Everything I Packed for Paris

Happy Sunday, ladies!  Drum roll, please! It’s a long time coming, but it’s finally time to share all the details about what I packed for Paris. Many of you might remember my daughter-in-law Kelly, and I flew to Paris late last fall.  And while I did share some of what I wore and where I went, I wanted to put it all together in a mega post.  Alas, life got in the way.  So, here it is, and even if you caught the earlier posts, there’s still something here for you!

Paris is always a good idea any time of the year, but I’m partial to spring and fall. Both shoulder seasons are the perfect time to visit as the crowds have thinned out and the summer heat wave has disappeared, replaced with moderate temps that are absolutely perfect for walking the city streets. Can you believe there was only one day that rained?! 

It was a fun week filled with culinary delights.  We went to the renowned Le Deux Magots located in the St. Germaine district frequented by many, many famous figures through the years like Ernest Hemmingway, Pablo Picasso, and Julia Child. 

The Summary

  Today, I’m sharing what I packed for my Paris trip with my daughter-in-law Kelly

  You really can think of this post as a travel-capsule wardrobe of sorts, with included packing tips

  All of the items I packed are still basically in stock and shoppable via text- and image-widgets

  I’ve also included a pinnable/downloadable packing checklist that you might find useful on your next trip!

What I Packed For Paris

1. Cafe Life & Culinary Delights

One of the most charming aspects of Paris is the local cafés where you can stop for a small bite to eat while you binge-watch the people passing by. Some cafés are more famous than other, with Café de Flore and Le Deaux Magots being the two more frequented. The cafés face each other from across the street. And you never know who you will sit next to when in Paris.

The women sitting at the table beside us started a conversation with me as they thought I was French and asked a question about the menu. When I explained I was American, they immediately switched to English.

As we chatted I discovered they were lifelong friends and traveled together now that their husbands were deceased. Come to find out one of the women is none other than Alda Fendi, owner of Fendi, the world-famous Italian luxury brand.

Aren’t her sunglasses something else? They’re famous in their own right and are displayed in the Guggenheim museum. That’s a fact shared by Aldi herself. What a fun afternoon! The cute Pomeranian (there were two) belonged to Alda, although she had a dog walker drop them off and pick them up. What a life!

France is filled with culinary delights at every corner but my favorite restaurant in Paris is American. Ralph’s. Shocking, right, considering Ralph Lauren is hands down my favorite designer. The restaurant is located inside his flagship store in St. Germaine and is absolutely breathtaking. Choose seats on the terrace or inside the store. Love them both.

2. Where I stay & go

Typically, when I travel to Paris, I rent an apartment from Air BnB. An apartment gives you more space to relax at the end of a very long day. And I love the convenience of a refrigerator to stash snacks, cheese, or wine.

My favorite district is Arrondissement 1. On this trip to Paris, my apartment was located on Rue St. Honoré, situated directly across from Burberry, with Dior and Chanel on adjacent street corners.

If you want to see a city get decked out for Christmas, Paris, France, has to be it. During our week-long stay, we watched the Burberry decorations come to life, with work commencing at approximately 1 AM each morning. How do I know the workforce showed up in the wee hours of the morning?

My bedroom faced the storefront, and I woke up to a drill or two during my stay. That minor inconvenience didn’t stop me from loving all of the stores decked out their Christmas decorations. And my Favorite had to be Chanel with pearl necklaces dangling from the storefront like Christmas ornaments.

3. Packing & Traveling Tips

Okay, are you ready for the details about what I packed for my trip to Paris? Let’s start with a few packing tips.

• Pick a neutral color palette:  This will allow you to mix and match your outfits.
• Make a list of all of your activities during your stay: Are you going to museums? Cooking class? Or a Dinner cruise? Write them all down.
• Pay close attention to the weather forecast: Is it cold and rainy, hot and humid? This plays a big factor in planning your wardrobe.

Once I have my color palette in place, activities planned, and have checked the weather forecast, I put together my travel wardrobe. All good suitcases are packed based on a color scheme, the weather, and activities.

