What to Wear in Paris: A Men's Smart-Casual Outfit Example

A navy knitted polo, black linen trousers and brown suede trainers make an easy smart-casual outfit for a Paris city break. It looks put together for long lunches and gallery visits, but it is comfortable enough for hours of walking. Here is the full look, piece by piece.

Key takeaways

• A navy knitted polo, black linen trousers and brown suede trainers make a smart-casual outfit comfortable enough for a full day of walking in Paris.
• Black or navy pleated linen trousers read as smart-casual and suit most mid-range Paris restaurants when paired with a knitted polo.
• Brown suede trainers are the most versatile shoe choice with this navy, black and brown colour palette.
• The full look, including sizing, is available in the Paris smart-casual look on the Happy Gentleman lookbook.

The outfit

Navy ribbed knit polo, $69. A knitted polo reads smarter than a cotton T-shirt but softer than a woven shirt. The vertical rib adds texture, and the open collar keeps things relaxed for a warm afternoon.

Black 100% linen pleated drawstring trousers. Linen is the obvious choice for a summer city break. It is breathable and naturally a little rumpled, so nobody expects it pressed to perfection. The pleats add room to move, and the drawstring waist means comfort after a long lunch is built in.

Josh, brown suede leather trainers. Suede trainers bridge the gap between trainers and proper shoes. Brown against black and navy keeps the palette grounded and adds warmth, without looking overdressed for the occasion.

Why this combination works

Navy, black and brown all sit in the same tonal register, so nothing fights for attention. The polo and trousers are both textured rather than flat, which gives the outfit some visual interest even though the colour palette stays simple.

Every piece is genuinely comfortable for a day of sightseeing, which matters more in Paris than in most cities. You will be on your feet for hours, and a knitted polo, linen trousers and suede trainers hold up to that better than tailoring does.

Frequently asked questions

What should men wear in Paris in summer?

A knitted polo, linen trousers and suede trainers cover most warm-weather occasions in Paris, from cafés to museums, while staying comfortable for walking.

Are linen trousers smart enough for Paris restaurants?

Yes. Pleated linen trousers in black or navy read as smart-casual and suit most mid-range Paris restaurants, especially paired with a knitted polo rather than a T-shirt.

What shoes go with a knitted polo and linen trousers?

Suede trainers in brown or tan work best. They are dressier than a canvas trainer but still relaxed enough for a full day of walking.

Shop the look

See every piece from this outfit, including sizing, in the Paris smart-casual look on our lookbook.