Paris has a reputation for making everything look better—a coffee, a walk to the bakery, a trip to the grocery store. And, naturally, an outfit!
Parisian style is polished without much effort. The silhouettes are simple, the colors are easy, and the finishing touches do just enough. For women and men alike, the look is less about following a strict dress code and more about choosing good pieces, wearing them well and knowing when to keep things simple.
And with fall finally here, we are very excited to pull the sweaters, jackets and boots back out. If Paris is on your fall itinerary, this is your sign to make a little room in your suitcase.
Here’s how to dress like the locals in Paris!
What Do People Wear in Paris?
The short answer: classic pieces, great shoes and very little fuss.
Parisian wardrobes revolve around versatile pieces that can be mixed, matched and worn more than once.
For women, that means straight-leg jeans, tailored trousers, a knit sweater, a blazer, a trench coat or a simple dress. For men, think well-fitting trousers, dark denim, Oxford shirts, knitwear, overshirts, tailored jackets and a good coat.
Black, cream, navy, gray, camel, burgundy and denim make an especially easy fall palette.
What Should I Wear in Paris in the Fall?
Fall is one of our favorite seasons to dress for Paris.
The temperatures make layering your best friend, and suddenly that sweater you have been waiting months to wear has a purpose!
Women can start with jeans or tailored trousers, add a knit sweater and finish with a trench coat, wool coat or structured jacket. Loafers, ballet flats, ankle boots and chunky sneakers all work beautifully for walking.
For men, try dark denim or tailored trousers with a merino sweater, Oxford shirt or fine-gauge knit. Add a wool coat, trench, bomber or structured jacket as the temperature drops. Loafers, leather sneakers and ankle boots finish the look.
And don’t underestimate the scarf! A silk scarf adds a little French flair to a simple outfit, while a wool or cashmere scarf becomes both an accessory and a necessity once temperatures fall.
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What Shoes Should I Wear in Paris?
Bring shoes you can walk in! Paris is a city made for wandering, and your itinerary may involve far more walking than you planned. You might leave the Louvre headed toward Saint-Germain, stop for lunch, wander through Le Marais and somehow end up on the other side of the Seine before dinner.
For women, loafers, ballet flats, comfortable sneakers and ankle boots are excellent choices.
For men, leather sneakers, loafers, derby shoes and comfortable ankle boots work well with both casual and tailored outfits.
If you want to bring heels, make them your dinner shoes—not your all-day sightseeing shoes. And be sure to break everything in before your trip! Your feet will thank you.
What Should I Pack for Paris?
Build a small wardrobe where everything works together, then repeat your favorites! That’s how you get more outfits without checking an enormous suitcase.
For a fall trip, start with:
- 1 trench coat or wool coat
- 2 sweaters
- 1 blazer or structured jacket
- 2 pairs of jeans or trousers
- 4–5 tops or shirts
- 1 simple dress or elevated evening outfit
- 2 pairs of comfortable shoes
- Ankle boots
- 1 silk or wool scarf
- A structured handbag or leather crossbody
- Simple jewelry or a classic watch
For men, swap in a few tailored shirts, an overshirt or lightweight jacket and a versatile pair of loafers or leather sneakers.
The goal is versatility!
Bring trousers that work with your sweater, sweaters that work under your coat, and shoes that work for sightseeing and dinner. Easy!
What Should I Wear While Sightseeing in Paris?
Think comfortable, polished and ready for anything.
For women, straight-leg jeans with a sweater and trench coat make an easy combination. Tailored trousers with a button-down and loafers are another classic.
For men, try dark jeans with a knit polo or Oxford shirt and a jacket, or tailored trousers with a sweater and clean sneakers.
Keep your bag practical, too. A crossbody, compact shoulder bag or streamlined backpack gives you enough room for the essentials without turning your outfit into luggage.
And save the complicated outfit for another day.
Museums are wonderful. Adjusting your clothes every five minutes is not.
What Should I Wear to Dinner in Paris?
This is where you can have a little fun.
Parisian dinner style does not require a ball gown—or a suit and tie!
Women can opt for a simple black dress, tailored trousers with a beautiful blouse or a skirt with a polished knit. Add a structured coat and one standout accessory.
