What to pack for Paris in winter
When traveling in Europe it is nice to "step it up" just a tad, but don't worry. Not too much!
I’m a yoga pants girl, in the fact that I still prefer to call them yoga pants and not “leggings” as is the current trend. I mean back in my day “leggings” had a completely different meaning!
Anyway….when it comes to what to pack for Paris in winter I’m all about comfort, but still looking nice. The yoga pants feel, but not necessarily the look.
I am also the epitome of smart packing! I remember when Ryan and I took our first trip overseas to Asia and we had the BIG suitcase…and the medium one…and maybe even the small.
It was the full set that we had registered for when we got married. Why was that a thing? Anyway…
We quickly learned that most countries aren’t set up to receive the GIANT American bags. Especially when traveling “cheap” and taking the metro from the airport to your destination.
Don’t even think about getting a giant suitcase up the stairs or even in a rare elevator of a boutique Paris hotel!
Then you are finally in your room that is European sized and you’ll be hard pressed to find enough space to open up your big bag!
For those reasons and the fact that packing lighter is just easier, I really put thought into what to pack for Paris in winter.
Jump to:
1. Comfy for flying.
I operate on the wear a pair/pack a pair philosophy for shoes when packing. You’ll be hard pressed to find me have a 3rd pair of shoes on any trip, unless there is a special occasion, or a thin pair of flip flops tucked away.
With that in mind I try to wear my “biggest” pair of shoes on the plane. That way I save space in the suitcase!
When thinking about what to pack for Paris in winter, I immediately decided I wanted boots as one of my shoe selections. While they are big, they are versatile and should be good for cold or rainy days.
While I don’t typically wear boots with my yoga pants, I think this look pulls it off.
I refuse to wear pants with buttons or zippers for transoceanic flights. I’m all about comfort!
My favorite boots don’t seem to be sold anymore. They are a classic brown boot from Land’s End.
The “leggings” are my favorite Invigorate leggings from Lululemon in a moss green. I have tried SEVERAL brands and styles of leggings. These are by far my favorite!
I have dear friends who swear by Athleta leggings or even Old Navy. I’ve tried them all. When I finally found the Invigorate leggings I passed down all my Zella’s to my daughter….
You may disagree, but I don’t care.
While I prefer Lululemon leggings, I do love Athleta tops! This tank is a fav because it works for working out, but also under a blazer! I’ve worn it with jeans and a blazer several times.
The tank is slightly ribbed giving it a more of an everyday look rather than a workout tank.
Then I finished off the look with this sweater blazer from JCrew. It pulls the leggings and tank away from workout mode and brings them to match the boot look.
While this isn’t an outfit I rock on a regular basis, I do think it works for an airplane travel day. It also solves my problem of packing boots!
2. Putting the boots to work!
So I definitely need an outfit or two that will work with the boots, or what was the point of bringing them!
I recently wore this sweater dress and received multiple compliments. It is super comfy so after that I decided to add it to my packing list!
I break up the long dress with this H belt. I’ve had this belt for years and while it is a “look alike” belt, I think the quality is pretty darn good! Maybe one day I’ll upgrade to the real thing, but for now I love how this belt easily dresses up a look!
3. Boots covered, what now?
I definitely need another pair of shoes when thinking about what to pack for Paris in winter!
Paris is a walking city so as comfy as the boots are, tennis shoes are still a must. These shoes are usually WAY out of my comfort zone. I’m a pretty plain Jane kind of dresser, but when I saw them I thought, why the heck not!
I have come to love them and think they are just funky enough for a 40 something mom, but not too crazy.
This is a casual look with dark jeans and a cream sweater. I also always travel with a scarf. It is so versatile, from being used as a blanket on a long flight or a wrap when you get chilly.
It also works great to dress up a typically forgettable look. I love how the black and cream from the scarf and the shoes play off each other.
I picked up the scarf months ago from H&M. I swear I just saw it still in their store as recently as this week, but now I can’t find it online. Here is one that is similar.
4. Let’s see that again…
When thinking about what to pack for Paris in winter, or really any trip, being able to reuse pieces helps in that mission of a small suitcase!
This look pulls from many of the looks above, but adds a classic chambray button down. I think a chambray button down is a timeless piece and elevates any outfit. Even if it is just from Old Navy as mine is!
On repeat are the dark jeans, scarf and H belt. Another comfy, yet Paris appropriate outfit!
5. A blazer? A sweater? Both!
I am a big fan of the sweater blazer. It is the dressed up look, but with you know it…comfort! Can you tell I’m all about comfort?!?!
This whole look is again on repeat, except for the addition of a black shell ruffle tank. Again a piece I’ve had for a couple of years from Express.
I really think it helps create a new look, but use pieces I already had packed. The black also connects with the funky tennis shoes I committed to bringing!
6. I’m tired. Can we dress down?
Of course I do always like to have a truly easy outfit in my bag. This one takes the place for this trip and what to pack for Paris in winter.
It is the black version of my favorite Lululemon leggings and Sweaty Betty sweatshirt that may just be the softest thing I own! I tried to find it in the same cream color, but this beautiful red one also works! I may need to pick up another one!
While I’ll plan to wear this on a more casual day (I’m thinking maybe the catacombs) I like having it as an option.
7. Anything else?
I do have a couple of other dresses that arrived from Boden that I plan to throw in my bag, room pending. Stay tuned and be sure to follow me on Instagram. I’ll be updating daily from Paris!
I’ll also be using my tips on how to master the Paris metro!
Bon voyage!
