What to Pack for Your Trip to Paris
I think packing for Paris can be even more tricky than packing for other destinations. It includes lot of walking, but it also has some pretty high style standards. Throw in unpredictable weather, and it feels impossible to have all your bases covered without overpacking. Before you spiral, keep in mind that Parisian style is very much about simplicity, so let’s use that to our advantage. A little capsule wardrobe is all you need, even for a longer stay. I’ll break down the most versatile items to pack to make fewer items go further.
Also, I suggest you don’t make it your goal to blend in. It would be impossible to do that anyway if you’re sightseeing or speaking French, right? A better goal would be to wear what makes you feel like your best self, and for that I recommend channeling your inner Marie Kondo. What sparks joy? This is vacation—it should be all about your own personal enjoyment. Start packing early (or make a list) so that you can take breaks if you feel overwhelmed. If you get stuck, ask yourself two questions: 1) how does it make you feel? and 2) will it serve you?
Rain Attire
It can be pretty rainy and gray in Paris. Come prepared with:
A small, but sturdy umbrella that you can fit in your bag
Waterproof jacket
Discreet rainboots or shoes that can get wet
Extra pair of walking shoes to account for drying time
Extra socks
Also, if you haven’t treated your leather and suede shoes, coats, and handbags, now’s the time! Make sure to spray them with some water-repellant or have them professionally treated. Keep in mind that even with treatment, leather and suede cannot survive a torrential downpour. It’ll save you from damage walking to the subway in light rain under an umbrella, but they won’t withstand soaking.
Walking Attire
You’ll probably be walking a lot, and comfort is key! Similarly to what I tell my kids who refuse to wear a coat in the dead of winter, nobody is going to be thinking your high heels are fabulous if you’re struggling on cobblestones or trekking through the sandy Tuileries garden; they’re only going to be thinking why? You’ll have to be somewhat practical. If it itches, squeezes, causes friction, or has to be constantly readjusted, don’t do it! You can always pack some less practical favorites for a nice dinner or even a professional photo shoot. Here’s what I’d recommend:
City-friendly walking shoes, like ballet flats, loafers, and street sneakers
Bandaids in case of blisters
Natural fibers (cotton, linen, merino wool, cashmere) that are breathable, soft, and not itchy
Cold Weather Attire
Layers are the way to go. Here are my chilly weather essentials:
A wool coat (pro trick: if a wool coat isn’t warm enough, but you don’t want to go full puffer, pop a thin quilted vest underneath.)
Oversized cozy sweaters
Tees for underneath the sweaters so I don’t need to handwash them (I especially like the heat tech ones from Uniqlo for very cold weather, but be warned that in museums you might die of heat if you wear one under a warm sweater.)
Oversized collared shirts
Jeans, especially in slim straight, wide leg, and flare
Wide leg pants and/or cigarette pants are a safe bet right now
Knit midi skirt
Tights to wear under skirt—and under jeans/pants for long outdoor walks in the winter (especially if you’re always cold like I am)
Leather or suede boots and street sneakers
Rainboots with warm wool socks
Scarf, hat, and gloves
Hot Weather Attire
Keep in mind that Paris doesn’t have air conditioning everywhere, and the city heat can be a bit unpleasant. You’ll want to avoid synthetic fabrics and wear light layers, as it can be significantly cooler in the morning and/or evening. Also, women need to cover their shoulders to visit churches, like Notre Dame, so make sure you at least have one layer to drape over you.
Sandals that are comfortable to walk in (make sure the soles aren’t too thin and avoid backless sandals for long walks) + one nicer pair for fancier dinners or photos
Flowy dresses and midi skirts, especially midi or maxi because you won’t be worried about adjusting, sudden breezes, or your 5 o’clock calf shadow ;)
Oversized shirts (one of my most worn items because it’s so effortless and you can also wear it as a light layer open over sleeveless tops or dresses)
Linen pants
Fitted white tank (can wear with midi skirts and with linen pants, with or without an open oversized shirt—très versatile)
Sleeveless tops (knitted tops are my favorite at the moment because they add some texture)
A hat for sun protection
Sunglasses
Don’t forget the rain gear in summer too! It’s not fun to walk in wet sandals.
The Athleisure Debate: Take It or Leave It?
