Inside my Paris travel capsule wardrobe: 10 hero items

“Paris is always a good idea.” In my humble opinion no word rings truer. At the risk of sounding cliché, there are few other travel destinations in the world that have that je ne sais quoi, which is why it It remains a poignant fixture in the psyche and travel itineraries of so many people. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that the reality of actually being in Paris is completely different from the idealized version created in pop culture. Don’t get me wrong: I love the city so much that I’m moving there for a short period of two months. But it’s so easy to get caught up in romantic notions of your trip that you overlook reality — this is especially true when it comes time to choose what to pack for a trip to Paris. It’s normal to fall into the trap of wanting to pack away some of those worn-out pieces we associate with this city: a striped sweater, a tweed set, or maybe a little red beret. But I’m begging you, please don’t do it!

Speaking of experiences, there’s nothing worse than wandering down cobbled streets wearing an uncomfortable outfit that screams pickpocket target. From a safety and clothing perspective, it’s better to pack more basic items for your trip that will help you blend in with the locals. But what exact pieces should your capsule contain? Lucky for you, this is where my expertise comes in handy. Since I’m going to Paris this spring, I thought I’d share my research on creating a travel capsule wardrobe. Ahead, I’ve identified 10 key things every stylish person is currently wearing, styling tips and shopping recommendations that will definitely convince the locals that you, too, are a French person (even if you’re not). You don’t have to take every item listed, but you better believe they’ll be in my own Calpack suitcase.

1. Trench coat

Ah oui, Trench coat! You can’t really talk about timeless staples that deserve a spot in your suitcase without mentioning this tried-and-true outerwear piece. French women love their trench coats, and I don’t blame them. Trench coats are not only functional enough to keep you comfortable in the city’s constantly fluctuating temperatures, but they’ll make you look positively chic as you sip a cup of coffee at a café. Basically, packing at least one trench coat when traveling to Paris (or wearing one while traveling) cannot be compromised.

2. Basic Layers

In addition to packing functional outerwear for your trip to Paris, it is equally important to pack some Basic layers. It may seem a little obvious to suggest packing layers, but some of those more basic pieces are, in fact, the backbone of every French woman’s wardrobe – and your winning style strategy for blending in with the locals. Whether you choose a button-down, tank top, cardigan, or t-shirt, I recommend choosing layers that can be styled at least two to four different ways during your trip. Trust me, packing these in your capsule will ensure that your travel look captures the carefree essence of the French.

3. Elevated denim

Often when people are planning a trip to Paris, they think they have to be prepared for the length of their stay – this is not true. Yes, you should try to avoid wearing Leggings when walking in Les Jardins (unless you’re going for a run). But that doesn’t mean you have to be completely dressed up; In fact, the style crowd can always be seen in a pair of high-rise jeans. Denim is a quintessential part of the Parisian wardrobe, as it is used to make formally tailored clothing more wearable in everyday life. Ultimately, the secret to feeling, or at least looking, like a local lies in styling your jeans comme lace france.

4. Ballet Flats

There are a lot of irrational fears in the world, but for me there is no greater fear than the thought of tourists screaming at the sight of my outfit – so I generally try to avoid wearing it. Sneakers are like the plague in Paris. Sure, you can get away with wearing these if you want, but if you suffer from a deep fear of sticking out like a sore thumb like I do, you’ll want to pack an alternative flat shoe. Enter ballet flats into the chat. Frankly, no other shoe is as ubiquitous or as beloved with the French fashion set as these shoes (for good reason). Ballet flats are the perfect addition to your travel capsule because they’re comfortable enough to wear while strolling through the Palace-Royal Gardens and cute enough to wear with just about anything else.

5. Statement Jewelry

It may seem counterintuitive, but a well-curated travel capsule shouldn’t only include staples. If you’re planning on staying in Paris for an extended period of time (like I am), you’ll likely need to re-wear your foundation layer or jeans a few times during your trip. The secret to keeping those staples from looking stale? Statement jewellery. While you can pack other items, jewelery will always take up less space in your suitcase than any other bits and bobs, making it a more practical packing option. Personally, I would recommend choosing a Add a trend-forward piece like a pearl necklace or two-tone earrings to add sparkle to a simple button-down shirt.