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What To Wear In France

If you’re visiting France and don’t know what to wear, you’ve come to the right place! There’s a lot of ground to cover since you can go from packing chic outfits for Paris, to something that’s cozy and functional for the countryside. Here’s a few general tips for planning out what to wear when you visit France.

First of all, France experiences a wide range of climate throughout the year, so you need to pack according to the season. It can easily range from below freezing temperatures in the winter to the occasional sweltering hot summer day hitting temperatures over 38°C (100°F).

It’s also important to know that on top of experiencing seasonal climate, France is divided into multiple climate zones that vary according to its different regions and altitudes. Before you decide what to pack, you need to consider how close in proximity you are to any of these three major factors influencing the climate of the area.

  1. In the northern and western coasts, the climate is oceanic. The Atlantic Ocean brings cool and wet weather resulting in cooler winters than the south and warm but not very hot summers. Be sure to pack a waterproof jacket, waterproof shoes and an umbrella since you’re more likely to run into rain in this region. Pack some warm clothing like sweaters, cardigans, scarves and hats if you’re visiting any time of the year outside of the summer.
  2. In the southern coastal region, the climate is Mediterranean. The Mediterranean Sea creates a warm and dry climate resulting in mild winters and hot summers. Pack your swimwear for the beach and bring lightweight clothing for afterwards. Most of the year you’ll want to pack dresses, skirts, shorts, shirts and sandals. Also don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
  3. Towards the eastern mountainous region, the climate is alpine or subarctic. Overall, the mountains bring a colder climate, however severity still depends on your elevation. On average the area experiences relatively high rainfall, colder winters and cooler summers compared to the rest of France. If you visit during the colder months you’re most likely going to ski or snowboard. Beyond bringing the appropriate gear for that you should pack clothes that’ll keep you cozy, warm and dry afterwards.

How To Dress In France

In general, your clothing should be suitable for the weather and your aim should be to elevate classic staples in an elegant and stylish way. Think of the vibe as high-class casual. When you’re out exploring you should avoid flashy colors, ill-fitting clothing, ripped jeans, sweatpants or athletic wear. Instead opt for tailored outfits comprised of dark or neutral colors that can be worn in layers.

Summer Packing List for France (June, July & August)

The summer style in France is all about simplicity, elegance, and comfort. The overall trend is to stick to classic pieces that flatter your body type and suit your personality. Wear breathable materials and shorts to keep cool while mixing and matching basics along with some accessories to add some flair and color to your outfits. Once you’re done for the day you probably don’t want to get cleaned up and jump right back into your daytime outfit to relax. Always be sure to bring an alternative outfit for your evenings back at your hotel or rental.

  • Breathable Socks
  • Sandals
  • Shoes, Sneakers or Flats
  • Underwear
  • Belt
  • Swimwear
  • 1x Going Out Outfit
    • For men: shorts or capris paired with a Henley shirt or short sleeve button up.
    • For women: capris, breezy wide-legged trousers, shorts or a skirt paired with a top like a classic t-shirt, oversized button-up, or blouse. Alternatively, a one-piece outfit like a sundress.
  • 1x At Home Outfit (athletic shorts and a t-shirt)
  • Brimmed Hat
  • Sunglasses w/ Case

Fall Packing List for France (September, October & November)

During the fall in France, you can enjoy the crisp air, the colorful foliage, and the cozy atmosphere of the cities and villages. To dress appropriately for the season, you should pack some layers that you can mix and match. Focus on outfits that consist of mostly solids of black, grey, brown, cream and camel.

The back half of fall you’ll start to feel more of a chill in the air, and this is a great opportunity to add some depth and personality to your outfits. Bring a few well thoughtout accessories and layering up can instantly elevate your overall look.

Starting with the most classic French accessory I have to recommend scarves. Across the country scarves are a year-round accessory and this is when they start becoming practical for combatting the cold as well! Be sure to pack at least two oversized scarves for your trip and stick to warm neutral colors for the fall like camel, cream, light grey, pale green & hunter or burnt orange.

