In my article, β5 Ways to be a Better Tourist in Paris, β I interviewed Parisians regarding their biggest pet peeves concerning visitors. Along with the loud talking, most mentioned sloppily dressed tourists as an annoyance. OK, so itβs not just enough to ask visitors to dress better, without defining what better constitutes {at least by Parisian standards}. It can seem daunting picking out clothes to visit the fashion capital of the world, but I promise you, the majority of people are not ripped from the pages of Vogue.
How to Pack for Paris in the Fall
Dressing better isn’t about money, but rather style. Odds are that you already have the basic pieces hanging in your closet. Thus, here is my simple guide of how to pack for Paris in the fall without looking like a tourist.
Leather Jacket

Last week, a friend of mine from Texas was in Paris on business. As we sat on a terrace catching up, she casually said, βPeople sure love their black leather jackets in Paris, donβt they?β I looked around, spotting at least six people sporting the look, along with myself. Yes, Parisians love their black leather jackets. Itβs classic, and there are styles to suit anyoneβs taste. There are also faux options for those who donβt do leather. Whether you prefer black or brown, a leather jacket looks as good with jeans as it does over a dress, eliminating the need for another space-hogging outer layer.
Bottoms
Before I started traveling so often, I thought pants needed to be washed after every wearing. Now, with the exception of stains, horrendous sweat, or the worst cigarette smoke smell you can imagine, I now wear my pants three to four times before washing them. Since jeans take up so much suitcase space, I try to pack just one pair: a dark washed skinny jean. The indigo color works day or night, and the tapered leg goes with a multitude of shoe types.

I donβt wear nearly enough skirts, but they are truly great when trying to condense whatβs in your suitcase. For fall in Paris, I suggest a black skirt that hits just above the knee, not only for warmth, but Parisiennes arenβt known for showing a lot of skin. Plus, wearing a short skirt while walking up the metro steps is liable to give the eyes below a show. A skirt works for sight seeing, as well as aperitifs and a nice dinner.
Dresses

A list of what to pack for Paris in the fall is incomplete without a dress. The key is finding a great dress that is multi-functional. Changing shoes, jewelry and a handbag can take a basic black dress from lunch to evening cocktails. As an added bonus, dresses usually donβt take up much room in a suitcase. Opt for a dark colored jersey dress. It wonβt wrinkle, and the fabric works for a number of occasions.
Shoes

Probably the biggest space hog, shoes are my vice. They can make or break an outfit, and should be considered carefully. Honestly, unless youβre going to an event or have a fancy dinner, leave the heels at home. The cobblestones arenβt easy to navigate in the best of circumstances, much less teetering on five-inch platforms. Whether black or brown, I suggest bringing a pair of boots. I wear tall boots pretty much all winter, so in the fall, I prefer short ones, which also go with jeans, skirts, or dresses. Adding a bit of ruggedness with a more polished and/or feminine look is a good thing.

You might think Iβm crazy, but if you want to blend in with Parisians, buy yourself a pair of white athletic shoes. For the last couple of years, the Stan Smith model by Adidas have graced the feet of men and women, both young and old. Low top Converse All-Stars are always a classic choice, too. The kicker is to pair these athletic shoes with clothing items that arenβt athletic or necessarily casual at all. Don your stark-white Adidas with a black dress/skirt, leather/denim jacket, and black tights. I thought it a bit odd when this look first emerged, but itβs grown on me.
Accessories

No matter where Iβm traveling, I always bring two handbags. One is medium to large in size that holds my camera, notebook, and other day essentials. I prefer a satchel or tote, which is more comfortable for me to carry. A zipper is imperative, as pickpockets love to poke their hands into open-top bags. The second is a clutch for night. I often put smaller items such as my wallet and makeup into the clutch, which then fits inside of my larger bag. The items are easier to find, plus it keeps my credit cards and cash even further out of the reach of pickpockets.

The weather in Paris can be quite spastic, so itβs important to be prepared. Warmish days can be sandwiched between cool mornings and cold nights. Blue sky or a grey sky with rain, there doesnβt seem to be a typical fall day in Paris. Thus, I never leave home without sunglasses. And after mid-September, my legs donβt see the light of day until May, unless Iβve escaped to the South of France. Wear a black pair of tights to keep the legs warm and to create a sleek look under skirts and dresses. I wouldnβt call a hat essential, but it sure comes in handy during a downpour or a cold snap.
Packing a few pieces of jewelry helps round out and mix up your wardrobe. I’d focus mainly on earrings and rings, rather than necklaces, because let’s be real. Possibly the single most important item to pack for Paris in the fall is a scarf. No matter the age, gender, or socioeconomic status, just about everyone in Paris wears a scarf. I love them, having more than thirty different scarves. Not only are they utilitarian, but scarves punch up a wardrobe by bringing colors, patterns, or interest to an outfit. There are a million ways to tie them. Look online for tutorials, then get in front of a mirror and practice styling the various shapes.

