Traveling to the French capital and wondering what not to wear in Paris? This article will show you all the clothes/items you’re better off leaving at home!
In my previous posts, I’ve always shared what to wear, from what to wear in Paris in winter, what to wear in Paris in summer, to what to wear in spring in Paris!
While those posts give you ideas of the clothes to take, they don’t mention what to stay away from!
Drawing from my years living in this fashionable city and observing the local style, I feel like it’s crucial to also discuss the flip side: what not to wear in Paris!
It’s no secret that Parisians put some thought into what to wear; — no wonder one of its nicknames is the capital of fashion!
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To make sure that you blend in well and dress like Parisians, there are some clothes that shouldn’t leave your closet while packing for Paris!
In the same way, to make sure that you don’t scream tourist everywhere you go, I’ve put this post together to help you discover what not to wear in Paris! Trust me, blending in is easier when you know what to avoid, and my years in Paris have taught me exactly that.
Of course, no one will “arrest” you if you wear any of them but the best way to enjoy Paris is to blend in and dress like a Parisian, or at least try! So, leveraging my experience and observations, I’ve crafted this guide just for you.
So without any further ado, here’s what not to wear in Paris.
Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips
WHERE TO STAY
Best Eiffel Tower Views:Hôtel Le Walt(9.0)
Luxury stay:Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel(8.2)
Mid-range stay:Hôtel Eiffel(8.7)
Budget Stay:People – Paris Bercy(8.9)
Apartment Rental:Résidence Charles Floquet(9.1)
BEST GUIDED TOURS
Louvre Museum guided tour: (4.5/5)
Seine River Dinner Cruise: (4.7/5)
Montmartre Walking Tour: (4.8/5)
Le Marais Walking Food Tour: (4.5/5)
Versailles Guided Tour: (4.8/5)
Eiffel Tower Guided Tour: (4.4/5)
- Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
- Prepare your trip extensively with this Paris Travel guidebook.
- Don’t forget a universal travel adapter, a travel neck pouch, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Consider getting either the museum pass or the Paris city pass if you plan to visit a lot of attractions. The city pass comes with free transportation and access to the hop-on-hop-off bus. You can read my Paris museum pass review to see if it’s right for you.
- Book this private transfer from CDG airport to Paris to avoid the hustle of figuring out how to get to Paris.
Psst… Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads.
What Not to Wear in Paris
1. Baggy T-shirts With big Colorful words Printed on them
Trendy? Maybe, but not for Paris! I’ve literally not seen anyone in Paris wearing a baggy t-shirt with huge and colorful words on it!
They may work well in a hip-hop music video or even in some other parts of the world but not on the streets of Paris! We love you but keep them baggies at home!
What to wear Instead? You can opt for this slim-fit plain t-shirt or this lovely crop top.
2. Sportswear
Unless you’re actually doing sport; running, jogging, walking, or whatever way you break a sweat, stay away from sportswear while exploring the city!
No one will say a thing but you’ll definitely scream tourist if you visit some of the Parisian landmarks in your yoga pants!
Yes, leave those expensive Adidas workout tops you’ve just bought at home!
What to wear instead? I recommend taking this pair of skinny jeans. It works well in all seasons.
3. Pum Pum shorts
Going to the Caribbean or even the beach? Then pack as many pum pum shorts as you wish!In Paris? You’ll definitely get stares and most people will wonder what you were thinking wearing something like that!
I know, I know, they’re cool and se*y but you might want to leave them behind while exploring the city of love! Parisians like to keep things classy and a bit decent — at least to a certain level.
Actually, I don’t think I’ve seen many people wearing pum pum shorts here! The first one I saw was suffering from stares and you could see it made her super uncomfortable.
I think it’s just that it’s not a norm here for someone to wear super tight and extremely short shorts.
What to wear instead? A good pair of jeans can substitute this because if you’d love to stick to a pair of shorts, I recommend taking this one instead. It’s classy, comfortable, and cute.
Related post: Big Mistakes to Avoid in Paris
4. stilettos (High Heels)
Stilettos are the in trend when it comes to shoe fashion and I understand wanting to bring them to Paris!
