What to Pack for Paris in the Fall

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I think it’s the goal of every budding fashionista to look like a local in Paris. But how to do that on an autumn trip?

Even though the weather will be fairly warm, you won’t see many pairs of sandals or shorts. Instead, it’s ballet flats or brogues. I didn’t see too many people wearing boots yet and the temperature was still in the high teens/low 20s. I know you’re going to walk a lot but please leave the hiking boots and sport sandals at home.

Instead of shorts, think lightweight pants cropped above the ankle. No one wears a cropped pant like a Parisian woman, If you really want to wear shorts, put on pair of tights underneath. My favourite piece for my trip was a knee length black/white striped jersey pencil skirt. It was comfortable for wandering The Louvre but also had some French style. I paired it with a black tank, denim jacket and white Converse low tops.

You’ll also want to pack a scarf. It’s as much fashion statement as it is useful accessory. French women know a million ways to wear it, every one of them fabulous.

Simple jewellery like a pair of stud earrings, a few bracelets, and a go-with-anything necklace. Keep your makeup and hair simple. Learn how to do your hair in a nice, loose bun but avoid the messy top knot that’s popular this side of the pond. The goal is to look put together but not overdone. Bring layering pieces like a sweater or comfy knit blazer.

I feel like I must have done a decent job of looking like I fit in since I was asked for directions on a daily basis. Or there are just a lot of lost tourists desperate for an English speaking lifeline.

When it comes to colour, keep it mostly neutral and you’ll fit in. Bonus is that everything will go with everything else. I liked I playing the Tourist or Parisian? game while I sat at a cafe sipping my cafe au lait. Big patterns? Tourist. Monochromatic outfit? Parisian.

Download this packing list as a PDF

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Keep it timeless and understated and you’ll fit in during your trip to Paris in the fall.