What to Wear in Paris in the Spring
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Although we have a couple more months of winter to go, I’m already dreaming of spring in Paris—cherry blossoms in bloom, rainy days spent at the Centre Pompidou, and soaking up a little bit of sun (fingers crossed) by the Seine. Spring is truly one of my favorite times to visit the City of Light as it comes alive again just before the summer crowds arrive.
If you’re heading to Paris during le printemps, lucky you! But before you pack your bags, you might find yourself wondering what to wear in Paris in spring.
This ultimate guide to Paris spring style has everything you need to pack like a pro. From essential pieces to packing tips, I’m breaking down what to wear in Paris in the spring to ensure you blend in with the locals while staying practical for the city’s unpredictable weather. I’ve even curated a few chic Parisian spring outfits to make your travel wardrobe as stylish as it is functional. Allons-y!
Spring Weather in Paris
Paris weather in the spring can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from chilly mornings to mild afternoons and the occasional rain shower. March tends to be the coldest of months, even seeing some snow. April can be brisk and damp, while May typically brings more warmth and sunshine. I always recommend keeping an eye on the forecast before you leave so you can adjust your travel wardrobe accordingly.
As we’ll cover in a bit, layering is an absolute must for the variable spring weather. You’ll want to be sure to pack clothes that you can add or remove throughout the day, like cardigans, light jackets, and knits. A compact umbrella is also a good idea—you don’t want a sudden downpour to interrupt your café break or a stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg.
What to Wear in Paris in the Spring
Trench Coat
Spring in Paris can be sunny one minute and rainy the next. A classic trench coat lets you layer up stylishly and be prepared for any unexpected drizzle.
I love the A.P.C. Greta trench coat—more of an investment piece, but one that I wear on repeat in the spring and fall. If you’re looking for something just as chic but more affordable, Mango makes a similar style that’s equally Paris-ready. I’ve rounded up more of my favorite trench coats below to make your packing decisions easy.
If your trip to Paris leans on the chillier side, you can also swap the trench for a wool coat. My beloved Max Mara coat is lightweight enough for early spring yet warm enough to keep me cozy all winter long. I recently curated a collection of the best wool coats—check it out for more options!
Read More: The Best Wool Coats for Winter 2024
Jackets
Along with a longer coat, I’d highly recommend packing one or two jackets. There are so many options out there for your Parisian spring wardrobe—and what you pack really depends on your plans.
For an effortlessly cool vibe, a leather perfecto or bomber jacket makes a great option. Both are perfect for sightseeing during the day and easily transition to nighttime, whether paired with trousers and a blouse or a midi dress.
I also love this cotton canvas jacket from AMI Paris that I found while browsing the winter sales. It would make another excellent piece for a casual spring outfit.
If your plans involve chic restaurants or evenings at the Opera, a tweed jacket is a more polished option for spring.
Blazers are another smart in-between piece that you can style for both formal occasions and casual outings. Pair a blazer with everything—from high-waisted jeans and ankle boots to flowy dresses and ballet flats. Just be mindful of materials—some blazers wrinkle more easily, so I’d suggest packing a portable steamer or running a hot shower at your hotel or AirBnb to keep it crisp.
If temperatures take a dip, you can even layer your jacket under your trench coat for more warmth. I’m always cold, so I personally love having a lightweight jacket as an extra layer for when I take off my coat at a restaurant or museum.
Spring Dresses
When the spring weather starts to warm up, dresses are just the pieces to have in your travel wardrobe. Whether you opt for romantic floral prints or timeless solid neutrals, mini and midi dresses are staples for Parisian springs, especially if you’re visiting Paris in late April or May.
On cooler mornings, layer your dress under a trench coat and pair it with tights and boots. By lunchtime, you can wear it on its own when the sun peeks out.
You might be able to get away with a sleeveless dress, but I personally prefer a short-sleeve or long-sleeve style for spring. A little extra coverage is never a bad idea around this time of year. Shop some of the dresses I would wear to Paris below!
Blouses and Button-Down Shirts
A selection of blouses and button-down shirts are always in my suitcase for spring. Tuck them into trousers, pair them with a midi skirt, or layer them under a trench coat—you won’t have a hard time styling these pieces for Paris.
A crisp white button-down is a clear classic, but for spring, why not try light blue, soft pastels, or shades that flatter your color season?
I also like having a few feminine blouses with details like ruffles, embroidery or lace to mix things up while keeping my looks quintessentially Parisian. At the moment, Sézane has some of my favorite blouses—I would definitely recommend shopping there on your trip too!
Lightweight Sweaters
When deciding what to wear in Paris in the spring, layers are key. On those unexpectedly cold days, you won’t regret packing along a lightweight sweater to throw over a blouse or tee for a second layer of warmth. I almost always pack a classic crewneck and a cashmere cardigan for spring—both timeless staples that work with just about everything.
If you’re visiting Paris in March, you might want to prioritize thicker knits over lightweight blouses. And as always, keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your departure. Parisian weather can be full of surprises.
Jeans
A well-fitting pair of jeans is a year-round staple for me, but in spring, they’re an absolute must. Whether you swear by a slim fit, love a classic straight-leg, or gravitate toward white denim, you won’t regret packing one or two pairs.