Unless you just want to wear them when taking Instagram photos in Paris, but if your plan is to wear them as your everyday shoes, you may want to think twice!
Firstly, you need to know that Paris is best discovered on foot and the city’s streets are covered in cobblestones! Now imagine walking in your high-heeled shoes on such streets running from one attraction to another.
If you want to do that, I commend you, (but I don’t advise that )otherwise, please leave them at home! Get yourself some comfortable walking shoes and you’ll enjoy Paris without torturing your feet
What to wear instead? Sneakers, converse, or this pair of boots will work just fine.
5. Cargo Pants (As of October 2023, These are ok)
Cargo pants are super practical and not forgetting comfortable! They have lots of pockets to put some of your travel essentials in, and they usually come in dull colors so you can wear them multiple times! There is nothing not to love about Cargo pants!
However, in Paris, you’ll be committing a crime; literally! Ok, I am exaggerating a bit but please don’t wear them in Paris!
They may work well in some cities but in the capital of fashion, they look extremely lazy and scream ” I am a gigantic tourist.”
What to wear instead? The good old pair of jeans will work well.
Update October 2023: As we all know, fashion evolves and while Crago pants were one of the things not to wear in Paris in the past years, the cargo pants trend has made its way to Paris and locals are embracing it Paris. You’ll find so many teenagers and young adults adorning them so if you’re coming to Paris, you can pack them!
You should however note that the cargo pants you bring should be in plain colors and not over-the-top colorful or even camouflage.
6. Flip Flops
You might think that Flip flops are acceptable since heels are not but, you’re dead wrong! Most Parisians do not wear flip-flops on the streets!Instead, you’ll see most of them wearing sneakers or boots.
So depending, on the weather, carry either a pair of sneakers or boots for roaming around the city.
However, you can still pack one pair of flip-flops just to wear when you’re in your hotel room if you’d like.
What to wear instead? Comfortable walking shoes like sneakers or boots.
7. Sweat Pants
Who doesn’t love sweatpants? I would argue they’re the most comfortable piece of clothing ever made and it’s just natural that you would want to carry your most comfortable clothes from your hotel to the streets!
No, no! That just doesn’t work in Paris! Parisians know how to balance comfort and looking well and however much sweatpants are comfortable, let’s just agree that they’re not the most flattering.
Yes, on lazy Sundays in the suburbs, you might find a few wearing them but you won’t find them running around the city in sweatpants.
What to wear instead? If comfort is your ultimate measure of fashion, then you can get away with this comfortable but stylish pair of pants.
8. Heavy Makeup
This might sound conflicting if you have already created a picture of a well-dressed Parisian but let me explain.
Yes, of course, Parisians do wear make-up! What they just don’t do as a norm is wearing full-blown heavy makeup with thousands of layers.
There is nothing wrong with wearing the kind of makeup you prefer with different colors but it’s just not common here.
And since the goal is to look like Parisians, try to do what they do — wear your makeup in moderation.
What to wear instead? Wear light makeup. Things like mascara, eyeshadow, and the basics are all okay as long as they’re not in extreme measures.
Final Thoughts on What Not to Wear in Paris
While I’ve shared what not to wear in Paris, the idea is not to intimidate you but rather to give you a glimpse of what Parisians don’t consider a norm so that you’re best prepared for your trip.
Of course, you can wear what you like since you’re as smart as how you feel but the general idea is to try to find a balance between comfort and looking good. When you find that line, then you’ll be sure as h*ll close to dressing like Parisians.
Were you surprised by any of these items on the list? Which one shocked you the most yet you kinda feel like you’ll just break the rules and bring it anyway? Do let me know in the comments below.
NEVER TRAVEL TO PARIS WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE
One of the biggest mistakes you’ll ever make when planning a trip to Paris is to forego Travel Insurance!
You might think that it’s expensive, but when you think of how much it will save you when you lose your valuables or even get sick, then you’ll know that it’s NOT that expensive!
Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for
more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads.
Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris
- Where to Find Cherry Blossoms in Paris
- What to Wear in Paris in Spring
- Where to go for the best views of Paris
- 15 Best Desserts in Paris You Should Try
- Where to get the best views of the Eiffel Tower
- What not to do in Paris
- Things to do in Paris in spring
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