Visiting Paris in the winter is often low on people’s lists as they often opt for spring, summer or fall but I love the quietness of visiting Paris December through March.
As the founder of En Route to Rêverie I have helped hundreds of people plan a trip to Paris via Rêverie in Paris and 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.
Paris Winter Packing List
If headed to Paris in the Winter, there’s a list of staples I always recommend that I’m sharing today. I hope this is helpful for any future trips you’ll be taking to Paris during colder months. Have you ever been to Paris in the Winter?
See even more Paris Packing Lists.
1. Wool Coat
A wintertime necessity, bien sur. This is the one I bring most often to Paris in the Winter because it works well layered over a leather jacket or blazer. I sized down to a S as it runs quite big!
I have a few places I always look for coats at. They include & Other Stories, Ann Taylor, H&M, Bash Paris, Mango, Club Monaco, Everlane, Abercrombie, Sezane, Zara and J.Crew.
You can shop my coat collection in my Favorite Winter Coats guide.
2. Tailored Blazer
I am never without one or two blazers when in Paris. In addition, I love pairing them with a plain or striped tee and jeans with ballet flats or heeled booties.
In wintertime I select a more tailored blazer usually that will layer well under my wool coat.
Shop my collection of in-stock blazers HERE.
3. Jenni Kayne Cashmere Fisherman Sweater
A ribbed, cozy crewneck is perfect for layering in Paris in Winter. I own this one in several colors and love it for travel as it is quite versatile in styling. I wear the M and code MEGHANDONO10 will get you 10% off your purchase.
Related: Jenni Kayne Apparel Review
4. La Ligne Lean Lines Sweater
This Lean Lines Sweater is a great year round essential striped sweater in 100% lightweight cashmere that makes it great for layering and the stripes are perfect for Paris, non?
I love the Black & Tan I bought as it looks great layered under black jackets or camel coats. It’s super soft, not overly bulky and comes with side slits that make it easy to tuck.
I particularly like the extra long sleeves on this as I think it looks chic to have them sticking out underneath a coat or blazer.
This knit is available in XS – XL and I sized up to a L.
Because it is a thinner weight I find it perfect to travel with.
Related: La Ligne Sweaters Review
5. Cashmere Turtleneck
A high-quality, chic turtleneck is a necessity for Paris in the winter. You can dress it up with black pants for a sleek monochromatic look, or with jeans and boots for a more casual look.
Shop more of my favorite Cashmere Sweaters.
6. Sweater Dress
Easy to dress up or dress down and warm for winter days in Paris. If you need some styling ideas, don’t miss my How To Style Sweater Dresses guide.
7. Striped Tee
You can’t go wrong with a striped tee in Paris. This one has a thick fabric and a boxier fit which I love for wear in the Wintertime. There are loads of colors available.
8. M.M.LaFleur T-Shirt
My favorite t-shirt that I always pack in every suitcase. This super soft cotton tee has longer sleeves which I love because it looks more elegant than your average tee and it holds up so well.
I usually bring one in ivory and one in black for wintertime layering.
9. Windproof Travel Umbrella
I am never without an umbrella when in Paris as it is often a matter of when not if when it comes to a bit of rain. This one meets my rigorous standards when it comes to a good umbrella.
10. Cashmere Travel Wrap
To add warmth on extra cold days. I love that this doubles as a wrap on the plane or for in cold museums. I never travel without one of these.
Related: All Meghan’s Travel Essentials
11. Cuyana Classic Tote
On days when I am carrying more, this is a great bag that goes with everything.
12. J.Crew Cashmere Beanie
Paris can get quite cold in the Winter at times and snow isn’t out of the question. So a hat is certainly in order to have on hand.
13. Slip Skirt
A slip skirt or a slip dress is perfect for Paris nights out because they take up next to no space. I’ve worn mine with knee high boots and with sneakers but I almost always pack one for Paris.
14. Black Converse
A favorite sporty sneaker for more casual Paris Winter outfits, these are also great on a rainy day as they’ll dry quickly.
Related: What To Do in Paris When It Rains
15. Versatile Jeans
One of my go-to Agolde styles, these have a flattering high-rise and straight leg that holds close to the body. These jeans have no stretch so I definitely recommend sizing up if you prefer a roomier fit. They are great with a variety of styles of shoes thanks to the slim straight leg which makes them go-to travel jeans for me.
Related: Agolde Jeans Review
16. Trousers
Trousers in winter in Paris are a must in my opinion because they so easily can be dressed up or dressed down.
17. Earrings
A great little pair of earrings you can wear day or night are perfect for a bit of subtle sparkle in Paris.
I usually bring a few of my favorite Dorsey styles.
18. Sunglasses
For those sunny, blue sky days in Paris during the wintertime don’t forget a favorite pair of sunglasses.
19. Common Projects Sneakers
The sneaker you’ll see on loads of French girls and my personal favorites for getting in my steps in Paris. In addition, I wrote a review of them here. (This post also includes some more affordable options).
20. J.Crew Leather Touchscreen Gloves
These classic leather gloves lined with cashmere are chic, cozy, and practical (you can still use your phone with them!)
21. Crossbody Bag
I love how polished and timeless this DeMellier crossbody bag looks. It reminds me of the Celine Box Bag but at a much lower price point and still excellent quality. This bag from Sézane is another great option.
Related: The Best Designer Bags to Buy in Paris
22. Loeffer Randall Isla Booties
A boot versatile and comfortable enough to trot all over Paris in. I really, really love mine and have worn them in Paris oh so many times.
23. Inez Suede Boots
I love these elegant boots that I can walk all over Paris in comfortably and they are perfect for pairing with the aforementioned sweater dress and slip skirt for Paris nights out. You can use code WIT&WHIMSY15 for 15% off your order.
And a few other items to consider:
- Sezane Gaspard Jumper: This quintessentially French cardigan can be worn frontwards or backwards making it super versatile for a trip.
- Plaid Oversized Blazer: A great option to remain looking put together on colder Winter days in Paris.
- Sezane Button Down: Always a staple when I travel to Paris is this flattering and beautifully made white button down.
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girl this is pretty much my perfect capsule wardrobe – love it!
MOI AUSSI! Always with the classics 🙂
This is so helpful! I’m headed to London in two short weeks, but deciding between just a carry on or checking a bag. Any suggestions on how to approach? Winter is just so tough when traveling anywhere because clothing is so chunky!
Really depends on how long you’re staying for!! I rarely do carry on but it is definitely do-able for a few days!