What to Wear in Paris? A Complete Guide for Tourists (2024)

It's essential to remember that Parisian fashion is tailored, stylish, and conservative with an edge when deciding what to wear in the City of Lights. Nearly all Parisians adore muted hues. In one effortless appearance, the classic French dress can carry you from brunch to work, school pick-up to birthday drinks. It consists of timeless classics that may be worn at any time, in any location, and for every occasion. Maintaining a relaxed appearance while radiating elegance and edge is your goal when donning Parisian style. In addition, the Parisian style also varies greatly depending on the weather and other practicalities. Read on to get a detailed dressing guide for your next Paris trip.

As an avid enthusiast of Parisian fashion, I bring a wealth of firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the timeless elegance that defines the style in the City of Lights. Having immersed myself in the Parisian fashion scene, I can confidently guide you through the intricacies of crafting the perfect Parisian look.

Parisian fashion is renowned for its tailored sophistication, combining style with a hint of conservatism that exudes a unique edge. The key to mastering this style lies in embracing muted hues, a palette beloved by nearly all Parisians. The art of effortless dressing is at the core of the classic French wardrobe, allowing you to seamlessly transition from brunch to work, school pick-up to birthday drinks, all in one ensemble.

The quintessential Parisian dress is a collection of timeless classics that transcend trends and can be worn at any time, in any location, and for every occasion. It's about maintaining a relaxed appearance while radiating an unmistakable aura of elegance and edge. This is not just a fashion statement; it's a lifestyle.

Moreover, Parisian style is not one-size-fits-all; it adapts to the weather and practicalities of daily life in the city. The ability to effortlessly navigate the diverse facets of Parisian fashion is what sets true enthusiasts apart. Now, let's delve into a detailed dressing guide that will elevate your style for your next Paris trip.

Feel free to ask for specific advice or details related to Parisian fashion, and I'll be delighted to share my expertise.

What to Wear in Paris? A Complete Guide for Tourists (2024)

FAQs

What to Wear in Paris? A Complete Guide for Tourists? ›

French women know good jeans—look for straight-leg, in classic denim blue. Pair them with smart blazers or casual knits, flats, or heels. Denim should be one color, not faded, with no fraying or ripping.

Can you wear jeans in Paris? ›

French women know good jeans—look for straight-leg, in classic denim blue. Pair them with smart blazers or casual knits, flats, or heels. Denim should be one color, not faded, with no fraying or ripping.

Is it OK to wear shorts in Paris? ›

France is a free country, you can wear shorts in Paris anytime and anywhere, with a few exceptions where there are actual dress codes (more on that below). Now, just because you can wear shorts, does it mean you're stylish? Does it mean you'll fit in with the locals? Does it mean Parisians will shun you?

Do you need to dress up for dinner in Paris? ›

Most restaurants in Paris are what Parisians would consider 'casual' – jacket & tie are very rarely required. However, casual in Paris is a notch or two above casual in many other parts of the world, for example the USA where wearing sweatpants to a casual restaurant is not out of the question.

What do you wear to see the Eiffel Tower? ›

There is no dress code at the Eiffel Tower. However, we suggest wearing comfortable clothes for your visit.

Is it OK to wear sneakers in Paris? ›

One last tip: don't smile too much. French women don't; it's considered a come-on. Yes, of course you can wear fashionable jeans in Paris, and sneakers as well.

How Americans should dress in Paris? ›

The Practical Paris Packing List
  • Outer layers: Waterproof Light Jacket/ Trench coat. Topper/light coat/structured cardigan.
  • Very small travel umbrella.
  • 2 scarves.
  • 3 pairs of shoes (ankle boots, sneakers, loafers/knee-high boots)
  • Leather, crossbody bag.
  • 1 neutral belt.
  • 3 long-sleeved shirts/nice blouses.
  • 3 light sweaters.
Jan 2, 2024

How not to stand out as a tourist in Paris? ›

To avoid looking like a tourist, you'll want to know what to wear in France. Our advice? Skip the baseball caps, white socks, sneakers, large colorful backpacks, and fanny packs. Instead, opt for dark skinny jeans, plain shirts without logos, and leather shoes.

How do you dress like a local in Paris? ›

Just wear leggings sparingly, and avoid being out and about in sweatpants. Overall, Parisian style is dressed-up-casual and sophisticated. Dressing like a Parisian doesn't mean that you have to give up your personal style -- you're just adapting it to new surroundings.

Do Parisians wear fanny packs? ›

2. Jannelle recently wrote about fanny packs, and holy smokes, the sac banane is A Thing in Paris. Most seemed to be from the brand Rivedroite, and the XL in military green slung over the chest looked especially cool.

Do you just sit down at a cafe in Paris? ›

You will be asked if you want to be seated inside (en salle), at the bar ( au bar), or outside (en terrasse). If you are eating at a café you can usually just pick a seat. Parisians are very intimate so don't worry about sitting close to someone, the tables are very close together.

What special rules must you follow when dining in France? ›

General Rules of Thumb
  • We bring our fork to our mouth, not our mouth to our fork. ...
  • We don't put our elbows on the table (as the man in the blue shirt is doing). ...
  • Try not to make any noise. ...
  • Don't spit your food out. ...
  • Don't put your hands underneath the table or on your lap.
Nov 4, 2022

What do you wear to dinner at the Eiffel Tower? ›

Dress code: formal attire. Shorts (including Bermuda shorts) and sportswear are not allowed. Your gastronomic experience begins as soon as you arrive at the Eiffel Tower with a dedicated welcome and a private elevator reserved exclusively for guests at Le Jules Verne to take you to the second floor.

What can't you bring to the Eiffel Tower? ›

Weapons: Firearms, knives, and any other weapons are strictly prohibited. Large items: Suitcases, large bags, and bulky items are not permitted. Glass containers: Glass bottles, containers, and other glass items are not allowed. Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are not permitted inside the Eiffel Tower.

What is the dress code for night in Paris? ›

For most restaurants and bars, the dress code is dressed-up casual. So, if you do decide to go with a co*cktail dress, the norm is for it to be accompanied by tights and a sweater/light jacket. This isn't because Parisians are against showing skin; it's just not typical for this type of setting.

Is it free to walk under the Eiffel Tower? ›

Can you walk beneath the Eiffel Tower without paying for a ticket? Yes. The Eiffel Tower gardens and esplanade are fully accessible without a ticket, i.e. for free.

Are jeans appropriate in France? ›

French women know good jeans – look for straight-leg, in classic denim blue. To be paired with smart blazers or casual knits, flats or heels. Denim should be one colour, not faded, with no fraying or ripping.

Are jeans acceptable in Europe? ›

Plenty of Europeans wear a T-shirt and jeans, but compared to the USA, these clothes tend to be a much snugger fit (for all genders). If you want a simple outfit that still fits Europe's "smart casual" style, think slim or skinny jeans (often dark-colored or grey and undistressed), and a T-shirt that fits your frame.

Can you wear jeans at night in Paris? ›

More common, though, would be to wear a casual dress (with tights, of course) or rip-free denim jeans with a nice top. Boots and heels are often worn, but it also isn't unusual to spot women wearing sneakers on their nights out.

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