What Not to Wear in Paris

As the founder of En Route to Rêverie I have helped hundreds of people plan a trip to Paris via Rêverie in Paris. I always share packing guidance with clients depending on the season in which they’re traveling and based on what they plan to do. I also have loads of Paris Packing Lists with outfit inspiration that should help you be at ease in one of the world’s most fashionable places.

What Not to Wear in Paris

Parisians are known for their impeccable taste and style and classic, neutral outfits. You’ll have a better experience in the City of Light if you aren’t dressed like a tourist so this post should help you plan on what to pack for Paris and what not to wear in Paris.

La Ligne Dress Summer Outfit

High Heels

Paris has loads of cobblestone streets so leave the high heels and especially the stilettos as home. Instead, opt for a good block heel shoe.

If you need ideas on outfits that are perfect for being dressed up for the night on the town in Paris, don’t miss my What to Wear in Paris at Night guide.

Flip Flops

The other shoe style to leave at home? Flip flops. They’re not worn as a summer shoe in Paris. They’re reserved for beach or pool destinations in France only.

If you need help deciding on comfortable shoes to wear in Paris, you’ll want to refer to my Best Shoes to Wear in Paris. A comfortable pair of shoes in Paris is a must to really enjoy the city. You can plan to walk miles and miles!

Baseball Cap

Baseball caps are worn in Paris but in more of a fashion sense. And they aren’t usually for sports team or destination merch in nature.

The above outfit is a perfect example of what to wear in Paris in winter that’s casual yet elevated and practical. I always pack a pair of white sneakers to log a lot of miles in when criss-crossing Paris.

Berets

Berets are in fact worn by people in France. Often elderly people you’ll see going on their market runs wear them which I find so darling. But if you’re wearing a bright red beret and taking loads of photos while in Paris, you can expect to be treated like the tourist that you are.

Paris Merchandise

I understand you may want to buy Paris merchandise but it is best left worn when you return home vs. while you’re in Paris.

Athleisure

Leggings, Lululemon belt bags, joggers, workout clothes…leave them at home.

Parisians do not wear workout attire unless they are, in fact, working out. You will only see this type of clothing on tourists. If you want to be comfortable on the plane, I recommend an outfit like the above. It is put together and will allow you to not arrive in athleisure and be wandering the streets while you wait for your hotel room to be ready.

There are so, so many ways to still be comfortable in Paris without sacrificing style. Reference my many Paris Packing Lists for outfit inspo you can utilize when packing for Paris no matter the season.

Fanny Packs

As mentioned, ditch the fanny packs and belt bags when in Paris. Instead opt for a chic crossbody bag that will keep your belongings safe from pick pockets but also goes with your outfits.

Short Shorts

Shorts are a rarity in Paris. If you plan to wear them, especially if you plan to wear short shorts, you can also plan to stand out as a tourist.

And men in Paris rarely, rarely wear shorts unless it is remarkably hot.

Flashy Items

Avoid wearing anything overly flashy that could make you a pickpocketing target. Limit jewelry and lots of flashy designer goods. Keep your belongings close to you and make sure you have bags that zip or close securely.

Destination Merch

Avoid overly branded pieces of clothing from American brands or destinations (example: Concert t-shirts, [Insert X destination here] merchandise like t-shirts or sweatshirts or ball caps) and anything that reads overly casual. The French do casual but it is always elevated.

And any logos that are very American should be minimal if you must wear them.

Paris Outfit with Celine Bag Chanel Shoes and Trench Coat by Sezane

The Wrong Coats

Pack your coats depending on the weather. For Paris in summer I usually only bring a light sweater for air conditioned places.

In Spring and Fall I always pack my trench coat as my light jacket that looks put together but also works for both day and evening.

Distressed Denim

There’s not a lot of ripped jeans seen in Paris. While I like to wear some distressed denim in my life for weekends upstate, I never bring ripped jeans with me to France personally.

Heavy Makeup

My French friends always tell me they can spot tourists by heavy makeup and overly done hair. Even my usual curling rod waves are often suspect as French women are more apt to have very lightly done hair and makeup. But I like having my hair curled so I’ll keep doing it which is a good reminder that there is always exceptions to the “rules”.

. . .

Visiting Paris is the best and packing efficiently and leaving behind certain things you may wear in the States is worth it. I always recommend you plan and write out your outfits in advance. This will majorly help with you lessening forgetting to pack certain essentials. I also find planning outfits helps you to pack light as it’ll eliminate you adding in extra items you may not have a use for.

One of the things I get asked most often is what to wear in Paris in [insert month here]. There’s no way for me to predict the weather on any given week. For example, I’ve been in Paris in September when it feels very much like Fall and I’ve been visiting Paris in September when it was in the 90s! It changes year to year.

People wear a lot of neutrals and elevated, timeless separates in Paris. But this also doesn’t mean you can’t feel comfortable or dress in ways that make you feel like yourself and embrace your own personal style.

I hope this post is helpful to you as plan a trip to Paris! Let me know if you have questions in the comments.

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What Not to Wear in Paris