What to Wear in Champagne in Spring

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IN THIS GUIDE

Riddling racks and champagne bottles stored in the underground cellars of Veuve Clicquot, illuminated during the Brut Yellow tasting tour in Reims, France.
A glowing staircase leading through the historic underground cellars at Veuve Clicquot in Reims, France, showcasing the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the Brut Yellow Label champagne.

A cozy seating area in the tasting room at Veuve Clicquot, Reims, France, decorated with Veuve Clicquot yellow accents and a framed view of the vineyards.

Seeking a glass of sparkling white wine from the region which bears its name? Packing for a trip to the Champagne region really means you’re dressing for a day of wine tasting with a bit of French fashion flair! While exuding your personal style is always the key to looking and feeling confident, there’s some practical considerations to take in account given the nature of this excursion.

Practically speaking, sturdy soles are also essential to keep you high and dry on potentially moist, soft soil while a cardigan cover-up could come in handy as you stroll through the chilly underground crayères. When it comes to the stylistic choices encompassing your outfit, the natural beauty of the blooming vineyards lends itself to complimentary floral fabrics, and any kind of button down vest will instantly elevate your look with a touch of sophisticated Parisian elegance. Last but not least, pay special consideration to the accessories you layer on like sunglasses, watches, and jewelry that will inevitably end up in your wine glass close-up shots—and with this finishing touch you’ll look fabulous during a day trip to Reims and Épernay binging bubbly!


Spring Climate in Champagne

The iconic wooden entrance door to the Veuve Clicquot champagne cellars, framed by lush greenery, in Reims, France.

April in the Champagne region brings a mix of mild, springtime weather, perfect for exploring the vineyards and historic towns of this picturesque region in France. The days are comfortably cool, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities as nature comes to life in full bloom. While mornings and evenings can feel crisp, the afternoons often offer pleasant warmth, making it an ideal time for leisurely strolls through the countryside or wine tastings at local châteaux.

During April, daytime temperatures in Champagne typically range from 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 16°C), while nighttime temperatures can dip to a chilly 39°F to 45°F (4°C to 7°C). While the sun does shine, clouds are frequent, and there's a higher chance of rain, with an average of 9 to 12 rainy days throughout the month. Showers are generally light and brief, but it’s always a good idea to have a collapsible umbrella on hand assuming you’re not deep in a crayère when it starts to sprinkle! The air is fresh, and the cooler temperatures make it easy to enjoy outdoor activities without the sweltering intensity of summer heat.

April offers around 13 to 14 hours of daylight — with sunrise around 7:00 AM and sunset close to 8:30 PM — giving you ample time to explore the Champagne region’s vineyards, quaint villages, and scenic hillside landscapes. While the weather is still transitioning to warmer days following winter’s chill, the vibrant spring blooms and gentle sunshine create an enchanting atmosphere as the environment begins to welcome in summer. Be sure to pack layers and comfortable shoes for those cobblestone streets and vineyard paths, and take in the beauty of this world-renowned wine region as it comes alive with springtime energy.

From personal experience, I would absolutely recommend bringing a jacket of some kind to the Champagne region during April, as biting winds and blowing rain drops can make the climate feel much colder than the ambient temperature would indicate. This layer will come in handy as well when you descend underground for your champagne tours, since the chalky caves are inherently cooler than the surface to promote the maturation of the sparkling wine being stored there!


What to Wear in Champagne?

Flowing Figures

Relaxed, flowing silhouettes offer comfort while still conveying elegance, making them perfect for a day of wine tasting in the serene vineyards of the Champagne region. Locals and visitors alike embrace an effortless style, favoring outfits that allow ease of movement without sacrificing sophistication. Flowing dresses and loose, billowy tops in soft fabrics create a graceful, unrestrictive look, ensuring you feel comfortable while drinking glasses of win throughout the day. Avoid form-fitting, constrictive pieces, as these may lead to the adverse side affect of feeling ill after you’ve hit a few champagne houses!

Cardigan Cover-up

Lightweight cardigans are perfect for adapting to the temperature changes as you explore the cool, chalky crayères of the Champagne region. A soft, cozy cardigan is the ideal layer to slip on when the air turns chilly underground, keeping you warm without making your outfit feel bulky as the spring weather shifts. Opt for neutral shades or soft pastels that effortlessly complement your flowing figures and other springtime attire, adding a refined old-money touch to your look. Whether draped casually over your shoulders or buttoned up for extra warmth, a cardigan ensures you stay comfortable as you transition from the sunny vineyards above to the cool depths of the cellars below.

Floral Fabrics

Delicate floral fabrics bring a touch of springtime charm to your outfit, perfect for blending in with the vibrant greenery of the Champagne vineyards. Floral prints in soft, complimentary hues radiate the essence of spring no matter the season, adding a playful yet feminine element to your look. Whether you choose a flowy dress adorned with muted blossoms or a blouse with bold floral patterns, these fabrics pop beautifully against the twisting vines and lush rolling landscape. Exude the light, fresh feel of the season as you explore the vineyards and blooming countryside, adding a subtle charm to your outfit without overpowering the natural beauty of your surroundings.

