I’ve lived in Paris, I’ve worked in Paris, and I’ve vacationed in Paris. I know Paris.
And what I know for sure is that much of what you see on social media featuring women in long, flowing dresses twirling through the streets of Paris or running dramatically across cobblestones…isn’t real life in Paris at all.
Yes, Parisian women are extremely stylish. But they’re rarely flamboyant. Their style tends to be elegant, refined, understated, and effortless.
They aren’t necessarily wearing an elaborate outfit just to walk to a café or spend the afternoon sightseeing, but they are always stylish.
And that’s important to remember when you’re planning what to wear in Paris.
As a woman over 40 (I’m 55 now…how did that happen?) I’m not trying to dress like I’m in my 20s.
I want to look stylish, but I also want to be comfortable. I want to walk around Paris without my dogs barking (and I don’t mean actual dogs).
I want clothing that works when my inner temperature changes.
And, because menopause is part of my life, I need to be able to stay comfortable when my body decides it has other plans.
Paris in the summer can be hot, so I like to choose outfits that keep me cool without making me feel like I’ve sacrificed my style. These are a few cute, easy-to-wear options I’d consider for a warm day of sightseeing.
A great choice for hot days. It’s comfortable, easy to wear, and gives you a pulled-together look without a lot of effort.
Cute, stylish, and cool — this is a fun option when you want something a little more feminine for a warm day in Paris.
Don’t want to wear a dress? This coordinated two-piece outfit gives you an easy, stylish look without having to figure out what to pair together.
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But there’s something else I think gets overlooked when people talk about what to wear in Paris: your clothes need to work for the way you’re actually spending your day.
You’re not just taking pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower. You’re walking, riding the Metro, climbing stairs, sitting at cafés, visiting museums, shopping, and possibly staying out from breakfast until dinner.
An outfit that looks great when you leave your hotel isn’t necessarily going to feel great eight hours later.
If you’re over 40 and want to look good in Paris without sacrificing comfort, this post is for you.
I’m going to show you what actually works in Paris—not what looks good for 30 seconds in an Instagram photo.
Forget What You See on Social Media
For the most part, social media isn’t real, especially when influencers are showing you unrealistic ways to spend your time in Paris.
I don’t know about you, but I have no interest in walking around Paris in high heels or being overly concerned about what I’m wearing while I’m making the most of my time in such a dope city.
I just want to explore, eat, see as much as I can without running myself ragged, and I definitely don’t want to have to adjust my clothing so everything looks perfect on camera.
Visiting Paris can be done in a variety of ways, but as we age, our priorities shift to keep up with our changing bodies.
You want to look great, but you may not want what you’re wearing to become the main focus. At the same time, you want to feel pretty while being comfortable.
Dress for the Paris You’re Actually Going to Experience
While you’re in Paris, it is not unusual to hit 15,000 or even 20,000 steps on a busy day. You’ll be sitting down and standing up often as you get in and out of the Metro.
All Metro stops have stairs and elevators aren’t exactly plentiful.
While the Paris Metro is a great way to get around the city, it is not air-conditioned, and both stations and trains can become stuffy and hot, especially during warm weather.
To learn more about the Paris metro, check out this post where I tell you exactly how to use it.
Then there are the streets! Paris is beautiful, but those beautiful old streets can be uneven (and filled with little brown treats from all of the dogs). If you aren’t accustomed to the heat, cold and/or walking so much, you will get tired and want to stop in a cute café to rest.
You will see a street that looks beautiful and you’ll want to explore it. Make sure that you do! You’ll wander farther than you planned. You’ll stop to look at something interesting.
You’ll sit down for a coffee or a glass of wine because your body and your feet will tell you it’s time to do so (if you don’t wear the right kind of shoes).
Your clothes should support your day, not become the day.
forget instagram
What if you’re in menopause, overweight, stressed out, or simply aren’t feeling your best?
What if your body has changed and the clothes that looked great on you ten years ago don’t feel quite the same anymore?
So what. Paris is still going to be amazing, even if you may not be feeling like you’re amazing (but you are. Remember that).