It’s true that you’ll rarely see athleisure on the sidewalks of Paris (to the point where women tend to go to the gym or workout classes in their regular attire and shower and change afterwards for the walk home). That doesn’t mean that you can’t wear athleisure if you want to. I would just recommend that in restaurants you avoid athleisure, as well as in higher end stores as you’ll probably get a friendlier welcome. A stroll around the Jardin du Luxembourg or a quick stop at Monoprix in leggings is not going to earn you any side eyeing, but if you go to a sit-down restaurant in leggings, it’s likely.
Does it feel a bit judgy? It can, to us. We have to remember that to them, these are cultural codes of manners that they were brought up with like saying “please” and “thank you.” To them, it’s impolite. It’s important to keep in mind that they’re not side eyeing out of disapproval for the aesthetics, but because their maman taught them it was inappropriate in that setting for their entire lives. I say do whatever makes you happy, as long as you don’t underdress for the theater, opera, ballet, or fine dining. Those are a hard non from me, and I think that’s pretty universal.
Makeup & Hair Items
A little bonus of Paris is that women don’t tend to wear much (if any) makeup, and it’s pretty rare to see perfectly wanded hair. If you see someone with big bouncy curls, you can almost bet they’re not Parisian. Again, do what makes you feel good. If full makeup and hair is your jam, go for it! If it’s not, here’s the perfect excuse to do the bare minimum and spend your morning people watching at a local café instead. Here’s what I’d pack:
A dual wattage blowdryer (I have thick hair and don’t trust subpar travel dryers to do the job)Tinted SPF, mascara, brow filler, lip color/blush, bronzer
Kitsch heatless curls (I know I said curls aren’t popular, but I love heatless curls and you can pry my unicorn out of my cold, dead American hands)
Hair oil to combat the humidity
For a long stay, a clarifying shampoo because the limescale here is next level
Accessories
Add visual interest and mix up your outfits without taking up precious space (or weight!) in your luggage:
Jewelry
Scarves (the French love a good foulard)
Statement pants (like leopard or jacquard) can take neutral outfits to the next level, especially in winter when half your ensemble is going to be hidden under a jacket
Rental Home Items
If you’re staying at an Airbnb or any kind of rental, you make want to pack these items:
Dishwasher tablets if there’s a dishwasher (they usually only provide a few, so I like to take enough for the trip sealed in a plastic bag rather than having to buy a whole box.)
Laundry pods (same thing here)
Toiletries (sometimes they’re listed, but upon arrival there is only soap, or there’s only enough to hold you over a day or two. I just bring my own in travel size containers.)
Double check if you need sheets and towels (I know it’s shocking that this is a thing, but some rental homes require you to bring your own or rent theirs at an additional fee. This is less common in Paris than in the French countryside, but it’s always best to double check!)
Practical Items
Phone charger
Headphones
Outlet adapters (A lesson from someone who learned the hard way: always double check the voltage before packing electronic items. An adapter does not change the voltage. You can buy a converter for that, but they’re expensive and probably not worth it unless you are staying for a while or have something specific you can’t live without.)
Reusable water bottle (Paris has water fountains all over the city. I am obsessed with the Stojo collapsible cup as it is weightless and tiny.)
A giant nylon duffel bag is one of my favorite travel items. I use this one from Samsonite—it’s inexpensive and indestructible. I put it in the front pocket of my suitcase, and it’s weightless and takes up no space. On the way back from a trip, we use it as a checked bag with all of the stuff we acquire and/or laundry.
An emergency kit with Tylenol (for kids too if applicable), any prescription medications, bandaids, hand sanitizer, etc.
A few plastic bags (convenient as garbage bag on the plane or to contain soiled or wet clothing)
Wipes for kids, even if they’re potty trained (cleaning faces, hands, and any accidents or spills)
A change of clothes for each person in the family in your cabin luggage. I have had my kids spill entire drinks on themselves, which I was prepared for, but also on me, which I never anticipated. I can tell you that it’s freezing to sit through a whole flight wet. We’ve also had every gross thing that can happen on a plane happen. An outfit for the whole family. Trust me.
One final thought: almost every forgotten item can be found here, so it’s not worth stressing over. Some of my most cherished souvenirs from vacation were replacement pieces for something I “should have brought.”
I think that about covers it. To your suitcases, mes amies! If you get stuck, I’m happy to answer any questions via DM on Instagram.