What to Pack for Paris in Summer

Summer has finally arrived! Vibrant and bustling, Paris is at its best in the summertime. Gleaming in sunlight, the city hums in anticipation of leisurely walks along the Seine and memories that will last a lifetime.

As a frequent traveller, I’ve honed the art of packing light. I glide through airports in no time, navigate treacherous cobblestone like a pro, and I always leave plenty of space for must-have souvenirs!  

That’s why I’m a huge fan of curating the perfect capsule wardrobe before my travels. Let’s unpack the essentials you’ll need to stay every bit as cool, comfortable, and stylish as a true Parisian!

Tops

Parisians tend to dress up a bit more than Americans, so it’s a good idea to elevate your basics to fit in with the locals. Because temperatures tend to fluctuate in the summer and AC is rare, it’s always a good idea to pack well-fitting clothes in lightweight, and breathable fabrics.

But you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to look nice! Linen and cotton blouses and button-downs offer an ideal blend of comfort and polish for lots of walking and sight-seeing. 

T-shirts are perfectly fine as well, especially when you’re on the go. Avoid oversized fits in favor of high quality, well-fitting shirts to seem more put together.

Women:

This cotton and linen blouse by BA&SH is incredibly versatile and can easily be dressed up or down whether you’re viewing an art gallery or attending a nice dinner. 

Men: 

Lacoste’s linen short-sleeve button down is comfortable and whether you’re wandering through an art gallery or hiking up the steep hills in Montmartre. 

Trousers 

It’s rare to see shorts in Paris, even in summer. Instead opt for chinos, trousers, or jeans in breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for a more sophisticated look. 

In summer, a pair of linen trousers is my favourite way to beat the heat while looking effortlessly put together. Whether strolling along the Champs Elysees or picnicking in one of Paris’ many beautiful parks, you’ll never be underdressed! 

On a cooler evening, a good pair of jeans are my go-to. They’re every bit as comfortable and stylish but offer a little extra warmth if you need it.

Dresses and Skirts

I almost always wear dresses and skirts in the summer. They’re lighter and more breathable than trousers while remaining effortlessly chic – always a good balance to strike when access to AC is limited! 

You can’t go wrong with a mini or maxi length, though I tend to prefer the midi length’s practicality, especially when I plan on walking a lot. 

I’d recommend:

• Hestia midi dress by BA&SH

•  Sezane’s Soelle midi skirt

Shoes

The right shoes can really make a difference when visiting Paris. When I first arrived, I walked everywhere, determined to see everything I possibly could. I easily surpassed 20,000 steps each day in cute but uncomfortable sandals and spent another couple of weeks making up for that mistake. Take it from me—you don’t want to miss out on all that Paris has to offer because your feet hurt! 

Sneakers or espadrilles are common around Paris, and they are super comfortable even when you’re on your feet all day long. Vejas are my favourites, since they’re fashionable and take up very little space when I pack. 

Women:

For a dressier occasion or a night out, you can’t go wrong with a pair of ballet flats or comfortable heels! 

Men:

To elevate your outfit, loafers, like AMI PARIS’ anti-slip leather loafers,  are a good way to go. The right pair can be just as comfortable as sneakers, with that extra touch of sophistication. 

Trench Coat

Jacket

If the trench coat’s not your thing, no problem! A blazer or a light jacket like this Sandro zip-up jacket will complement and polish your outfit just fine. 

Bag 

Of course, no packing list would be complete without the right bag to hold all your daily essentials. Pickpockets around touristy areas and on the metro are no joke, so I suggest bringing a bag with a zipper to keep your belongings secure. 

In my experience, a crossbody is best. Not only does it prevent theft, a bag with a crossbody strap like Longchamp’s Le Pliage XS basket bag also eliminates the hassle of adjusting your strap on your shoulder as you explore the city. 

Lightweight backpacks like Bleu de Chauffe’s Woody Backpack are another good option but be mindful that pickpockets may be able to steal quite literally behind your back!

Now that you know all the packing essentials, you’re ready to embark on your summer holidays! Bon voyage!