Autumn in Paris is beautiful. The summer crowds have died down, the humidity has subsided, there’s a chill in the air, and you can experience everything the City of Light has to offer without being overly bundled in winter gear. By the end of November, you’ll also get to enjoy early Christmas decorations and local markets without the holiday crowds, too. In short, it’s the perfect time to visit if you’re looking for a brisk fall getaway.
Paris weather varies greatly in the fall, from mild September days to cold November evenings. To pack smart for Paris in autumn, focus on versatile core outfits, light layers, and choosing the right outerwear to stay warm and comfortable during your stay.
If you have an upcoming visit planned, here’s what to wear in Paris in fall.
What to Wear in Paris in Fall
One of the things I admire about French fashion is that it always feels easy and effortless regardless of the season. The French don’t wear athletic wear unless they’re actually exercising, but even their casual outfits look pulled together with a thoughtful accessory like a great jacket or a neck scarf.
When I pack for Paris, there are a few essentials that always make it into my closet (wide leg trousers, a button down shirt, and medium wash jeans, to name a few). Although Parisian women tend to embrace versatile pieces in generally neutral colors, there is absolutely room to play here in terms of style, especially in the fall when you can layer and get more creative with your outfits. Perhaps you lean more toward preppier tweed jackets and feminine ballet flats. Maybe you prefer more masculine pieces like tailored pants, blazers, and loafers.
Check the Weather
Just like many places in the fall, Paris experiences a variety of temperatures and weather conditions.
At the beginning of fall in late September, temperatures can vary from the mid to high 60s (F), but you may occasionally get a warmer day in the low 70s.
In October, think classic fall weather: The average daytime temperature is 63° F, so jeans, light layers, and a jacket are definitely needed.
By the end of October and definitely in November, you’ll want to bundle up a little more. Temperatures hover around 55° F during the day but significantly drop in the evening. It can even dip into the 30s the closer it gets to early December.
Paris weather is always a little unpredictable and fickle, so as you’re packing for your trip be sure to check the weather. It’s always a good idea to throw in an extra sweater, just in case.
Despite the forecast, however, you should also be prepared for several rainy days and pack a travel umbrella. Even when traveling to Paris in the summer, I have experienced rain.
Pick a Color Palette
I am all about efficiency when it comes to a travel wardrobe, and I’m fairly strategic with it because I hate overpacking. My two biggest tips to help avoid overpacking are these: stick to a color palette and focus on bringing versatile pieces you can dress up or down.
When I begin packing, I like to pull out all possible options to pack. From there I take note of the colors and lean into the ones that occur the most.
I also pack items I can wear more than once, layer or wear alone, and mix and match with other items in my suitcase. Plans can often change on vacation, and I like the peace of mind knowing I have things I can style in more than one way instead of overthinking several additional outfits.
Prioritize Comfortable Walking Shoes
Unless you have a specific fancier occasion for your fall Paris trip, prioritize comfortable walking shoes like lifestyle sneakers, loafers, ballet flats, or boots. Paris is a walking city, and all of these are good options that can be worn while sightseeing.
Paris Fall Essentials
Pack Layers
Fall weather can be quite unpredictable, with random temperature peaks and valleys all in the same day. When visiting Paris in the fall, dress in light layers that you can add or remove throughout the day.
Paris Outfits & What to Pack in Fall
Versatile Jeans
Denim is a Parisian wardrobe staple, so be sure to pack at least one pair of jeans. I typically favor classic straight leg jeans because they go with a lot of tops as well as footwear options.
If I’m going for a longer period of time, I may toss in a pair of black jeans or a pair of jeans in a more relaxed style.
Black Pants
Wide leg trousers instantly elevate any outfit and are a great alternative to jeans when you want to feel a little more polished. Pair with blouses, sweaters, tees and loafers, flats, and sneakers.
A pair of black pants is like a little black dress – they work for everything.
Button Down Shirts or Chic Blouses
I always pack several of my favorite basic tees to wear alone or layer under sweaters, but I also pack a few button down shirts or chic blouses that work for museum days, dinners, and general sightseeing.
A classic cotton blue, striped, or white button-down shirt will match with everything, as does a denim shirt. Or, try silk blouse for something a little dressier. Both can be worn tucked into jeans or trousers.