Beyond that, pack a pair of gloves and a hat that complement each other in color for when you’re out during those colder fall days.

After you enjoy your days out and about, be sure to pack some cozy clothes to decompress in.

  • Socks
  • Booties, Boots, Shoes or Sneakers
  • Slippers
  • Underwear
  • Belt
  • Jeans
  • Sweatpants
  • Athletic Shorts
  • Hat
  • Gloves
  • 2x Scarves
  • T-Shirt
  • Long-Sleeved Shirt
  • Fleece, Sweater or Flannel
  • Light Jacket w/ Hood
  • Sunglasses w/ Case

Winter Packing List for France (December, January & February)

France has plenty to offer during the winter season and if you’re visiting during this season you’re going to need to be prepared. Since ski trips to the Alps and the Pyrenees will require specific clothing, I won’t be covering that in this piece. I’m going to focus more on what to wear in France during the winter when you’re doing more laid-back activities like exploring restaurants, museums, monuments and shops.

Overall, the goal is to stay warm and stylish in the land of fashion. here are some thoughts and outfit ideas for France during the winters that will make you feel cozy and chic.

First of all, you need a good coat to shield you from the elements. You can opt for a wool coat, a faux fur coat, or a puffer jacket, depending on your preference and the weather. Just make sure it’s not too bulky or colorful, as you want to blend in with the locals.

Secondly, you need some layers. A sweater or a cardigan is a must-have, as it can keep you warm and add some depth to your outfit. Stick to neutral colors, like black, gray, or beige, or a pop of color, like red, blue, or green. You can also wear a scarf, a hat, or gloves to accessorize your outfit and keep your neck, head, and hands warm.

Thirdly, you need some bottoms. Jeans are always a safe choice, as they are versatile and comfortable. You can go for skinny jeans, straight jeans, or bootcut jeans, depending on your style and body type. You can also wear leggings or tights under your jeans for extra warmth. If you want to dress up a bit more, you can wear a skirt or a dress with tights or boots.

Finally, you need some shoes. Boots are the best option for winter in France, as they are practical and fashionable. You can choose ankle boots, knee-high boots, or over-the-knee boots, depending on the rest of your outfit and mood. You can also wear sneakers or flats if the weather is not too cold or wet.

Finally at the end of the day pack a cozy at home outfit for when you want to kick your feet up in front of a fireplace and curl up into a ball.

  • Cozy Wool Socks
  • Boots w/ Good Treads
  • Relaxed Shoes or Slippers
  • Underwear
  • Thermal Base Layers, leggings or tights
  • Sweatpants
  • Belt
  • Jeans
  • Gloves
  • Long-Sleeved Shirt
  • Sweater or Cardigan
  • Winter Coat
  • Scarf
  • Earmuffs or Winter Hat

Spring Packing List for France (March, April & May)

France is a beautiful country with so much to offer during the spring. From stunning landscapes and amazing architecture to delicious cuisine and culture you won’t have a dull moment visiting while everything begins to bloom.

Take advantage of the fine weather and pack in a lot of outdoor activities during your visit. Whether you’re exploring the city streets or hiking in the countryside you can expect to walk a few miles a day and you’ll need some sturdy footwear that stays consistently comfortable. Also avoid being caught off-guard if the weather suddenly changes by packing a light jacket and a scarf (it’s always scarf season in France).

  • Socks
  • Shoes or Sneakers
  • Underwear
  • Belt
  • Jeans
  • Sweatpants
  • Athletic Shorts
  • Scarf
  • T-Shirt
  • Light Jacket w/ Hood
  • Sunglasses w/ Case

How To Dress In France – Explore By Area

Popular Destinations:

Aix En Provence
Angers
Arles
Biarritz
Bordeaux
Bruges
Cannes
Courchevel
Lourdes
Lyon
Marseille
Monaco
Nice
Paris
Sand
Toulon
Versailles

All Locations: