What I'd Pack for Paris This Fall - KATIE KENNEDY

What I’d Pack for Paris This Fall
📍 Paris, France

The following content may contain affiliate links.
When you click and shop the links, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Paris in fall has been on my travel wish list for years. I’ve visited the city in other seasons, but I can only imagine how good it must be once trench coats, layers, and rich autumnal colors enter the equation. So, while I’m not headed to Paris this fall, I put together exactly what I’d pack if a last-minute ticket happened to land in my inbox. The goal was a wardrobe that feels distinctly Parisian without slipping into costume territory: classic pieces, a little texture and print, and enough versatility to take you from a morning at the museum to a long lunch and dinner later that evening.

Shop the Edit

The Trench Coat

A trench coat is practically non-negotiable for Paris, especially during the unpredictable fall months. I love this cream version as a softer alternative to classic khaki. Throw it over jeans and flats during the day or use it to make a dress feel a little more casual for dinner.

The Statement Jacket

With so many basics in the suitcase, I wanted one piece that could do a little more of the work. This tapestry-inspired jacket brings in beautiful fall colors and makes even a simple pair of black trousers feel intentional. It’s the kind of piece I’d wear for an afternoon at the Musée d’Orsay followed by drinks somewhere on the Left Bank.

The Gray Cardigan

A simple gray cardigan earns its suitcase space because it works with almost everything else in the guide. Wear it buttoned with jeans and ballet flats, layer it over the black top, or tuck it into the black trousers. It also gives you an easy extra layer when Paris mornings are considerably cooler than the afternoon.

The Burgundy Dress

I couldn’t make a fall packing guide without a little burgundy. This belted shirtdress gives the suitcase one polished, feminine option that still feels incredibly easy. Add ballet flats for daytime or the snakeskin heels for dinner.

The Black Sleeveless Top

This black sleeveless blouse is the quiet workhorse of the packing list. The draped neckline makes it more interesting than a basic black tank, but it’s still simple enough to wear with jeans, trousers or the leather skirt. It also layers beautifully underneath both jackets and the cardigan.

The Black Trousers

A pair of relaxed black trousers can handle almost anything a Paris itinerary throws at you. I’d wear them with the cardigan and ballet flats for a casual day, then swap in the statement jacket and pointed flats for dinner.

The Jeans

You need denim, but you don’t need several pairs of it. A classic medium-wash straight-leg jean gives all of the jackets, knits and shoes in this guide something easy to pair with and keeps the wardrobe from feeling overly dressed.

The Black Leather Midi Skirt

The black leather skirt adds texture without introducing another print or color. Pair it with the gray cardigan and flats during the day, or the black draped top and heels at night. It also makes the suitcase feel a little more fall without requiring bulky layers.

The Leopard Scarf

If most of your wardrobe is neutral, accessories are where you can have a little fun. A leopard scarf adds print to the trench, cardigan or an otherwise simple black outfit, and takes up virtually no room in your suitcase.

The Black Bucket Bag

For daytime, I’d bring one roomy black bag that can handle the realities of spending an entire day walking around Paris. The croc texture keeps this one polished enough that practicality doesn’t have to mean carrying a sporty travel bag.

The Black Evening Bag

I still like having a small black handbag for dinners and evenings when I don’t need to carry half my life around Paris. The sculptural shape and gold handle make this one feel special without competing with anything else in the wardrobe.

The Sunglasses

Oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses are one of those tiny additions that somehow make every outfit look more finished. They’re especially good with the trench and scarf combination.

The Leopard Flats

These are the fun shoe. Leopard flats works almost like a neutral here, particularly against a wardrobe of cream, gray, black, denim and burgundy. I’d wear them with the black trousers, jeans or even the burgundy dress.

The Black Ballet Flats

If I could only pack one pair of shoes for Paris, a comfortable black ballet flat would be very high on the list. They’re understated, easy to style and appropriate for nearly every daytime outfit in this guide. The key word, of course, is comfortable. Paris is not the place to break in a new pair.

The Snakeskin Heels

One evening shoe is enough. A low snakeskin heel adds another subtle pattern while still working with the black, burgundy and neutral palette. I’d save these for dinners, cocktails and evenings when the itinerary doesn’t involve several miles of walking.

The goal isn’t to pack enough individual outfits for every day of the trip. It’s to pack pieces that keep making new outfits. Almost every top here works with every bottom, the outer layers can move easily between daytime and evening, and the shoes and accessories change the mood without taking over the suitcase. It’s the kind of travel wardrobe I love most: classic enough that I’ll still want to wear everything at home, polished without being precious, and just Parisian enough to make getting dressed part of the fun.

Love from Paris,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about my travels and style, be sure to visit throughout the week! Be sure to check out my exclusive adventures in NYC and New England.