Cozy Sweaters
Sweaters are a staple for Paris in fall and you can’t go wrong with a lightweight cashmere option. Wear alone on mild fall days, and when it’s colder, simply add a t-shirt under it and throw on a coat for added layers. This oversized v-neck sweater is a cozy option, and if you’re looking for cashmere with a little more warmth, you can’t go wrong with this sweater. I also love sweaters from the French fashion brand Sezane, and every year I pick up one or two styles from them.
Since sweaters are fairly durable, plan to wear them multiple times during your trip. I recommend neutral colors so you can mix and match with different outfits.
Little Black Dress
I love getting a little dressed up in Paris, so I always pack a black dress. I’m a big fan of a simple slip dress because it takes up minimal space in your suitcase and looks super chic with a blazer and boots. Alternatively, try a sweater over your dress and it instantly looks like you’re wearing a skirt instead.
Blazer
A Parisian wardrobe is all about looking polished yet effortless, and a key piece to help achieve this is a blazer. Whether you prefer a classic blazer or a more oversized style, this tailored topper is a simple, timeless layer that works over jeans, trousers, and dresses. It’s the perfect third piece that strikes a balance between sophistication and versatility.
Trench Coat
If you’re visiting Paris at the beginning of fall in late September through the end of October, you can’t go wrong with packing a trench coat. I personally prefer tan, but black, forest green, and gray are also neutral colors that work with a variety of clothing.
The trench coat is a wardrobe staple for French women and men, but this jacket is more than a fashion statement. It’s practical, durable, and versatile through the seasons. My tan trench coat has been one of my most worn coats since I got it, and I wear it in spring and summer, too.
Leather Jacket
For something a little more substantial but equally as versatile as a trench, you can’t go wrong with a leather jacket. This is a perfect option for early October and November.
Planning a Trip to Paris?
Get my curated guide to the City of Light, with over 60 pages and 100+ recommendations, plus travel tips, basic etiquette, an interactive map, and more!
Wool Coat
By November, the fall weather in Paris is very brisk and chilly, so you’ll probably want to skip packing a trench coat and bring a wool coat instead. I’ve been a fan of Aritzia wool coats for a long time and have owned several styles over the years. This wool coat from them was my latest purchase.
Snow in Paris in November is rare, but possible. If there is snow it usually doesn’t stick, but in late November 2024 Paris experienced the biggest November snow storm it had in over 55 years.
Comfortable Sneakers
Comfortable walking shoes are a must for Paris. Between wandering museums, strolling the sidewalks near the Eiffel Tower, and Paris being a major walking city, you don’t want to be here with shoes that hurt your feet.
Regardless of the season, sneakers are always my most worn and most comfortable shoes when I’m in Paris.
If you want to look more like a local during your Paris trip, don’t pack the running shoes that you wear to the gym. The French only wear these when they are exercising. For everyday sneakers, choose lifestyle styles, or fashion-forward options that feel more considered.
Some sneakers that I always see Parisians wearing:
- Adidas Samba sneakers
- Chunky New Balance sneakers
- Veja sneakers
- Adidas Gazelle sneakers
- Converse All Star sneakers
Bring a pair of everyday sneakers that work with a variety of your outfits. When in doubt, white sneakers always work since they’ll match with everything you pack.
Flat Shoes
For as much as I love my sneakers, there are times in Paris when I want a dressier shoe. Simple ballet flats or loafers are smart casual options that work with dresses, skirts, trousers, and jeans.
Find one of my favorite pairs of loafers here.
Ankle Boots
Ankle boots are durable shoes that can hold up to lots of walking. They’ll also keep your feet warm in the cold, and dry on rainy days. Look for waterproof boots or smooth leather options so that you don’t have to worry about any suede getting damaged.
Low Block Heels
Trust me when I say that you do not want to deal with skinny heels on the cobblestone streets of Paris. If your travel plans require you to bring heels, opt for a low block heel that you can easily walk in.
These ankle boots have been comfy go-tos of mine for years, even through the streets of NYC. I also love the barely there low heel of these knee-high boots.
Other Essential Accessories
- Compact travel umbrella for rainy days
- Travel steamer (this one has dual-voltage)
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Outlet adaptors
Paris Fall Essentials
