Stay Warm and Stylish in the City of Light
We’re here again…Paris in winter—a symphony of muted gray skies, glistening cobblestone streets, and a certain je ne sais quoi that I swear feels even more magical under the soft glow of holiday lights. As a professional portrait photographer and unabashed Francophile, I know how vital it is to feel both comfortable and camera-ready when wandering the city’s charming streets in Winter. I firmly believe that Paris in winter is a time to embrace cozy elegance, so let me guide you through a perfectly curated packing list to keep you warm, stylish, and utterly Parisian.
1. The Perfect Winter Coat: Your Trusty Companion
When you’re in the French capital during winter, your coat is more than just outerwear—it really is your statement piece. Opt for a chic wool coat in a classic neutral color like black, navy, or camel. A belted wrap coat adds a touch of elegance and pairs beautifully with everything from tailored trousers to cozy knits. Long coats are such a staple to Parisian style. And the winter season is when you can actually enjoy wearing them without overheating. One of my favorite things to do in the coldest months is pull out my long wool coat that was packed away in the summer. Or I might even splurge on a new coat for the winter season. Important items like these will last many many years and they’ll become one of your classic pieces in your wardrobe.
Leather jackets are also super fun BUT unfortunately, they aren’t very warm at all. So if you want this look, be sure to layer well beneath it, to make up for the lack of insulation in leather. I’d even recommend poking around some local boutiques and department stores in Paris, because that way you can see firsthand what’s in style and you might even find your new favorite coat for winter weather.
For extra warmth, consider a down-filled puffer jacket or a trench coat. If you’re worried about looking less than Parisian, don’t. The key is in sleek, minimalist designs. Think knee-length with subtle details—perfect for those early morning photos by the Seine in the winter months.
My favorite coats right now:
2. Layers: The Secret to Comfort and Style
Paris can get chilly this time of year, but the good thing is that you’ll be indoors often, whether sipping chocolat chaud in a café or exploring a museum. Since you might change temperatures often, layers are your best friend. Here’s what I recommend packing:
- Lightweight Thermal Tops: Start with a merino wool or thin thermal layer to keep you cozy without bulk. Base layers are actually the most important layer, believe it or not. It’s because they’re closest to your skin and are most responsible for trapping in heat. If you’ve ever gone skiing, you probably know how crucial this thin layer is. It may be smaller than your huge winter coat, but I promise you it’s working harder!
- Cashmere or Cotton Sweaters: Soft, warm, and effortlessly chic. Choose classic colors like gray or burgundy for maximum versatility. You can always take this off and tuck it into a bag if you need to.
- Warm socks: I feel like warm socks are often overlooked and they shouldn’t be. Wool socks are SO much better than cotton socks in my opinion. I know some people aren’t a fan of wool because it can be itchy. I totally hear you. But I also know that you can find soft, non-itchy wool socks that make a world of difference. It’s because they retain heat better and actually wick moisture from your feet. So if you get rained on, step through puddles, or your feet just get damp from walking around in shoes all day, your feet won’t stay soggy. Warm socks are such a good choice when traveling. They’re one of the most important things you pack. I can say with confidence, as a portrait photographer who walks around all day, that they’ll go a long way.
- Blouses and Turtleneck Sweaters: Perfect for layering under sweaters or cardigans. Blouses are usually pretty airy which is great, but they also look crisp and put together. French people loves blouses or a turtleneck with black pants. Honestly, just have fun experimenting with layers until you find something you like. There are endless options and I’m not being dramatic. Or do what I do, and browse Pinterest for style and outfit inspiration. You may even get obsessed and start creating fashion boards like me!
My Favorite Layers:
3. Bottoms That Beat the Chill
The winter months in Paris call for sophistication, even when temperatures drop. Pack slim-fitting slacks, wide leg pants, or nice denim with some stretch for comfort. Wide leg pants are so in right now and honestly, I’m here for it, because I could wear them all day. Wool trousers are also an excellent choice, especially when paired with a polished ankle boot.
Don’t forget fleece-lined leggings or thermal tights in neutral colors to wear under skirts or dresses. There are some brands of thermal tights that look SO cute and aren’t bulky at all. I promise you can find versions that look just like normal tights but will make you wayyy more comfortable. Practical and stylish—a true win-win.
4. Footwear: Stylish Yet Sensible
No one understands the importance of good footwear like a portrait photographer who spends hours walking cobblestone streets in pursuit of the perfect shot. I love when clients have a couple spots in mind for their portrait session (or even several), because it means we get to run around together. It’s so fun to brave the elements and laugh and tell stories. It really feels like a movie moment for the client and makes me so happy as a portrait photographer. Comfortable shoes that I can actually walk in are non-negotiable for me.
If you’re out walking all day (because obviously you want to visit all the famous attractions), and prefer a flat shoe, I’d recommend a classic white sneaker. I love the simple yet versatile look of an all-white Stan Smith or some similar variation. You can pair them with jeans, or flowy trousers, or even dresses and skirts. I swear they’ll never go out of style. You can find versions of this shoe style at Adidas, Nike, New Balance, Madewell, Vans, Soludos, Everlane, and on and on…You’ll look amazing, and more importantly, your feet will thank you.
