Packing for a vacation can be a little stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! Just think of your suitcase as a tiny capsule wardrobe and pack some great mix and match pieces for your trip! If you’re like me this concept is a little hard to grasp, because what if I get there and I want to wear something totally different than I originally thought? That’s why a mix and match wardrobe is the perfect fit for packing, because if you just aren’t feeling those mint skinny jeans with the white tunic the day you planned, no issues, just swap to jeans and you’re all set!
For my packing list for our Paris trip in March I tried to keep it as basic as possible. I wanted to look cute and fashionable, but also keep in mind the activities we had planned! We spent a lot (a lot) of time walking around and sightseeing, and with a 3 year old there aren’t a lot of opportunities for fancy dinners out or bar hopping. All things to keep in mind when you’re packing! Another key point to keep in mind is to try to stick to one color family, so that it’s easier to mix and match.
So what did I actually bring? Pretty much what I shared in the graphic above! I packed two button ups: one white and one chambray. Two sweaters: one longer style and one structured crew neck. I brought 1 pair jeans, 1 pair colored pants (I wanted to have my pastel mint pants for Easter!), black leggings and a sweater dress to round it out. Although the graphic only shows one white tank top, I actually brought several so I would have a clean one for each day! I wore my boots on the train there, and packed an extra pair of shoes just in case in warmed up a bit!
No need to go overboard with jewelry and bags- just bring one nice bag (with zippers) that goes with all your pieces, and two necklaces that you can coordinate with your color pallet. I’ll be honest, I didn’t even bring a purse on this trip since I needed to have the backpack to haul around all the stuff for my son! But, as many people probably don’t bring their kids on their Paris vacations, I went with a nice black purse for this post!
On the train there I wore jeans, a white tank top under one of the sweaters and my boots. I also brought my winter jacket, because in early spring, there were still winter temperatures! Even if you’re flying I would still recommend wearing the boots, because they are the heavier item and take up more room in your bag, but that might be just me! If you are willing to wear your boots on the plane, you can bring a smaller bag for easier travel, or have more room for other things such as your camera and souvenirs! Don’t forget your underwear, socks and toiletries!
The packing list I created can actually take you through way more than a long weekend, if you consider all the outfit options you could make with these pieces! You could create multiple shirt/sweater/pants combinations, wear the dress with either shoes, or even wear one of the button up shirts over your dress! Obviously this packing list is just for clothes, but don’t forget your sunglasses, camera, chargers/adapters, umbrella and passport!
I wish I had taken more photos of my outfits, however it was pretty cold the whole time we were there and sadly I ended up wearing my jacket most of the trip!
Takeaways:
- Stick to one color pallet.
- Mix and match.
- Bring comfortable shoes for sightseeing, because no matter how cute they are, you will be miserable if your shoes are uncomfortable the whole time!
- Take into account your planned activities!
What would you pack for a trip to Paris?
Optimistic Existentialist says
April 26, 2016 at 6:09 amLooks and sounds like you had a wonderful time in the city of love <3 Paris 🙂
Tamara Gerber says
April 26, 2016 at 7:15 amWow, if in Paris – be chic! You look great!
For sightseeing I am all about comfortable, so I'd skip the boots and wear sneakers all weekend long.
The most important items (for me) are camera, chargers/adapters, passport and CREDIT CARD!
Also if you bring a purse, make it one with a zipper. The pickpockets in the Métro are merciless.
Rachel says
April 26, 2016 at 3:45 pmMy boots are more comfortable than my sneakers, so that's why I pick them! 🙂 And yes, always travel with a purse that has a zipper! I mentioned that, as well! I prefer a crossbody bag, but that's just not possible with a kid in tow!
A Road to Travel says
April 27, 2016 at 2:43 pmBecause of our situation travelling full time my list would be a lot different but we are on the road 365 and we really don't pack that much different clothes wise. IT is the gear 2 computers, 1 tablet, and 2 cameras which makes out list a little different. All that aside a sprint time in Paris would be a great journey for us. I believe we will be doing that in late fall or early winter this year.
Eric & Evanne Poplar Travels says
April 27, 2016 at 3:26 pmCute outfits! You're right, your list could take you through way more than a few days since it would be so easy to mix and match. Very chic; perfect for Paris 🙂
Free As Lost says
April 28, 2016 at 6:53 amGreat outfit collection that you put together! – for me it is always so difficult to find the right stuff to wear that actually matches another and is practical as well for traveling 🙂 Great tips from you.
A Busy Bees Life says
April 28, 2016 at 1:56 pmI agree with you on mixing and matching, there are so many ways to make great outfits when you mix and match rather than taking too much. I really like your style. I can't travel without taking jeans and ballerinas with me.
Sarah Harvey says
April 29, 2016 at 1:15 pmWish I could stick to this more often! I ALWAYS overpack.. Thanks for the tips will try them next time!
Jennifer Morrow says
April 29, 2016 at 9:47 pmWhen going to Paris (and other fab shopping destinations), I definitely pack less so I have an excuse to buy something new! The same color palette is key for making due with a few pieces for mix and match. Many years ago, my Mother and I went to Paris for the week. Each of us only brought a few items, and we ended up wearing red tee shirts and jeans on the same day because we pack so alike. It actually made for some really cute photos!
Suanlee says
April 30, 2016 at 8:53 amOne thing I actually never bring along is jewellery! I always wear my jade bracelet but that is about as far as I go with accessories. Your post has convinced me to re-think that! Mixing and matching is the way to go and you tend to need a few less bottoms than tops. I tend to pack stuff a week out and a few days later go through what I had packed and cull the items a little from there. Helps make more room 🙂
SveetesKapes says
May 1, 2016 at 4:38 amCute, comfy and versatile pieces you have got there. Good job on packing just the essentials and not over-packing, thats my biggest problem while packing for vacations, haha!
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Alina says
May 1, 2016 at 5:44 amOh, wow, that's impressive! I tend to over-pack, a lot. It's because most of my travel adventures in the past few years have been by car, which makes it easy to just bring whatever you want. I always have trouble when I have to take a plane for a long weekend stay. This is really helpful, thank you!
ANN LIN says
May 1, 2016 at 5:45 amWow that is minimal packing! On short trips I always try to just bring an outfit per day with a bit of mix and matching but I always go overboard with the shoes!
Kaya loves sundæ says
May 1, 2016 at 8:31 amGreat tips, especially the one with one-pallet outfits. (to be honest I always try to take all-matching clothes)
I would recommend taking some 'classy-accessories' to make us feel good, as the city girl I like to look chic so I would pack some rings and delicate chains to make an impression of not-quite-a-tourist, but as a real city explorer (because you probably won't take heels o the plain, train or so). 🙂
Veronica Pototska says
May 1, 2016 at 3:16 pmI was a crazy girl in my early 20's and I walked all around St. Petersburg wearing my high heels! Can you imagine that? Now, as you also recommend, I bring my comfy sight seeing shoes along
Daniel McMillen says
May 1, 2016 at 4:55 pmGreat outfit combos! Super cute! I dress the same way. Plus I always pack a light jacket… just in case.
Liana says
May 1, 2016 at 10:13 pmAlways bring flats when you're going around Paris! I'm a Parisian, so I know what you mean!x
http://tomboychronicle.com
ashwini says
May 2, 2016 at 11:00 amI totally get it when you say bring your comfy shoes! Had made that mistake while on my last visit to Hong Kong and had learnt the lesson for life! You post is an eyeopener for people who haven't experienced it and the tips come in handy for sure!