What to Wear in Paris? Perfect Outfits for the City of Light

A beautiful city nestled in the heart of France, Paris is the city of light. It is the city of love and finding your lover, it is place to be in terms of French fashion. From amazing shopping retailers to big designer brands, travellers are constantly in a state of wondering what to wear in Paris. 

If red is your color (it is the seasonal color of the Winter, so you should definitely look at buying some clothing pieces in that color!) then you should rock it. After all, fashion is all about self-expression and what better way to express yourself than wearing your favourite fashionista outfits in a city like Paris. 

Paris is often considered the centre of the fashion industry and globally holds the title of fashion capital of the world. There is such an important spectrum of culture and social life as well as an economic background within French fashion history. Historically, the creation and production of fashion became prominent in the 15th century, then during the 17th century there was an explosion of the rich industry. 

The fashion industry in France has always been for the rich, people with money and royalty were the main wearers of anything fashion related. One of the biggest fashion weeks throughout the world takes place in Paris. Designers like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Jean Paul Gaultier and Yves Saint Laurent originated in France and that’s exactly why Paris takes the fashion industry very seriously. 

When visiting Paris, you might find yourself looking out of place in certain terms as people will dress up and look beautiful, but there is nothing stopping you from doing the same. 

There aren’t any special dress codes, and no one will be telling you what they think you should wear but sometimes it’s nice to know more about French fashion. If you understand the way they like dress, then you’ll fit right in when you’re strutting your stuff in the city of light. 

We’ve complied a list of some of the nicest outfits and clothing pieces you’ll definitely want to wear whilst you’re in Paris. You won’t find yourself asking what to wear in Paris anymore!

Velvet Berry Beret

A perfect combination this season is definitely a deep red, velvet beret. If you’re not aware, a beret is a French traditional hat that is soft, flat-crowned and is worn during the Winter season. It is the perfect accessory this season. It originated with the mass production being in France and Spain and is still associated with these countries decades later. They’re traditional but can be dressed up, so many French designers and retailers tend to sell them. 

They’ve become a very westernised piece of fashion and when you’re in Paris you’ll see many tourists and French nationals wearing them around the city purely because they like the way they look. There are no rules to wearing your beret, if you want to pair it with a long, oversized knit sweater or if you’re more of a jumper and jeans gal, it’s totally fine! Berets are definitely part of a typical French outfit and looking gorgeous during your stay in the fashion capital will feel awesome. Berry tends to go with other dark colors so if you choose this as your style in Paris then have a look at dark clothing to match it, a pair of ankle boots look great with it too! 

The Classic Neck Scarf

They might not keep you warm during the Winter months but they’re really fashionable and look fancy. Whether you’re attending a dinner party or adventuring around the capital with your friends, wearing a neck scarf will make heads turn. This is another accessory that doesn’t have boundaries to what you can pair it with, if you want to wear a navy dress or would rather rock a tee then that’s totally up to you. 

Neck scarfs are popular in the European city and if you visit then you’ll realise why it’s on our list – everyone is wearing them. Especially this season, they’re unbelievably popular with tourists and the French alike. French fashion isn’t for everyone though, and this is why we’ve decided to add a few pieces that are slightly more Americanised. 

Split-Leg Maxi Dress

Patterns and prints are extremely popular this time of year in Europe and in the States. It’s not cold enough to be wearing thick jeans and scarfs but we also can’t go out rocking out denim shorts anymore. That’s exactly why you should take a quick look at wearing dresses, especially woollen maxi dresses. 

They can keep you warm on the colder days if you choose to pair it with some tights whilst you can add a small leather jacket if it’s a little colder. If those slightly warmer European days prove popular during your visit, then you might want to stick to the dress on its own and some flats or boots. This year the wholesale dresses have proved so popular with the fashion industry, they’re high-quality and their part of the French everyday fashion. 

Beret and Dress Combo

For the ultimate what to wear in Paris outfit, you’ll want to get out your favourite dress, some ankle boots and ‘French it up’ with a beret. We’ve already talked about the classic beret that originated in France but it’s something you will definitely find yourself wearing whilst in the French capital. Even if you decide to opt for another color, it’s a definite if you want to look like the fashionista of Paris. 

You might have some healthy competition whilst you’re walking the streets but having your clothing pieces as your weapons, you shouldn’t have any problems being the best in the business. 

We hope you got a few outfit ideas of what to wear in Paris and if you’re going soon then make sure your travel wardrobe is suited and booted for the fashion capital.