What to Wear in France: A French Packing List

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Whether you’re headed to a city, the coast, or the countryside, deciding what to wear in France requires some out-of-the-box thinking.

The French are celebrated for their intuitive sense of style and you’ll feel inspired to channel this when traveling in the country – even if you’re not big on fashion. On the other hand, you’ll want to consider practicality and comfort while always dressing appropriately for the weather. 

But exactly what do French people wear on a day-to-day basis? Can you get away with wearing jeans at a ritzy bistro or is that a faux pas? Is it a cliché to wear a beret in Paris? This post will inspire you with tips on what to wear in France.

How do People Dress in France?

The art of dressing in France is comparable to choosing what to wear in Italy. This is another stylish nation where women and men always put care into their outfits.

However, French people never look overdressed or fussy. Vintage is a yes, flashy gear is a no. Heels are worn only by those who have mastered how to walk in them – flats are fine. When it comes to accessories, cosmetics, and patterns, less is more. Sportswear is reserved for the gym, jersey leggings and hoodies for the home. 

So what do French people wear? On the whole, French people sport a smart-casual look that sees them through day into night.

Tailored (or well-fitting prêt-a-porter) clothing is popular – be it a pair of cigarette or culotte trousers, a pencil or A-line skirt, or a double-breasted blazer.  Parisians in particular typically rely on a neutral palette of black, gray, beige, white, and cream along with one accent color if necessary. Comfort is important as it helps achieve that polished look.

What’s the Weather Like in France?

France is a large country with a temperate climate that is divided into regional sub-climates. When deciding what to wear in France, your first port of call is to check the weather forecast and monitor it in the lead-up to your trip.

Northern France – Normandy, Brittany, and Paris – experiences a continental climate with warm summers, cold winters, and significant rainfall in winter. In fact, the north of France has a similar climate to the UK. This Scotland packing list has some extra pointers for what to wear in France. 

On the other hand, an oceanic climate affects the mid-Atlantic coast of France. It does not get quite as hot as the Mediterranean south and average winter temperatures will gradually decrease the further north you head. This coastline is prone to fog which adds a mystical, romantic twist to the landscape.

Central France generally receives a mix of these two climates.

Southwest France – Montpellier, Marseille, and the Côte d’Azur – receives a Mediterranean climate. Summers are very hot whereas winters are mild but prone to wind and rain. It’s lovely to visit outside of the peak season although swimming in the sea will be off the table. 

What to Wear in Paris, France 

How to dress in France’s capital depends on the season. Therefore, this section summarizes options for different times of the year in Paris. You can replicate these outfit suggestions in other northern cities, such as Versailles, Lyon, and Dijon.

1. Blazer, Trench, or Winter Coat

Paris in the mid-late spring or summer calls for a sharp blazer that will dress up a casual outfit and provide a stylish layer at night. This could be a patterned blazer – such as houndstooth – or a bright color if you’re going for a capsule wardrobe of neutral clothing. Otherwise, pick out a plain blazer in black, gray, or beige.  

If you travel to Paris during early spring or fall, you’ll need something warmer such as a classic trench coat. In terms of what to wear in Paris in winter, you will need to bundle up in something warmer. And, especially if you’re planning on hitting the festive markets, you’ll need waterproof outerwear and an umbrella. 

2. Smart Jeans or Tailored Trousers 

Jeans are an obvious staple for what to wear in France’s cool capital but you’ll need to pack the right pair. It’s best to avoid ripped, distressed, or ill-fitting jeans.

Instead, opt for dark blue or black skinny jeans or drainpipe jeans that you can wear with a button-down shirt or blouse during summer. In the shoulder season months, you can wear jeans with turtleneck sweaters and oversized knits for a cozy ensemble. 

Looser-style jeans are in vogue in the City of Light, especially among young Parisians. Provided that they aren’t scruffy and dragging the pavement, you can get away with wearing wide-leg or boyfriend jeans with ankle boots in winter or urban sneakers in summer. Swap the jeans for tailored trousers such as cigarette pants if you want to save space in your luggage.

Again, those cold, damp winters in Paris call for something else. Woolen or cashmere-blend leggings will feel warmer and more comfortable at this time of year than jeans.  

3. Long Skirts

Long skirts work all year round in Paris. A black side-split skirt over tights and boots will work during the colder months without compromising mobility as you explore the winding streets of Montmartre. In the summer, you can wear it with bare legs and sandals.

Once the weather really warms up, swap the black in favor of a floral midi skirt or a colored skirt with a plain cami or vest. This turtleneck knit sweater/pleated midi skirt combo is ideal for what to wear in Paris during shoulder season. 

It’s also fine to wear shorter styles in Paris, such as miniskirts over tights in winter and smarter, tailored shorts in summer. However, you’ll blend in more with longer designs. As always, the key thing is to choose clothing that fits you well and makes you feel confident.  

4. Boots, Loafers, or Pumps

A good pair of boots will see you through Paris in the fall and winter. As long as they are comfortable and work well with your Paris outfits, you can wear ankle or long boots. These Hunter rain boots are perfect for the drizzly winter months.

In the summer months, you can swap to something lighter like penny loafers or white sneaker pumps. These will coordinate with most outfits and provide arch and ankle support – a necessity if you want to make it all the way through the Louvre. 

5. Season-appropriate Accessories

Choosing accessories to wear in Paris will depend on the season. In shoulder season, a lightweight scarf will keep the chill off your neck and provide a twist to your outfit. Summer calls for oversized sunglasses that you’ll wear around the clock (although you’ll want eyewear in all seasons).  

Winter in Paris calls for the golden triangle of a wooly hat, scarf, and gloves.

