What to Wear in Paris in the Spring

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If you’re visiting Paris this spring and have no idea what to wear, I’m here to help! Indeed, being French and after living for several years in Paris, I think I have a pretty good idea of what you would need to pack for the City of Light ;).

Spring, especially April, and May, is an ideal time to visit Paris, as crowds will be thinner. The weather can vary, alternating between chilly and rainy to warm and sunny. In March, it can still be cold and even icy (low: 5°/41°F | high: 13°C/55°F). While by May, the weather warms up to a very pleasant 68°F (20°C), perfect for spending the day exploring the city’s beautiful gardens and parks. Rain is always to be expected throughout the season.

So, whether you’re wondering what to wear in Paris or need inspiration for a Paris outfit, here is exactly what to pack for Paris in the spring.

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The Perfect Packing List for Paris in Spring

Your packing list for Paris in spring should include the following: light jackets for rainy days (think trench coats or blazers), layering pieces (such as cardigans and cashmere knits), and a few essential items in neutral colors (straight-leg jeans, button-down shirts, basic tees) that are easy to combine to create classic yet chic spring outfits.

A pair of comfortable shoes will be essential to walk long distances and the city’s cobbled streets. Also, Paris is well-known for its fancy restaurants (think Michelin-star restaurants), cultural scene (like the Opéra Garnier), and lively nightlife. I recommend packing an elegant outfit like a chic suit or a little black dress (LBD) when you need to dress a little chicer. Keep scrolling below to find exactly what to wear in Paris in spring.

1. A Trench Coat

Paris in spring means unpredictable weather with warm and sunny days but also rainy and chilly days. That is why a trench coat will always be ideal for these rainy days in Paris!

I’ve had a few styles over the years, but my favorite is the Sézane Scott trench coat. I have this Burberry’s The Chelsea trench coat on my wish list ;). The J.Crew New Icon Trench is a really good option as well. And if you prefer a short trench coat (or if you are petite), opt for this beautiful ba&sh Winnie trench.

2. A Camel Wool Coat

You must include a camel coat in your packing list, especially for these chilly days in Paris. Also, nothing is chicer than a double-breasted or beautifully belted camel coat thrown over even the most casual basics like a button-down shirt and straight-leg jeans. This season, I love this Totême double-breasted paneled wool jacket (the perfect length if you’re petite) and this gorgeous Signature wool-blend coat.

3. A Blazer

Whether paired with jeans or matching suit pants for a full look, this menswear-inspired item is one of spring’s strongest style staples. This season, opt for a gray, beige, or navy blue blazer to bring polish to any look. Here are some of my favorite blazers of the season:

4. Striped Sweaters

Over an oversized shirt, a basic t-shirt, or under a blazer, the striped sweater is the perfect extra layer you’ll want to wear in Paris in spring and the colder months! I love this J.Crew cashmere sweater in stripe, this iconic Totême striped turtleneck wool-blend sweater, and this Reformation Francesco polo sweater. Rosaé Paris offers a great (and cheaper) alternative to the Totême one with its Le Sablons chunky knit.

5. A Cardigan

A cardigan offers endless styling possibilities and is a chic and practical layering piece to wear in Paris in spring. My favorite cardigans are from the Parisian label Sandro. I love the iconic Sandro long houndstooth coatigan that you can wear as a jacket over a black turtleneck or an oversized shirt, depending on the temps. I also love the ba&sh Meredith jacket (which also exists in white)!

6. Oversized Shirts

Whether white, blue or striped, oversized shirts are the perfect trans-seasonal items that can be paired with almost anything! If you’re looking for comfortable yet chic oversized shirts, I highly recommend Sézane Max shirts (choose your usual size). I also love Frankie Shop Lui cotton-poplin shirts and Rosaé Paris Le Grégoire shirts. Also, consider opting for this gorgeous Polo Ralph Lauren striped cotton poplin shirt.

7. Basic T-shirts

A plain tee (white, black, grey, camel, or khaki) is the perfect item to create an effortlessly chic Parisian outfit. Just pair it with jeans and loafers, and add a slightly masculine blazer for a more polished look.

I recommend opting for 100% cotton plain T-shirts that will last over a season. Brands like Sézane (my favorites are these Conrad t-shirts), Madewell, and J.Crew offer good quality t-shirts at affordable prices.

