I have been fascinated with Paris since I was a teenager. I still remember how excited I was to sign up for high school French, dreaming of the day I’d be fluently speaking the romance language as I tromped around the city in a colorful beret. While I haven’t exactly mastered the former (yet!), I did get the chance to do the latter while celebrating my 40th birthday in France. I had a pretty firm grasp on what I wanted to do (Versailles! The Eiffel Tower! Notre Dame!), but one question loomed large ahead of my trip: What to wear in Paris?
I spent hours curating ensembles I thought would not only hold their own in the fashion capital of the world, but ones that would allow me to comfortably explore the city. (Read: outfits built around flats, flats and more flats for walking.) I was so set on my looks, in fact, that never once did I even think to look at the actual temperatures in Paris for the dates that I’d be traveling. (Foolish? An understatement.)
As it turns out, Paris is quite cold in October — particularly when you’re used to 100-degree temps every day. The Parisians were in full-on winter coats, and I had just one thin leather blazer on hand with which to warm myself. I managed just fine in the sun, but nights and early mornings were brutal (think high 40s to low 60s), so I highly recommend learning from my mistake and opting for at least one thicker coat should you travel there around the same time of year.
Apart from that one (very large) fashion hiccup, however, I have to say: I think I nailed it.
Below, everything I wore for my three-day stint in Paris.
What to Wear in Paris
Day 1: Notre Dame
We went almost straight from the airport to a walking tour of the Notre Dame cathedral, so I was aiming for something extremely cool yet semi-comfortable. (A necessity, considering I’d been wearing the same outfit since leaving for the airport a full 24 hours prior.) I think the below items held up rather well, if I do say so myself.
Black beret ($11): Yes, wearing berets in Paris gauche. According to my La Petite Frenchie tour guide, in France, they’re typically only worn by intellectuals or farmers. But they also gave my outfits just the right amount of oomph, and where else was I ever going to wear them? *Shrugs*
Anthropologie Fruit & Icon Drop Earrings ($38): For some reason, I had it in my head that Parisians swanned about drinking dirty martinis all day. (Fun fact: It’s the dry martini they actually favor, not the dirty.) Regardless, these quirky olive earrings were a staple of my trip, and I thought they went quite nicely with this eccentric bustier top.
Amanda Uprichard Leather Wallace Blazer (N/A): I was inspired to pick up this little leather blazer after seeing a photo of Winona Ryder in one, and it definitely came in handy in Paris — it went with every single look I packed. (Can you say space saver?) Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite warm enough for Paris’s October temps, so if I had to do it again, I’d probably pick something thicker; albeit with a similar cut. That said, if you’re going in August or September, a leather blazer will be clutch, and this Superdown option ($98) is just as chic as my sold out one.
Jonathan Simkhai Bustier T-Shirt (N/A): I bust this little Jonathan Simkhai Ren bustier tee out any time I can (it’s too special not to), and I couldn’t think of a more perfect place to wear it than Paris. If you’re looking to recreate my look, this Fashion Nova number ($25; $17) has a similar vibe.
Zara Flared Crop High-Waist Jeans ($50): These jeans are annoying difficult to button, but worth it for the lifted tush and cool girl vibes.
Rothy’s The Point Flats (From $155; $79): I’ve heard miraculous things about Rothy’s for walking, and after hiding these pointed beauties ones away at the back of my closet for years, I finally had the perfect getup to try them out with. The verdict? Sufficient. My toes felt a little sore at the top the next day, but they didn’t give me blisters and I was still mobile, so I’m calling it a win.
Banana Republic Micro Mini Pouch (N/A): If I wouldn’t have had this sold-out leather mini on hand for my lipstick, this circular Telfar pick ($155) surely would have been my next pick.
Bandolier Rayna phone crossbody ($98) and Leopard Wallet ($88): I brought not one, not two, but three different Bandolier phone cases with me to Paris, including this pony hair leopard wallet option. They’re a dream for travel, since they keep your phone and wallet safely on your person at all times. What’s more, the front crossbody design makes you less susceptible to pickpockets than a traditional purse would.
Night 1: Francette
I had planned to wear my Miss Circle Cait dress (see below) for pictures near the Eiffel Tower, as Francette features a fantastic view of the monument: It’s set on a barge just across from it. Sadly, it was in the mid-40s that night, so I quickly pivoted to jeans and a dressy top I had on hand. (You know, just in case.)
Diff Eyewear Emily in Paris Beret ($29): For nighttime, I swapped out my black hat for a red one to pick up on the colored flowers in my shirt.
Mango floral halter (N/A): My exact Mango rose-print satin shirt went quickly, but this Peppermayo one ($75) would make for a great stand-in. Something about the romantic floral design just screams “Paris” to me.
New York & Co. Jeans (N/A): Any dark wash skinnies would work here, though I wore an old pair from NY&Co. This NYDJ pair ($129) comes in a similar blue-black hue.
F. Major The Pump ($249): The brand sent these my way to test ages ago, and I’ve been wearing them religiously ever since. The basic silhouette goes with just about everything, but the real draw is the foam insert that’s designed to give you all the comfort of a walking shoe in a heel. While I don’t know that they’re a perfect substitute for a pair of Kiziks (my sneaker of choice), they’ve never made me cry, and for how often I wear them, that’s saying something.
Day 2: Versailles
For day two, I knew we’d be roaming the grounds of Versailles, so I needed an outfit that would be both photogenic and walking friendly—no boots or heels allowed. (New York has done me dirty one too many times.)
I settled on a darling little printed tweed set and a pair of flats, using my accessories to do the heavy fashion lifting.
