What I Packed for Paris in January 2026
What I Packed for Paris in January 2026
Paris in January has become a yearly tradition. I use the quiet season to reboot from the previous year and plan for the year ahead. What worked, what didn’t, and where I want to grow. The cold days aren’t for everyone, but I love them. This trip fell a little later than usual, with the Sézane book party being at the end of the month. It still lets me try some new hotels at off-peak-season prices and take advantage of the sales.
You can see more of what I was up to in Paris with My Paris Agenda here.
The Weather In Paris in January
The weather in Paris in January is traditionally cold, wet, and damp. I have been in Paris for some pretty cold winters. Make sure to check the forecast if you plan to visit in January. Base layers help keep warm, such as an extra pair of leggings under your jeans or a thermal shirt under your sweater.
My Travel Uniform to Paris
I have crafted a travel uniform over the past year, and it has made life much easier. This sweater from La Ligne is so soft, warm, and cozy. (Use the code REBECCA10 for 10% off.) I have fallen in love with these high hope pants from AYR. (I own them in medium) They are not leggings, but rather an elevated sweatpant feel with pockets that work well for long-haul flights, especially overnight flights. I have arrived in Paris and feel pulled together. A T-shirt to layer under the sweater is ideal. I can remove the sweater and tie it over my shoulders if I get too warm, or when I land at CDG.
Curious how I styled everything? Check out this Substack post.
Cold Weather Accessories for Paris
My coat and Me+Em travel scarf were the MVPs of the trip. Paris was cold, especially on the day of my event. It was freezing, and I needed the extra layer of warmth.
Gloves and warm socks were also key items I packed to stay warm, especially on days when it rained nonstop.
A travel umbrella that fits in my day bag is essential. Monoprix sells umbrellas at the entrance, and they have stores placed all over the city, so it is easy to pick up one if you forget to pack yours.
As a travel photographer, I need my camera to be secure in a zipped bag. I love my Cuyana. It has a ton of pockets to keep all my little accessories organized.
The Coat I Packed for Paris in January
Paris in the winter is damp and cold. When I looked at the coats in my closet, I dug deep, looking at the fiber content. The coat with the highest wool content won, which was this one, a gift from Zadig and Voltaire. If you are looking for something similar for Paris, this coat is also a great option.
Boots for Paris in January
These Margaux Chelsea boots were perfect for Paris in January. It rained just about every day, and these are water-resistant. I never had to worry about getting caught in the rain and ruining my shoes. They were comfortable and sturdy, and I walked 20,000 steps a day without any issues.
Sézane red ballet flats were perfect for the warmer day in Paris. They are always sold out, and I was happy to find a pair in the store. I typically wear an 8 for shoes with Sézane.
The Sarah Flint booties are a favorite and have been in my wardrobe for a while. They are an investment, but I have worn them a good number of times to make them worth it. Perfect with skirts, dresses, and jeans.
Sweaters I Packed for Paris
This Frame grey button-down sweater is always a piece I reach for in my closet, and I knew I wanted to pack for Paris. REBECCA15 gets you 15% off any Frame piece.
I always like to have a warm café sweater for a very cold or rainy day. This chocolate brown sweater was what I put on after the event with jeans, and it felt so good!
Love this Alex Mill red turtleneck sweater for a pop of color.
Sézane Paris Book Party Outfit
For the Sézane event, I was originally going to wear these heels, but a community member saw my outfit preview and recommended booties instead. This was a smart move, and I’m happy I swapped. I walked from my hotel to the store, and that wasn’t happening in heels. The booties are great for standing for long periods, and I was able to walk a few miles in them without issue.
I was in a skirt and blouse for the event and needed tights. This Lou bag was perfect for my phone and lipstick for the event.
Beauty Bag for Paris
Before Paris, I did BBL and Moxie, which meant my skincare routine was very simple. I packed this Avène cleanser and moisturizer. Sunscreen was a non-negotiable.
I had a blowout before I left for Paris and scheduled one for my return, so my hair was taken care of. In my cadence capsules, I packed my Roz shampoo to refresh my bangs every day, along with this travel hair brush. This is a product I know, love, and trust. The hotel has great products, too, but I know how my hair will react to this shampoo.
Eye patches and this eye mask for before the event and shoot to reduce puffiness from flying.
I love the scent of Evolve Together deodorants and always keep one in my travel bag.
Simple Makeup for Paris
I find the Merit Foundation Stick and Brush the easiest for applying makeup. It goes on easily, and this color suits me well. For blush, Iris and Romeo English Rose. I also love their Weekend Skin, which I use regularly in Paris under makeup before foundation. It provides SPF protection and a subtle glow. Mascara is Sisley Paris, and I always have a lip gloss from Merit in my bag. For the event, I wore this Sisley lipstick.
Pilates Clothes for Paris
I packed Pilates clothes in hopes of making it to a class, and it worked! Paris Pilates Society is owned by my friend Jennifer, and I signed up for a weekend class. Third Love just released a new TempSync bra and pants that I packed for Paris, along with a tank top.
Paris Photo Shoot Clothes
Katie Donnelly and I shot a few looks for Valentine’s Day in Paris. We lucked out with the weather that day; it was warm enough to go without a coat for a bit. Plus, we had a little sunshine.
I wore this Boden skirt with this sweater and these red flats. The whole outfit is adorable and so much fun.
Another Boden sweater with Frame jeans and red flats.
For the third look, which was also from Boden, a pink dress, we layered a Zadig and Voltaire grey coat on top for part of the shoot.
The Bra that Saved Me
I wore this Eby bra on the flight over. It is wire-free and perfect for a long flight. My friend, Tam, was helping me finalize my outfit for Sézane over text, and she asked if I had a black bra instead!? I panicked. After dinner, I realized I did have one. This Eby bra is what I wore under my blouse to the Sézane event, and it worked great.
What I Packed for Paris And Didn’t Use
I anticipated colder temperatures and packed this Uniqlo jacket to wear under my coat, and it never left the suitcase.
For an evening bag, I packed this mini bag from Cuyana, and I didn’t end up using it. I was typically out all day, so I just had my Cuyana tote with me instead.
I thought I might use this AYR button-down as a layering piece under a sweater, but I didn’t wear it. Also, I packed one too many Frame jeans for the trip. These black jeans are great, but I only needed two pairs, and I already packed a medium- and a dark-wash pair of the Palazzo denim from Frame. Two pairs of jeans are plenty for 5/6 nights to rotate.
Suitcases and Longchamp Bag
I ended up using two suitcases because I carried books, Girl Scout cookies, and a few other things from the US. This allowed me more room for the way home. For extra purchases, I like using this Longchamp foldable bag that expands and can hold a good amount for the trip home.
For more packing tips, check out what to pack for Paris in the winter here.
*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission off of items purchased from my links. Merci!
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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Hi Rebecca! What shade of lipstick are you wearing in the photo with the light pink cardigan? So pretty!
Laura
Hi Laura,
It is this one from Sisley https://go.shopmy.us/p-42707947
xo Thank you!
Love your blog…. great reccomendations and new sources
Is there a carryon bag that works well for international flights on Air France?
Hi Debra,
What kind of carry on bag are you looking for your trip? A personal item or a roller bag?
I snd my travel friend are taking a Viking cruise to Ostia and Swiss Alps early April. What should I pack in one small suitcase and carry on?