Parisians are some of the most fashionable people in the world and as the founder of a travel advisory 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 always 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.
A chunky, but not too chunky, knit sweater (like the Jenni Kayne Cashmere Fisherman) or a stylish striped knit (like the La Ligne Lean Lines Sweater) are perfect for layering like a Parisian. These pieces are incredibly versatile and can take you from a relaxed day sightseeing to a dinner out without a problem.
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 something classic and versatile, I recommend & Other Stories Voluminous Coat—it’s simple, elegant, and goes with everything. I’m wearing it above in a size Small (size down!) I like how it fits well over blazers and leather jackets making it ideal for a winter travel capsule as your coat of choice.
If you want something a little more elevated, consider a double-breasted wool coat (like those you’ll find in the selection of J.Crew Wool Coats) for a more structured look.
And, for more of a splurge with a stunning fabric and style – choose a coat by Toteme.
If you’re heading to Paris, the right coat will keep you warm without compromising your personal style. For more Parisian-inspired looks, check out my Paris Winter Outfits post to see how to style this key piece for any European winter adventure.
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, Converse, 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.
Consider the Levi’s 501 Crop or Agolde Riley which are perfect for city exploration and work with a variety of shoe styles. I also particularly love a pair of gray jeans in the winter.
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.
You could also opt for wool trousers (like the Aritzia Agency Pant in Wool) for a more elevated look that will keep you chic while still warm. I personally love this pair of trousers by J.Crew for travel (I wear a size 8) or the Aritzia Effortless Pant (size 8 as well).
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.
Related: How to Style Trousers
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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.
Shop my guide for Winter Coats for Women.
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.
Related: Ballet Flats Outfit Ideas
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.
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.
Navy and Black
I love the combination of styling navy and black together. It looks so stylish and effortless. 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.
Gray Jeans and a Button Down and Blazer
The Parisians love a button down – such a wardrobe staple. My favorite is from Sezane – wearing an 8 above.
. . .
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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