• Limit jewelry:  I never travel with the real deal. it’s always costume jewelry for me, as I never have to worry about lost luggage or theft.
• Pack stylish flat shoes and boots:  There’s lots of walking in Paris, so I leave my high heels behind and pack stylish yet comfortable shoes.
• Pack an extra tote:  If you love to shop in Paris, it’s a good idea to bring an extra piece of luggage to get your new belongings home.
• Pack Electronics: These always come with me on my International trips.
  • Adapter
  • Converter
  • Phone Charger
  • Battery Pack

If I have to catch an international flight, I always arrive at the airport well in advance. Sometimes airport check-ins and security lines can be crazy! I don’t know about you, but I never like to stress out before a big trip, so I take at least two hours to cool my heels before I catch my flight.

With that strategy in place, there’s not only lots of time spent at the airport pre-flight but the long flight itself. That’s when a good book comes in handy! Or maybe two, even three. 

4. Outerwear

Classic Trench Coat: With the weather not too hot nor too cold, I typically opt for a trench coat that will keep me dry if it decides to rain. Honestly, I never go to Paris without a trench coat. It’s the perfect topper much of the year, and it always brings together an outfit. Pair it with black pants, cropped jeans, or over a dress.

Bouclé jacket: This jacket doubles as a blazer and a jacket. Win/Win. I specifically purchased this jacket from J. McLaughlin for my trip to Paris.

Blazer: I’m a big fan of blazers any time of year since it’s a great layering piece and always looks chic. I chose an oversized black blazer from Lafayette New York 148. As a matter of fact, this blazer came with me on my last trip to Paris in 2019.

Outerwear

Board: Abercrombie & Fitch Trench Coat | Blyx Wool Boucle Jacket (J.McLaughlin) | The 80s Blazer (Everlane)

Shop the outerwear

5. Shoes & Handbags

Casual sneakers: Comfortable shoes are a must in Paris, no matter the season. This pair from Rag & Bone has been on style repeat for months and looked uber-chic on the city streets of Paris.

Low-heeled booties: I’m all about prioritizing comfortable shoes that allow loads of walking while also looking stylish. I pair them with slightly cropped jeans and with dresses or skirts. I’m a big fan of J.Crew boots and booties; this pair didn’t disappoint.

Block-heeled pumps: Bring at least one extra pair of shoes exclusively for the evening. I like block heels as they keep me sure-footed no matter the terrain. This pair from Tory Burch is one of my favorites and is a dupe of the popular Gucci block heels.

Crossbody handbag: I love the ease of a crossbody handbag that I sling over my shoulder when I travel. I’ve had this Coach crossbody bag for years, and it never disappoints.

Shoes & Handbags

Board: Rag & Bone Retro Sneakers (Saks) | Via Knot Ankle Booties (Talbots) | Tish Ring Riding Boot (Talbots) | Georgia Bombé Slingback (Tory Burch) | Coach Chaise LEather Crossbody Bag (Saks)

Shop the shoes & handbags

6. Tops

Sweaters: I love a cozy cashmere sweater that’s soft and effortlessly chic. I pack at least three: 1 oversized, 1 turtleneck, and 1 crewneck.

Striped Sweater: Cozy and comfy yet stylish – this one layers well under coats. La Ligne makes my favorite striped knits.

Crewneck T-shirt: The perfect layering piece.

Button-down shirt: A timeless staple of any wardrobe, I always bring my favorite button-down. 

Tops

Board:  Anine Bing Sydney Sweater | Herst Cashmere Turtleneck (J.McLaughlin) | Cashmere Crewneck (J.Crew) | Rails Striped Sweater (Bloomingdale’s) | Schoolboy Classic Crewneck Tee (Nordstrom) | Perfect Shirt (Talbots)

Shop the tops

7. Bottoms

Denim: Typically, I pack two to three pairs. One regular rinse, one black, and I do love this cropped flare from Frame in ivory.

Black trousers: Dress them up or down. Black trousers are must-have travel pants. I went with a fashion-forward pair from Veronica Beard. It looked perfect paired with a cashmere sweater, black blazer, and block heels.

Slip silk skirt: It’s easy to pack and easily goes from lunch to dinner.

Board: Slim Ankle Jeans (Talbots) | Mid-Rise Slim Straight Jean in Charcoal Wash (J.Crew) | Frame Le Crop Mini Boot Jeans (Neiman Marcus) | Veronica Beard Slim Straight Pants with Split Hem (Neiman Marcus) | Gwyneth Slip Skirt (J.Crew)

Shop the outfit

In Case You Missed It

Minimal work, maximal reward?  This morning, Kelly shared 6 mostly hands-off recipes.  Click the title or image below to read the article.

6 Mostly Hands-Off Recipes

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