PACKING
Classic pieces easily combine into chic Paris-ready outfits
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Spring in Paris — cherry blossoms and magnolias perfume the sir, café terraces come alive, and outfit planning for the erratic spring weather can be daunting.
With wildly varying daily temps, bursts of rain, and grey, chilly days that don’t feel like spring at all, where to start? Following a few guidelines can help create comfortable, classic outfits for a spring trip to Paris, and any weather that comes with it.
Spring Outfit Guidelines
- Prepare for rain. A trench coat or other raincoat is a must. Pack an umbrella
- Take a minimum two walking shoes in case one gets really wet
- Pack layers that are warm but not bulky (more below) and lightweight items for warm days
- Natural, breathable fabrics are best
- Accents with color add a spring flair to outfits
- Dresses and skirts are a nice addition in spring
Spring 2025 Outfits for Paris
I am going to Paris in early April 2025 and since I am trying to pack light, I have put together a wardrobe of Paris outfits that fits in a carry-on bag; I’m loving butter yellow right now, but any accent color would work. If you would like, you can jump ahead to that section by clicking the blue button just below.
I love that this gorgeous cardigan goes equally well with trousers, a skirt and jeans (pictured above). I will be updating this post with more outfit pictures from my April trip to Paris.
I will return to the “carry-on wardrobe” further down in this article. First, I am sharing examples of outfits I have worn on my recent Paris trips.
When I pack for Paris, I choose classic pieces, mostly in solid colors, that mix and match easily. We might call it “outfit math”; by starting with the right pieces, it’s simple to make the outfit equation work.
Paris Spring Weather - What to Expect
Spring arrives in Paris in mid March, when flowers start blooming, and it continues into June when days can be as hot as summer. So weather will vary a lot and temps can see huge swings. In March, evenings can still be very cold — expect a range between 40°F (5°C) to 55°F (14°C) with potential for rain. And a chance of much warmer days mixed in. I am writing this in late March and Paris is 68°F (19°C)!
In April the swings continue with lows around 45°F (7°C) and highs in the low to mid 60s (16-17°C). April gets it all — a mix of sun, rain, grey skies and warm, mild days. May sees warmer temps but is also the rainiest spring month. Lows average around 50°F (10°C) and highs are in the upper 60s (20°).
Outfit Math - Classic pieces work easily together
Coats for Spring in Paris
The Outfit: trench + lightweight travel pants + cashmere sweater
The reality of Spring in Paris is you will be wearing a coat. You will likely have at least some rain and nights are cool, so you’ll wear it then. In Paris last May, I wore my trench coat almost every day (above photo). My advice is pick a functional, stylish coat you love. It’s your key spring piece. I also always pack a crewneck or v-neck sweater, in lightweight wool or cashmere. It’s an easy layer to add on a cool day.
Besides a trench, I might bring a packable rain coat — sometimes both.
Also pictured above are Athleta travel pants (they don’t wrinkle!), a Naadam cashmere crewneck sweater and a striped button-up by Sézane (size up). Lightweight white leather sneakers are very versatile for spring. They work with pretty much everything.
The Outfit: cotton jacket + cotton skirt + sneakers
Beyond a trench coat, I like the option of a lightweight jacket like the “work jacket” pictured above. It is not lined so ideal as a lighter layer. I paired it with a patterned skirt by Marine Layer. My skirt is sold out, but I’ve linked the same style, just a slightly different pattern. And the same lightweight white sneakers. The scarf in my hair is vintage.
Trousers and button-up shirts
The Outfit: trousers + oxford shirt + sneakers
Striped Tops
The Outfit: striped marinière with trousers + sneakers
What is more French than stripes? No need to answer; it’s a rhetorical question. Since striped shirts — known as marinieres in France — are synonymous with sailors and the sea, it’s the perfect nod to summer, just ahead. Pair this one with jeans, a solid midi skirt, or trousers as I did here. Navy and white is the classic but color variations are plentiful and nice for spring.
A classic mariniere, lightweight trousers and sneakers. What could be easier? I also have a striped cotton sweater I often take to Paris.
Blazers for Paris Outfits
The Outfit: blazer + tee + cropped trousers + pumps
I always travel to Paris with a blazer — it instantly elevates any outfit and in spring it’s a layer for added warmth. I love it with cropped trousers. Mine are by the French brand, ba&sh; I’ve linked a similar pair. I chose pumps for this outfit. Pointy heels aren’t good on cobblestones; go with a wedge or pump.
