From Chic Neutrals to Bold Accents: Finding Your Perfect Paris Color Palette
Trying to decide what to wear for your Paris photoshoot? Start with color!
The right palette flatters your skin tone and sets the entire mood of your photos. From dreamy spring pastels to cozy autumn hues and bold pops of color, this guide has outfit inspiration for every season and every style.
Whether you’re planning a family session, a romantic couple’s shoot, or your solo main character moment, these hand-picked color palettes will help you feel confident, comfortable, and completely photo-ready.
So scroll on, pick your vibe, and let the Parisian magic do the rest.
Paris-Inspired Color Palettes by Season
Looking for outfit inspo that feels effortless and seasonally spot-on? These color palettes are designed to complement Paris in every season. Whether you’re cozying up in fall layers or floating through spring in soft pastels, each one is curated to help your photos pop without overpowering the scene. Pick your season, find your vibe, and let the styling begin!
Autumn Glow
Color Palette:
Warm taupe, dusty mauve, muted periwinkle, olivewood, and pale slate blue
Why it works:
This palette feels like a cozy embrace on a crisp Paris morning. The earthy tones, like camel and olive, pair beautifully with soft pastels and neutrals, letting the golden fall leaves and classic Parisian architecture shine without competing. The dusty rose jumpsuit adds personality and charm, while the kids’ patterns bring playfulness without overwhelming the frame.
Perfect For:
Family sessions in the Tuileries Garden or Palais Royal during autumn. These tones melt seamlessly into the warm seasonal foliage and stately architecture while allowing everyone’s personalities to shine.
Style Tip:
Layering in fall isn’t just practical, it’s stylish! Think trench coats, boots, and textured knits in warm hues. Add dimension with small prints or soft accessories like scarves or bows that match your palette without overpowering it.
Winter Warmth
Color Palette:
Soft pink, warm ivory, muted terracotta, dusty sage, and deep navy
Why it works:
This dreamy, feminine palette adds warmth and softness without feeling too formal. The pink tones play beautifully against the Parisian limestone and soften the entire scene, while taupe and ivory keep things grounded. It’s light, romantic, and oh-so-Paris.
Perfect For:
Romantic couples and families who want their love to take center stage in a classic Paris setting, especially perfect for golden hour by the river or any spot with light-toned architecture.
Style Tip:
Pair flowy silhouettes with layered neutrals for added dimension. If you’re leaning into romance, consider chiffon, linen, or tulle for added movement in the breeze.
Spring in Bloom
Color Palette:
Pale peach, dusty pink, bright teal, cool tan, and deep blue
Why It Works:
These pastel tones reflect the natural colors already in the landscape, like fluffy cherry blossoms, fresh tulips, soft greenery, so your outfits will feel effortless and organic in the scene (and your photos won’t compete with the background). It’s the season of soft romance; your wardrobe should lean into that.
Perfect For:
Couples who want a light, romantic vibe. Solo travelers going for whimsical or editorial. Families with young kiddos—this palette is super camera-friendly and works across ages and skin tones.
Style Tip:
Mix textures! A flowy floral dress with a denim jacket (like in the photo), or linen pants with a cotton button-down—keeps the palette soft, but still adds visual interest. Avoid super stark white; go for cream or soft ivory instead.
Summer Chic
Color Palette:
Sorbet shades like lemon, soft tangerine, and light turquoise, or lavender, anchored by airy neutrals like ivory, cream, and sandy beige
Why It Works:
Summer in Paris is all about warmth and vibrancy, but instead of going full neon, this palette softens the bold with breezy pastels. These colors bounce beautifully off the lighter Parisian architecture and lush greenery without stealing the show.
Perfect For:
Playful family sessions, best friend shoots, or casual couple portraits where the vibe is carefree and sunny. Also great for solo travelers who want to show off a colorful personality in a classic Parisian setting.
Style Tip:
Let one outfit carry the color punch (like that adorable striped dress!), and keep the other more neutral to balance things out. Bonus points for light, breathable fabrics such as linen, cotton, and gauze keep you cool and look effortless in photos.
Timeless Looks for Any Time of Year
Not every outfit needs to follow the seasons. Some color combos are just timeless. They look incredible whether you’re wrapped in a winter coat or enjoying a rare summer breeze.
