What to Pack for Paris in Spring

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Paris in the spring evokes all kinds of images of blossoming flowers bathing the Eiffel Tower in a pale pink light. Baguettes and wine picnics along the Seine. Strolling through Montmartre looking for the perfect bakery selling macarons. Spring weather in Paris can be beautiful. It can also be cool and rainy. Knowing what to pack can be difficult. Not only can the weather change day to day but from morning to afternoon. You may need a jacket before lunch but short sleeves by suppertime.

Parisians are also famously fashionable. I love to fit in when I travel somewhere rather than standing out as a tourist. It was one of my best travel moments the day I was mistaken for a local and asked for directions, though I got so excited that my brain went to mush and I answered in Spanish. So close.

With that in mind, I’ve put together a capsule wardrobe so that you’ll know just what to pack for Paris in spring that gives you lots of layering options with some of that classic French style.

Paris Packing List Essentials

Layers

Since you never know what the weather will be in Spring, layers are key. Maybe you’ll need a cami, cardi, and jacket when you first step out of your hotel but will want to shed pieces as the day goes on. Having pieces that easily mix and match will go a long way to giving you choice in your daily outfits without overstuffing your suitcase.

For spring I love a water resistant trench coat and a black leather moto jacket as my two jacket choices. Both are very classic styles that can take you everywhere from the opera to a rock concert and everything in between.

Minimal patterns and visible brands

Want to stand out as a tourist in Paris? Wear a lot of big flashy brand names on your clothing. When packing for Paris, go for a more understated look. If you’re going to wear sneakers, pick a fashion shoe rather than a running shoe. I lost track of the number of chic Parisian women I saw wearing white Converse.

Timeless classic style

Parisians love a classic, timeless look. Think black cigarette pants, ballet flats, crisp white dress shirts. The cut and quality of their clothes makes them stand out. Invest in good quality clothes that fit you well rather than cheap pieces that you wouldn’t’ care if you ruined.

Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn. Pack pieces that will make your vacation photos look just as cool 10 years from now as they do today.

Mostly monochromatic

French style isn’t overly flashy or showy so monochromatic capsule wardrobes work perfectly in the City of Lights. I chose a base palette of neutrals like black, white, and tan with a single accent colour to give a little joie de vivre. Knowing that every top can go with every bottom gives me countless way to put everything together.

Download this packing list as a PDF

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