What I Wore in Paris January 2026

And how I styled color into my wardrobe.

I recently traveled to Paris for a week. The weather was cold, rainy, and everything I expected. It was actually warmer than I anticipated. I thought it would be fun and helpful to see everything I wore for the week for different events and meetings. The key accessories I brought, the colors I wore, and how I styled everything.

For weather reference, it was in the 30’s and 40’s for the week. I am based in Chicago, so this was warmer than the weather we had at home. Paris is damp and cold, which makes it feel a bit cooler than it actually is. Keep that in mind if you are prepping for an upcoming winter trip.

There was one very cold day, which was the day of my book party, and the warmest day was the day after. This is the day Katie Donnelly and I did a shoot, and we really lucked out with some peaks of sunshine.

A Few Essentials for Paris in the Winter

This warm coat from Zadig and Voltaire and my Me+Em scarf were the MVP of the trip.

Also, an umbrella was necessary. I keep a travel one in my bag just in case. Even when there is no rain in the forecast, I am always surprised. Paris in the rain isn’t for everyone, but I love it. Especially as a photographer, it adds another layer to the city. The cobblestones glisten, and the movement of the rain creates a special ambience. Especially in black and white.

What I Packed for Paris in January

Also, please excuse the tired, puffy eyes that worsened as the week went on. Once I finally got some good sleep after my event, it was time to fight jet lag the other way!

Paris Travel Day Uniform

Ayr High Hopes pants, a t-shirt, boots, Eby bra,(comfort is key) Bombas compression socks, and this La Ligne sweater. (code REBECCA10 gets you 10% off)

Travel scarf

Coffee Runs and Exploring Paris

I have brought this red turtleneck sweater to Paris before and love it. It is my signature pop of red and is great for cold or rainy days.

Jeans are Frame. I packed the same style in two different colors, alternating them throughout the trip. *Rebecca15 gets you 15% off.

Shoes are Margaux water-resistant Chelsea Boots. Size up .5 size. Loved them and literally wore them every day.

Cuyana Bag for Paris

As a travel photographer, I need my camera with me wherever I am in Paris. This Cuyana bag has been my go-to. It has a ton of pockets and zips at the top to keep everything secure. I also have the laptop insert and use it on coffee shop workdays when I want to bring my laptop with me.

Sézane Book Party Outfit

On my way to the Sézane party, I decided to walk, but once I felt the freezing cold temperatures, I regretted it.

For the Sézane party. I was deciding between this leather skirt and an older skirt I had in my Sézane archives. Ultimately, I preferred the skirt with the belt, and it worked better with the blouse. Booties, tights, and this Lou bag completed the accessories.

This Eby bra is what I wore underneath the blouse. It needs a black bra vs a nude one.

I also picked up this Sisley lipstick for my pop of red for the morning.

Cozy Sweaters for Cold Days in Paris

After the event, I immediately came back and changed into this sweater and jeans. I was still buzzing with the energy and excitement of the event, so I took myself to lunch. It was cold and dark, but I pushed through and did a solo celebration. I will share more details about where I went that afternoon and a few things I bought.

This grey Frame sweater is a favorite, and I am so happy I packed it!

For size reference, I wear a M in Frame sweaters and 28 in Frame bottoms. The code Rebecca15 gets you 15% off!

Pilates in Paris

My friend Jennifer owns a Pilates studio in Paris. Classes are in English. I walk around 20,000 steps a day and love adding in a class during my week-long visits. It is a great way to move my body, especially after a long trip.

I packed the new Third Love leggings and sports bra. (size up on the bra, I have a M and ordered a L for my second order) My only hesitation was not wearing black leggings. As I looked around the room, I was the only one wearing a color. I just ordered a second pair of the leggings in black.

After class, I changed back into jeans and a sweater. The leggings were worn under my jeans as I walked to class. Typically, you won’t see Parisians wearing workout leggings around unless they are out running. This is more common than it was when I arrived in Paris fifteen years ago.

While out to lunch on my last day (a Sunday), I saw a mom and daughter, both French, wearing workout leggings under their sweaters. I actually love the idea of Parisians dressing up, and I was surprised!

Photo Shoot Outfits

Katie Donnelly and I have been working together since 2017. When I planned my trip to Paris, we were deciding what to shoot. We landed on doing a Valentine’s Day pink theme.

Boden gifted me this sweater, and I bought this dress and skirt. While the dress and skirt weren’t winter-appropriate, we did have some warm enough weather to make them work. I loved the way the photos turned out.

The red ballet flats were a gift from Sézane after the book event.

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