Heels
If you’re a gal who loves heels, I recommend choosing ankle-high winter boots with a low block heel or flat knee-high boots. Parisian sidewalks and metro stations can be slippery in wet weather (which we get a LOT of), so prioritize traction and comfort. The cobblestones (while beautiful) don’t offer an even surface to walk on, so really thin heels can seriously be dangerous! You’ll notice that even Parisians don’t wear tiny heels. It’s just not worth the risk of falling or getting stuck in a sidewalk crack. Parisian women love tall boots and ankle boots on rainy days in winter.
For those particularly cold weather days, a pair of chic leather sneakers with thermal insoles can also work. Bonus points if they’re neutral and pair with most of your wardrobe!
5. Accessories: Functional Meets Expressive
No one can tell me accessories aren’t a good idea. Sometimes they’re just the pop you need to feel confident and ready for the city.
Here’s where you can really let your personality shine:
- Scarves: A large, soft scarf is an essential for any Parisian. Go for wool or cashmere in a classic pattern like herringbone or tartan. Or if you’re wearing patterned clothes, opt for a warm scarf in a solid color that will accentuate your outfit without clashing with it.
- A Pair of Gloves: Wool or cotton knit gloves in a neutral color will usually sync with any winter outfit. If you want more of a James Bond vibe, leather gloves lined with fleece or cashmere keep your hands warm and your look polished.
- Water Bottle: It’s not really part of French culture to carry around a reusable water bottle, but I think it makes so much sense for travelers. In terms of waste, it’s better to avoid buying plastic water bottles from the grocery store when you don’t have to. Most restaurants will charge for water if you ask for a bottle (be sure to ask for a “carafe” of water if you don’t want to pay extra. So bringing your own is never a bad idea. Especially when you’re traipsing all over the streets of Paris and possibly walking more than you normally do. Stay hydrated!
- Weather Forecast: This isn’t really a packing tip, but don’t forget to check the weather forecast before packing and then before going out each day. This can save you the discomfort and trouble of wearing too much or too little and getting caught in a rainstorm without rain gear or an umbrella. This is a non-negotiable as a portrait photographer.
6. The Bag That Does It All
Choose a crossbody bag that’s big enough to hold essentials (phone, wallet, lipstick) but light enough to carry all day. There are so many casual crossbody bags available online and in stores. But if you want a more formal look, you could find one in leather or faux leather—durable and waterproof for those surprise drizzles.
I love crossbody bags so much. For me, as a portrait photographer, they really beat carrying around a purse on your shoulder which can be uncomfortable if it’s heavy. The crossbody bag – for traveling especially – just stays where it is. I love that it doesn’t have to be readjusted all the time like a purse. You’ll thank me for this!
7. Beauty and Skincare Essentials
Cold winter air can be harsh on the skin, so don’t skimp on hydrating products:
- Moisturizer: A rich, hydrating formula to protect against the elements.
- Lip Balm: Opt for something nourishing to combat the chill. I don’t go anywhere without a lip balm. Wind and cold can make your lips chapped so fast. But if you always have lip balm around, you won’t have to worry about it.
- Compact Travel Umbrella: Not skincare, but trust me, you’ll thank me during those misty Paris mornings.
8. Evening Glamour
Paris in winter is alive with soirées, theater performances, Christmas markets, and charming restaurants. Pack a versatile, semi-formal outfit like a little black dress or tailored suit to go with an evening of champagne, oysters, and sparkling lights on the slopes of Montmartre. Pair it with statement jewelry and comfortable heels (chunky ones! haha) that are manageable for a night out.
Click HERE for more info on Holiday activities in Paris!
Pro Tips for Portrait Photographer-Ready Style
- Stick to a Cohesive Color Palette: Paris and professional portrait photographers like me, love neutrals with occasional pops of color—think navy, cream, and a splash of red. It also helps you mix and match effortlessly.
- Prioritize Texture: Play with fabrics like wool, cashmere, and leather for that quintessentially Parisian elegance. Well-fitted clothing is most flattering for portraits, BUT be careful not to choose really TIGHT clothing or very form-fitted clothing. Somewhere in the middle is best. We find that really tight clothing often doesn’t photograph as well as something with elegant lines and a little drape.
- Don’t Overpack: Paris is the fashion capital, after all. Leave room in your suitcase for a fabulous scarf or a pair of ankle boots you’ll inevitably fall in love with. We have many tantalizing winter markets, not to mention the “Soldes” (Sales) in January. Which means it’s the time to splurge on special accessories or stylish souvenirs.
Packing for a winter trip to Paris isn’t just about staying warm (although that IS very important)—it’s also about embracing the city’s unique style and spirit. With these essentials, you’ll be ready to stroll through snow-dusted streets (if we’re lucky this year!), pose for a portrait photographer by the Eiffel Tower, or warm up in a cozy café with a book in hand.
If you need some general advice on what to wear for a portrait photography session, check out our blog HERE!
À bientôt!
