What I Packed for Paris in the Spring

What I Packed for Paris in the Spring

Earlier this month, I was back in Paris for early spring.  My last Paris trip was in January to capture images of Paris in the winter and holiday decor for The Print Shop later this year. This time, I returned to the city of light to research new restaurants, hotels, and museums for blog content and updates for The Paris Guide. You can see my whole Paris agenda here. Spring in Paris is filled with unpredictable weather, making it challenging to pack. It is a good idea to pack layers for warm and colder temperatures. Make sure to check the weather forecast before your trip. Call me stubborn, but I never like to admit when the weather will not go my way. This past trip was cold and rainy, but that is typically what you get in early April in Paris. 

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What to Pack for Paris in April 

The weather can be unpredictable, but I always recommend expecting a few rainy days if you visit Paris in the spring. My usual carry-on bag from Away had a broken zipper, and at the last minute, I had to scramble to pack it into my Cuyana bag. It was as if I was running out the door and had forgotten an umbrella in the shuffle. This portable umbrella is affordable and holds well in the rain and wind. Your hotel or rental should offer an umbrella. Our hotel room had a larger umbrella as an amenity, and every time we left the hotel, they provided us with a dry one. 

I get a lot of questions about what to pack, especially this time of year. I hope this post offers packing inspiration for your upcoming trip. 

Inspiration from a previous trip to Paris:

The post above is shoppable. You can click on the + to capture any details and shop.

If you are headed to Paris in the spring, you can look at this blog post for packing ideas.

As you will see with the collages below, many of the items I am packing can be mixed and matched to create new outfits. Packing with packing cubes helps keep everything organized, and I swear I have more space.

Sweaters for Spring in Paris

A cashmere sweater is a great layering piece as an extra layer on colder days. I typically put a basic tee under any of my sweaters. This Gaspard sweater is always a favorite, and I own it in 3 colors. I wear the Betty often and have packed it in navy for this trip. 

One thing I regret is not packing more sweaters. The weather was chilly, and I reached for sweaters more than anything else in my wardrobe. This cream waffle sweater was a good choice. 

Paris Sweaters to Pack for Spring

I packed a few different pairs of jeans for Paris. Straight-leg, skinny, and wider-legged jeans, like the ones I am wearing here, are very much in. I have black jeans, white jeans, and a pair of denim to mix and match for different Paris outfits. A capsule wardrobe for spring can make life so much easier with neutral colors to mix and match. 

I am also packing this red striped shirt that I bought in October.

Shoes for Paris in the Spring

Comfortable walking shoes are essential as the best way to see Paris is on foot, and you should plan to do a lot of walking. This is my one challenge as I pack because I want to bring multiple pairs of shoes. I still need a good solid shoe for wet weather if it rains, which would be these Chelsea Boots.  When packing shoes for Paris, I always recommend wearing the bulkiest pair on the plane and packing the lighter pairs in your suitcase so they don’t take up as much room. Comfortable shoes for walking around Paris are an absolute must. Break in new shoes before packing them for Paris. 

Ballet flats are very much in right now, and my favorites are these from Margaux. A tie at the top makes them adjustable if you feel they aren’t fitting right. You can tie the bow to make them work for your feet, making all the difference. White sneakers are trendy right now in French fashion for men and women. Vejas are my favorite, typically available at different retailers such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus (currently in stock in all sizes), and Anthropologie. They have been sold out in many places, so check back for restocks. You can always buy them at a Vejas or department store in Paris, such as Galleries Lafayette or BHV. I have packed and worn my Chelsea boots for the colder parts of spring.

Sandals and espadrilles are great options as the weather transitions to warmer days. I hate to admit it, but Birkenstocks or a similar style are popping up all across Europe, so don’t be surprised to see these in France this spring and summer. 

High heels are beautiful but not ideal on the cobblestone streets of Paris. Leave them at home unless you plan on taking a car to and from dinner. Unless it’s fashion week, you won’t see them on many French women.

Pack in Layers for Spring Weather

Layers are essential for spring weather. On warmer days, you can take off a sweater or jacket and wear a short-sleeved T-shirt underneath. Basic tees are always a great way to layer in the spring. I have one in every color. There will be a mix of sunny days and rain, so plan a few different outfit ideas. A nice blouse with jeans is perfect for the evening. Try a silk scarf tied around your neck on cooler days as an accessory. I have also tied it on one of my bags for a pop of color. The French typically wear a scarf during all seasons. It is lighter in the spring and summer and a chunky, heavier scarf in the colder months. 

Neutral Color Palette for Paris in the Spring

I pulled together many of the items I planned on packing for Paris, and they are all neutral colors of black, brown, white, and denim. This makes it very easy to create different outfits from wardrobe staples.

The Best Bag for Walking Around Paris

A crossbody bag is an excellent option for walking around Paris. The most important thing is to have a bag with a zipper to keep all your items secure. I love the Cuyana zip tote and a Longchamp bag for outings. This Polène bag is also great and a personal favorite.

Spring Dresses for Paris

This Staud white dress is what I packed for Paris last year. My dates in Paris were more towards mid April and the weather we had warm weather. I love the fit of this dress so much and would purchase it in another color. Wearing a size 6. 

I always love a little black dress for evenings out. April is my birthday month and I usually do a photo shoot with Katie Donnelly and wear my signature red. This dress is comfortable and an easy travel piece if you have day trips planned. I paired it with a leather jacket and ballet flats. We had beautiful weather for the shoot and really lucked out. 

If the weather is warm enough during your visit, enjoy a picnic in Paris. The Eiffel Tower is the perfect spot especially while the cherry blossoms are in bloom. 

Coats for Paris in the Spring

Due to the varying weather temperatures, I love packing a trench coat and leather jacket for Paris. If the weather is freezing, you can always layer the leather jacket under the trench coat, as I did in October. The trench coat can instantly pull an outfit together, and you can throw it over a pair of skinny jeans or a dress with a pair of shoes.

If you are heading to Paris towards the end of spring, you might want to swap the leather jacket for a light jacket instead. I often get the question of how to pack for multiple coats. The trench is what I wear on the plane. They can hang it up for you if you ask when you board. For my leather coat, that jacket gets folded into my suitcase on top. 

Makeup/Beauty

I have a lot of Biossance and Caudalie minis I am bringing for travel.

My makeup will be minimal, but I am packing a lip twist and this lipstick from Sisley. I love the Merit products, especially the concealer/foundation stick, mascara, and cheeky blush.

As you plan your packing list, I always suggest leaving the gym wear at home or saving it as your travel wardrobe for the plane. You won’t see many Parisians dress in activewear unless they go to or from a call or the gym.

P.S. This post shows my travel essentials for flying to Paris.

Photos of me by Katie Donnelly Photography and Yulia Sribna

*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission off of items purchased through my links. This helps contribute to my coffee and croissant money.