Check out these bold choices, elevated classics, and chic combos that shine year-round. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic monochrome, cozy neutrals, or a vibrant splash of color, these palettes work with every Paris backdrop and never go out of style.
So if you want a look that’s totally you, no matter the season? Start here.
Monochromatic all the Way!
Color Palette:
Choose a single color like blue, green, blush, or even rust and build your whole look around it using different shades, tones, and textures. Think sky blue to navy, sage to emerald, or soft rose to deep berry.
Why It Works:
Monochromatic styling looks effortlessly elevated and super cohesive. It draws attention to expressions and connections rather than busy patterns. And when done right (like this dreamy all-blue fam), it feels intentional, stylish, and totally Insta-worthy.
Perfect For:
Fashion-forward families, couples wanting a modern twist, solo travelers going for that editorial edge. It also works beautifully in locations with strong architectural elements like the Eiffel Tower or Louvre.
Style Tip:
Play with fabric and tone to keep it interesting. Mix light and dark shades of the same color, and combine pieces like chambray, silk, linen, or knits to add depth. Don’t worry about matching exactly, the variation is what makes it pop!
Pop of Color
Color Palette:
Bold red, cobalt blue, mustard yellow, deep emerald, hot pink… Just choose one standout hue and let it lead the way! Keep other tones neutral to let your star color shine.
Why It Works:
Paris is full of soft-toned beauty, so a single, intentional pop of color feels like a fashion-forward statement. It draws the eye, adds energy to your images, and creates photos that feel modern, joyful, and totally unique to you.
Perfect For:
Solo travelers who want a bold main character moment, couples with contrasting styles, or anyone who wants a fashion magazine vibe without the fuss.
Style Tip:
Anchor your pop of color with grounding pieces like tan, gray, cream, or denim. And don’t be afraid of movement! Flowy fabrics or long sleeves make that color come alive in motion.
Timeless Neutrals
Color Palette:
Soft white, pale stone, warm taupe, soft beige, and touches of espresso or black for contrast
Why It Works:
Neutrals let you be the focus. They photograph beautifully in any light (even under overcast skies) and blend effortlessly with iconic backdrops like the Eiffel Tower, Haussmann buildings, and garden architecture. It’s elegant without being stuffy, and never goes out of style!
Perfect For:
Families, especially when you want a calm, cohesive look. Couples who love cozy vibes. Anyone hoping for an editorial or clean aesthetic that won’t feel dated in five years.
Style Tip:
Layer textures to keep it luxe, not flat. Think chunky knits, wool coats, linen pants, ribbed sweaters, or soft denim. And don’t be afraid of a tiny pop of color! Those red sneakers? Chef’s kiss!!
Black and White
Color Palette:
Crisp white, jet black, soft cream, charcoal, and maybe a tiny accent like gold jewelry or a red lip.
Why It Works:
There’s nothing more quintessentially Parisian than black and white! It’s a nod to old films, iconic street style, and timeless simplicity. This combo pops against the city’s soft tones, adds instant elegance, and works in every season and setting. No color matching stress, just bold, beautiful contrast.
Perfect For:
Romantic couples, chic solo sessions, anniversary shoots, or anyone channeling that effortlessly stylish French energy.
Style Tip:
Play with pattern to add personality (polka dots, stripes, or subtle prints). You can go all-in on sleek or soften the look with relaxed fabrics. Black loafers, a tailored jumpsuit, a floaty white dress…it’s all about striking the balance between sharp and soft.
Pack Your Palette & Let’s Make Magic
Once you’ve found the palette that speaks to you, building outfits becomes a whole lot easier (and way more fun).
Don’t stress about perfection! Focus on colors that feel good, photograph beautifully, and reflect your personality.
Need help fine-tuning outfits for your shoot? I’ve got you! Whether we’re checking out the blooms in the Tuileries or enjoying the sunrise on the rooftops of Montmartre, I’ll be right there to make sure you look incredible and feel even better!
Your dream Paris photos start with a color story you love, so let’s find yours and bring it to life!!
Check out the Paris Photo Session Style Guide for even more inspiration!
Timeless and romantic images for the modern francophile