How to Dress Like a Parisian in Winter

January 25, 2024

Bash Blazer + Striped Tee + Black Trousers and Converse - Winter Paris Outfit

Parisians are some of the most fashionable people in the world and as the founder of a travel advisor that specializes in Paris, I never cease to enjoy a visit to people watch and see what Parisians are wearing. Parisian street style is so good and you can emulate it easily wherever you live. 

As temperatures drop and French women start dressing for both staying warm in the cold weather, that doesn’t mean they are sacrificing style. So if you want a good dose of that French girl je ne sais quoi style and stylish French Winter fashion – this post is for you!

I have been to the city of Paris in all seasons. In the wintertime the city has less tourists and you can bundle up and set out to explore the best sites and attractions with less crowds.

I love seeing what French women wear in Paris in Winter and think there are some good tips to take with you as you aim to dress in an effortlessly chic manner while still feeling warm and being comfortable during the winter season. Paris winter fashion is actually some of my favorite!

Of course not all Parisian style is the same so take this post with a grain of salt that it is done through my own personal lens of personal style. 

Today’s post is a roundup of tips and outfit ideas to help you build winter outfits and hone in on your French Winter style like a Parisian.

How To Dress Like A Parisian In Winter

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Monochrome Dressing

Winter days in Paris are often gray and dreary and dressing can follow that in some cases. If you want to seamlessly get dressed in a way that reads effortlessly chic – stick to a monochromatic palette.  Gray and Black work well together.

A color palette of neutral colors will definitely help you succeed in looking Parisian. 

Proportion Play

Consider your winter coat your best move when it comes to looking Parisian in Winter. And if you want extra style points you’ll want to play with proportion in the one you choose.

High Quality, Premium Fabrics

Premium cottons and beautiful cashmeres take center stage in Winter dressing as Parisians bundle up for colder weather. Navy cashmere sweaters in particular are a staple for men and women alike in Paris. 

Balance Style with Comfort

Parisians tend to walk or Metro everywhere so comfort is of the utmost importance. 

Accessorize Well

Parisians are all about a great bag completing a look. But otherwise they don’t go overboard on accessories. A simple silk scarf, a great earring and a striking bag are usually what complete an outfit.

Layer

I love layering strategically during the Winter. Consider an oversized button down topped with a little tweed blazer that you can throw your heavier coat on over. Or, if it’s really cold, add a good base layer like a bodysuit under your sweater.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out What to Wear to Paris in Winter.

French Winter Fashion Staples

Wool Coat

Stay warm and complete your look with a stylish wool coat. Parisians love oversized wool coats and long wool coats. For a more elevated outfit, try a double breasted wool coat.

Blazer

You’ll see Parisian women wear blazers year round in Paris and it is certainly a part of their winter wardrobe as a layering technique. I love an oversized fit paired with more slim jeans or trousers.

Lug Sole Boot

A boot with a thicker sole or a moto boot is extremely popular in Paris. You’ll spot Parisians wearing them with mini skirts, jeans, trousers – the list goes on and on.

Sleek Sneakers

Not any sneaker goes in Paris – but pick up a pair by Adidas, Veja or Common Projects and you’ll be one step closer to fitting in with the Parisians. Consider one in a classic white so that it pairs easily with outfits year round.

Ankle Boots

On the days you don’t want your ankles to be bare, reach for a great pair of ankle boots. These can be leather or suede or be high or low heels. 

Cashmere Sweaters

A staple in winter, investing in cashmere sweaters that are sleek and simple and warm and timeless is well worth it. Don’t miss My Favorite Cashmere for inspo on quality cashmere worth investing in.

Straight Leg Jeans

A popular denim style paired with loafers, sneakers and ballet flats.

Parisian Winter Outfits

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Long Coat with Trousers and Trainers

Such a sleek yet easy look to achieve. Stick to a monochrome palette and choose a coat, trousers and trainers in the same color family. 

Paris Winter Outfit

Trousers with Black Converse

From desk to drinks – Parisians love an all black moment and you’ll see Black Converse all over the city as well.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Camel Coat

A good camel coat has endless styling opportunities and is a timeless staple to have in your personal French Inspired capsule wardrobe.

Paris Winter Outfit

Oversized Blazer with Dark Denim and a Striped Tee with Sneakers

An edgier take on stripes? Pair them with dark wash denim and black converse sneakers. Top the look with a looser, more oversized blazer.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Blazer with Blue Jeans and Ballet Flats

The above look is a uniform for me year round. It’s perfect for the warmer days of Winter when the sun is shining and I’d pair my favorite winter coat of the moment over the look when I went outside.

Wool Coat with Leather Pants and Ankle Boots

Need a good nighttime outfit in Paris? Reach for leather pants that go with your favorite pair of ankle boots. Then add a bodysuit and top off the look with a classic, tailored wool coat.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Trench Coat

For warmer winter days, reach for your trench coat. Pair it with denim and some sneakers or a loafer or ballet flat or boot. The styling options are endless. Level up your look to be more like the French woman by reaching for a more oversized trench silhouette. 

Paris Photo Spots I wit & whimsy

Sweater Dress with Tall Boots

For the days you don’t want to wear pants, try styling a sweater dress. Add tights and do a lower boot if you’d prefer! See also: How To Style Sweater Dresses.

All Navy Work Outfit Paris Loeffler Randall Boots J.Crew Sweater and Skirt

Navy and Black

I love the combination of styling navy and black together. It looks so stylish. Try a navy cashmere sweater with a navy skirt or navy trousers or pick a pair of jeans that are similar in wash color to the sweater you plan to wear.

For evenings in the winter, I love a good pair of knee high boots.

Related: What to Wear in Paris at Night

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Striped Sweater with Black Pants and Loafers

This is such a chic look. You could wear it in Fall and then well into Winter by adding a great quote and some winter accessories over it.

Don’t forget winter essentials like a great pair of leather gloves and a versatile cashmere wrap for extra cold days as well.

. . .

Do you have a visit to Paris planned and in need of a packing list? Don’t miss my Paris Packing Lists for every season!

Shop the Looks

 

 

 

 

Shop My French Capsule Wardrobe

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