8. Straight-Leg Jeans

Straight-leg jeans are the spring essential you must include in your packing list for Paris! Not only are they flattering on everyone and super comfortable to wear, but they will go with everything in your wardrobe. In addition to classic blue jeans, consider wearing light blue and white denim in spring. Here are a few of my favorite jeans:

9. Pleated Wide-leg Pants

The pleated wide-leg pants are the perfect piece you’ll want to wear in Paris in spring, especially if you need to dress a little chicer. Indeed, there’s nothing chicer than a perfectly relaxed, straight-leg fit with a touch of menswear-inspired tailoring!

In the coldest months, you will need to pack wool-blend pants like these gorgeous Loulou Studio Sbiru pleated wool straight-leg pants (I’m a Levi’s 27 and chose size M). While with warmer temps, consider opting for these Reformation Mason pants or ba&sh Berny pants. I also bought these super comfortable yet chic Sézane Rodrigo trousers in linen.

5 French Style Jackets That Will Carry You Into Spring in Style

10. The Little Black Dress

The little black dress (also known as “la petite robe noire”) is the one basic that you can wear in Paris for any special occasion, such as a chic dinner, a night out, a cocktail party, or even a romantic date. The perfect LBD is the one that you can wear in any special circumstances and with which you are most comfortable. Pair your favorite black dress with sheer black tights, Mary Janes, or loafers. French brands like Sandro and ba&sh offer great black dress options.

11. Loafers

While still feminine and slim-fitting, a pair of loafers is a wonderful flat-style footwear option for Paris in spring. Timeless, loafers will never fade away! Some iconic designs include Gucci’s horsebit-detailed loafers, Prada’s Chocolate brushed leather loafers, and Tod’s Gomma Pesante loafers. Styled with socks or tights in chilly weather, they add a very polished vibe to any outfit.

12. Chic Sneakers

Paris is best explored by foot. That is why I recommend packing for comfortable, walkable shoes. And a pair of white sneakers make the best walking shoes for Paris! Consider opting for minimal plain white sneakers that make your feet look thin, small, and classy, like these Sézane Jack trainers or Veja Esplar sneakers. I recommend these classic Nike Air Force 1 leather sneakers for a more modern silhouette.

13. Mary Janes

Mary Janes have made a comeback over these past years! They are the perfect shoes that provide the height to get that feminine allure while still being very walkable. I love Mary Janes, especially those Kina Mary Janes from the French shoe brand Carel. Alternatively, consider opting for these gorgeous Reformation crystal-embellished Mary Janes or these gorgeous Roger Vivier Très Vivier pumps.

14. A Tote Bag

The tote bag will be the perfect handbag for traveling to Paris and carrying all your daily essentials when strolling in the City of Light. I recommend packing a tote bag that you can close to keep your belonging secure. My favorite tote bags are these Le Pliage totes from the Parisian label Longchamp. As they are foldable, you can pack several of them in different sizes (S, M, or L) in your suitcase!

I adore this Métier Incognito small leather tote and this classic Saint Laurent Shopper large textured-leather tote for chicer options.

15. A Cross-body Bag

A leather cross-body bag is one of the most versatile accessories you can pack for Paris in spring! Indeed, it can be the perfect day bag to fit all your essentials, a sophisticated evening bag, or your best companion to travel to Paris. Consider opting for a bag made of high-quality leather that will last you a lifetime. Here are my favorite crossbody bags this spring:

More Accessories

An umbrella (always keep your umbrella in your tote bag, just in case)
A silk or wool-blend scarf, depending on the month
A chic pair of sunglasses (my favorites are these Bottega Veneta Cat-eye tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses)
A straw or wool hat
A pair of leather gloves (for the coldest months), I love this beautiful pair of stud-embellished leather gloves by the French brand Agnelle.

What to leave at home

Sweatpants, lycra leggings, and any gym wear for exploring Paris (unless you’re planning to go to sports during your stay)
Belt bags and backpacks (to avoid having your belongings stolen in the Paris métro)
Any beachwear, like dresses and shorts that are too revealing or too short for women, and flip-flops and boardshorts for men
The combo socks + sandals
Red berets and any t-shirt, sweatshirt printed with “I love Paris”
Flashy colors and too many prints (of course, you’re free to dress like you want, but if you want to blend in, remember Parisians stick to classic colors ;)). Check out my Parisian style guide to learn about what Parisians wear daily.

Finally, don’t worry too much if you forget to pack some clothes for your trip! Paris is one of the best cities in the world for shopping (see the six best Paris department stores), so I’m sure you will find a few pieces to add to your wardrobe ;)!