You pick simple pieces with breathable fabrics that will allow you to look and feel your best. You don’t need a complicated wardrobe, uncomfortable shoes or an outfit that requires constant adjusting.
And there is no need to compare yourself to anyone.
You are enough.
You are headed to Paris! That alone is an accomplishment and shouldn’t be diminished because you may not look the way you did in the past.
SO WHAT?
You’re going to Paris. Enjoy it.
These are a few pieces I’ve worn to Paris over the past few years, and they’ve helped me feel good and confident even during times when I weighed more than I was comfortable with. I’ve learned that the right clothes can make a huge difference in how you feel while you’re traveling.
Perfect for cooler days, especially if you’d rather have a little more coverage on your arms. It also adds an easy layer of style to a simple outfit.
Believe it or not, swimsuit cover-ups can make surprisingly good travel wardrobe pieces. Wear one as a lightweight layer over a tank, dress, or other outfit.
This set comes in a variety of colors, and you can easily add a tank underneath if you get warm. It’s an easy outfit when you want to look pulled together without a lot of fuss.
I have these pants in about six different colors. They’re comfortable, easy to mix and match, and have become one of my go-to travel pieces.
These are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What I Wouldn’t Pack for Paris
- Shoes I haven’t already worn
- Anything that requires constant adjusting
- Clothes that are uncomfortable when I’m sitting
- Heavy fabrics when I’m traveling in summer
- An outfit I bought specifically because it “looks good in pictures” (unless you have a photoshoot planned)
- Anything that makes me think about my clothes all day
If I have to keep pulling it up, pulling it down, smoothing it out, or wondering if I can walk another mile in it, it’s not coming to Paris with me.
What to Wear in Paris by Season
Spring: Layers are your friend. Mornings can be chilly, afternoons can warm up, and rain can appear when you least expect it. You’ll want a small umbrella like this one
Summer: Breathable fabrics are essential. Paris can get EXTREMELY hot, and remember that you’re going to be walking and using the Metro.
Fall: Layers again. A lightweight jacket or sweater that you can remove during the warmer part of the day is useful. Pick up a pretty scarf while you’re there, you can for sure find some on rue du rivoli.
Paris in a Day Walking Tour
See 30+ of Paris’s top sights in one half-day tour — the fastest way to get your bearings if it’s your first time in the city.
Book the TourLe Marais Food Tour
A taste of Le Marais with more walking than most food tours — dress comfortably and come hungry.
Book the TourMontmartre Food & Wine Tour
You’ve seen it in movies and TV — now experience Montmartre in person over food and wine.
Book the TourWinter: Think warmth without bulk. You’ll be moving between cold streets, heated shops, cafés and museums, so layers still matter.
See the pic above? I had on a turtleneck, a duster and a hat because it was FREEZING. But when I got hot, I could take the hat and duster off. Easy peasy.
If you are in any stage of the pauses, you will more than likely need a fan. I have several of these and love them, I’ve been using them for years. You can see me using it in the pic below.
The Bottom Line: Dress for Your Paris
At the end of the day, there is no perfect Paris outfit. There is only the outfit that lets you enjoy your day without thinking about it.
You’re going to walk, explore, eat, climb stairs, sit in cafés, wander down streets you didn’t plan to visit and probably take a few hundred pictures along the way. Your clothes should make all of that easier, not harder.
You don’t have to be a size 4. You don’t have to look 25. You don’t have to wear heels. And you certainly don’t have to dress like an influencer to belong in Paris.
Wear what makes you feel good. Wear what makes you feel like yourself. And then get out there and enjoy the city.
Because the best thing you can wear in Paris is confidence. I have another post that gives you more details in what to wear in Paris over 40, click here to find it!
Ready to Plan Your Paris Trip?
If you’re dreaming about Paris but feeling overwhelmed by where to stay, what to see, how to get around, or how to put it all together, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
I help women plan Paris trips that fit their travel style, their budget and the way they actually want to experience the city.
Want my help planning your Paris trip? Learn more about my Paris vacation planning services by clicking here, and let’s make your Paris trip one you’ll actually enjoy!
