What to Pack for Paris or New York This Winter

I live just outside New York City, and we travel to Paris quite often. In both cities, you see a few basic pieces everywhere in the cold winter weather. A good wool coat, sensible, but stylish shoes or boots, layers, and accessories that help keep you dry and warm.

TWA Hotel at JFK in New York City

For this post, we visited the TWA Hotel at JFK. If you’ve never had a chance to see it, I highly recommend it the next time you’re at JFK. Even if you don’t stay at the hotel, there are museum exhibits with uniforms from 1945 to 2001. There are several options for food and drink, and you can even pick up a red Musgrave Pencil at the check-in desk. We enjoyed a coffee at The Sunken Lounge.

Starting with Footwear

Left side: Larroudé Boat Shoe // Uniqlo Ribbed Socks // Sézane Markus Loafers // Eileen Fisher Harlow Oxford // Adidas Sambas OG Sneakers // Soludos Venetian Velvet Flats // Right side: Kule Long Sleeve Tees // Cashmere Triangle Scarf // AYR Denim // Kule Turtleneck // Alex Mill Tote Bag

When it comes to footwear, comfort is key. Both cities have had their fair share of snow; you’ll see women wearing shoes like loafers, Oxfords, or low boots.

When walking the streets of Paris or New York, we often walk ten miles, and that’s including taking the Metro or the Subway, which means a lot of stairs. If it’s raining or snowing, everything is slippery.

Paraboot

One of my favorite brands is Paraboot. They make beautiful shoes with rubber soles. One that I see a lot of Parisian women wearing in Paris is the Derby style – Beaubourg or Michael. They are super comfortable and will last for many years. The price is under $500, which, for a luxury item that you will have for years, actually seems reasonable. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but luxury prices have skyrocketed in recent years. Sézane has a similar style to the Derby called the Markus Loafer.

Socks for Extra Warmth

Wearing warm socks in winter weather is so important. Especially in Paris, where you’ll still be sitting at outdoor cafés even in winter. They often have heaters, but on the ground, you’ll need to cover your ankles to stay warm while enjoying that Parisian hot chocolate!

My favorite socks are by Comme Si. They have cotton blends, merino wool, and cashmere. I also like socks from Uniqlo.

The essentials when average temperatures are in the teens

Sézane Milo Classic Bag // Warby Parker Percey Frames // Cuyana Tote // Longchamp Tote // Uniqlo Shoulder Bag // Camel Hair Coat // AYR Jeans and Denim Shirt // Sézane Suzon Jacket (black and white houndstooth vest) // GAP Big Shirt // Sézane Joseph Brass Necklace // Comme Si Socks

The key is to wear layers to stay warm!

Jeans and black pants
A warm coat with a Pufftech compact vest or jacket from Uniqlo
Cashmere sweaters in gray and camel
Cardigans in neutrals
Soft scarf
Heattech cashmere blend t-shirt (for those really low temperatures)
Vests for layering
White, black, and denim shirts or blouses
Long-sleeve tees and turtlenecks
Tote bag with a smaller purse or crossbody bag
Comfortable nude bras and underwear

Everything in my “essentials list” can be worn to create multiple outfits. I pack only a few sweaters and air them out between wearings. I spray with vodka and then, if possible, hang them in the cold air. When you bring them inside, they smell so clean and fresh. You can read more in this post on caring for cashmere.

We stay at Mob House in Paris, and always reserve a suite facing the courtyard. They have tiny balconies off each suite, perfect for hanging a sweater for a few minutes to air out.

YR Secret Sauce Jeans // AYR Denim Button-Down Shirt // Sézane Balthazar Jacket (fleece vest) // Comme Si Socks // Warby Parker Tal Rosemary Crystal Sunglasses // Sambas OG Sneakers

Packing Tip: a few must-have accessories

Travel umbrella (a small size will be easier to carry in your bag, and when in use!)
A well-fitting beanie
A pair of gloves (especially useful when holding your umbrella)
A cozy scarf
Soludos -a pair of shoes that can be worn like slippers and shoes
A cashmere cardigan for wearing in the hotel room

Making sure you are comfortable (cozy) when traveling in winter

When staying in hotels, especially in Europe, it can be difficult to control the room temperature. So I like to make sure I can be very cozy with a few small things.

A cozy cashmere cardigan, I can wear it with pajama bottoms, or these pants from Lululemon. If the room or hotel is really chilly, I can add a cozy scarf to take the chill off, cashmere socks, and a pair of Soludos. A pair of velvet Venetian flats weighs less than 12 ounces and can be worn as shoes or as slippers. I always tuck a pair into my luggage to wear to breakfast, the spa, or the pool. I love these shoes when traveling any time of year.

Taking a winter trip has its perks! Fewer crowds everywhere, restaurant reservations that are impossible to get in the spring, summer, and fall are easy to book in winter. And, generally, it’s easier to pack less for a trip in the winter months, even considering clothes are bulkier for cold weather. I mostly use carry-on luggage, and all of the above fit in nicely when limiting to two pairs of shoes, plus the pair you wear for travel.