Packing For Paris In Winter

Since I shared the fact that I love visiting Paris in winter, I’ve had a stack of questions regarding what stylish bits and pieces you might pack for a visit to Paris when the weather is cooler and the days are shorter.

To be perfectly honest, I find it way easier to pack for a visit to France in winter than any other season. Believe it or not, I can actually pack lighter when I travel in winter.

This is because you can rely on your true basics when you travel in winter, especially if you stick to a consistent colour palette. And you know what the weather will be like – therefore you don’t have to pack for a changeable climates.

So, What Do I Recommend Packing For Paris In Winter?

• The first item to pack is a gorgeous coat. Stylish coats come in every colour, fabric and cut in Paris. Your coat is important, because you will need it every day and it is the one item everyone will definitely notice. Make sure you check out my top tips for investing in a Paris worthy coat.
• Jeans or pants are an obvious choice during winter. It is no surprise that you don’t see too many dresses or skirts on the Parisian streets during a mid winter visit. Black jeans (or pants) are a good choice as they can be dressed up or down depending on your itinerary.
• Shoe selection is so easy in winter. Simply take your most comfortable, most beautiful boots! Again, black won’t be out of place in Paris, but any colour will work. Flat or heeled doesn’t really matter as long as you can walk in them. And ideally they will be dressy enough to take you from the streets to lunch or dinner, meaning you can pack fewer pairs. (One extra tip here, it is worth packing decent wool socks too. They really make a difference when you are walking for miles on cobblestones. My favourites are a wool/silk blend.)
• Accessories bring outfits to life so gloves, your winter hat and a couple of soft, warm scarves are musts.
• Now we are left with tops. They come into their own when you head indoors and remove your coat. Parisian interiors are usually toasty warm in winter so you don’t need anything too heavy. I always pack a couple of lightweight wool or cashmere sweaters in neutral tones. I usually pack a tailored shirt and light blazer (that fits comfortably under my trench) for more polished day wear. And I also pack a dressy top for nights out.

Finally, my big hint for building a winter packing list is start with your outerwear (because it is most visible) and work your way inwards, always thinking about what you are planning to do on your trip!

Because I know you want your packing to be both easy and stylish, I’ve popped together a packing list just for you.

My printable PDF guide not only helps you keep track of the stylish clothes you’ll need during your winter visit but captures everything else you’ll want to take with you – both in your packed luggage and in your carry-on.

And there’s even room for you to add your own essential items.

It’s perfect for ensuring you don’t forget to pack a thing.

Please click here to immediately download your free guide to packing for Paris in winter.

And there you have it – my tips for packing for Paris in winter. Do you have any other hints or tips for winter travel? If so, I’d love for you to share them in the comments below.

Until next time – au revoir.