What to Pack for Paris in the Spring
For the last two years, at the end of April and first week of May, I’ve found myself traveling to Paris. It’s a city that I constantly remain inspired by and pulled towards. It’s a place of history, bustle, architecture that I cannot get enough of. It also has an elusive connotation of “French Girl Style” which I have to say, is something that Americans make more out of than the French themselves. They wear Converse just like us, they wear trench coats, same as here. They may be less entrenched in the “consumerism” we tend to fall into here in the states, in terms of following the trends. One thing is true, style of all types can be found in Paris. And when I pack, I can take pieces from my closet, I don’t go out and buy a bunch of new things. It’s more about staying true to me. I take things that are versatile, clean, and comfortable and that does the trick. I don’t try to reinvent a “travel” version of me, which usually results in feeling more like a travel imposter.
what to pack for paris in the spring
Paris in May tends to fluctuate from the mid 50’s up to the 70’s depending on the week. So I tend to pack on the more conservative side and then add in a dress or shorts to swap a few days prior to my trip. Most of what I take with me goes in a carry on. It’s just easier these days. If I’m traveling for more than a week, I work outfits into the mix by using the rule of 1 bottom, 2 - 3 outfit ways. Meaning, if I’m going to pack a bottom, I’m going to make sure I can wear it at least two ways on my trip or it doesn’t make the cut. I tend to have more tops (that are minimal, matchable) and fewer bottoms, then add in layers and bags to create interest.
packing list for at least a week in paris (with only a carry on)
LAYERS: (2-3) - (these can be swapped out for cardigans if it’s warmer)
Cropped reversible cotton jacket
Blazer mid length
Trench coat
BOTTOMS: (3-4) - (these can be swapped out for shorts if it’s warmer)
one dark wash
one light wash pant (cream, off white)
one black or mid wash
one pair for travel
TOPS: (4-5) -
white tee or tank
black tee or tank
one dressy option for dinner,
one lighter or warmer option - a sweater, a turtleneck, a cardigan
DRESSES: (1-2) -
one for dinner
one for daytime (if it’s warmer)
SHOES / ACCESSORIES (3 shoes, 2 bags) -
a flat
a tennis shoe
and slightly dressy sandal or low heel
BAGS
a small clutch for dinner
a hands free bag for daytime
You can check out how I paired these pieces together in my daily outfit reels from Paris. You can adjust the pieces (swap dresses, for shorts, jeans for pants, etc, based on what your preferences are but these are great foundations to start packing for your trip.) I linked everything that is still available on ShopMy and you can check them out here.
Paris Outfits By Day //
And I also wrote a blog post based on those outfits as well. Here are some tips for how to avoid overpacking and overbuying before any trip.
1. Immediately pull three pieces you’re currently wearing and make three outfits out of these pieces first (check the weather, if it’s hotter or colder, layer accordingly). By building outfits around the pieces you love to wear, it will make you feel more comfortable when you travel
2. Take pieces you know you can wear AT LEAST TWICE. Neutral bottoms and tops that you know you can wear at least two times. DO NOT pack a suitcase full of one time wears.
If you are someone who tends to worry about over packing or simply gets overwhelmed with the idea of what to take for your trip, it may be a good idea to outsource help. I offer outfit planning sessions called Shop Your Closet Outfit Planning where we spend an hour and a half (virtually) planning for your trip. We try on pieces, create outfits, document them and essentially, pack you for your upcoming trip (to where ever that might be). I love helping clients with these sessions. And you feel more prepared for your trip too. It’s a win win.