What to Pack for Paris in October
October is one of my favorite times to visit Paris. The green, brown, yellow, and red palette pops against the neutral rooftop colors. In Paris, the weather shifts from sunny, warm afternoons to crisp, cool fall days. Pack layers, including a jacket, scarf, and hat, for October. After many years of traveling back and forth to Paris, here is what I recommend packing for Paris in October. I just returned at the end of September and have notes on what is trending now for Parisians.
What to Pack for Paris in October
Note: always check the Paris weather forecast before your trip. The weather can shift quickly from sunny days to rain. You will want to adapt with a few key basics and pack a travel umbrella in your day bag. Just because the weather app says rain doesn’t mean it will be rainy your whole trip. Paris in the rain is part of the fall weather forecast and part of the experience.
On my recent trip, I wore my Frame jeans on repeat, and everyone I traveled with asked for the details. I alternated between a darker wash and a lighter wash depending on my sweaters, blouses, and the time of day. A belt really pulls an outfit together, and Parisian women love simple layers that elevate a look. I wore this Madewell belt on repeat, or this ME+EM belt that flips from black to brown, so you only need one.
For cold weather accessories, a cashmere beanie will keep you warm. These scarves are also a hot trend, but you may not need them until November/December.
As for shoes, Paris felt like the city of Sambas! Sneakers are everywhere, from jeans to dresses and skirts. Comfortable shoes are essential for exploring on foot, so pack pairs you have already broken in. I highly recommend a waterproof suede Chelsea boot. These from Margaux are a favorite. While black has been the color in Paris for years, chocolate brown is having a moment.
Key Items to Pack for Paris in October
- Two pairs of jeans: A lighter wash for daytime and a darker wash for evenings.
- Sweaters and light layers: Pieces you can mix and match and layer as the temperature changes.
- A trench coat or wool jacket: A trench for early October and a wool coat for late October.
- A scarf: Parisians are all about the scarf. Add a lighter fabric for a pop of color, and a heavier wool or cashmere when it gets cooler. Chunky is in.
- Comfortable sneakers: Paris was the city of Sambas. Adidas sneakers in all colors were everywhere.
- Boots: Knee-high boots in black and a Chelsea boot in black or chocolate brown.
- A blouse or little black dress for dinner: Pair the blouse with boots and a pair of trousers.
- A travel umbrella and crossbody bag: Essentials for rainy days and exploring Paris.
Paris Weather in October
Paris in October is when the autumn weather starts to turn cooler. Early October can start with crisp mornings and warm up later in the day.
My time at the end of September was very warm, and I wish I had left my trench coat back in the hotel room.
Expect chilly days in late October. For your Paris packing list, pack a wool coat, boots, and a scarf. Always check the forecast to confirm. Paris is known for unpredictable weather. Don’t let the cold weather stop you from exploring the City of Light; just make sure you have good layers to keep warm while you’re out and about.
Coats and Jackets for Paris
At the start of October, a trench is a great jacket to wear throughout the day as a layering piece. A trench is your best friend on crisp early mornings and Seine strolls after dinner. You may want to shed your jacket on early October days.
The Clyde trench is trending for Parisian women in a variety of colors. You cannot go wrong with the classic beige for any trench. Swap it up for something more fun with a green or darker brown. If you want a trench with a cinched waist, try the classic Scott trench from Sézane.
Once the weather turns at the end of October, swap the trench for something a little warmer, like a wool jacket. A cropped or mid-length jacket should be okay for this time of year. If your trip overlaps into November, you may want to pack a longer wool jacket. For a pop of color, you can go red like this one from Gerard Darel.
Jeans and Pants
Jeans of all styles are trending in Paris right now. I have seen everything from straight-leg denim to wide-leg denim and everything in between. This is really great because you can really wear what best suits your body type. I typically prefer darker washes, and I think they work well day and night. Paige Anessa denim is a favorite, and the Frame Palazzo is, too.
Sweaters and Layers to Pack for Paris in October
A mix of wool sweaters and cashmere sweaters in neutral colors makes mixing and matching outfits easy. I wore this Forest Green sweater more than once while in Paris. For the warmer days without a coat and for cooler, crisp mornings with a trench. Add a scarf and extra layer for the colder days of October.
For Paris in late September, I packed the Alex Mill Montmartre V-neck sweater in navy. Paired with my FRAME pintuck darker jeans and a trench coat with a red scarf tied for a pop around my neck. This navy sweater dresses up well with flats or heeled boots and a warmer wool coat for later in October. The 100% cashmere is key for staying warm when the temperatures drop.
I wear a small in the Montmartre Alex Mill sweater. For an oversized fit, size up. *gifted.
Navy is a very versatile color especially in the fall. It also comes in grey and a butter yellow color.
Comfortable Shoes for Paris
Comfortable shoes are key for Paris, no matter what time of year you visit. Sneakers are very Parisian right now, and Paris feels like Samba City. Everyone seems to be wearing some sort of sneaker, and colors and patterns are not out of the question. I saw pops of red and leopard.
Ballet flats are still trending and a classic shoe for Paris in the fall. I love my Demi flats from Margaux, and you cannot go wrong. To change things up, I did pack these espresso Pascale suede flats.
For boots in October, I love the Margaux Chelsea boots. They are waterproof and really comfortable. The price is an investment, but I wore the black version on repeat all winter long, and they look brand new.
Knee-high black boots have been a trend I’ve seen for a few years, and they’re back for another season.
What to Wear to Dinner
For an evening out for dinner, I always like to dress up with a blouse and trousers or dark denim. A little black dress, tights and booties is another favorite look and one that I wear on repeat.
Bags and Accessories for Paris
For Paris, I always recommend a secure crossbody bag for day-to-day use. Whether you’re riding the metro, sitting at dinner, or at a Parisian café, make sure your belongings are tucked away safely with a zipper or closure. The Gerard Darel 24H bag is THE BAG right now with Parisian women in a variety of colors. I prefer the 12H smaller version, and it is the one I have been carrying around for the past couple of months.
This is the larger Cuyana bag I use during the day with my camera, and it has a zipper closure. I also have a small zippered bag inside that has everything I need: lip gloss, tissues, and headache medicine.
If you want something smaller, try one of these bags.
Fringe is in for fall, and I love this trend. Try this fringed scarf with your wool coat.
*Photos of me from my Paris photoshoot with Katie Donnelly Photography.
Bonjour, I’m Rebecca!
I’m a photographer, blogger, croissant-lover, and world traveler. I hope that Everyday Parisian inspires you by bringing a bit of France into your daily life and helps you plan the best trip to Paris with personalized recommendations for places to stay, explore, and eat.
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