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March in Paris sits between winter and spring. Temperatures run from about 7°C to 18°C (44°F to 64°F), the mornings are cold, the afternoons can be mild, and a light rain shower turns up when you are not expecting it.
That is why a Paris packing list needs layers more than it needs a lot of clothes. I built this one around 13 pieces that all go together, so you can make 15 different outfits without ever needing a second suitcase.
Everything below is a real piece I checked, with a link. First the pieces, then the outfits.
The Pieces
These are the 13 pieces the whole trip is built from. Pack them once and every outfit after this is just a combination.
1. Quince Comfort Stretch Long Trench Coat
Comfort Stretch Long Trench Coat (Light Khaki) ($130, Quince). A light khaki stretch trench that packs down without wrinkling. It handles the drizzle and the chilly mornings, and it is the piece I would put on for the flight.
2. Quince European Linen Structured Blazer
100% European Linen Structured Blazer (Flax) ($90, Quince). A linen blazer in a soft oatmeal shade. It sits a little warmer than white, so it looks intentional over almost anything, and it weighs next to nothing in a suitcase.
3. L’AGENCE Lucille Striped Boatneck Top
Lucille Striped Boatneck Top (Ivory/Black Stripe) ($129.50, L’AGENCE). A black and ivory striped boatneck with three-quarter sleeves. It is the Paris cliche for a reason: it goes with every bottom in this bag.
4. Uniqlo Cashmere Sweater
Cashmere Sweater (Beige) ($99.90, Uniqlo). A beige cashmere crewneck for cold mornings and air-conditioned museums. It rolls small and you will wear it more than anything else.
5. Arket Regular-Fit Poplin Shirt
Regular-Fit Poplin Shirt (White) ($48.30, Arket). A crisp white poplin shirt with a regular fit. Wear it buttoned, open over a tee, or under the sweater when the day turns cool.
6. AGOLDE 90’s Pinch Waist High Rise Straight Jeans
90’s Pinch Waist High Rise Straight Jeans (Range) ($208, AGOLDE). A dark straight-leg jean with a high rise and a slight pinch at the waist. Dark denim looks dressed enough for dinner and holds up to eight hours of walking.
7. Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant
A&F Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant (Black) ($90, Abercrombie & Fitch). A black wide-leg trouser that reads polished but is roomy enough to walk in all day. Best value in the bag, and it works from a museum to a wine bar.
8. Anine Bing Bar Silk Skirt
Bar Silk Skirt (Black) ($350, Anine Bing). A black silk midi skirt with a slight sheen. It is the splurge here, and it turns a plain white shirt into a dinner outfit in about ten seconds.
9. Modern Citizen Amelia Wrap Dress
Amelia Asymmetric-Neck Wrap Dress (Navy) ($100.80, Modern Citizen). A navy wrap dress with an asymmetric neckline and a midi length. It is the one dress in the bag, and it takes a jacket or a trench without any fuss.
10. VEJA Esplar Leather Sneakers
VEJA Esplar Leather Logo Sneakers (White) ($150, VEJA (via Neiman Marcus)). Clean white leather sneakers that are easy to walk in and do not look like gym shoes. You will put in 20,000 steps a day, so this pair earns its space.
11. J.Crew Winona Penny Loafers
New Winona Penny Loafers in Italian Spazzolato Leather (Black) ($198, J.Crew). Black leather penny loafers for the days when sneakers feel too casual. They dress up the jeans and make the trousers look finished.
12. Quince Gemma Quilted Crossbody
Gemma Quilted Crossbody (Black) ($134, Quince). A small black quilted leather crossbody that sits in front of you. Bag on the front, zipped, is the sensible way to carry things in busy metro stations.
13. Toteme Signature Monogram Silk Scarf
Signature Monogram Silk Scarf (Creme) ($220, Toteme). A cream silk scarf with navy stripes. Tie it on the bag, at the neck, or in your hair, and it makes plain outfits look considered.
The Outfits
Here are 15 ways to wear the 13 pieces above, from a museum day to an evening out. Every link points back to a piece you have already seen.