To beret or not to beret in Paris? The cap is a bit of a stereotype but there’s nothing wrong with wearing a beret if you feel like it. The worst that can happen, from personal experience, is that other tourists will ask you to pose in their photos at the Eiffel Tower and friendly street artists might offer to draw you in your “little cap”.

Maybe just avoid the cheap ones sold in souvenir shops and pick up one of the nicer ones made from proper wool. Le Béret Français produces lovely, soft bonnets using high-quality wool and it’s even possible to visit their factory in Bayonne.

Rain can strike year round although December is the wettest month in Paris. You’ll want a compact travel umbrella then as well as in early spring.

How to Dress in Southern France

The South of France covers Toulouse and the Mediterranean coastline where French Riviera resorts receive hot summers and mild winters. If you are planning a trip to Nice, Cassis, Marseille, or anywhere in between, you’ll want to add these to your France packing list.

This section focuses on what to wear in France’s sunniest region in the warmer months. You can be further informed by Parisian and rural clothing inspiration in the low season as well as this Italy in the spring packing list. 

6. Flowy Dresses and Skirts

Floaty dresses are the natural choice for dressing in France’s Côte d’Azur. They’ll keep you far cooler than shorts and are glamorous to boot. Just pack the styles that you feel most comfortable in – whether that’s mini, midi, or maxi.

On the other hand, playsuits and rompers will be equally ideal for Southern France if you’re not a fan of dresses. 

The main thing to focus on is the material. Prioritize natural, breathable materials such as linen, cotton, and rayon. And – if you’re looking to splurge – silk. 

7. Linen Shorts and Culottes

Jean shorts are a great choice for early and late summer in Southern France. However, you’ll want to swap to lighter fabrics at the peak of summer. Linen shorts will be your friend!

Culottes are a great alternative to shorts. They look chic and pair well with anything from a cami to a crop top to a knotted button shirt. Plus, you can fling on a blazer while visiting churches or sipping rosé on a shady patio. 

8. Espadrilles

There’s no need to wear spindly high heels anywhere in France (unless you want to, of course). Flat or wedge espadrilles are perfect for what to wear in France’s Mediterranean resorts as they’ll go with all of your summer clothing and keep your feet cool.

9. Cocktail Dress

If you’re a fan of dressing up, seize the moment while traveling in Southern France. But what do French people wear when sipping Kir Royales on a sea-view terrace or attending a yacht party? Throw a cocktail dress, LBD, or formal jumpsuit into your bag if you have your sights set on red-carpet activities. Just avoid over-accessorizing a fancier frock.

10. Wide-brim Sun Hat

If there’s ever been an occasion to don an ultra-floppy sun hat then Saint Tropez it is. A big sun hat is crucial for anywhere on the Côte d’Azur during summer as a means of protecting your scalp and neck. You’ll also need a decent pair of polarized sunglasses. In fact, sunnies are one of the fundamentals of dressing in France – wherever and whenever you travel. 

What to Wear in France’s Rural and Atlantic Regions

Figuring out how to dress in France beyond the cities will be shaped by the climate. The further north or into the highlands, the more layers you will need while heading south means dressing for a warmer climate. It’s not necessary to dress up for a wine tour but there’s no reason not to if you feel like it.

Rural France tends to be more conservative on the whole than the Côte d’Azur. But then again, the western coastline is more casual than the inland villages. On the whole, you can adopt a mix of the previous suggestions on what to wear in France as well as the following staples.

11. Breton Shirt 

The Breton stripe shirt – La Marinière – debuted in 1858 as the uniform for naval officers stationed in Northern France. It originally featured 21 stripes, representing each of Napoleon Bonaparte’s victories. The simplicity caught on with other seafaring and fishing communities across the globe before it was transformed into a wardrobe staple.

Any striped t-shirt or long-sleeved top will come in handy for dressing in France during the day. The Original Breton Shirt Company is actually a British brand but their shirts are flawless. Otherwise, you can find equally chic copycats on Amazon and at most high street and online clothing boutiques.

12. Tea Dresses

Tea dresses are a great idea for what to wear in France in all seasons. Pastels and florals are particularly suitable for summer while warmer colors will suit fall and winter. However, you can absolutely wear any kind of tea dress all year round to save over-shopping. 

During the warmer seasons, you can wear them in the wine regions and villages with bare legs and sandals or white sneakers. On the other hand, they look edgy yet feminine with tights, boots, and a trench coat in the winter months. 

13. Warm Outer Layers

The weather can be variable and unpredictable in rural and coastal France. You’re unlikely to need a jacket during the day during the height of summer….

…until you descend into a wine cellar or the sun sets on your sunset boat tour. Whatever clothing you take, always have a light jacket that you can throw on. A linen blazer, denim jacket, or smart leather jacket will do the trick. During the winter months, you’ll definitely need something warmer such as a quilted jacket, parka, or down jacket. This will be determined by the weather and climate in your specific destinations.

14. Sturdy Footwear 

When traveling in rural French villages and wine regions, you’ll encounter cobbled stone pavements and vineyard trails. It doesn’t really matter what kind of footwear you wear – boots, sneakers, or sandals – just make sure it’s something that will see you through bumpy terrain. 

Rainbow sandals earn the French stamp of approval as they are elegant yet have proper arch support that most flip-flops lack. If you prefer a closed-toe for the cooler months then a pair of leather sneakers will look stylish and protect your feet from puddles and damp grass. 

15. Sun Hat

This Squishee straw sun hat is more suitable for French regions further north and inland from the Côte d’Azur. It will crumple into your main luggage or day bag and resume its normal shape when you take it out. This is useful for when you’re in and out of châteaus, cellars, and churches.