Winter Fashion: What to Wear in Paris in Winter?

Parisian winters? What a glorious place to be. Winter in Europe is a gloomy time, to say the least, but in Paris there is something very whimsical that remains, even when the cold is at its peak. 

Paris in winter – by Celine Ylmz – Unsplash

Yes, you need to be prepared. No, this does not need to be at the expense of your style and sense of fashion. There is a balance to be found, and I’ve got some winter warmer tips for you!

Top 10 Trendy Outfits to Wear in Paris

Never Forget the Power of the Trench

In autumn and winter, a trench coat is a must whilst visiting Paris. It will protect the outfit beneath it from the elements, while also providing you with a second skin for that chilly breeze.

A trench coat is considered a Parisian staple. Color doesn’t really matter, but tan or black are considered to be the most trendy. When wearing a trench coat in Paris in winter, layer up and then always do the coat up properly. Fasten all of the buttons and tie the waist bit around you neatly. Alternatively, if you want to leave it open, remove the waist strap entirely, but make sure there are enough layers underneath to protect your chest from the cold. A scarf could be a great accessory in this instance. 

by Alexandra Iva – Unsplash

Berets Aren’t Just For Style

The beret is another accessory that will always be trendy, especially when in Europe. But they hold a very functional role in winter attire for the French citizens. Above how charming they look, berets actually keep the head protected and warm from a winter chill. 

Note that the beret needs to be carefully styled in order to not come off as try-hard. There is also a wrong way to wear a beret; what I mean by this, is that you can physically put a beret on incorrectly.

Beret Fashion – by Jp Valery – Unsplash

Top your outfit with a beret when it’s incredibly understated as is, and there is room for one more accessory. If you’re already donning earrings, sunglasses, a handbag and/or a neck scarf, the beret should stay home.

How to Wear a French Beret like Parisians

Consider a Raincoat Essential

You won’t survive a Parisian winter without one. And no, an umbrella won’t suffice. Even with protection from above, you’ll value having something waterproof over your clothing as you commute through the wet city streets. 

Parisian rainfall is abundant in winter, and it can range from heavy downpour to whispy mist-like spray. The latter is particularly annoying and will dampen your clothing even if an umbrella is protecting your upper body.

by William Daigneault – Unsplash

I recommend a raincoat that folds in on itself and can be easily stored in a handbag or hung off of your belt buckle. 

How to Dress Like a Parisian

Accessories are Key

The way to up your outfit choice in winter in Paris is to accessorize strategically and impressively. There will be weeks when you can’t really leave home without proper protective gear: I’m talking gloves, scarf, beanie, and thermal underwear. 

That said, there is no need to resort to basic garments from hiking or camping stores. Parisians will rarely compromise style for practicality, so rest assured that the city holds all that you need in terms of designer pieces that still do the job in extreme cold. 

by Genessa Panainte – Unsplash

Insulated gloves, woven scarves, classic headwear and heat-tech equipped thermals are part of every local Parisian’s wardrobe. 

Boots, Boots, Boots

And I cannot stress this enough… more boots. The chill of the city will take most of its toll out on your feet, especially if you tend to enjoy walking as your personal mode of transport. 

A good pair of heavy duty boots is an item that will become invaluable to your winter-in-Paris attire. I find thick soles to be the most beneficial in protecting the cold from concrete from penetrating the shoe. 

by Joris Molenaar – Unsplash

A tip is to also invest in a pair of winter boots with adequate space left to double up on thermal socks. In the seasonal peak (around January), just one pair won’t really cut it if you’re out and about all day doing excursions or sightseeing in the city. 

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Turtlenecks are IT!

As soon as the air starts to cool across France, necklines make their way right up to underneath the chin. The turtleneck is the best garment transition from summer to winter, as it almost allows for all existing fashion to stick around, provided a turtleneck layer has been added underneath. 

by Moses Janga – Unsplash

What I mean by this is that anything one would wear in autumn or even late summer, can still we worn indoors in winter, with a cheeky turtleneck (in whatever color) peeping out from under the garment in question. Your favorite thin blouses don’t have to gather dust while the season makes its shifts, they can very much be part of the fun with the correct base layer!