Dress Like a Local: What To Wear in Paris
One of the world’s great fashion capitals, Paris is a famously style-conscious city. For visitors, that can be more than a little intimidating. Begin by leaving behind your athleisure and avoiding anything too flashy or trendy, and you'll be off to a good start. Instead, invest in timeless pieces, edit your accessories, and pick up vintage staples. Whether you want to know what to look for as you look for French styles for yourself or just disguise the fact that you’re a tourist, these tips and tricks can help cultivate that Parisian sense of style and have you feeling très chic.
1. Invest in the classics
Parisians know timeless always beats trendy.
Trends come and go, but style is forever—especially in Paris. If you’re packing your suitcase, leave behind the Shein hauls or clothes that reflect whatever microtrend is popular on TikTok that week.
Instead, do as the French do, and bring along classic, timeless pieces. Get in the longer-term habit of building a curated wardrobe of high-quality staples. Items such as a well-made trenchcoat, a black leather biker jacket, or a perfectly tailored dress never go out of style—and on the streets of Paris, they’ll have you fitting right in with the best-dressed set.
Insider tip: Still need help? Book a personal shopping and styling session upon your arrival, and you’ll soon master that perfectly Parisian je ne sais quoi.
2. Avoid going over-the-top
Great French style is all about keeping it simple.
When in doubt, follow the advice of Parisian fashion icon Coco Chanel: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off.” French fashion tends to lean toward simpler, more understated looks. If you plan to go all-out for your vacation fashion, you'll likely stand out among the locals. To blend in with the Parisian style, pack basic pieces that you can easily mix and match. If you want to try out some French fashion without veering into parody, don a neutral-hued beret or a Breton striped shirt, both of which Parisians regularly wear. Just don’t wear both at once, which is overkill.
3. Opt for a neutral palette
Clothes in Paris tend to murmur, not shout.
Wearing noisy patterns or neon hues in Paris is roughly the equivalent of standing in front of the Eiffel Tower with a baguette in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other and screaming, “I’M A TOURIST!” The prevailing Parisian palette, reflective of the city’s typically grisaille (grayish) weather, leans more neutral.
You can’t go wrong with black, taupe, gray, or cream, while a tastefully-chosen animal print or metallic mixed in offers a bit of pop without garishness. If you do opt for color, stick with a single shade, and style it with neutral layers and minimal accessories.
4. Don’t fear vintage
Learn a Parisian fashion trick and mix newer pieces with vintage favorites.
Paris is famed as a shopping destination—but that doesn’t mean you have to empty your wallet on a wardrobe of fresh-off-the-rack pieces. Well-loved and well-kept vintage is as much a part of the typical Parisian wardrobe as newer designer pieces.
If you’re looking to scoop up some secondhand finds of your own, head to the fashion-centric Le Marais neighborhood—or embark on a guided tour of the city’s antique and flea markets. Keep an eye out for a perfectly worn-in leather bag or pair of vintage Levi’s.
Related: The New Parisienne Author Lindsey Tramuta’s Tips for Shopping in Paris
5. For hair and makeup, less is more
Opt for understated glamor rather than overly primped when in Paris.
Put the contouring brush away, and don’t worry about that hair straightener during your next trip. In Paris, less is more when it comes to your beauty routines.
Instead of a full face of foundation, bronzer, blush, and lip gloss, keep it simple with moisturizer, sunscreen, and a light coat of mascara or a classic red lip. As for your hair, slightly tousled tresses lend a laid-back vibe to your look and read far more Parisian than any hairdo that’s been curled, straightened, sprayed, or gelled into submission.
6. Leave the sweatpants at home
Nothing is a bigger tourist giveaway in the style-centric streets of Paris.
Parisians might not like to get over-the-top dolled up before a night out—but that doesn’t mean they’re all about keeping it casual. One of the most obvious faux pas for any visitor to Paris is wearing loungewear, athleisure, or gym clothes out in public.
Yoga pants? Wear ‘em to yoga. Leggings? Still a no. Comfy sweatshirts, holey sweatpants, and a pair of Uggs? Unless you want to receive scowls when you leave your hotel, save the comfortable clothes for home and head out and about wearing a more polished, tailored look.
7. Get ready to pound the pavement
Certain sneakers get a pass in the famously pedestrian-friendly Paris.
It’s worth bringing some comfortable footwear for your Parisian getaway. After all, this is a pedestrian-friendly city, with cobblestones that make heels tricky. Just make sure they look as good as they feel.
Stylish, minimal sneakers are popular among Parisians and a good way to give your outfit a high-brow flair. Though locals often opt for designer versions from brands such as Isabel Marant, Givenchy, or Zadig & Voltaire, sparkling white low-top Converse or Nikes also do the trick.
8. It’s all about the well-chosen accessory
French style usually favors subtle sparkle, not all-out bling.
In keeping with the typical Parisian penchant for a simpler approach to dressing, the same goes for your accessories. That doesn't mean there isn't a place for a well-styled accent piece: From statement sunglasses and scarves to clutch bags and jewelry, Parisians appreciate a great accessory. Keep it to one (maybe two) great pieces to add just the right amount of flair to your outfit, and leave the kitschy jewelry or over-the-top bags for another trip.
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