A blazer also pairs perfectly with jeans, and over a dress. Pick a color that works best with your other wardrobe pieces. I usually opt for black or navy — yes even for spring. I add color in other ways. But feel free to go wityh a lighter color — it’s spring.
This cotton-linen blend blazer by Alex Mill is similar to mine and perfect for spring. My Pumps are Vivaia. I found they were comfy enough for a small amount of walking — not extensive.
Skirts for Spring in Paris
The Outfit: patterned skirt + v-neck tee + belt + loafers
If your spring trip is in June you may well get warm days and having a skirt is a nice option. I always bring a skirt to Paris in spring, often a midi length but sometimes shorter. Choose a skirt style that works for you.
It’s often the one and only patterned piece I will bring because my tops are neutral so they mix well. I mixed a black tee (similar) with a J.Crew skirt and Gucci loafers. I would opt for more of a midi skirt if I were buying one now, and I love the skirts by Boden, such as this green with a pattern – perfect for spring! Boden’s quality is excellent.
Spring Dresses for Paris
The Outfit: dress + ballet flats
I love dresses for warm weather travel and spring is a lovely time to include a dress or two among your Paris outfits. Above, I am in the Paris Tuileries Garden wearing a dress by Ulla Johnson. It paired perfectly with ballet flats. For Paris, I would go with a more muted pattern or a solid color. But you choose what feels good. I think spring is a nice time to lean into some color.
My dress is a few years old; here are some similar styles that would be lovely for Paris in spring. On the more colorful end, Tuckernuck’s Wild Zinnia Linen, or Boden’s Midi Paradise Green Midi. If you prefer something knee-length, and understated, this Navy Linen Shirtdress by J.McLaughlin. For a budget-friendly option, I like the Quince Linen shirtdress. So many pretty colors.
Ballet flats are a classic choice with a dress but also look great with jeans! Mine are by Cole Haan. Here are some similar options: Tory Burch Cap Toe Ballet Flat, Margaux The Pointe and a budget-friendly option by Quince: Italian Leather Cap-Toe.
Shoes for Paris in Spring
My shoe formula for Paris in Spring is one pair of ultra comfy sneakers, and minimum one other pair I know I can wear all day, and that I don’t mind getting wet. It could be anoher sneaker or a loafer like I am wearing below. (These won’t be ruined if they get wet). My third pair might be a nicer loafer or something slightly dressier to wear in the evening, like a spring sandal.
Here are a few current favorites that I wear often in Paris in Spring. And I don’t mind if they get wet: Vivaia Loafers, Tom’s Travl Lite Sneakers, All-Birds Wool Runners.
I walked all over Paris wearing my horsebit loafers by Gucci. They were a huge splurge I debated for years. There are many similar styles that are affordable — this one by Quince, and another by Sam Edelman available at Nordstrom. Note, I would not wear these on a rainy day.
As mentioned, in preparation for my April trip to Paris I created a wardrobe of outfits featuring classic pieces. I chose butter yellow to add some color — a yellow cardigan and a work jacket. It’s the perfect bit of spring cheer, regardless of the weather 🌼.
Bonus; this can all fit in a carry-on bag! I’ve linked all the key pieces again here.
Jeans, grey trousers (similar), skirt, yellow sweater (and similar for less), black sweater, yellow work coat, blue oxford shirt, white short-sleeved oxford shirt, blazer (blue or black) black t-shirt, green polo shirt, loafers, white sneakers, packable raincoat, wedge sandals (similar).
Outfits for Spring in Paris
Spring Outfits Paris Packing List
I hope I have convinced you that packing for Paris in spring doesn’t have to be complicated. And that a little outfit planning goes a long way. Here are the 5 steps I use, that might help you plan a Paris wardrobe all your own.
Bon voyage!
- 1. Shop your closet. Look for key pieces that you love and that fit well. Pull them out.
- 2. Lay out everything you have assembled. If you are traveling in a carry-on only, hone in on a color palette to stick with. Discard redundant pieces.
- 3. Identify what you need to buy, if anything. I might buy 1 or 2 new pieces each season to compliment what I have. Especially if something doesn't fit well. Comfort is key for travel.
- 4. Once you have everything assembled, including new items, try it all on together so you know what works with what (I even take pictures). Add belts, undergarments, jewelry, so you have all you need.
- 5. Leave room in your luggage! Shopping in Paris is a lot of fun.
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