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Something for the Ladies:
How To Pack For Your Trip To Paris

Lovely reader I am here to offer my insider information but this ain’t no gospel; I would never want to discourage wardrobe originality, but you do need to be prepared to stand out if you opt for sweatpants or a prom dress. Paris style is classic and gives the impression of simplicity (I still haven’t nailed it down so it isn’t as simple as it looks, apparently). Quality is key, as are basics. Let’s talk essentials, the rest is up to you! 

Skinny Jeans (preferably dark wash or black)

Depending on what kind of packer you are you may want to bring more than one pair but you need at least one pair of jeans for your day to day running around. These can be dressed up with a nice top and blazer or paired simply with a plain T and sneaks. 

Ankle length pants

A pair of loose fit (high waisted = cute) trousers are also perfect for dressing up with a blouse and high heels or dressing down with a t-shirt and flats or sneakers. Bonus: comfortable fit for all the fois gras and cheese plates you’re going to be gorging on. 

Plain/simple t-shirts

During the day a t-shirt is all you really need. Tuck in, add a cute belt/necklace and you’re good to go! Who says style can’t be comfortable? Bless the day Parisians embraced the plain t. 
 

Blouses/nice tops

Numbers depend on how long your trip is. If you’re staying a week, toss in 2-3 nice tops. The crucial thing here is to be sure they pair with EVERYTHING (Jeans/skirts/trousers/blazers/sneakers/flats). 

Blazer/cardigan 

No matter the season, you’ll want to have something to slip on if you’re feeling chilly or to dress up your evening outfit a wee bit. 

Pea coat or light jacket

Pea coats for winter, light jackets for every other season. Extra points if your jacket is water proof, let’s be honest you’re probably going to catch a few drops of rain while you’re here. 
 
Sneakers/Tennis shoes
Not only will sneakers make your trip a more comfortable one, you will also blend in nicely with Parisians. My mom always told me that when you’re traveling and you don’t want to stand out too much like a tourist, it’s important to look at what people are wearing on their feet. I’m going to interrupt quoting mom here for a second because I just realised I have a very important point to make so listen up: I’M NOT TALKING ABOUT RUNNING SHOES. I’m Canadian, I’m sorry if our word for the same item of footwear differs, but just to be very clear, I am not in anyway telling you that you should bring and wear a pair of running shoes to Paris (unless of course you plan to run, in which case, totally do bring them and be sure to check out the coulée verte). A nice simple flat pair of tennis shoes will do the trick. Last year Stan Smiths were all the rage, this year it seems like black Vans are taking the stage but you don’t have to follow the trend, any simple sneak will do the trick. Converse, Keds, Gazelles, some knockoff version of any of the above…all acceptable. No need to break the bank here, just pop in your favourite everyday sneaker and call it a day. Extra points if they’re simple and go with everything (black/white/beige). 
 

Ankle boots

Like everything on this list this item is optional but ankle boots are baller… plus you can get a pair that are cute, waterproof, and comfy, and wear them all around town! 

Flats/heels

I leave the choice up to you, ladies. I have traveled with heels once, only once, and it was enough to make me realise it’s unlikely to happen again. That said, you might be (likely are) fancier than me and Paris is a great place to wear those Louboutins, just try to avoid cobblestone streets—disaster. Still one way or another you’ll want a dress shoe for evenings out (or just stick with your ankle boots). 

Chic day bag

 Something basic, large enough to fit a water bottle, wallet, and lipstick. Go simple and ensure that it matches with all of your other items. Grey can be a good go to here. If I were you I’d opt for a cute backpack, walking all day with a purse weighing you down on one side can be a real bummer. 
 

So there you have it… 

Don’t forget your socks and undies! I leave it to you to decide on the rest! 

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This Post Has One Comment

  1. Shiva

    Love it! I also have yet to nail down the style. But I was happy to say I was wearing skinny jeans, a white pair of tennis shoes (NOT running shoes god forbid) and a plan t-shirt with an oversized jacket. That’s about as Parisienne I’ll ever get. 😘

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