France is undoubtedly one of the most fashion-forward countries, with Paris often called the fashion capital of the world. A month of never-ending fashion shows every year, hundreds of trendsetting brands and models, and tourists perfectly dressed for the occasion — you can’t possibly miss this as a traveler.
In addition to outstanding fashion, France has some of the best pastries, delicious wine, and high-end restaurants. No matter how many times you’ve been to this country, you can always find something new to discover. But how do you stay well-dressed and practical when visiting Paris, Nice, or Lyon? Let’s talk about it.
What is French Fashion About?
If you talk to the locals, you’ll quickly understand that French fashion is not that complicated. Contrary to popular belief, they rarely dress for the occasion. Instead, they indulge in layering, capsule wardrobes, and timeless classics. The iconic French outfit can guide you from a casual breakfast to evening drinks and from a hot summer day to a chilly spring evening. At the same time, the clothes remain chic, the outfit polished, and the way you carry yourself practical.
The reason for that? Major French cities are a mix of different influences and backgrounds. You won’t find a common style there when you travel. No one is dressed the same. They choose pieces that are flattering and comfortable, clothes that can suit the unpredictable local weather. As a tourist, for example, you’d want to be ready for rain during any season and chilly evenings even in summer.
Staying Practical and Stylish During the Day
Many Parisians compare their style to wearing a uniform. They know which pieces they like to wear, and they usually stick to them, whether during the day or at night. When you travel, you can’t really afford to wear a new dress every day, or else your suitcase would weigh too much. So, French minimalism is perfect for tourism.
Choose pieces you know you’ll be comfortable in. For chilly days in spring and fall, pack:
- a pair of jeans;
- a jacket or a trench coat;
- a small umbrella;
- waterproof sneakers or boots;
- a sweater;
- a slip dress (for women) or a simple button-up (for men).
Since many streets in France are cobblestone, it’s best to skip slippery shoes and heels. Opt for stylish walking footwear, flats, ankle boots, and other types, depending on the season. In summer, wear natural fabrics and stay classy in linen trousers, cotton button-ups, and hats protecting your face from the sun. Evenings can still be a little cold, so remember to bring an additional layer if you’re going out for the whole day.
If you’re coming to France during a summer vacation, don’t forget that many businesses close in August until September. That means you won’t always be able to shield yourself from the sun in a local cafe and can’t rely on free Wi-Fi for navigation. So, get a suitable international eSIM plan to help you travel France with a reliable mobile internet connection. Then, you can open online maps any time and see what’s open right away.
Becoming Chic In the Evening
When evening comes, you have to prepare for colder weather while staying effortlessly chic. Winter in France is usually damp and chilly, so you need to wear a warm coat. A wool jacket works well. A hat, gloves, and a scarf are essential for colder months, too. In spring and fall, follow the same layering rule. A trench coat or a leather jacket would be perfect for transitional weather, especially if it rains.
Summer nights can be extremely hot, but a light shirt or a denim jacket should still be in your suitcase. If you encounter a heat wave, it’s best to stay inside even later in the day and choose a room with air conditioning when possible. Remember to use the best password manager for iPhone or Android when booking a hotel, too — it’ll make the process more secure by encrypting your sensitive details.
Otherwise, pack light layers. Focus on linen pants, shirts, dresses, and skirts. To add a fashionable touch, carry a big linen, cotton, or silk scarf with you, using it either as a shawl when it’s chilly or tying it to the bag.
Stay Fashionable as You Visit France
France has some of the most fashionable locals in the world, and you wouldn’t want to stand out as a tourist. But how can you be both chic and practical when you travel across the country? We hope this guide gave you inspiration for your fashion-forward capsule wardrobe.
