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One of the best ways to choose the right clothing for travel is to research your destination and find out how the locals dress. A great place to start is by visiting TFG’s International Packing Lists and also then checking out our favorite place to go for travel outfit inspiration: local fashion bloggers.
To help us determine how to dress stylishly for different cities around the world, we’ve chosen some of our favorite fashion bloggers starting with What to Wear in Paris in Winter featuring style inspiration and photography from French fashion blogger Typhaine Augusto. Check out her fashion blog Cuillère Á Absinthe.
What to Wear in Paris in Winter
Written by Chantelle Mallin
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Paris is without a doubt a city with the most fashionable women. Parisians are famous for their effortless style and amazing fashion sense. When packing for your trip to Paris in winter think understated minimalism, comfort and pure elegance.
Winter is a lovely time to visit Paris, the city is dressed in beautifully strung lights – make sure to check out the tree lined Avenue des Champs-Élysées, an ice-skating rink is set up outside the City Hall and Christmas markets selling hot wine and traditional decorations begging popping up around the city.
Always make sure to check the weather when planning what to wear in Paris in winter because if it does snow, you’ll need an extra warm coat and wooly layers! Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating your travel capsule wardrobe for your trip to Paris!
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It may seem cliché, but you will never feel out of place in Paris dressed in black, choose the hue as your base color for outfits and pair with neutrals such as greys and creams or a pop of subtle color, you’re guaranteed to be able to mix and match everything.
As for many European cities the key for fashion in winter is LAYERS. The weather can be quite unpredictable and changeable, being sunny in one district and rainy in another, it’s a good idea to carry a small portable umbrella.
Pack a mix of long sleeved tops and t-shirt, choose stripes for a classic Parisian feel, sweaters, blouses, slim trousers and a flared midi circle skirts and tights, all expertly layered to create a totally chic, snug look.
You can still pack light even when you travel in cold weather by using packing cubes to compress your clothing as shown in this video!
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A chic coat is essential as you plan what to wear in Paris in winter. his time of year can get cold and windy, however the temperature isn’t too unbearable; opt for a classic camel belted trench or popular pea coat to ensure you remain warm and toasty whilst remaining super stylish.
No winter outfit in Paris is complete without an oversized scarf or pashmina, wool or cashmere are a great choice. If you forget to pack one, don’t worry, beautiful scarves are sold all around the city. It would be a shame not to treat yourself!
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Jeans are a great choice for Paris in winter, pair skinny black or navy jeans with classic pretty blouses, pastel sweaters and a tailored jacket or coat, they are a trusty garment for travel in any European city, being both stylish and versatile.
Opt for stylish leather fashion boots, androgynous patent lace up brogues or feminine ballerina flats, choose shoes that are waterproof and durable – the city features several beautiful, yet difficult to walk on, cobbled streets. You’re guaranteed to spend hours trekking the amazing sights of the city, keep this in mind when choosing your shoes for travel, avoid sneakers, French women are not fans.
Accessorize your winter outfits with a chic pair of leather gloves and fashionable felt fedora hat. For the ultimate stylish accessory, and to complete your Paris winter look, opt for an oversized leather bag such as a tote or preppy satchel, très chic.
What are your tips for what to wear in Paris in winter?
For more Paris packing lists, please read:
- What to Wear in Paris in Winter: Top 7 Readers’ Tips
- 5 Memorable Things to See in Paris and the Gorgeous Outfits to Wear
- 10 Step Packing Guide for Paris
- 10 Step Packing Guide for a trip to Paris and Italy
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Where did you purchase your Houndstooth pants?
Thanks for reading Serena, the link under the photo has some great options. Happy shopping!
Hello,
I’m going to paris in December until January. I live in a tropical country & this will be my first winter trip. I need your help to give an idea for a perfect outfit on new years. I will spend NYE with having dinner & party at Matignon. I’ve seen lots of french women wearing a sleeveless dress during NYE (watched it on Youtube) but since its winter, what should I wear to make myself warm when I walking on the street but chic enough for partying?
Just find yourself a GREAT coat and then you can wear anything you’d like underneath! This post has some great jacket ideas: https://travelfashiongirl.com/14-fall-coats-that-make-stylish-travel-jackets/
Hi- Everyone I have spoken to who has traveled to Paris always tell me to prepare for snow and rain in the winter….so water resistant boots and water resistant outerwear….true or not true? I love all of your recommendations above but what you have shown and what others have told me are completely different. I would love to avoid walking around in heavy snow gear (Ha)! Your opinion would be great appreciated!
I don’t think you need heavy snow gear. A good outer layer wouldn’t hurt! And definitely pack something rain resistant! Thanks for your comment Blaine! Enjoy your trip!
We are headed to Paris either the end of November or beginning of December,
Can you five me good packing ideas and shops to visit, and please help me with clothing!!!!
Thanks
Shirley
Hi Shirley! This is our extensive guide to Paris and is filled with everything you need to know to plan your trip: https://travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-packing-guide-for-paris/
Here are a few posts that will give you shopping inspiration for Paris:
https://travelfashiongirl.com/shopping-in-paris/
https://travelfashiongirl.com/best-shopping-spots-around-paris/
Have a wonderful trip!
Take a look: https://travelfashiongirl.com/my-10-piece-packing-list-for-10-days-in-paris-and-rome-in-summer/
Thanks for great info!! We are leaving tomorrow for our 13th visit to Paris which has always been in December, so you helped very much in planning and packing for this time of year, Demi from California
Thanks Demi, Have a great trip!
Bonjour! Thank you for this great information, although I travel quite a lot, I never get it quite right, and your site is the only one I have found with proper guides and pictures for winter travel for paris, other blogs are a bit vague and do not have images either. I Always panic when going to paris, and very often get it wrong! Alors! merci beacoup.
Hi Sue! Thank you for your kind words – Glad that the site had passed your cup of tea! 🙂
Nice post, Paris is great anytime of year! 🙂
Hi, thanks for your kind words and for reading. 🙂
Wow, this post comes as something of a revelation to me, thank you! I live in Seattle and have never quite identified with the winter style here, but the climate is probably very similar to Paris winter, so I am going to totally steal all of these looks! Thank you!!
That’s great! Thank you for reading 🙂