As the founder of En Route to Rêverie I am always asked many questions about Paris and a popular one is always what to wear. It is why I started my Paris Packing List series years ago – so that I can provide expertise on how to pack for trips to Paris in smart, stylish ways. 

I like to always pack plenty of items that can easily go from day to night but I almost always pack some occasion wear, too for special nights out in Paris. Paris is a city that loves to cater to a fancy, special evening that you’ll remember for years to come and I can’t recommend doing that enough one night while in the City of Light. (If you need special occasion, celebratory spot ideas – we can help you as an En Route to Rêverie client!)

But, regardless of whether you plan to dress up or stay somewhat casual when going out in Paris, this post will help you feel prepared for what to wear in Paris at night.

What to Wear in Paris at Night

Parisians are not overly casual as a whole and I do think it is respectful to be well put together when you show up at an establishment to dine or drink no matter where you are. The below outfit ideas for what to wear in Paris at night will give you a lot to work with as you shop your own closet. But you can also work on your own take on Parisian style and working to emulate French women with inspiration found in my Paris Outfit Ideas Pinterest Board.

Many restaurants expect you to leave behind the ripped jeans, flip flops and more casual attire. And particularly if you are participating in fine dining while in Paris, you will be expected to adhere to a dress code. Keep this in mind when you pack for Paris and be sure to plan your days in Paris accordingly so you have time to go back to your hotel to freshen up and change accordingly. 

Paris at Night Outfit Ideas

Summer Dress and Tailored Jacket

When in Paris in Spring and Paris in Summer, I almost always have a white dress in my suitcase that can be dressed up with heels and a tailored jacket for evening wear or paired with sneakers during the day.

This full skirt dress from Staud is a favorite for Paris due to its versatility in styling. I am wearing an 8. 

Monochromatic Sweater and Trousers

An easy look to pull off for both Paris in Fall and Paris in Winter, a great pair of drapey trousers is a comfy yet stylish option. I love to pair mine during the day with a pair of Converse and then swap out for ballet flats or a chic heel for evening. I’ll add a few simple accessories like a stylish belt or pair of dainty earrings to complete the monochromatic look.

If it is too hot for a sweater, opt for a long sleeve shirt instead in a dressier fabric.

Festive Dress

In Paris during the holidays? Or planning to see Moulin Rouge or Crazy Horse? Have fun and wear a festive dress with a pair of ankle boots and tights! I like to top my dresses with a leather jacket in Paris.

or consider…

Sequin Dress

Another timeless option when visiting Paris during the holidays.

Velvet Dress

Velvet is a favorite fabric to reach for all during Winter. I paired this little velvet mini dress with tights and my favorite sock bootie. (Not pictured: My big winter coat!)

You could also pair a mini dress like this with a pair of knee high boots instead if that’s more your style or if it is extra cold out.

Pleated Dress and Leather Jacket

I always love the juxtaposition of a really feminine dress in lace or pretty pleats paired with a leather jacket. Simple accessories finish off this look.

These pieces are a good example of pieces I like to pack for a mix and match effect. They can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the day or evening’s itinerary.

What to Wear with a Leather Jacket

Slip Dress and Leather Jacket

Another great evening option for a night out in Paris is a slip dress. I love slip dresses particularly because they don’t take up much room in a suitcase!

I find great ones at Jenni Kayne and J.Crew. This one from Amazon is a good affordable option.

Midi Dress

A black midi dress is almost always in my suitcase for trips to Paris where I have a fancy evening planned. This look is perfect for a Seine River Dinner Cruise or a fine dining experience. This could also be worn to a special dining experience such as Le Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower.

A good little black dress is one of the most important items I always, always pack for a night out in Paris. I always find really special ones at La Ligne.

Lady Jacket + Jeans + Kitten Heels

For more casual dinners in Paris, this outfit is often my formula. I’ll wear a cropped lady jacket with ankle cropped jeans and then a low pair of heels. If I was planning to do more walking that evening, I’d swap the kitten heel for a block heel or ballet flat. Also, I’d only wear a small kitten heel if I was going somewhere near my hotel. 

Related: Best Shoes to Wear in Paris

I always am finding great lady jackets and tweed jackets at J.Crew, Zara, Veronica Beard and Mango and you can shop my favorite outerwear and jackets in The Shop.

Tweed Blazer with Jeans

Another take on a similar outfit formula, a tweed blazer is a great option year round to bring with you for more casual bistro or brasserie dinners out in Paris. Here I paired it with a skinny jean and a feminine flat.

Slip Skirt

Similar to a slip dress, a slip skirt is a versatile item to have in your suitcase. Dress it up for an evening out with a sleek boot or pair it with sneakers or a sandal during the day. For evening wear I like to pair mine with a simple sweater and leather jacket.

Another way to style a slip skirt that I love, is doing a monochromatic look like I did here:

Floral Dress

Depending on the floral print, a floral dress is great in Fall with boots or with a heeled sandal or ballet flat in Spring and Summer.

Mini Dress

A little mini dress paired with ballet flats is a Parisian inspired look that’s timeless.

Blazer and Striped Tee

Stripes are always a good idea in Paris and when paired with a classic blazer and a great straight leg jean and a mule, you’re easily ready to go from day to night in Paris.

Tweed Jacket and Black Jeans

I love to wear black jeans in Paris in Fall and Winter in an homage to so many Audrey Hepburn looks I loved. I’ll also pair them with a ballet flat and a little tweed jacket.

Strapless Dress

An on trend and yet timeless silhouette of a strapless column dress is perfect for dressier evenings in Paris. I like to pair simple dresses like this with a statement earring with a vintage vibe.

Plaid Blazer and Loafers

This would be a go-to look for me to wear at night in Paris in Fall. I love a plaid blazer when paired with a great pair of jeans and a timeless loafer. Sleek, stylish and ready to go from day to night seamlessly. Moreover, this is definitely a standby look for what I would wear to dinner in Paris.

Ruffle Trimmed LBD

A perfect dress for Fall, Winter and Spring this beautiful Rhode Dress has the prettiest ruffle skirt and half sleeve. Wearing a size 8.

I generally leave my trench coat only for daytime wear while in Paris and instead opt for other coat options to wear in Paris for evening.

Shirtdress

The perfect day to night look for Paris. I’m wearing this dress in a size L.

Satin Trousers

Silk or satin trousers are the easiest way to be elevated yet comfortable. I always pack a pair in my suitcase for evenings out or travel days. I like the Reformation Olina pant – comfortable and they come in loads of colors.

I also love the Varley satin pants in particular (I have them in a size S), the LaLigne Colby pant (I wear the M) and Jenni Kayne Demi Pant are also great if you like more of a wide leg when you style trousers. 

Sweater Dress

A great evening outfit for Fall and Winter nights out in Paris. You can shop my favorites and get ideas on how to style them in my How To Style Sweater Dresses guide.

Blazer Dress

Such a chic evening look for a night out in Paris. 

. . .

I hope you found this post helpful and inspiring as you plan your looks for nights out in Paris! You can Shop my Closet and Shop My Outfits and don’t forget to shop the French Capsule Wardrobe curation, either!

Shop for Paris at Night

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You May Also Like:

• How to Pack for a Long Weekend in Paris.
• What to Pack for a Flight to Paris.
• What to Pack for France in Spring.

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