Wondering what to wear to Paris in winter? The key is to build outfits around warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, and timeless wardrobe staples that look just as chic exploring the city as they do heading out to dinner.
As the founder of En Route to Rêverie I have helped hundreds of people plan a trip to Paris via Rêverie in Paris. I’ve visited Paris in every season, and winter is one of my favorite times to experience the city. From December through February and into early March, the quieter streets offer a different perspective on Paris, with plenty of opportunities to explore museums, cafés, boutiques, and restaurants between outdoor adventures.
What To Wear To Paris In Winter
When packing for a winter trip to Paris, I focus on wool coats, cashmere sweaters, tailored trousers, denim, versatile boots, and accessories like scarves and gloves. The weather can shift between chilly, rainy days and brighter, milder afternoons, so thoughtful layering makes all the difference.
In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite Paris winter outfit ideas, what to wear for sightseeing and evenings out, and the essential pieces I’d pack to stay warm, comfortable, and stylish. If you’re planning your suitcase, don’t miss my complete guide to What to Pack for Paris in the Winter.
When is winter in Paris?
Winter weather in Paris really starts in December and carries through to early March when Springtime sunshine begins to make more frequent appearances and the trees show the first sign of blooms.
What is the weather like in Paris in the winter?
Paris never gets too, too cold and it very rarely experiences snow in the winter. Usually winter days are in the high 30s/40s Fahrenheit. It can feel a bit colder than that if it is raining or windy but in general I don’t find it as cold as it can get in New York City or Chicago.
But it can surprise you! December, January and February may have “feels like in the 20s” days from time to time. So you’ll be want to be sure you check the weather as you’re packing and look at the expected highs, lows and “feels like” temperatures. This will help you plan what to wear to Paris in winter. Pack for cold weather but not the coldest weather you’ve ever felt. Aka: you can leave the heavy duty winter boots at home.
Winter weather in Paris is gloomy. You’ll have some rain (so don’t forget an umbrella!) and it can feel dark and gray all throughout the day. But you’ll also be greeted by bright sunshine on certain days. Your best bet is to plan for the worst and expect the best – this will also help you plan as you prepare what to pack.
How to Pack for a Week in Paris
What to Wear to Paris in Winter: The Essentials
When deciding what to wear to Paris in winter, I recommend focusing on versatile staples, warm layers, and comfortable shoes that can take you from a day of sightseeing to dinner out. Winter in Paris is typically chilly, damp, and occasionally windy, so the key is to dress in layers that are both practical and polished.
Here are the essentials I’d pack for a stylish winter trip to Paris:
- A warm wool coat: A classic wool or wool-blend overcoat is my go-to for pulling a winter outfit together. Choose a neutral shade like camel, black, gray, dark brown, or navy so it works with everything in your suitcase.
- Cashmere or merino wool sweaters: Pack a few sweaters that layer easily over tees or button-down shirts. These are ideal for staying warm without sacrificing style.
- Jeans and tailored trousers: Straight-leg denim, black jeans, and tailored trousers are versatile foundations for everyday Paris winter outfits.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Sneakers, leather ankle boots, or flat boots are great options for exploring the city. Look for comfortable pairs with good grip, especially if rain is in the forecast.
- Skirts or dresses with tights: A slip skirt, tweed skirt, or sweater dress can easily transition from daytime sightseeing to an evening out. Add opaque tights and boots for extra warmth.
- Warm accessories: Don’t forget a scarf, gloves, and a hat or beanie. These smaller pieces make a noticeable difference on cold days and are easy to mix and match with your outfits.
- A compact umbrella: Paris winter weather can be rainy, so I always recommend bringing a travel umbrella.
- Layers for changing temperatures: A lightweight base layer or thin thermal top can be helpful on particularly cold days, while a cardigan or extra sweater gives you flexibility as temperatures change.
My biggest tip? Build your Paris winter wardrobe around a cohesive color palette, such as black, camel, gray, navy, and ivory. This makes it easy to mix and match pieces, create multiple outfits with fewer items, and feel polished throughout your trip.
Before you leave, check the forecast for your travel dates and adjust your layers and footwear accordingly. Paris winters are not always bitterly cold, but damp, windy days can feel much chillier than the thermometer suggests.
For a more detailed packing checklist, don’t miss my guide to What to Pack for Paris in December.
Paris Winter Outfits
Overcoat + Trousers + Sneakers + Beanie
I love the Parisian look of trousers with black converse. Add a good cashmere sweater for warmth then a great coat and you’ve got a look that’s instantly chic yet comfortable for exploring.
Here’s another way I would style black converse sneakers in the late fall and early winter.
Straight Leg Jeans + Blazer + Ballet Flats
An easy look that can be mixed and matched throughout your trip. Wear the blazer with black pants or dress up the jeans with a low heel for evenings out. I also like to layer my blazers in winter over a cashmere tee.