1. Trench, Breton, and Sneakers
Start here for the first full day out. The trench keeps the wind off, the striped top does the Paris thing, and the sneakers get you through the miles.
The crossbody stays in front where you can see it.
Shop This Outfit
Comfort Stretch Long Trench Coat (Light Khaki)
$130 | A light khaki stretch trench that packs down without wrinkling. It handles the drizzle and the chilly mornings, and it is the piece I would put on for the flight.
Lucille Striped Boatneck Top (Ivory/Black Stripe)
$129.50 | A black and ivory striped boatneck with three-quarter sleeves. It is the Paris cliche for a reason: it goes with every bottom in this bag.
90’s Pinch Waist High Rise Straight Jeans (Range)
$208 | A dark straight-leg jean with a high rise and a slight pinch at the waist. Dark denim looks dressed enough for dinner and holds up to eight hours of walking.
VEJA Esplar Leather Logo Sneakers (White)
View at VEJA (via Neiman Marcus)
$150 | Clean white leather sneakers that are easy to walk in and do not look like gym shoes. You will put in 20,000 steps a day, so this pair earns its space.
Gemma Quilted Crossbody (Black)
$134 | A small black quilted leather crossbody that sits in front of you. Bag on the front, zipped, is the sensible way to carry things in busy metro stations.
2. White Shirt, Trousers, and Loafers
This is what I would wear to a museum day. Everything is easy to move in, and the scarf is there for the air-conditioned galleries and the wind on the steps outside.
Tuck the shirt half-way in and roll the sleeves once.
Shop This Outfit
Regular-Fit Poplin Shirt (White)
$48.30 | A crisp white poplin shirt with a regular fit. Wear it buttoned, open over a tee, or under the sweater when the day turns cool.
A&F Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant (Black)
$90 | A black wide-leg trouser that reads polished but is roomy enough to walk in all day. Best value in the bag, and it works from a museum to a wine bar.
New Winona Penny Loafers in Italian Spazzolato Leather (Black)
$198 | Black leather penny loafers for the days when sneakers feel too casual. They dress up the jeans and make the trousers look finished.
Signature Monogram Silk Scarf (Creme)
$220 | A cream silk scarf with navy stripes. Tie it on the bag, at the neck, or in your hair, and it makes plain outfits look considered.
3. Linen Blazer Over Stripes
The flax blazer over the striped top is the easiest cafe outfit in the bag. It looks pulled together with no effort at all.
Dark jeans and loafers keep it from tipping into costume.
Shop This Outfit
100% European Linen Structured Blazer (Flax)
$90 | A linen blazer in a soft oatmeal shade. It sits a little warmer than white, so it looks intentional over almost anything, and it weighs next to nothing in a suitcase.
Lucille Striped Boatneck Top (Ivory/Black Stripe)
$129.50 | A black and ivory striped boatneck with three-quarter sleeves. It is the Paris cliche for a reason: it goes with every bottom in this bag.
90’s Pinch Waist High Rise Straight Jeans (Range)
$208 | A dark straight-leg jean with a high rise and a slight pinch at the waist. Dark denim looks dressed enough for dinner and holds up to eight hours of walking.
New Winona Penny Loafers in Italian Spazzolato Leather (Black)
$198 | Black leather penny loafers for the days when sneakers feel too casual. They dress up the jeans and make the trousers look finished.
4. Sweater, Satin Skirt, and Loafers
Cashmere on top and silk on the bottom is a good pairing because the textures do the work. It feels dressy but the loafers keep it walkable, even up the Montmartre hill.
Bring a light layer for the evening, since the hill is windy.
Shop This Outfit
Cashmere Sweater (Beige)
$99.90 | A beige cashmere crewneck for cold mornings and air-conditioned museums. It rolls small and you will wear it more than anything else.
Bar Silk Skirt (Black)
$350 | A black silk midi skirt with a slight sheen. It is the splurge here, and it turns a plain white shirt into a dinner outfit in about ten seconds.
New Winona Penny Loafers in Italian Spazzolato Leather (Black)
$198 | Black leather penny loafers for the days when sneakers feel too casual. They dress up the jeans and make the trousers look finished.
