My first Paris winter weekend was a disaster. I packed the wrong coat, froze by the Seine, and ended up grabbing a scratchy scarf from a souvenir stall. It shed everywhere, little bits all over my trousers. I sat in a café trying to brush them off without looking too obvious.
That trip taught me quickly: in Paris, winter dressing isn’t about piling things on. It’s about a few smart layers that actually work.
Here’s what I wish I’d packed, and what I always bring now.
Start with the coat
If there’s one thing to sort out first, it’s the coat. Paris winter is damp in that bone-deep way, never freezing but never mild either.
My wool wrap has pulled me through more than a few cold trips. A peacoat works too. Both keep you warm without the bulk, and you can toss them over jeans or a dress without giving it much thought.
I rotate between a camel wrap coat and a navy peacoat. The camel feels softer and daytime-friendly, while the navy one sharpens everything up at night.
If you’re tempted by a puffer, keep it sleek and simple. Black or dark olive will blend in; bright colors will stand out in a way that feels more sporty than Parisian.
Layering is key
One thing I noticed in Paris is that women don’t look stuffed into their clothes, even in January. It’s all about slim layers.
A silk camisole under a fine wool sweater, then a proper coat on top, that combo keeps me warmer than any oversized knit I’ve ever packed.
I usually pack:
- Two thin cashmere crewnecks (navy and grey)
- One ribbed turtleneck (black)
- A cotton poplin shirt for layering under knits
These don’t take up much space, and they mix and match easily. If the sun surprises you, you can peel one off and still look put-together.
Trousers over jeans
Yes, Parisians wear jeans, but they’re usually dark, straight, and neat. For a short winter trip, I find tailored trousers more versatile. They work for brunch, museums, even dinner. A wool-blend pair in black or charcoal feels polished and warm.
If you bring jeans, keep it simple: one pair, straight leg, dark wash, no rips.
They’ll slip right into the background, which is kind of the point.
We did a full post on old money jeans if you want details on the cuts and washes worth keeping.
The right shoes
Cobblestones, rain, and the occasional puddle. Paris winter isn’t kind to delicate shoes. I usually bring two pairs.
- First, ankle boots. Low heel, leather, black or brown. They work with trousers and don’t complain after miles of walking.
- Loafers or ballet flats: For indoor dinners or afternoons when you’re mostly inside.
I once made the mistake of bringing suede boots. They looked chic on day one, then met an unexpected downpour and never recovered. If you love suede, spray them generously before you go.
Our old money shoes guide has more about which styles actually last.
A scarf, always
Parisians wear scarves like second skin. It’s part warmth, part finishing touch. I like a big wool or cashmere one in camel or ivory, sometimes a quiet plaid. It actually helps when the wind cuts across the Seine.
Skip the giant blanket scarves. They’re more fabric than you need and you’ll spend half the time untangling them every time you sit down.
Bags that make sense
You’ll want a bag that can handle the basics: gloves, a book, maybe a baguette on your way home. A structured leather tote is my go-to for the day. It fits what I need without ever looking messy.
For evenings, switch to a smaller crossbody that’s easy to keep close in busy restaurants or the metro.
Skip the oversized backpack. It feels practical, but in Paris it reads instantly as tourist.
Dressing for different Paris moments
Paris days and nights each have their own pace, so it helps if your outfits shift a little too.
Café mornings: I just throw on jeans, a knit, and my coat. I’ll loop a scarf too, mostly to hide the fact I barely brushed my hair before heading out for a croissant.
Museum afternoons: Shoes matter most here. At the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay I usually wear trousers with ankle boots and a light knit. Warm enough on the walk over, and I don’t end up sweating through layers once I’m inside.
Museums in Paris are big and you end up walking more than you expect, so comfort matters.
Dinner out: I’ll swap in a skirt or darker trousers with tights and wear loafers or flats. A silk blouse under a knit is usually enough to make it feel like an evening look.
Evening wear in winter
There’s no need to pack a whole “going out” wardrobe. A black dress with tights, loafers, and your coat works fine for most dinners. If I bring one extra thing, it’s a silk blouse. I wear it under a sweater in the day and on its own at night with small gold hoops or a chain. That’s usually enough.
Stick to a color palette
Packing for Paris gets easier if you limit your colors. I stick to navy, black, camel, and grey, with maybe one accent like burgundy. Everything matches, nothing looks forced.
It’s the same idea I talked about in our old money color palette guide. Fewer colors, better outfits.
Small but important extras
Leather gloves: Black or dark brown. They look grown-up, and your hands will thank you.
Umbrella: In Paris it’s often a light rain that never really stops. Not dramatic, just the kind that leaves your hair flat if you don’t have one.
Tights: If you want to wear dresses, pack a couple of opaque black pairs. They make winter outfits easier and save you from freezing.
Outfit formulas that work
Here are a few combinations I’ve worn on repeat during Paris winter weekends:
- Black wool coat + turtleneck + midi skirt + tights + boots
They’re nothing fancy, really. That’s what works. Pack the things you actually like wearing, the ones that keep you comfortable but still feel a bit polished.
What not to pack
I’ve learned this the hard way:
- Huge sneakers. Comfortable, yes, but they’ll throw off every outfit.
- Thin trench coats. Romantic in photos, but not warm enough for February.
- Loud patterns. Paris style leans toward solids and muted tones. If you love color, keep it to one piece.
Packing light but right
For a 3-day winter trip, I’d bring:
- 1 wool coat
- 3 sweaters (mix of crewneck and turtleneck)
- 2 pairs of trousers (or 1 trouser, 1 dark jean)
- 2 pairs of shoes (boots + loafers)
- 1 scarf
- Gloves, tights, umbrella
- 2–3 tops for layering
That’s it. You’ll re-wear, but in Paris, no one cares if your coat shows up in every photo.
A final note
A Paris winter weekend isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about being warm enough to enjoy it. Sitting outside Café de Flore with hot chocolate, walking through the Marais without shivering, wandering into a gallery without stripping off half your outfit.
A good coat, a few warm cashmeres, and shoes that can handle the streets make all the difference.
And if you forget something, don’t worry. Paris has a way of teaching you how to dress better—one mistaken pair of suede boots at a time.
