If you’re off for a long weekend to the city of the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysees, the multiple stairs on the metro and far too much (and expensive) food and drink you really need to think about what to take, to have the right clothes for any occasion from walking in the Bois de Boulogne to dinner at 114 Faubourg.
I’m one of those people who was never taught to pack and travel light - I would be best off with a permanent porter (!), however on my recent trip I definitely over-packed and wore some things over and over again and others not at all.
Firstly footwear - you’re going to have to walk for miles unless you intend to take a taxi everywhere and why would you when the Metro is so good? You’ll need a pair of modern trainers and/or a flat pair of boots to help you on those journeys, and if boots make absolutely sure they’re really comfortable for miles. Then one pair of chic boots which you can also walk a fair distance in, plus a pair of high heels for evenings where you don’t have to go so far.
Ash trainers are wonderfully modern and will work with everything from jeans to stretch black jeggings, the same with the brown suede boots which have rubber soles. Tall black boots will take you from day to evening, and I always take a pair of nude heels, again, these will go with everything you wear and make your legs look longer.
For day choose jeans or tight black pants (jeggings) which will work with tops or fine 0knits and depending on what you like to wear (and the weather) you can go for a short sharp belted jacket a knit biker jacket or a heavier coat - what you want is just one piece that you’ve happy to wear with everything no matter what the weather - and a brolly of course.
The Dress…..I always take far too many with me. Take a small selection from daytime to evening including something sleek and something a little more dressed up - after all…..you never know when you’ll need it. Pick dresses that will pack and be ready to wear as soon as you take them out of your bag - jersey or fine knits are always best for travelling.
To make packing easier for a short(ish) trip stick to one main colourway plus neutrals for accessories and then you can accessories with wraps and scarves. When walking around Paris very rarely do you see a well dressed woman without a scarf - they have the benefit of accentuating your favourite colours and weighing practically nothing.
Paris right now is very expensive. If you want to pick up one or two gorgeous accessories for less than you might think take a peek down the Rue de Racine at Lullabi (also known as Cocktails for some strange reason). You’ll find scarves, jewellery, bags and more from little known designers and at reasonable prices.