This season, I’d opt for straight-leg or relaxed denim in classic blue, white or ecru. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with bootcuts and subtle flares, which look so chic with ankle boots and a cozy knit. While skinny jeans are slowly gaining popularity again, Parisians tend to favor a more effortless, relaxed fit.
For your Parisian spring looks, style your denim with ballet flats or loafers during the day, and swap in heeled booties or sleek pumps for an elevated evening look.
Although the French have a reputation for dressing chicly, you’ll see plenty of Parisians wearing jeans and white sneakers!
Tailored Trousers
When in doubt, you can never go wrong with tailored trousers. Whether you pair them with a crisp blouse or a relaxed knit sweater, they’ll keep you looking refined but still approachable.
For spring, swap your go-to black or navy for fresh neutrals like camel, light gray, or cream. These shades instantly brighten your look and feel oh-so-seasonal. While lighter fabrics are ideal for warmer days, hold off on linen until summer—I’d opt for wool or viscose.
As with all great travel wardrobes, versatility is what you’re after. Tailored trousers can easily transition from day to night depending on your styling. For a casual daytime look, pair them with sneakers, then switch to kitten heels for an effortlessly chic evening outfit.
Ankle Boots
For a shoe that seamlessly transitions from sightseeing to Parisian soirées, I’d highly recommend a heeled ankle boot. It’s perfectly casual for the daytime while still feeling dressy enough for a night out.
They’re far easier to pack than knee-high boots, which I also love for spring if you have the suitcase space. My go-to pair are from Jonak (similar option here), which I’ve been wearing non-stop after purchasing them last fall. Suede options are especially on trend this spring—just be mindful of possible rainy days.
Pointy kitten heels and slim stilettos are best left at home unless you plan to Uber to all of your destinations. Otherwise, for navigating the metro and cobblestone streets, a boot with a thicker heel will be more practical.
Sneakers
Paris is a walking city, so your shoes need to be both stylish and practical. Classic white sneakers are ideal for exploring the city during the day. My favorites are the Esplar and Campo sneakers from Veja. They’re seriously so comfortable and the slim design makes them just dressy enough to pair with everything from tailored trousers to dresses. You’ll spot so many Parisians wearing them too, so you’re sure to fit right in.
Ballet Flats
If you’re aiming for quintessential Paris spring style, ballet flats are a classic footwear option. Choose a pair with padded soles to keep your feet happy all day. I’ve worn my Repetto ballerina flats for years, and they are some of the best ones to buy—you might even decide to pick some up while you’re in Paris! What’s also great about ballet flats is that they take up barely any space in your luggage.
Not a ballet flat kind of girl? Loafers are just as timeless. Something slim will always look good, or lean into a lug sole for added height and traction. I love my Madewell Corinne lugsole loafers, which are comfortable enough for long walks. I even wear mine on strolls around Strasbourg, and they hold up nicely!
Silk Scarf
Accessories can really brighten up neutral looks—which I especially love during the spring season! The easiest way is through a colorful silk scarf. Tie it around your neck, wrap it in your hair, loop it through your trousers or drape it over your bag. There are so many ways you can use a simple scarf to elevate your Parisian spring looks without taking up much space in your luggage.
Oversized Sunnies
Sunglasses are the ultimate spring and summer accessory, and right now, I’m all about oversized shades. The drama, the glamour is perfect for Paris. Of course, they’re practical for sunny days, but they also double as the easiest way to elevate a basic travel outfit.
I personally own the Marilu sunglasses from Jimmy Fairly—one of my favorite French glasses brands. Not only do you get 100% UV protection, but they also look incredibly chic and a bit retro. I bought them a few years ago here in Strasbourg, but you can also shop them in the U.S. They’re currently on sale at Anthropologie for $50 off!
Spring in Paris Packing List
Tops
Blouses and button-down shirts
Lightweight sweaters
Striped top
Bottoms
Jeans
Tailored trousers
Midi skirt
Outerwear
Trench coat
Blazer
Leather jacket
Shoes
Sneakers
Ballet flats
Ankle boots
Accessories
Silk scarf
Oversized sunglasses
Crossbody bag
Paris Spring Outfits
You probably have a variety of activites on your itinerary, so you’ll want to have outfits for every scenario. Here are some of my favorite spring looks that are perfect for everything from antique shopping to museum hopping. With a few small changes, you can dress up these casual looks for evenings. Just throw on some heels, add a structured jacket and accessorize with a small shoulder bag or clutch.
Shopping in Le Marais
Brunch at Café de Flore
Exploring the City
Garden Picnic
Cropped jacket / T-shirt / Jeans (similar) / Suede loafers / Basket bag / Sunglasses
Spring is an incredible time to visit Paris, and dressing for it should feel just as effortless. I always find that a mix of chic layers, classic staples, and comfortable yet stylish shoes makes enjoying the city so much easier. I hope this style guide helps you as you prepare for your trip to the French capital this spring!
Packing for Paris made easy—check out these must-read posts:
What are you packing for Paris this spring? Let me know in the comments below.