Gemma Quilted Crossbody (Black)
$134 | A small black quilted leather crossbody that sits in front of you. Bag on the front, zipped, is the sensible way to carry things in busy metro stations.
5. Wrap Dress with a Blazer
One dress, one blazer, one pair of loafers, and you are set for dinner. The blazer takes the edge off a sleeveless dress on a cool evening.
Fold it over your arm in the restaurant rather than hanging it on a chair.
Shop This Outfit
Amelia Asymmetric-Neck Wrap Dress (Navy)
$100.80 | A navy wrap dress with an asymmetric neckline and a midi length. It is the one dress in the bag, and it takes a jacket or a trench without any fuss.
100% European Linen Structured Blazer (Flax)
$90 | A linen blazer in a soft oatmeal shade. It sits a little warmer than white, so it looks intentional over almost anything, and it weighs next to nothing in a suitcase.
New Winona Penny Loafers in Italian Spazzolato Leather (Black)
$198 | Black leather penny loafers for the days when sneakers feel too casual. They dress up the jeans and make the trousers look finished.
6. Trench, Sweater, and Jeans
This is the travel-day outfit. Everything is soft, nothing pinches, and you can take layers off as the airport or train warms up.
The sneakers make the long walk from Gare du Nord bearable.
Shop This Outfit
Comfort Stretch Long Trench Coat (Light Khaki)
$130 | A light khaki stretch trench that packs down without wrinkling. It handles the drizzle and the chilly mornings, and it is the piece I would put on for the flight.
Cashmere Sweater (Beige)
$99.90 | A beige cashmere crewneck for cold mornings and air-conditioned museums. It rolls small and you will wear it more than anything else.
90’s Pinch Waist High Rise Straight Jeans (Range)
$208 | A dark straight-leg jean with a high rise and a slight pinch at the waist. Dark denim looks dressed enough for dinner and holds up to eight hours of walking.
VEJA Esplar Leather Logo Sneakers (White)
View at VEJA (via Neiman Marcus)
$150 | Clean white leather sneakers that are easy to walk in and do not look like gym shoes. You will put in 20,000 steps a day, so this pair earns its space.
Gemma Quilted Crossbody (Black)
$134 | A small black quilted leather crossbody that sits in front of you. Bag on the front, zipped, is the sensible way to carry things in busy metro stations.
7. White Shirt and Satin Skirt with Sneakers
A picnic by the Seine is the right place to try the dressy-casual mix. The silk skirt and white sneakers look surprisingly good together.
Knot the scarf on the bag so it is not lost on the grass.
Shop This Outfit
Regular-Fit Poplin Shirt (White)
$48.30 | A crisp white poplin shirt with a regular fit. Wear it buttoned, open over a tee, or under the sweater when the day turns cool.
Bar Silk Skirt (Black)
$350 | A black silk midi skirt with a slight sheen. It is the splurge here, and it turns a plain white shirt into a dinner outfit in about ten seconds.
VEJA Esplar Leather Logo Sneakers (White)
View at VEJA (via Neiman Marcus)
$150 | Clean white leather sneakers that are easy to walk in and do not look like gym shoes. You will put in 20,000 steps a day, so this pair earns its space.
Signature Monogram Silk Scarf (Creme)
$220 | A cream silk scarf with navy stripes. Tie it on the bag, at the neck, or in your hair, and it makes plain outfits look considered.
8. Blazer, Sweater, and Trousers
Versailles is a big day on your feet, and it can feel cold in the palace. Sweater under blazer gives you two layers to add or drop.
The loafers are enough for the gravel if you take your time.
Shop This Outfit
100% European Linen Structured Blazer (Flax)
$90 | A linen blazer in a soft oatmeal shade. It sits a little warmer than white, so it looks intentional over almost anything, and it weighs next to nothing in a suitcase.
Cashmere Sweater (Beige)
$99.90 | A beige cashmere crewneck for cold mornings and air-conditioned museums. It rolls small and you will wear it more than anything else.
A&F Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant (Black)
$90 | A black wide-leg trouser that reads polished but is roomy enough to walk in all day. Best value in the bag, and it works from a museum to a wine bar.