Top it off with an oversized wool belted jacket. (Size down in this one – I wear a S).
Turtleneck
For extra cold days there’s nothing better than a cozy turtleneck under your coat. Jenni Kayne has really cozy, luxe ones.
Tweed Dress
A little tweed dress is a favorite way of mine to go from day to night in Paris on days you don’t get back to the hotel to change.
Me + Em makes the best tweed dresses. For more affordable options, try Zara.
Slip Skirt
I almost always have a slip skirt in my suitcase when I go to Paris as it can easily go from day to night when you swap out the shoe. I also love that it takes up next to no space in my suitcase!
In winter I think it is great paired with a sweater in a similar color and dressed up with a pair of boots for a dinner out.
Mine seen is by Reformation (recommend sizing up- wearing a L).
Striped Tee + Oversized Blazer + Trousers with Converse
Effortlessly Parisian cool girl. Black converse with an oversized blazer, a good pair of trousers and a striped tee.
Then top this look with an oversized wool belted coat for an added layer of warmth.
Oversized Blazer + Gray Jeans + Striped Tee
Instantly achieve Parisian cool girl status with an outfit like this. I particularly love a good gray wash jean in Paris for winter.
You can easily add an oversized top coat to this for colder days.
Leather Skirt
I love bringing leather and faux leather into my winter wardrobe and a skirt or pair of trousers in the material is a perfect evening look for winter in Paris. I paired mine with a cashmere sweater and tall boots.
Here’s another way to style it for evening.
Tweed Skirt + Sweater + Boots
You’ll no doubt want tights when you’re in Paris in winter. I usually pack two pairs in case I snag one of them. I love to wear winter fabrics like tweed in Paris and a tweed skirt is perfect for an evening out on the town. Add leather boots or suede ankle boots to complete the look.
Related: A Roundup of My Favorite Boots and Booties
Blazer + Shorts
Shorts aren’t just for spring or summer and I actually don’t usually wear shorts in Paris during warmer months unless it’s with a matching blazer. But in the winter I think a cute outfit is a pair of wool shorts over tights with a plaid blazer and heeled booties. Then I’d add a wool topcoat over this outfit for practicality.
Shown with my favorite travel umbrella I bring on every trip to Paris.
Slip Skirt + Leather Jacket
This outfit is the perfect example of outfits I wear in Paris in Fall and Winter. Not seen? The overcoat I was also wearing. I’m wearing a pair of knee high suede boots with a low heel that are perfect for walking all over Paris.
Related post: What to Wear with a Leather Jacket
Sweater Dress + Tall Boots
A sweater dress is a comfy look in winter. Pair it with a good winter coat like a wool overcoat and tall boots for daytime exploring.
Related: How To Style Sweater Dresses
Faux Leather Skirt
A faux leather skirt is a great option for Paris at night. I recommend sizing up so it’s not too tight.
Cashmere Sweater + Jeans
Paris is all about streamlined classics. In the winter I am sure to pack several of my favorite cashmere sweaters for colder days. I pair them with jeans and flats or boots for daytime and then add a walkable heel for evening.
Wearing these boots.
Layered Sweater with Button Down and Mini Skirt
I am all about layering in Paris in fall and winter. This look with a classic button down is chic and perfect for daytime exploring.
Wearing these boots.
Oversized Blazer with Brooch
Play with proportion by pairing an oversized blazer with more streamlined bottoms.
Then, add a brooch to add a bit of visual interest!
Trousers + Cashmere Hoodie + Overcoat
This look is the perfect example of what I would wear traveling to Paris in. Comfortable, warm, and full of pieces I’d mix and match the rest of my trip.
Related: What to Wear on a Long Flight
My favorite cashmere hoodie is this one by Jenni Kayne.
Velvet Dress
I love wearing velvet in many forms during winter and I loved donning a velvet mini dress with a timeless coat for a dressed up evening out in Paris.
Check out Tuckernuck’s Velvet Shop.
Satin Pants
A silky, satin pant is perfect for winter time nights out that aren’t too cold.
Favorite pairs of mine include the La Ligne Colby Pants and this pair by Reformation.
Don’t miss my guide on How to Style Satin Pants: Effortless Outfit Ideas for Day and Night.
. . .
Remember that the winter months have shorter days and less daylight as a result so you’ll want to plan your time accordingly! If you need help planning your trip, I’d love to help you via Rêverie in Paris.
I hope this post is helpful as you plan what to wear in Paris in winter! If you need more help packing for Paris – check out my Paris Packing Lists.
As you pack, remember to look for warm fabrics like cashmere, merino wool and don’t forget your cold weather accessories like hats and scarves so you’re sure to stay warm.
As mentioned, don’t forget to pack a travel umbrella! You’ll undoubtedly need it.
Shop the Looks
You May Also Like:
- Best Winter Coats for Women.
- The Best Shoes to Own for Fall & Winter.
- What to Pack for Paris in December.
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