Lucy Paris Jacque Tweed Jacket ($95; $39) and Iman Skirt: This matching tweed set was nearly sold out when I picked it up last year (I had to order the jacket and the skirt from two different stores), but it was definitely worth the effort. Not only was it the warmest thing I packed (it’s much thicker than it looks!), the Gossip Girl-esque print checked off all my photography pre-reqs. (Psst—this two-piece Target or Aqua set will help you emulate it.)
Diff Eyewear Emily in Paris Beret ($29): Another day, another beret: Such was my motto in France! The red color of this one made it even more touristy, but frankly, my dears, I didn’t give a damn.
Everswe Tights ($8): I actually had these tights in mind for the dress below (I’ve been dying to try a monochromatic look), but it didn’t pan out the way I’d envisioned. They did, however, add a delightful pop of color to my tweed look that played perfectly off my beret.
Lands’ End Essentials Ballet Flats ($125; $89): I picked these up ahead of my trip for the cushioned footbed, and they served their purpose well: They got me through 18,000+ steps without so much as a blister. That said, I did wear them with tights, so I can’t say whether my extra-sensitive heels would’ve fared as well had they been bare. To be determined… just not in Paris.
Betsey Johnson Baguette About It Bag ($118; $88): I’ve never felt more chic than I did when a real, live, French woman asked me where I got my purse as I was picking up my morning croissant. This novelty bag is truly everything. Le sigh.
Bandolier Leather Emma Phone Crossbody ($112): I brought this Bandolier specifically for the red hue though I prefer the Rayna above for space. The wallet of this one is super tight for the amount of cards I like to keep on me (five). That said, if you can pare down a bit, it’s gorge.
Night 2: Little Red Door
Miss Circle Narelle Dress ($249): The exact Miss Circle Cait dress I wore to Little Red Door bar in Paris is sold out, but the brand’s Narelle dress is a very close second as far as the silhouette goes. I wasn’t sure what the vibes at this trendy speakeasy would be, and I was worried I might be too fancy, but I was going to be damned if I missed out on the chance to wear this work of art out on the town. Besides, Little Red Door, little red dress… it just seems right, no? (Spoiler: It worked out just fine.)
Polka dot tights ($27): Though I had planned to wear this one bare-legged, I was happy I packed a pair of polka dot tights for even the tiniest bit of added warmth—particularly since we had to wait outside for nearly an hour before heading inside.
Lisa Vicky Amplify Sandals (N/A): The suede fabric of these makes them perfect for dressier looks. My exact pair is sold out (what can I say, I dug deep into my closet for these gems!), but there’s a very similar pair at ASOS ($50) that would easily get the job done.
Day 3: La Petite Frenchie Tour
For day three, I knew I’d be taking photos around the city with La Petite Frenchie Tours (highly recommend!) so I really went for the fashion gusto with the most Parisian look I could muster.
H&M Teddy Fleece Jacket ($30; $26): Truth be told, this teddy fleece wasn’t originally part of my look, but it was so cold and drizzly on the third day, going coatless wasn’t really an option. Thin as it is, its coziness was still rather welcome.
Diff Eyewear Emily in Paris Beret ($29): If you haven’t gathered by now, pops of red are kind of my thing—eat your heart out, Emily.
Sonia Rykiel Striped Floral Sweater ($470): Fans of Sex and the City might recognize this top from Carrie Bradshaw’s own stint in Paris—she wore the original 2003 version in season 6, episode 19: “An American Girl in Paris: Part Une.” Needless to say, I had to have the 2025 reissue for my “An American Girl in Paris: Part Deux,” and thought it was even more special to be able to immortalize the moment with my photos.
Frame Le Slim Palazzo Patch Pocket Jeans ($288): These reminded me of Jessica Biel’s incredible patch pocket jeans in The Better Sister and somehow don’t drag the ground despite my short legs.
Coach Leather Sienna Slides (N/A): These little red slides (*swoon*) really did me proud with how well they tied this look together. As with many of the items on this list, this version is sold out, but if you’re willing to spend a bit more, Gucci still has a gorgeous lookalike pair ($655) up for grabs.
Betsey Johnson Baguette About It Bag ($118; $88): The bag was fabulous enough to warrant a second appearance, n’est-ce pas?
Night 3: Bar Hemingway
For our last night in Paris, we glammed it up at the Ritz: more specifically, Bar Hemingway, where Ernest Hemingway once drank. It’s swanky, it’s intimate, and it was just the place to bust out my best newspaper clutch, coin purse heels and rosette halter to bid au revoir to the city.
Zara Floral Halter Bodysuit ($60): This slinky little top requires some careful maneuvering in the bra department, but the rosette detailing was right on theme with the roses being served alongside every drink.
Frame Le Slim Palazzo Patch Pocket Jeans ($288): These jeans came out to play once more, since they added nice balance to the ultra-slim top.
Anne Klein Faceted Crystal Ring Watch ($75): Kevin got me this stunner for Christmas, and “obsessed” is an understatement.
Gosasa Snake Watch ($40): You’ve probably seen this viral Bulgari dupe floating around online, and I’m here to confirm that it’s entirely legit. While it’s certainly no comparison for a $7,000 watch, it looks nice enough on (I have a sold-out version with an extra loop) and it gets the idea across just fine.
Kate Spade Glitzy Ritzy Newspaper (N/A): I could not have chosen a more perfect purse for the occasion. It matched the décor so well, in fact, that a waiter almost took it away mistaking it for the menu (also newspaper-themed). Sadly, it’s been out of stock for some time, and the closest match I could find was from Amazon ($25).
Jeffrey Campbell Pay Me Platforms ($195): Apparently, these are currently on the feet of most of New York’s fashion elite, but I just really loved the little coin purses (though they do feel weird when you walk).
Until next time, Paris!
What look was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
Xo, Nicole
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