Here’s Exactly What to Wear in Paris in the Fall

There’s nothing more magical than a trip to Paris in the fall — and if you’ve been lucky enough to experience it firsthand, then you know exactly what I mean. Whether you’re planning a trip back to the City of Love or you’re prepping for your very first visit, it can be tricky to figure out what to pack.

Do you need layers? How fancy should you dress? What kind of shoes are best to wear in Paris (and in Europe in general?) The questions can feel endless.

I recently got back from Paris Fashion Week, and figured I would put together a detailed post on what to wear in Paris in the fall. In general, I always recommend timeless, classic pieces that you’ll look back on with admiration.

Below, I’m sharing 14 looks that I have wore during my time abroad in the autumn. All of these would work beautifully for a variety of outings and occasions — and bonus: they’re all comfy and travel-approved!

What to Wear to Paris in the Fall

Look #1: A Striped Sweater and Jeans

Even when you’re not traveling, you can’t go wrong with a striped sweater and a classic pair of jeans. This tried-and-true combo is not only comfortable but it’s also a fall outfit staple that you can rewear long after you return from abroad.

I’m so glad I packed this high-quality knit sweater for my trip since I could mix and match it with multiple pieces. Aside from this outfit, you could easily pair it with a denim skirt and ballet flats or black leggings and knee high boots to get several looks from one item.

p.s. Adidas Samba sneakers are still having a major moment, but don’t be afraid to branch out from the traditional white and black pair. These provide the perfect pop of color while maintaining a neutral feel.

Look #2: Trousers and an Oversized Blazer

The combination of crisp white trousers and a slightly oversized blazer will look cool and effortless every time — and it just so happens to give off a European feel. I love that with this outfit, you can layer lightweight pieces underneath the blazer if needed (a tank, t-shirt, or even a sweater.)

For days that require lots of walking, opt for a supportive pair of sneakers rather than flats, loafers, or anything with heels.

Look #3: A Mini Skirt, Knee High Boots, and a Sweater

Knee-high boots might not be at the top of your Paris packing list, but I’m hoping I make a case for them being included on your next trip. Sure…they are bulky. But if you have the luggage space, they’re a great shoe choice to mix with multiple outfits. When traveling to the City of Lights in the fall, you could likely get away with just packing boots and one pair of sneakers (and maybe heels for more formal occasions!)

The options for styling them are nearly endless, but here, I opted for a mini skirt and a mock neck sweater on top. The result is preppy and polished yet totally practical for a day filled with museum visits, light bites, and shopping.

Look #4: Trousers, a Vest, and a Leather Jacket

Fall typically calls for layers no matter where you are on the map. One of my favorites? A leather jacket. This rich brown pick has a seasonal feel, and it’s highly elevated, making it perfect for a Parisian-style outfit.

On the bottom, trousers are a versatile choice that you can rewear throughout your trip (as long as you have access to an iron or a steamer!) This specific pair has such a great silhouette and is so comfy that you’ll practically feel like you’re wearing sweatpants!

Look #5: A White Mini Dress and an Oversized Blazer

Another piece that you might not necessarily think of packing for Paris in the fall? A white mini dress. While the weather is quite moody (and generally dependent on the exact month you’re visiting), I have found that there can be some warm days in midst of autumn. Plus, you can easily layer a mini dress with a sweater or blazer on top.

This is an ideal outfit to wear to lunch or on a coffee run — and socks and ballet flats make for a cozy and chic shoe choice. You could also skip the socks if you prefer a more classic look!

Look #6: A Simple Black Dress With Heels

It doesn’t get more classic than a sleek black dress and dainty heels. This outfit is so easy to put together yet looks elevated and polished. You could wear this from any occasion — to brunch with friends or to grab an afternoon espresso.

Because the fall temperatures in Paris can be somewhat moody, I’d recommend bringing along a jacket, like this cotton and linen find that I wore, to ensure you’re ready for anything the weather might bring.

Look #7: A Striped Cardigan, Black Denim, and Sneakers

For the days that you’re planning on walking around a lot, I’d highly suggest sticking to what you feel most comfortable in. For me, this looked like a comfy pair of denim, a basic tank, a striped cardigan, and white sneakers.

Also, when it comes to shoes, it’s best to opt for sneakers when you know you’ll be on your feet all day. That way, your exploring won’t be compromised by uncomfortable shoes.

Look #8: A Leather Skirt and a Sleeveless Top

As you can see, this is the perfect look to take you from day to night. I love wearing a leather skirt throughout the fall and winter months, but the piece feels especially appropriate to wear during the fall in Paris. It’s comfortable yet looks chic and sophisticated.

Pair it with a white tank or bodysuit (I love this one) and then throw a knit jacket over your shoulders to tie everything together. You could always swap out the heels for flats if you plan to do a lot of walking.

Look #9: An Ivory Turtleneck, Black Pants, and a Baseball Cap

The turtleneck that I’m wearing in the photo above is unfortunately sold out, but this sweater vest has a similar vibe and would make a great closet staple for transitional weather. You can easily tuck it into a pair of black pants, whether you’re wearing jeans or trousers.

Also, a simple way to give an outfit a finished look (and a way to avoid styling your hair) is to put on a baseball cap. In my opinion, it makes for the perfect travel outfit and it just adds a finishing touch.

Look #10: A Wool Skirt, Blouse, and a Cardigan

I’ll never tire of wearing wool pieces during the fall and winter — they just feel so seasonally appropriate. This little skirt was a recent find from Sezane and I could not love it more. It’s the perfect length and it looks adorable with so many tops in my closet.

I’d consider this the ideal look for a busy day in Paris. From shopping to brunch, this outfit will keep you cozy without sacrificing style. An added perk: You could pair just about any shoes with it!

Look #11: A Midi Skirt, Thigh High Boots, and a Sweater

All of these pieces are also from a recent Sezane haul I did, and I’m so happy I packed them all for my Paris trip. I’ve always been drawn to outfits that incorporate tall boots, and as soon as I came across this pair, I knew I had to get my hands on them.

If you’re traveling to Paris during a particularly cool week in the autumn, tall boots can offer the perfect alternative to wearing jeans throughout your trip. They cover your legs and can keep you much warmer than an ordinary pair of shoes would. Plus, they look so pretty when styled with a midi skirt and sweater.

Look #12: A Lacey Blouse and Trousers

Because Paris feels like such a timeless and feminine destination, a white lace blouse feels like a no-brainer to incorporate into your outfits. I matched my blouse with a classic pair of dark gray trousers, but this knit pair is also super cute.

Complete your look with dainty jewelry pieces, like a gold necklace, tennis bracelet, and small hoop earrings.

Look #13: A Striped Tank Top and a Tulle Skirt

Is there anything that feels more special than wearing a tulle skirt? While this isn’t a piece that you’d necessarily wear on an everyday basis, it’s basically made to be worn during a trip to Paris. This is a look that has been on-trend for decades, but you can give it a modern twist by adding accessories, like this leather belt.

Look #14: Wide Leg Jeans, a Tank, and a Sweater

This is another great “all-day wear” option while wandering about the city of love. The black ribbed tank could work with so many pieces you pack, and the same is true for the jeans, sneakers, and sweater. This is an outfit you could definitely wear a variety of ways throughout your trip.

Which outfit is your favorite? Let me know in the comment section below!