Clothes for each Season & each Month

We provide information on appropriate clothes for each season and clothes for each month (Monthly Recommended Clothes).

Clothes for each Season

Paris Weather

Paris has a coastal climate with chilly winters and pleasant summers while the Atlantic Ocean helps to maintain the city's moderate temperatures. For example, even during the coldest month of the year in January, temperatures average roughly 43 degrees Fahrenheit or 6°C. If you're worried about wearing clunky boots in such a fashionable city, you can relax. It rarely snows in Paris. Light-rain is more common throughout the year; therefore, a nice pair of rain boots will be an asset. What you wear will largely depend upon the season like most places though climates vary. For example, in summer you should wear breathable fabrics to stay cool and a light jacket for evenings. In winter a warm coat, matching scarf, and/or hat will keep you stylish. A raincoat for the all-year-round precipitation would be practical as well.

Springtime
During this time of season temperatures during the day will fluctuate. A light jacket or sweater, reasonably weight clothing, and raincoat should be fine. Layering is key.

Summertime
Lightweight breathable fabrics, cotton shirts, attractive t-shirts, jeans, sundresses/skirts, and a good pair of comfy stylish shoes would be appropriate. From mid to late afternoon is the hottest time of day. Don't forget to layer as the weather can turn chilly during the nighttime hours.

Fall
Fall is iffy. This is the time to bring out the down-filled overcoat (a warm coat/jacket filled with soft-feathers), four-ply sweater, and additional pieces for layering. A hat or wool tam in a nice neutral color looks chic. Leather is popular in France during the autumn. A leather jacket would also be a good investment. If you prefer not to wear leather, there is plenty of faux-leather that looks like the real thing. Opaque stockings for dresses/skirts look stylish as well.

Wintertime
You can wear your fall wardrobe right into winter. Just add a few more heavier pieces. Perhaps a long coat, heavy sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, gloves, scarves, and don't forget your umbrella.

More Information

Getting Your Parisian Wardrobe Together

When thinking about what to wear in one of the most fashionable cities on the planet think basic and chic: a bit couturier without all the fluff. You won't need a designer wardrobe, but you will need to know how to work with what you've got! The French are in love with neutral shades and go by the not-more-than-three-colors rule. No, it's not a law! But to keep up with Parisian style and to avoid looking like a tourist, it's best to play by the rules.

Overall, Parisians dress much like the whole of Europe. Yet, it's dressier than let's say American dress. For example, no one is going to quickly run out to the store in slippers or pajama bottoms! On the other hand, it doesn't mean you have to be dressed-to-kill each time you step out the door. A nice pair of jeans (preferably the skinny or tapered variety) with a fancy top or nice shirt will do.

What to Wear: Women

Because Paris is so stylish, women can get away with a lot, within reason of course. Dress casual but don't over do it. Flip-flops are not ‘the thing’ in this French city. Dressing in Paris means putting an outfit together creating your own style with a bit of flair. For example, wear your best jeans with a simple top and knock-out accessories. Belts, scarves, bracelets and other unique costume jewelery or real jewelry, will take you far. Keep it simple like the LBD (little black dress), a must have in any woman's wardrobe. Wear heels or flats and top it off with a nice scarf and/or jewelry. If it's cool outside, wear a cardigan in a soft material.

What to Wear: Men

Men get a fair deal in Paris as the same rules for dress that apply to women are pretty much the same for men, as far as the basics are concerned. A nice pair of trousers coupled with a pair of leather shoes, nice cotton shirt, and a blazer or suit without the tie is fine. Just remember, the men in Paris are sophisticated in their dress regardless of the time of day or season. If you keep your style casual and refined, you won't stick-out for all the wrong reasons.

What Not to Wear

Ok, you're in the chicest city in the world. You've got your wardrobe together, at least you hope so. Now, it depends on what part of the world you are from whether you make the fashion mistakes in Paris that could embarrass you. Here are a few pointers on what-not-to-wear in Paris:

-Don't stroll around in a bikini top and jeans or shorts. It's not considered street wear and it just won't work in this chic city.
-Unless you're on your way to the gym, don't wear athletic attire while you're out and about.
-Shorts are fine if you dress them up with style, but short-shorts are a no-no. Don't even think about it!
-Men can forget Bermuda/cargo shorts, baseball caps, especially worn backwards.
-High heels will be an issue when trying to walk on the cobblestone streets. Wear flats or a wedge-heel.
-Don't wear sneakers for dining for example, sweatpants while grocery shopping, or flip-flops while taking a stroll.

Dressing For Paris

Paris is without question a stunning city. When it comes to fashion some of the biggest names in the industry like Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Chanel, and others have made Paris their domicile. However, there's no need to quiver in anticipation of what to wear in this fabulous city. Sure, you might feel a bit intimidated as it is one of the mode capitals of the world and known as the dernier cri of fashion. Still, a little creativity will take you a long way. In fact, simple, chic, and stylish is all you need to remember when dressing in the city.

Links to cities in Clothes Forecast