What to Wear in Paris in Summer

If you’re visiting Paris this summer and unsure what to wear, I’m here to help! As a French native who has lived in Paris for several years, I have a good sense of what you’ll need to pack for the summer season ;). Summer in Paris is the busiest time of the year, with June, July, and August being the peak months. It’s my favorite time to explore the city, especially around August 15th for the Assumption. During this period, most Parisians head to their secondary residences in Normandy, Provence, on the Riviera, or embark on exciting trips overseas. The city’s atmosphere becomes a unique blend of liveliness in popular tourist areas and a tranquil emptiness in the less crowded streets.

Temperatures in Paris can vary greatly throughout the day, with mornings and evenings around 15°C and daytime highs reaching up to 30°C. Every year, Paris (and France in general) experiences heat waves, known as “la canicule,” when temperatures soar above 33°C for several days. These heat waves are most common in July and August but can also occur in June. Remember that many buildings in Paris (and Europe in general) are old and not necessarily equipped to handle such high temperatures, making it quite oppressive to wander the streets during the hottest days.

Summer in Paris Capsule Wardrobe Essentials

I recommend choosing pieces that are both comfortable and stylish to help you beat the heat in style. Opt for a variety of items in light and neutral tones—think beige, white, light grey, green, or blue—that can be easily mixed and matched. Also, consider natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk, as they are breathable and comfortable for exploring the city. Personally, I don’t usually wear dresses in the city, except perhaps for a long or midi dress during a “canicule” (heat wave). However, this is just my preference, so feel free to add a few dresses to your packing list if you like ;)!

This post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own. I only feature products I truly love and personally select. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci!

1. A linen waistcoat — This summer, I absolutely adore this chic linen waistcoat from Massimo Dutti. It’s on my wishlist, and I’m waiting to return from Corsica to order it online ;).
2. Linen double-darted trousers — I love these sublime linen double-darted trousers, especially when paired with the matching waistcoat.
3. A pair of suede loafers — I absolutely love these Scarosso suede loafers in electric blue! They are the perfect closed shoes for summer, looking super chic whether paired with tailored shorts or wide-leg linen pants.
4. A classic white linen shirt — Massimo Dutti’s linen shirts are my go-to for summer! Every year, I buy several in white or light blue. They look absolutely chic with white jeans, tailored shorts, or linen pants in beige or green.
5. Linen wide-leg pants — With their loose cut, these Massimo Dutti linen pants in dark grey look très chic paired with a white linen shirt. Add a pair of flat strappy sandals (see below) and a tote bag, and you’re ready to explore the streets of Paris!
6. A pair of strappy sandals — Since last year, I have loved these A-Emery Jalen sandals. They are appropriate for the city and look chic whether paired with tailored shorts, midi or long dresses, or wide-leg linen pants. If you prefer leather to suede, these sandals also come in leather (check out this beautiful pair in merlot).
7. A chic midi dress — I have a coup de coeur (a major crush) for this lovely strappy linen midi dress! Pair it with flat, strappy leather sandals or espadrilles for a perfect look.
8. A leather tote bag — I love this gorgeous DeMellier The Midi New York tote bag. You can wear it as a crossbody bag on the Parisian métro or while walking the streets.
9. An oversized striped shirt — Sébline is one of my favorite French shirt brands. This summer, I adore this beautiful striped cotton-poplin shirt, which you can pair with matching shorts for a perfect vacation look.
10. Tailored shorts — Tailored shorts are the perfect alternative to dresses when the temperature rises and are also ideal for the city. This summer, I adore these très chic Totême pleated grain de poudre shorts. Pair them with a light blue shirt and either strappy leather sandals or suede loafers for a stylish look.
11. A timeless timepiece — It’s not the first time I’ve featured this gorgeous Hermès Heure H leather watch. It’s absolutely sublime!

4 Chic Looks for Paris in Summer

What to Leave Behind

When packing for Paris in the summer, there are several items you can confidently leave behind. Sweatpants, lycra leggings, and any gym wear are unnecessary for exploring the city unless you plan to hit the gym during your stay. Avoid belt bags, fanny packs, and backpacks to minimize the risk of theft on the Parisian métro; opt for a chic cross-body bag instead. Too-revealing or too-short dresses should be skipped, as well as overly tight, short, or distressed denim shorts. In fact, you might want to avoid shorts altogether, except for pleated long shorts, which can look chic when paired with strappy leather flat sandals.

Flip-flops, though comfortable, are not considered chic, and the combination of socks with sandals is best left at home. Ball caps, T-shirts, or sweatshirts printed with “I love Paris,” and anything overly loud or heavily branded should also be avoided, as they can make you a target for pickpocketing or scams. Stick to more elegant and understated pieces to blend seamlessly with the Parisian style.

Et voilà! I hope this blog post helps you pack for Paris in the summer. These are just my personal recommendations and advice, so feel free to express yourself and dress however you like. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please leave a comment below! Merci!