Button Down Vest

Refined button-down vests add a touch of structured elegance to your outfit, perfect for echoing the maturity of a finely aged glass of vino. Whether worn over a simple skirt or paired with flowing trousers, a well-fitted vest instantly elevates your ensemble, conveying a polished, mature look. The tailored lines of a button-down vest convey a sense of timeless style and keep your look classically sleek, allowing the vest to be the standout piece that enhances your spring wine tasting wardrobe with effortless grace.

Sturdy Soles

Practical yet stylish shoes with sturdy soles are needed to navigate the soft, fertile terrain of the Champagne vineyards. While the region’s beauty invites exploration, the soil can be tricky to walk on, making it essential to wear footwear that provides stability and comfort. Opt for block-heeled boots, chic loafers, or stylish flats that can handle uneven ground without compromising on style—and definitely stay away from stilettos that could sink into the ground! Sturdy soles ensure you can move confidently between vineyard tours and cellar visits without worrying about snapping a heel, allowing you to fully enjoy your day in the heart of the French countryside.

Drink Details

Think of the perfect finishing touches that will complement your glass of sparkling wine, ensuring your close-up flicks capture pops of style and sophistication. Whether it’s a statement ring, a delicate bracelet, or even a chic manicure, these small details enhance the elegance of your drink in hand. As you sip and snap photos, your accessories should reflect the same refinement and sparkle as the bubbles in your dazzling crystal glass. Opt for understated yet elegant pieces that won’t overpower the moment but instead subtly enhance the luxurious atmosphere of your Champagne experience. With the right drink details, you’ll be photo-ready for those Instagram-worthy close-ups that capture the essence of your France trip!


How I Styled Champagne Outfits

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Embarking on a day trip from Paris with my mother, we didn’t end up making it further than our Veuve Clicquot tasting tour scheduled as the first item in our itinerary—but nonetheless I still got to wear my perfectly dainty Paris dress to at least one champagne maison! Looking to embody every Paris-obsessed little girl’s ornate pink and black bedroom decor, I pulled together the following pieces:

A woman in a black leather jacket and pin-striped satin dress with black lace holds a glass of wine inside a historic crayère in Reims, France, highlighting the elegance of champagne tasting in a traditional cellar setting.
  • I set out to Melrose Trading Post with the intent of securing two dresses for my upcoming trip to Paris, and immediately found what I was looking for at the first booth I strolled into! I adore iamkoko.la and immediately fell in love with the flowing figure of this midi silk striped pink v-neck dress ($50) with delicate black lace, scalloped detailing, and an asymmetrical leg slit. The tie-back has an open keyhole detail as well, with each dainty element coming together to form the most perfectly girly dress I ever laid my eyes on. Since they don’t list many dresses online, you can find a simpler version of the style I wore here ($20.99, paid link).

  • Going for an edgier look to align with the black lace detailing on my dress while contrasting with the otherwise feminine aesthetic, I opted for a black leather jacket instead of a cardigan cover-up. And what’s even more exciting about this piece, is that I literally manifested the jacket I’m wearing in this photo. Prior to this trip, I saw a photo of Grace Andrews wearing this same jacket on her Mexico City trip, I fell in love, and looked everywhere for this jacket—and I mean everywhere. Even Google reverse image search results returned nothing of substance, so I gave up on my jacket dreams…until. A new boutique I walked into literally the next day had the exact jacket I was looking for, with only one $50 piece left in my size. If that’s not destiny, I don’t know what is! Naturally this boutique doesn’t have an online storefront, so you’ll need to go on your own jacket wild goose chase, but Ten Shoppe was where my dreams came true! For a cropped dupe of this jacket, you can find a similar style here ($39.99, paid link).

  • Although not pictured, I found the coolest jet black Baylen ballet flats from Steve Madden ($59.97). The pretty removable ankle lace ties add to the ballet-inspired look while the grommet hardware straps crossed over top add an edgy punk element to create one of the most interesting, contrasted flat designs with sturdy soles I’ve ever seen.

  • I accessorized with my usual gold luxe jewelry stack including a waterproof Virgin Mary pendant from London Manori and Tiny Pearl Station Necklace made of gold vermeil ($98) from Mejuri. Topping off my stack was a vintage gold watch (~$85) from Calypso Studios which served as the perfect drink detail accessorizing all my champagne close-up shots!

  • My final accessory was a nude Small Woven Crossbody bag ($120) from Ligne Blanche made of a lightweight neoprene material which was large enough to fit all my loose items—like the Veuve Clicquot souvenir cup I ended up bringing home!

 
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