Men can elevate dark trousers or tailored pants with a fine-gauge sweater, button-down or knit polo. A blazer or well-cut jacket instantly takes the outfit up a level. Loafers, boots or polished flats work beautifully.
The formula is simple: one polished outfit, one great accessory. A red lip. Statement earrings. A silk scarf.
For men, that finishing touch might be a beautiful watch, leather belt, pocket square or simply a particularly good pair of shoes.
Where Should I Shop in Paris?
Now for the fun part!
Paris has shopping neighborhoods for practically every style, from classic French wardrobe staples to contemporary labels, vintage finds and luxury fashion.
The official Paris tourism office highlights Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais, Haussmann-Opéra and Palais-Royal among the city’s major fashion destinations.
Where Should I Shop in Saint-Germain-des-Prés?
Start on the Left Bank!
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Sèvres-Babylone and Rue de Rennes are filled with ready-to-wear stores, designer boutiques and classic French labels. It is an especially good area for polished, timeless pieces.
For a quintessential Paris shopping stop, visit Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche at 24 Rue de Sèvres! This historic department store offers women’s and men’s fashion, beauty, accessories, home goods and more.
You can also browse the Ralph Lauren Saint-Germain flagship at 173 Boulevard Saint-Germain for classic American style with a distinctly Parisian setting.
Where Should I Shop in Le Marais?
If Saint-Germain feels classic, Le Marais is a little more playful.
This neighborhood is one of Paris’s best shopping areas for contemporary brands, independent boutiques, vintage stores and concept shops. Start around Rue Vieille-du-Temple, Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, Rue du Temple and Rue de Turenne.
Women can stop at Sézane at 33 Rue des Blancs Manteaux for French wardrobe staples, knitwear, bags and accessories, then head to Rouje at 16 Rue de Turenne for feminine ready-to-wear and accessories.
Men should explore the many independent menswear boutiques throughout the neighborhood, particularly around Rue Vieille-du-Temple and Rue des Rosiers. Le Marais is also an excellent area for vintage shopping, so leave some time to browse rather than sticking to a strict list.
The best finds are sometimes the ones you weren’t looking for.
Where Should I Shop on Boulevard Haussmann?
For the grand Paris shopping experience, go to Haussmann-Opéra.
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann at 40 Boulevard Haussmann and Printemps Haussmann at 64 Boulevard Haussmann are two of the city’s iconic department stores.
Both offer extensive women’s and men’s fashion, along with accessories, beauty and luxury brands.
Visit Galeries Lafayette | Visit Printemps
Where Should I Shop Around Palais-Royal?
For something a little more refined, wander around Palais-Royal and Rue Saint-Honoré.
The area is known for designer fashion, luxury boutiques and beautiful specialty shops. The arcades around the Palais-Royal gardens make the shopping experience particularly lovely.
For beautiful French accessories, look for the smaller specialty boutiques around the Palais-Royal galleries and Rue Saint-Honoré.
This is the neighborhood for taking your time.
Browse a little. Look at the architecture. Stop for coffee. Then browse some more.
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What Should I Avoid Wearing in Paris?
Avoid anything that makes traveling uncomfortable! Skip shoes that hurt, clothes that need constant adjusting and outfits that can’t get dirty.
You also don’t need to wear the stereotypical French outfit: Stripes, berets, red lipstick, ballet flats and a scarf. Though if you do it for the ‘gram we’re not mad at you—tag us!
Pick pieces you genuinely love!
How Can I Look Parisian Without Losing My Style?
Take inspiration from the people you see around the city. Notice how they layer, pay attention to proportions, look at the colors, browse the boutiques—then make it your own!
Maybe your version of Parisian style is a leather jacket instead of a trench. Maybe it is a colorful sweater instead of black. Maybe you live in sneakers and have no interest whatsoever in ballet flats.
Perfect.
The best travel style does not make you disappear into the crowd. It makes you feel like yourself in a new place!
And that is exactly what we want for you this fall: a suitcase full of pieces you love, comfortable shoes, a little room for something new, and a Paris itinerary worth getting dressed for.
Which part of French fashion is your favorite? Share it with us in the comment section!
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