New Winona Penny Loafers in Italian Spazzolato Leather (Black)
$198 | Black leather penny loafers for the days when sneakers feel too casual. They dress up the jeans and make the trousers look finished.
9. Stripes and Satin Skirt
The market is the place where you will want an easy outfit that still looks a little special. The striped top and the black skirt hit that spot.
The skirt swings when you walk, which is really the only styling trick you need.
Shop This Outfit
Lucille Striped Boatneck Top (Ivory/Black Stripe)
$129.50 | A black and ivory striped boatneck with three-quarter sleeves. It is the Paris cliche for a reason: it goes with every bottom in this bag.
Bar Silk Skirt (Black)
$350 | A black silk midi skirt with a slight sheen. It is the splurge here, and it turns a plain white shirt into a dinner outfit in about ten seconds.
New Winona Penny Loafers in Italian Spazzolato Leather (Black)
$198 | Black leather penny loafers for the days when sneakers feel too casual. They dress up the jeans and make the trousers look finished.
10. Rainy-Day Trench with Scarf
When it rains, the trench does the work. The white shirt and the scarf keep it looking bright when the sky is not.
Skip the sneakers on wet days, because leather loafers dry faster than white sneakers stay clean.
Shop This Outfit
Comfort Stretch Long Trench Coat (Light Khaki)
$130 | A light khaki stretch trench that packs down without wrinkling. It handles the drizzle and the chilly mornings, and it is the piece I would put on for the flight.
Regular-Fit Poplin Shirt (White)
$48.30 | A crisp white poplin shirt with a regular fit. Wear it buttoned, open over a tee, or under the sweater when the day turns cool.
90’s Pinch Waist High Rise Straight Jeans (Range)
$208 | A dark straight-leg jean with a high rise and a slight pinch at the waist. Dark denim looks dressed enough for dinner and holds up to eight hours of walking.
New Winona Penny Loafers in Italian Spazzolato Leather (Black)
$198 | Black leather penny loafers for the days when sneakers feel too casual. They dress up the jeans and make the trousers look finished.
Signature Monogram Silk Scarf (Creme)
$220 | A cream silk scarf with navy stripes. Tie it on the bag, at the neck, or in your hair, and it makes plain outfits look considered.
11. Wrap Dress and Sneakers
A dress with sneakers is the easiest daytime look, and it works for a long lunch too. The crossbody keeps your hands free for the phone and the pastry bag.
This is the one I would wear the day it turns warm.
Shop This Outfit
Amelia Asymmetric-Neck Wrap Dress (Navy)
$100.80 | A navy wrap dress with an asymmetric neckline and a midi length. It is the one dress in the bag, and it takes a jacket or a trench without any fuss.
VEJA Esplar Leather Logo Sneakers (White)
View at VEJA (via Neiman Marcus)
$150 | Clean white leather sneakers that are easy to walk in and do not look like gym shoes. You will put in 20,000 steps a day, so this pair earns its space.
Gemma Quilted Crossbody (Black)
$134 | A small black quilted leather crossbody that sits in front of you. Bag on the front, zipped, is the sensible way to carry things in busy metro stations.
12. Sweater, Trousers, and Sneakers
This is your long walking day. The soft sweater and roomy trousers move easily, and the sneakers mean you can keep going into the evening.
Nothing here needs adjusting, which is the point.
Shop This Outfit
Cashmere Sweater (Beige)
$99.90 | A beige cashmere crewneck for cold mornings and air-conditioned museums. It rolls small and you will wear it more than anything else.
A&F Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant (Black)
$90 | A black wide-leg trouser that reads polished but is roomy enough to walk in all day. Best value in the bag, and it works from a museum to a wine bar.
VEJA Esplar Leather Logo Sneakers (White)
View at VEJA (via Neiman Marcus)
$150 | Clean white leather sneakers that are easy to walk in and do not look like gym shoes. You will put in 20,000 steps a day, so this pair earns its space.
13. Blazer, White Shirt, and Satin Skirt
For a bistro lunch, this is the look I reach for. The crisp shirt and the silk skirt work as opposites, and the blazer pulls them together.
