashmina. A dress that doesn't need ironing is a triple bonus!

Tailored Dress

Losberne Dress

Long Stretch Dress

Pleat Jersey

A Scarf

The first thing you'll notice when you hit Charles de Gaulle Airport are the scarves! Men, women and children wear them in Paris in winter, spring, summer and fall. You probably will end up buying some in Paris, but it's better to come prepared.

Shop for Scarves

Lightweight Crinkle Scarf

Deluxe Pashmina Scarf

Scottish Grey Tartan Men's Scarf

Denim

The French have fallen hard for denim. The good news is you can wear your jeans in Paris (just not the runners!), but make sure they are stylish. Throw your Soccer Mom jeans in the poubelle (garbage can) before you leave home.

Comfortable yet stylish walking shoe

Repetto Leather Ballerinas

You don't have to sacrifice beauty for comfort. Running shoes are not an option!

While you won't want to walk around the city in high heels, you will notice all the stunning flat shoes that women wear in Paris. Maneuvering stairs, gravel pathways and cobblestones demands shoes with some structure.

In winter, you'll want to wear boots, but stylish ones.

Hair & Make-up

French women are famous for their au naturel look. They wear makeup to look like they don't wear any! They wear their hair in soft, natural styles to accentuate the effect. The city seems to have a couple of coiffures (hair salons) on every city block. If you want to treat yourself in Paris, pop into a coiffure for le brushing or a coupe. Most salons in Paris do not require an appointment.

A travel umbrella

Well, you don't actually wear an umbrella, but in Paris you'll always need one. Find a lightweight option that's great for traveling.

Paris Fashion For Men

In Paris men dress up. Even young men can be seen in slim-cut dark suits, and shiny black shoes. They all wear scarves and seem to know how to knot them expertly. This doesn't mean that you (men) have to wear suits. Choose casual wear with care and attention. Men in Paris wear tweed jackets, corduroy trousers and heavyknit sweaters. Stylish jeans are seen everywhere.

And if you're planning to go to any high-end Paris restaurants you will definitely need a jacket or sport coat.

Shop for Men

Cashmere V-Neck Sweater

Cashmere Sleeveless Sweater

Seersucker Classic Fit Jacket

Season by Season

Printemps

Springtime in Paris

Spring weather can be unpredictable, you'll need a stylish trench coat, a warm sweater for layering and water resistant shoes (not suede, for instance). Throw a travel umbrella in your suitcase.

• Guide to Spring Fashion »

Éte

When it sizzles

Paris in the summer can sizzle, so you'll want to pack summer skirts and dresses. Grown-ups in Paris don't wear shorts. Period. If you want to fit in, leave the shorts at home. For men, light-weight khaki trousers will do or, of course, linen pants.

• Guide to Summer Fashion »

Automne

The autumn leaves

Fall in Paris can be warm right into October but, much like springtime, it can be unpredictable. You'll need clothes to layer, that stylish trench coat, and an umbrella.

• Guide to Fall Fashion »

Hiver

When it drizzles

Paris winters range from moderate to downright cold! You will need a warm, winter coat (for when the temperature drops down to freezing), boots, scarves and gloves. But you don't have to dress for the arctic! Think stylish black boots, a long wool coat and more scarves. In winter, your coat and boots will become your official uniform, so you can reduce the number of pants, sweaters and shoes.

What Not To Wear In Paris

In Any Season!

• sweatshirts
• baggy jeans
• T-shirts with logos on them
• fleece (please no fleece!)
• short pants if you've more than 10 years old
• fanny packs
• ugly nylon backpacks
• Tilly hats: you're not on safari!
• sportswear (nylon or fuzzy)
• yoga pants
• runners
• puffy winter coats
• hiking boots

Paris Travel Advice Quick Links

Skip-the-line Eiffel Tower Tours

The Best Hotels in Paris

Paris Airport Transfers

Paris Wine & Champagne Tours