I’ve sent out almost 450 Paris Guide orders just since the beginning of the year which is no surprise since Paris continues to be the number one travel destination in the world. The number one question I’m always asked is what to wear in Paris during specific months of the year. It’s definitely harder to give definitive advice due to climate change. It was just 50-60 degrees every day this week in NYC which is crazy for February and I found Paris to be much warmer than normal when I was there last April and May. But I’ve come up with three outfits that can be the jumping off point whether you are headed to the City of Light or to weekend brunch in your own city. They are inspired by photos I took myself in Paris and some from Parisiens in Paris.

The French are casual but also more dressed up compared to Americans.  The best way to describe the way Parisians look is chic décontracté which translates to smart casual. They don’t wear leggings or athleisure like Americans so leave those at home. They also lean more into neutrals.

If you want to perfectly replicate the outfit by the Eiffel Tower, this navy double faced wool coat also comes in camel. I chose navy because I plan to take a navy coat to Paris this April. Double faced wool is great for the transitional weather and for the much colder evenings.

You can find a less expensive navy double faced wool coat option here. I actually ordered this version and it arrived as I was writing this post. The quality is amazing for the price and it’s also available in grey. It’s on the long side which is great if you are tall but it’s not too long if you are shorter but there is also a petite option. You can roll back the sleeves but I will get mine hemmed. I tried it on with a light colored cashmere sweater and it didn’t pick up lint inside which is a good sign.

The key to spring dressing everywhere is layering. I love layering a blue shirt under sweaters in case it gets warm and I need to take off the sweater. You can find a less expensive blue shirt option here.

The French, and Europeans in general, don’t like their neck to get cold because they think it will make them sick. When it’s too warm to wear a scarf, you will often see them wearing a sweater over their shoulders. This ribbed cotton-blend sweater is great for wearing or throwing over your shoulders while this striped sweater is your less expensive option.

When the temperature is a little chiller or even cold in Paris, I prefer a longer trouser with a slightly wider leg like these navy trousers worn with sneakers.

When I posted that everyone in Paris was wearing sneakers this spring, quite a few older women messaged to tell me that Parisians don’t wear sneakers. When I asked when they had last visited Paris, they all replied not in many years. Everyone of every age wears sneakers. Since the mayor restricted cars in the city, Parisians are walking even more than ever, as well as bicycling and taking the metro.

As I stated above, Parisians dress casual but also looked pulled together and these white sneakers would elevate any look. You can find a very inexpensive option here.

I like taking a tote when I’m out all day in Paris so I can stash all my small purchases and I don’t have to worry about losing them. I can also carry an umbrella on a grey day that looks like rain and a bottle of water. This leather tote bag comes in six colors from which to choose and also works as your personal item on the plane. This leather tote is less expensive if you need another option.

You can keep your plane essentials or makeup together in this chic croc-effect leather cosmetic case.

A lot of people ask what luggage brand I use and it’s Hartmann but they no longer make my exact styles. The closest style available at a decent price point is this Paravel aviator carry-on vegan leather-trimmed recycled hardshell suitcase. You can find the matching large checked luggage size here.

You can’t go wrong with white jeans paired with navy for spring in Paris.

This chic navy merino wool-blend jacket has matching pants so you could create multiple outfits. Get a similar look for less with this navy wool blazer and matching pants.

This light navy v-neck cashmere sweater could be worn day to night. It’s also available in black and cream,

You can either wear this striped button-embellished cotton-jersey top under the blazer or throw it over your shoulders.

These Frame Le High straight-leg jeans are the perfect style for spring.

When I was looking back at my photos, I saw a lot of girls wearing Gucci Loafers like these horsebit-detailed leather loafers or Celine Loafers.

I personally love pairing burgundy with navy and this burgundy Celine Triomphe frame bag. I would also use my Celine Triomphe Basket Bag with this outfit. This burgundy bag is your less expensive option.

Store your important things in this Anya Hindmarch Safe Deposit leather-trimmed PVC pouch while you are traveling this spring.

Wear this Frame + Ritz Paris silk-satin eye mask on the plane to feel like you are already in Paris.

You can match your travel outfit to your suitcase with this navy Paravel aviator carry-on vegan leather-trimmed recycled-hardshell suitcase. You can find the matching large checked luggage size here.

Parisian women never over do it. You will rarely see them in lots of jewelry or accessories. A good rule of thumb is to keep things simple.

Parisians will wear a trench coat no matter what the weather so make sure you pack one for any trip to the City of Light. If I didn’t already have my Toteme trench, I would buy this double-breasted cotton-gabardine trench coat. This trench coat is your reasonably priced option.

I like traveling with knits like this thin ivory cashmere sweater since you don’t have to worry about wrinkles.

This striped cotton sweater is another perfect option to throw over your shoulders.

I prefer high waist jeans like these high-rise straight-leg jeans that would look good with sneakers or loafers.

If you hate logos, these leather and mesh sneakers are for you. Try this pair if you are looking for a less expensive option.

Of course, you need a crossbody bag for any travel, especially for visiting museums that don’t allow large bags. I love the color of this taupe medium quilted suede and leather shoulder bag because you could use it with any colored outfit.

Keep your passport safe with this textured-leather passport cover.

I advise getting any color suitcase other than black so you can immediately spot yours on the baggage carrousel. This ivory Paravel aviator carry-on vegan leather-trimmed hardshell suitcase would definitely stand out.

Bon week-end!

XOXO,

HC