Leave the top button undone and it looks relaxed.
Shop This Outfit
100% European Linen Structured Blazer (Flax)
$90 | A linen blazer in a soft oatmeal shade. It sits a little warmer than white, so it looks intentional over almost anything, and it weighs next to nothing in a suitcase.
Regular-Fit Poplin Shirt (White)
$48.30 | A crisp white poplin shirt with a regular fit. Wear it buttoned, open over a tee, or under the sweater when the day turns cool.
Bar Silk Skirt (Black)
$350 | A black silk midi skirt with a slight sheen. It is the splurge here, and it turns a plain white shirt into a dinner outfit in about ten seconds.
New Winona Penny Loafers in Italian Spazzolato Leather (Black)
$198 | Black leather penny loafers for the days when sneakers feel too casual. They dress up the jeans and make the trousers look finished.
14. Trench Over the Wrap Dress
For evening drinks, throw the trench over the wrap dress and tie the scarf at your neck. It is a five-minute change from the day.
The loafers keep you comfortable on the cobblestones after dark.
Shop This Outfit
Comfort Stretch Long Trench Coat (Light Khaki)
$130 | A light khaki stretch trench that packs down without wrinkling. It handles the drizzle and the chilly mornings, and it is the piece I would put on for the flight.
Amelia Asymmetric-Neck Wrap Dress (Navy)
$100.80 | A navy wrap dress with an asymmetric neckline and a midi length. It is the one dress in the bag, and it takes a jacket or a trench without any fuss.
New Winona Penny Loafers in Italian Spazzolato Leather (Black)
$198 | Black leather penny loafers for the days when sneakers feel too casual. They dress up the jeans and make the trousers look finished.
Signature Monogram Silk Scarf (Creme)
$220 | A cream silk scarf with navy stripes. Tie it on the bag, at the neck, or in your hair, and it makes plain outfits look considered.
15. Stripes, Trousers, and Sneakers
Window shopping and errands need something that is easy and does not wrinkle. Striped top, black trousers, and white sneakers is the outfit I would repeat all week.
It is boring in the best possible way.
Shop This Outfit
Lucille Striped Boatneck Top (Ivory/Black Stripe)
$129.50 | A black and ivory striped boatneck with three-quarter sleeves. It is the Paris cliche for a reason: it goes with every bottom in this bag.
A&F Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant (Black)
$90 | A black wide-leg trouser that reads polished but is roomy enough to walk in all day. Best value in the bag, and it works from a museum to a wine bar.
VEJA Esplar Leather Logo Sneakers (White)
View at VEJA (via Neiman Marcus)
$150 | Clean white leather sneakers that are easy to walk in and do not look like gym shoes. You will put in 20,000 steps a day, so this pair earns its space.
Gemma Quilted Crossbody (Black)
$134 | A small black quilted leather crossbody that sits in front of you. Bag on the front, zipped, is the sensible way to carry things in busy metro stations.
You do not need a suitcase full of options for Paris. Thirteen pieces in a neutral palette give you enough choice for a week, and everything can be repeated.
The mistake most people make is packing shoes for the photos instead of the walking. You will do more than 20,000 steps a day, so wear the sneakers and loafers before you go, and leave anything that has not been broken in at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pack for 3 days in Paris?
Take the trench, the striped top, the white shirt, the black trousers, and the two pairs of shoes. That is enough for six outfits, and it packs into a carry-on.
What is the weather in Paris in March?
Expect 7°C to 18°C (44°F to 64°F) with light rain. Mornings and evenings are cold, so wear layers that you can take off, and keep a compact umbrella in your bag.
What else should I bring besides clothes?
A power adapter for European outlets, a reusable water bottle, and a phone with your tickets saved offline. A metro pass and a small umbrella are worth having from the first day.
What can I bring into Paris?
Personal items, clothing, and everyday necessities are fine. Check the customs rules for food, alcohol, and large amounts of cash before you fly.
Should I bring a water bottle to Paris?
Yes. Tap water in Paris is safe to drink, and there are free public drinking fountains around the city, so a refillable bottle saves money and plastic.
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