Heading to the City of Lights this winter, or trying to recreate the magic of Paris at home? There’s something undeniably special about Paris in the coldest months of the year, when the rest of the city glitters as much as the Eiffel Tower. Even though it might not snow often in Paris, French women bundle up against the cold in thick sweaters, lots of layers, and effortlessly chic outfits that keep them warm – without sacrificing their well-known style. If I were headed to Paris this winter, these are 9 things I would include on my packing list – and how I would style them, inspired by the fashion of real-life Parisians.
1. Wool Overcoat
A wool overcoat is a non-negotiable for locals and tourists alike when it comes to walking around Paris in the winter. Even though snow and hail might be rare, that doesn’t mean the city doesn’t experience some pretty frigid temperatures during the coldest months of the year. And because Paris is such a walkable city, you’ll find that a warm, durable coat is a must in every Parisian’s wardrobe. That’s why they often turn to wool pieces when it comes to their outerwear.
Wool coats aren’t solely for staying warm – Parisians also know that a wool coat is the perfect piece to add a bit of polish and poise to their looks. Even if they’re just running errands in a cozy sweatshirt and jeans, a wool coat can elevate the whole outfit – much like a camel trench coat does in the fall. However, that light jacket definitely isn’t warm enough for January and February weather, which is why Parisians tend to switch to their wool topcoats in the wintertime.
Your coat is your first impression when you’re styling winter outfits, which is why a wool version is a great choice if you’re going for an effortlessly sophisticated look!
coat | jeans | bag | sweatshirt | sneakers | earrings
2. Wrap Sweaters & Coats
It’s no secret that Parisian women love wrap dresses – and in the colder months of the year, that love translates to other wrap-style pieces as well. Just like the figure-hugging wrap dress, a wrap sweater or coat achieves a similar effect. Thanks to the built-in tie at the waist, this silhouette flatters your figure and hugs the slimmest part of your torso. It’s also adjustable, so you can style it to your comfort level.
For a cozy vibe in winter, look for merino wool in the fabric contents. Cashmere and other wool types are also great for added warmth and quality. During the winter months, fabric composition is extra important! Parisians value quality over quantity, and pieces that are as functional as they are stylish. This is something to keep in mind when you’re making your Paris packing lists – and when you’re out shopping!
sweater | heels | pants | coat | earrings | sunglasses
3. Leather Boots
As I mentioned before, Paris is a walkable city! Whether you’re visiting or just recreating French winter style at home, you’ll want to choose footwear that’s as comfortable as it is chic. Ankle boots are the perfect example. You can choose the heel height that works best for you, but no matter what style you select, ankle boots will always look classic in your winter outfits.
For a modern take on the timeless style, look for a pair with a pointed or square toe – these tend to be the most flattering, too. They’re also versatile and can be worn with almost any winter outfit! From trousers to jeans to skirts, ankle boots are a great choice. Not to mention they keep your feet warmer than flats – especially if you pair them with warm socks to boot.
boots | jeans | sweater | coat | bag | earrings
4. Warm Scarves
French women love a neck scarf, but in the depths of winter, a small silk square might not cut it! During periods of cold weather, Parisians are much more likely to break out their warm blanket scarves in wool and cashmere. It’s still a stylish accessory and a chance to add both pattern and color to their outfit, but it’s much more practical when walking around in winter weather.
If you’re heading to Paris this winter, don’t forget to pack a thick scarf with you – or add it to your shopping list for your winter trip. When Carolyn and I were in Paris last, colorful scarves were everywhere and made for the perfect way to spice up a neutral outfit!
loafers | socks | bag | jeans | scarf | coat | sweater | sunglasses
5. Lady Jackets
In November and early December, you might get away with wearing a couple of layers instead of a thick coat. If you’d prefer to leave the bulky winter overcoat at home, try reaching for a lady jacket instead! Lady jacket cardigans are timeless, and add polish and class to even your most basic outfit formulas. Parisians love how they have the perfect balance of structure and sophistication. You might see them styled over a white button-down and trousers, to give the look a more feminine vibe.
shirt | jacket | pants | shoes | bag | earrings
6. Leather Gloves
This next Parisian winter essential might be small, but it’s mighty! It won’t take up much room in your suitcase, but it might just save you when you’re walking around the streets of Paris. Any guesses? Try a pair of leather gloves!
Leather gloves are the perfect cool-girl accessory to add to your Parisian style. Try to go for a pair in neutral colors, or maybe even burgundy if you’re packing a lot of neutral looks. The best thing about the gloves I’ve included below is that they’re lined with cashmere, so they’re as cozy on the inside as they are sleek on the outside. If you’re enjoying a hot chocolate outside at a café, these will definitely come in handy to keep your hands nice and toasty!
coat | jeans | sweater | boots | watch | gloves | beret
7. Fur Details
Faux fur details were everywhere on the winter runways last year – and you’ll continue spotting this classic look on a lot of Parisian women this year as well. Just because faux fur coats happen to be trendy doesn’t mean that they’re not also a popular choice for French women during any year!
If you don’t want to go all in on a full faux fur jacket, try to look for little fur details instead. Even a bit of faux fur trim is enough to give you that luxe, old-money look without going overboard. Paired with a classic cape style, this faux fur look below is the perfect piece to style on the streets of Paris this winter. Plus, it won’t take up too much space in your carry-on compared to a full faux fur style.
boots | leggings | sweater | cape | bag | earrings
8. Midi Skirts
Parisians love a midi skirt, and that love doesn’t end in the coldest months of the year! Instead, Parisians swap out their light linen options for heavy fabrics like knits and wools. These help keep them warmer, while getting the same chic look they love with the midi (or maxi) length.
Even with the extra length, Parisians usually opt for another layer underneath to help keep their legs warm. Tights or crew socks are probably the most popular choice! If they’re styling their skirt with high boots, they might even reach for knee-high socks. For a long day of sightseeing out in the cold, you might want to try this trick yourself if you see chilly temperatures on the weather forecast in France.
shoes | tights | skirt | sweater | bag | earrings
9. Patterned Tights
One of my favorite things about French fashion is that Parisians like to play around with new styles as much as they love their classic staples. For example, patterned tights and colorful socks are popular accessories in Paris! Even if they’re styling a neutral, timeless look, French women might spice it up by adding a pair of polka dot hose, or maybe even a bright red pair of crew socks. This is the perfect way to add a bit of personality to your look, and make it more interesting – even when you’re dressing in darker winter neutrals.
shoes | tights | skirt | sweater | bag | earrings
Experience the Magic of Winter in Paris
You don’t have to have a flight booked to experience the magic of French style at home this winter! No matter where you live, you can recreate effortlessly chic French looks for a trip to the Christmas market, family photos, or holiday shopping.
Speaking of Christmas… are you looking to infuse your home with a little old-world European charm this holiday season? Up Next: Cozy Christmas Decor Ideas With a European Touch
