I’m going to preface this post by saying my personal Paris packing list is not for the minimalist. However, I’m sharing a pared down list at the bottom of this post that’s more of a travel capsule. I confess – I’m a serial overpacker, and I don’t ever see that changing. Plus, my job entails sharing outfits as content, and I don’t get to go to Paris everyday to take pictures. I drew inspiration from this post I shared recently with Parisian summer outfit ideas. I’m packing a ton of my Sézane pieces because…when in Rome…err, Paris.
I share many capsule wardrobes, but when I’m traveling, I usually prefer a new outfit each day. My clothes tend to take on dirt, city grime, sweat, and generally wrinklyness after a day of sightseeing. Not complaining – I LOVE city exploring. However, because of this, I do prefer to wear a fresh set of clothes everyday. I also like to have another outfit planned for the evening for sit down dinners. All this to say, I know my list seems long but I have my reasons, okay?
I do try to keep everything in generally the same color palette so items can be mixed and matched. I also have a couple pieces that are a bit more colorful to add some playfulness to my vacation looks. I’m first going to list out what I’m packing for myself, and after I’ll share my travel capsule wardrobe for the minimalist packer (i.e. a normal person, lol). I’m also listing out other travel essentials and what I’m bringing on the plane.
What I’m Packing For Paris
Tops
Sézane Green Tee // Sézane Red Tee // Sézane White Tee // Sézane Brown Embroidered Tank // Sézane Knit Tank // Sézane Pointelle Tank // Sézane White Blouse // Sézane Navy Tee // Sézane Black Tee // Aritzia Linen Striped Tee // J.Crew Blue Button Down Shirt // J.Crew Striped Tank // Buck Mason Black Tank // Quince Navy Cashmere Sweater
Bottoms
Sézane Terracotta Shorts // Sézane Ecru Shorts // Sézane Striped Shorts // Sézane Wide Leg Jeans (size up) // Levi’s Wide Leg Ecru Jeans // Levi’s Straight Leg Jeans (size up) // Aritzia Trousers (size up) // Aritzia Tailored Shorts // Aritzia Linen Shorts // Pistola Poplin Skirt
Dresses
Sézane Black Dress // Aritzia Linen Dress (size up) // Madewell Linen Mini Dress
Jackets
Sézane Leather Jacket // Sézane Suede Jacket // Le Bop Windbreaker
Shoes
Sézane Leopard Print Flats // Adidas Samba Sneakers // Sam Edelman Ballet Flats // Steve Madden Black Mesh Flats (sold out, similar) // La Canadienne Black Slide Sandals
Accessories
Sézane Basket Bag // Sling Bag (ASHLEYR15 for 15% off) // Staud Shoulder Bag // Scarf // Coin Necklace (sold out, similar) // Croissant Hoops (ASHLEYROHR10 for 10% off) // Cat Eye Sunglasses //
Paris Travel Capsule
Tops
Navy Tee // White Tee // Black Tee // Striped Tank // Black Tank // Blue Shirt // Striped Tank
For tops, I like having a few different options – tees to wear during the day either layered on their own or under jackets, tanks to pair with trousers or a skirt for dinners or with shorts on hot days, a button down that can act as a layer or worn buttoned up, and a dressier top to pair with jeans or trousers for evenings.
Bottoms
Linen Shorts // Tailored Shorts // Straight Jeans // Trousers // Maxi Skirt // Dress
This collection of bottoms hits the range of activities and weather you might have on your trip. Shorts for long days in the heat sightseeing, jeans and trousers for cooler evenings, and a skirt and dress for more fancy occasions.
Jackets
Utility Jacket // Blazer // Leather Jacket // Sweater
How many layers you pack depends on the weather (the forecast looks a bit rainy for us!). I recommend packing a casual, more technical jacket that would work for drizzly days. It doesn’t have to be a rain jacket as you’ll probably be using an umbrella as well. I also like to have a blazer or leather jacket to wear during the day or to dress up an evening look. I’m also bringing along a sweater which can be worn in the mornings then tied around the waist or thrown in my bag when the weather warms up.
Shoes
Black Sandals // Woven Mary Jane’s // Sneakers
If I were limiting myself to three pairs of shoes, these three pairs are what I would bring. Sneakers are a necessity for long days walking the city and seeing the sights. A pair of comfortable flats for less strenuous days, and a pair of sandals for the evening to wear with dresses.
Accessories
Sling Bag (ASHLEYR15 for 15% off) // Basket Bag // Shoulder Bag // Croissant Hoops // Coin Necklace // Scarf // Sunglasses
For bags, I’m bringing my sling bag which will probably be my most used bag – it zips up for safety, and it also leaves me handsfree while walking. I’m also bringing my basket bag – this one doesn’t zip, but it does have a cotton lining with leather ties that you can cinch close. And for the evenings, a little black bag to carry on my shoulder. For other accessories, I’m bringing a few pieces of jewelry (nothing sentimental) and a scarf (I own this one, but I’m planning to buy one when I’m there as well!)
Outfit Ideas
Here’s the fun part – the outfits! I created this capsule so basically anything can be mixed and matched, but here’s a few ideas to get you started.
Other Travel Necessities
Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, body lotion, razor (only if checking), deodorant, hair brush, hair products
Makeup & Skincare: I condense all my makeup down to one small bag with only the essentials (sunscreen, tinted moisturizer, concealer, bronzer, brow brush, eye shadow, mascara, blush, lipstick). I’m also bringing along travel size versions of my favorite skincare.
Electronics: outlet adaptor, Kindle, headphones, phone charger, travel noise machine, travel umbrella
Other items: hair ties and clips, blister bandaids, passport, insurance cards, ID, credit card, tote bag for carrying purchases, Air Tag in my checked luggage, undergarments, socks, vitamins
What I’m Bringing on the Plane
Face Wipes // Lip Conditioner // Face Moisturizer // Floss // Eye Mask // Hand Lotion // Kindle // Headphones (for myself and kids) // Comfy Socks // Snacks // Travel Outfit: Cardigan & Sweatpants
After our trip, I’ll be doing a post with what I wore so check back in a couple weeks.
Read More:
Parisian Inspired Summer Outfits
Eight Parisian Spring Outfits to Copy
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