This post is certainly not a guide to how to dress like Parisiennes. I’m all for keeping true to your style, with a bit of tweaking. Don’t like black? Choose navy, grey, or brown. White makes you look like Casper? Go for cream. The key to packing, no matter the destination, is to find pieces that are practical, stylish, and work together in a multitude of ways. The best advice I have for packing for fall in Paris is choose classic pieces with slimΒ silhouettes, which can be layered for warmth and various outfit options. There you have it! How pack for Paris in the fall {without looking like a tourist}.
Shop this Post
These pieces are perfect to pack for Paris in the fall. Mix, match, and layer these pieces until your heart’s content. Plus, by eliminating any unnecessary items, there’s more room in your suitcase for your purchases. Click on the photos for more details on each piece. Bon voyage!
Note: There are affiliate links in this post, meaning I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my links. It costs you nothing more, but helps keep me stocked in French wine {and a roof over my head}.
Amanda Williams
October 12, 2016You have some very stylish selections here. I particularly like black jersey dress suggestion. This is so versatile. It’s pretty mild and not too wet here in Northern Europe at the moment, but this could change any time. So I’d definitely recommend and umbrella and decent waterproof too.
lily kate
October 12, 2016I really enjoyed this post, loved the combination of fashion and travel! Sounds like you’ve nailed Parisian dressing, that’s for sure. You always look so stylish! I don’t have an Autumn Paris trip on the horizon but sure wish I did so I could pretend to blend in π
I once wore black tapered trousers, a black top, ballet flats and leopard print scarf to college and was told by 5 people that I looked French haha!
lily kate x
jolihouse.com
Happily Tanned
October 12, 2016Wow! Paris is a fashion capital and I must say you look stunning in those dresses!
I have recently been to Paris but never thought of this dressing style
Brigitte
October 12, 2016Ohh, you definitely look stylish during your travels! I don’t usually even bother to bring multiple bags, dresses etc, unless I go to a warm country. Dress with the weather forecast in mind is my main priority. But I gotta say, I look a little less stylish in my pictures now π
Eniko Krix
October 12, 2016Must say you look very stylist on all your pictures. π
I love Paris. I’ve been there 3 times and about to have my 4th visit!
Karen
October 12, 2016Nice post. I’m personally a dress fan and I think a pair of booties can be so perfect for traveling (and comfy). Also add in some red lipstick and some red for fall!
Diana - MVMT Blog
October 12, 2016Thanks for the tips! I’m going back to Paris in March and imagine the weather will be similar to the weather during the fall. Love the outfits you put together.
Brittany Hemming
October 13, 2016Awesome Post! I am a digital nomad and living out of a backpack and still trying to be stylish is always a challenge. I totally agree with your style choice and I find backing neutral colours and basics is a lifesaver! Shoes are the hard part tho! They take up so much space but you are right they are so essential when it comes to making or breaking an outfit. In my backpack, I have short black boots with a small heel, black Nike running shoes, black sandals and one pair of black flats. I look forward to reading more of your posts!
– Brit
StayCuriousDarling
Sara - I do what I want to
October 13, 2016I love my “leather” jacket and my jeans, although I think I would stand out like the tourist I could be in Paris π
Angelique @ cestangelique
October 13, 2016I loved how helpful this post was. Great job and thank you for all the helpful tips!
Suzanne Spiegoski
October 14, 2016Definitely loved your evening outfits! Especially the all black one with the burgundy open-toe platform heels! C’est magnifique π
Indrani
October 15, 2016Paris, the fashion city of the world! loved these stylish suggestions!
Though I may never take those heels with me, suits uber the most.
Nancy
October 15, 2016Excellent advice, Leah! I purchased a pair of silver Addidas sneakers in a Paris a few years ago and felt like a local (sort of). I opt for the dark wash skinny jeans too – very light weight and I find they travel well. My current favourite is J-Brand, but I will keep an eye out for MadeWell.
Corinne
October 16, 2016Honestly Leah I think you’ve nailed it. I usually groan at these posts, but yours was spot on, leather jackets and jeans, and even the white tennies…Love it!
Vicki Louise
October 16, 2016Great tips! My trick for always traveling with knee boots is to wear them on the plane – leaving more space in the bag! And my leather jacket goes everywhere with me!
Craig Zabransky
October 18, 2016Oui. I always wear my boots on a flight too.
Jenna
October 16, 2016Great tips! I have found the same thing with jeans as well–I used to wash them after every wear but realized they can be worn more than once, especially when traveling and packing light! I need to get better at accessorizing and pack more like a cute small purse or scarf. Cute outfits and suggestions!
Sara | Belly Rumbles
October 16, 2016Firstly some really cute photos. Secondly love your suggestions, very similar to the way I pack in general. You need to feel good about the way you look when travelling and planing how to do it is the key.
Arzo Travels
October 16, 2016I love your style and the clothes. When I am in Paris I am always surprised it is not the city I see the best dressed people though (more Italy, Milan) but your style is lovely.
anto
October 17, 2016Fun post! I never mind too much about the way I look when I travel but for Paris, yeah I always try to be a bit more sophisticated … thanks for the inspiration!
anneklien meanne
October 17, 2016Great tips.
High boots and leather jacket are always essential for autumn outfits thanks for sharing.
Craig Zabransky
October 18, 2016I recall plenty of rain in the fall…. Sure an umbrella helps… But you need stylish rain-wearing shoes for sure….
Stay stylish in the rain, Craig
Sonali Chauhan
November 1, 2016Wonder full collection of all the important part of accessories. Accessories & important thing become more important while you are packing for some special places.
Natalie @ In Natalie's Shoes
December 9, 2016I wish I’d read this before my trip to Paris a few years ago! Looks like I’ll have to take another trip to try out your tips! π
Tami Lee
March 4, 2017I’m making my first trip to Paris next fall-a trip I have been waiting to go on for over 30 years. Other articles I have read state that Parisians hate white tennis shoes and that is how they ‘identify’ tourists. Have you found that not to be true, or is it those horrible white and neon and striped ones? Since I’m only doing a carry on, I need to pack as smartly as I can.
Thanks for any advice π
Leah Walker
March 5, 2017Classic athletic shoes like Chuck Taylor, New Balance, and Stan Smith by Adidas are seen everywhere in Paris. It’s the running shoes you’d wear to the gym that should only be worn when exercising. Those are red flags that you are a tourist.
Linda Mahan
September 24, 2018This is great advice ,Leah ! Love all your post and pics .. thanks for sharing!!