Imagine this: You’re sitting on the terrace of a cafe with a cappuccino. The air is cool but not cold, the nearby heating lamp provides a comfortable warmth. The rain has just started and you hear raindrops falling softly on the terrace awning. A gentle breeze whips the colorful fallen leaves by you, and others tumble from the trees like an exhale. The color of the buildings is gray, but the light from the cafes is warm and welcoming, giving the impression that the city is alive. The sidewalk is bustling with people running errands or hurrying to a rendezvous, but you, you have all the time in the world.
If you’re on the fence about visiting Paris in the fall, I can wholeheartedly recommend it, especially in September and October. I know this isn’t the peak vacation time for most North Americans, but Europeans get a fall break in October and often travel, making it the ideal time to come to Paris. Schools have an October break so many European families will travel at this time. The weather is cool and comfortable, not too hot and not too cold. There’s not as many tourists. Its just the perfect time to visit!
Also perfect? Receiving visitors in Paris! It’s been so long since we’ve had visitors due to “the thing that shall not be named”, and I’m absolutely delighted that my bff is coming to visit next week! Picture me doing a scarf and beret clad happy dance right now!
The Weather
The weather in Paris in the autumn can be lovely. September has some warm days but eventually the mornings and evenings turn cold, while afternoons are warm. By November the weather is a lot colder. But October. Now, October is the best!
It can be rainy, the weather starts really changing to cooler temperatures, and the days get shorter. As we know, this means that autumn leaves are in full force! I know this may be old hat to you if you’re from a place where the leaves change color brilliantly, say the northeast US. Being from Southern California it really is a treat to see autumn leaves here and I swear I’ll never get tired of it!
Just check out this little Instagram Reel I put together from some video and pictures I took last October! Breathtaking!
Also, be prepared for rain! I don’t mind the rain, though I do like it less if I’m out walking in it as I do here in Paris. If I’m prepared for the weather then its much more enjoyable. In fact, I think I love Paris best on a rainy day. The neutral color palate of the city, combined with the warm lighting of cafes, bistros, and old timey street lamps is just stunning. Combine that with colors from the autumn leaves and Voila! Magical!
How to Pack
Why do I get so excited about packing? I can’t be sure but I think its because I know I’m about to have an adventure, and the clothes that accompany me on the trip are part of that adventure.
I love to look cute and put together but more than anything I like to be comfortable. I hate being cold! It just makes me miserable. I also hate it when I bring the wrong shoes and I’m uncomfortable the entire trip. This list is born from my desires to pack light (something I have yet to accomplish!), look cute and stylish, and also be practical and comfortable.
1- A long trench coat
I’ve already expounded on my love of the trench coat. It really is the perfect coat for Paris in the fall, though make sure its one that’s lined so its warm enough in the cool temperatures. I like it because it looks classy, you can wear it during the day and at night over a cocktail dress, and it goes with everything. It’s one of those classic wardrobe staples that everyone should own. Trench coats are often somewhat water resistant too, which is helpful when its rainy as it often is in Paris. I prefer a long length, below my knees, because its warmer and goes with more things (for example dresses).
2- Two good pairs of walking shoes
I’m talking about sneakers that you can really put some miles on before your feet start to hurt. Since I’ve moved to Paris my feet have started to hurt everyday. I thought it was because I was aging. Then I went back to the US for over a month and wasn’t walking as much and guess what! My feet stopped hurting! When I came back to Paris I noticed that my feet started to hurt again. Now, my foot pain really may be related to getting older. But I think its more likely because I am walking A LOT. Even when I worked as a social worker in a hospital and was on my feet much of the day, my feet did not hurt this badly.
I’m telling you this because you should know what you’re getting into! You need really good, comfortable walking shoes. Preferably 2 pairs so you can switch them out and in case one pair gets wet and needs time to dry. I recommend a pair of white sneakers and a pair of black sneakers because they go with everything.
You’ll find that most people in the city wear athletic shoes when out walking around. You often see women sitting down on a bench somewhere to change their shoes coming or going to the office. You’ll be in good company if you have a nice pair of white sneaks with you.
3- Light sweater
Rule number one of visiting Paris, always have a sweater with you. It really does get cool fast, and if the sun does not come out it doesn’t get warm. If the sun does come out its only warm when the sun is actually showing. As soon as it goes behind the clouds it’ll be cool again. I think it has something to do with the latitude of the city and also all the concrete buildings really do reflect the cold temperatures.
4-Scarf
Pretty much from September to June, people in Paris, and likely all of France and maybe even Europe, wear scarves. Its the number one accessory to have with you, or you could buy one here as a souvenir. It helps keep you warm, its an easy layer to take on and off as the weather changes throughout the day, and its a way to add some color and personality to the classic trench coat you’ll be wearing over your outfit.
5- A small, packable tote bag
A small foldable shopping bag or canvas bag that you can throw in your purse or backpack is helpful to have and something that Parisians always have with them. You need to have a reusable bag with you everywhere you go and although many places sell them (and they can be fun gifts for people back home) it makes it so much easier if you just have one with you. In the city you will see many people, male and female, have a small bag (like a purse) and as the day goes on more and more people will be using that shopping bag. The reason to have this bag isn’t only to collect your shopping; its to carry the shoes you change into after work, or the sweater and scarf you’ve taken off in the warm afternoon. Its just a super practical thing to have to carry all the things you find yourself carting around the city.
How do I apply these to my vintage lifestyle?
This is a blog about travel and vintage fashion after all, so I need to bring this topic into it. I think all of the tips I shared above are general things that can be applied to your vintage style. Packing a trench coat? Make it vintage or vintage reproduction (I have a beautiful pink trench coat I purchased last fall from Miss Candy Floss. They just released a camel colored one this year!).
The one thing I will say, and I plan to address this more in depth in a future post, is not to bring anything with you that you’re afraid of getting damaged, destroyed, or stolen. This of course can apply to any travel any time. Specifically, don’t bring vintage items that are difficult to replace or maintain. Don’t wear a vintage trench coat that you don’t actually want to wear if its raining. Don’t wear true vintage shoes that would ruined if they got wet. You get the idea. Your fall Paris wardrobe needs to be able to sustain whatever Paris throws at it.
I hope this post inspires you to plan a trip to Paris in the fall! Do you have any tips to add? Let me know in the comments!
As always, shine your light bright!