Paris, the global fashion capital, naturally raises the question: What do people wear in Paris? Having lived in France and frequently visited Paris, I’ve curated the ultimate packing list for both men and women.
The best part? I’ll show you how to pack everything into a carry-on bag! It might seem daunting, but I’ll guide you through what to wear in Paris during summer, winter, and spring/fall, as well as what to avoid wearing.
Let’s dive in!
What to Wear in Paris
Before diving in, it’s important to acknowledge that Paris is a city of millions, each with their unique style. Not everyone is donning a trench coat, white shoes, and a striped shirt. You might even spot locals in joggers from time to time. It happens!
While this guide offers a good overview of what to wear in Paris to blend in, remember it’s a guide, not the definitive rulebook of Parisian fashion. For those who enjoy following fashion blogs, I recommend checking out some French fashion bloggers to see their styles too.
Consider this an introduction to French fashion and a practical guide for packing for a 7-day trip to Paris, complete with style tips and advice on what to wear and what to avoid.
Long, Beltless Trench Coats
The French connection to trench coats isn’t groundbreaking, but my choice to go with the Buck Mason trench was a relief. Its style was much more in line with what I was seeing compared to my shorter, double-breasted Burberry coat.
The trench coats I observed were long, often reaching mid-calf, and typically worn without a belt. They were sometimes buttoned up but often draped open like a robe over jeans and a t-shirt, exuding effortless comfort. For a practical approach, try removing the belt from your trusty old trench coat to achieve a sleek, elongated silhouette. Alternatively, consider shopping from these curated selections.
Patterned Sheer Black Tights
Everyone was sporting tights, but not the usual opaque ones I prefer. Instead, they were sheer, slightly patterned, and worn more for style than warmth. It gave off a playful, almost Jessica Day-esque vibe, blending fun with a hint of sexiness. You can recreate the look with options like these and these.
Big scrunchies wrapped once
I have to admit, claw clips were a rare sight in Paris. Instead, I was surprised to see a significant number of 80s-style scrunchies adorning the hair of stylish women. Typically, they were wrapped once and styled in a mid bun. In my opinion, Chava Studio offers the best version of these scrunchies.
Classic Black Crossbody Bags
Trust the French to bring us back to the essentials. I’ve noticed the A.P.C. bag making frequent appearances, and I understand the hype. It’s a fantastic bag—durable, stylish, and timeless. The best part? You can go hands-free without breaking the bank by shopping on various secondhand sites. Here are some excellent pre-owned A.P.C. bags you should consider.
Adidas three stripes
Don’t call it athleisure. The ensemble my barista wore on the last day (loafers with sheer socks, not pictured) almost sent me into a delightful frenzy. A wool sweater paired with basketball shorts? It made me question my entire wardrobe. Why am I not wearing outfits like THIS?
Colorful sneakers (esp green + esp Nike AF1s)
I was amazed by how many people were sporting Nike Air Force 1s. They’re fantastic sneakers, but as a size 11, they feel a bit much for me. I also noticed a lot of green accents on various sneakers, which brought back fond memories of my Stan Smiths. Is it time for a revival? Perhaps.
Natural Hairstyles Prevail
Just an observation: no one had their hair slicked back. This isn’t a critique of the style—it actually looks quite cool! I just don’t have the coordination to pull it off, and maybe the French feel the same way. Instead, I saw plenty of natural textures, grown-out bobs, and casual buns.
