Fall Travel Capsule Wardrobe: London & Paris Recap
I’ve just returned from two fabulous weeks in London and Paris! I love traveling this time of year; the weather was GORGEOUS for most of my trip. And I was able to see everyone I’d planned to meet up with, as well as two blogger friends who happened to be in Paris at the same time. I’m settling back in, have unpacked and done laundry, so it’s time to review my fall travel capsule wardrobe.
Over the years, I often refer back to these recaps when planning future trips. They’ve been a good reminder of what worked or didn’t, and help me to continue to refine my travel style.
What I packed…
Pullover sweaters (left row): RED (SIMILAR) | BROWN (SIMILAR) | BUTTER YELLOW
Layering tops (middle row): BUTTON SHIRT (SIMILAR) | TEE | STRIPED TEE (SIMILAR)
Cardigans (right row): BROWN | GREEN (SIMILAR) | PEACH
Pants (L to R): BARREL JEANS | STRAIGHT JEANS | BROWN UTILITY | BROWN TROUSER
Shoes: SNEAKERS (SIMILAR) | OXFORDS (SIMILAR) | LOAFERS
I usually lay out and photograph my travel capsule a few days before I leave. You can read all of the details and why I chose what I did here: Smart Casual Fall Travel Capsule Wardrobe for London and Paris. And then I keep an eye on the weather forecasts, and make some last-minute edits or swaps. This time, I pulled the green cardigan in favor of an ivory hoodie, and added a lightweight water-resistant quilted jacket. (At the time of departure, there was some rain in the forecast that never really materialized.)
What I wore
Every time I share one of my travel wardrobes on social media, I always receive a few comments expressing that I’ve either packed too much, too little, or not the right things. In this case, I’ll admit that I could have pared back a bit, based on what I actually wore.
- Neat and Comfortable Airport Style: Travel Tips for Long-Haul Flights
- Two Days in Paris: Style, Food, and Friendship
- Back in London & What I Wore
- Travel Diaries: My London Weekend Adventures
Overall, I’d give this wardrobe 7/10, with points subtracted for items packed but not worn. (But the pieces I did wear were 10/10. 😉) So here’s how everything stacked up:
(I use sports/baseball terms to rate my wardrobe pieces, but am sometimes asked what they mean. “MVP” means Most Valuable Player. A “pinch hitter” is a player not in the regular lineup who takes over to bat for another player. I use it to mean something I wore occasionally, that worked well in the moment, and that I was glad to have handy. And “benched” means “didn’t wear it.”)
MVP’s
- The loafers. I’d been experiencing some painful tendinitis in one foot a few days before my trip, so selected harder-soled shoes than I might normally pack. I’m happy to report that even with all of the walking I did, my tendinitis cleared up within a few days. So I think my shoe choices really helped. These Vince loafers were the pair I reached for most often. (As with most Vince shoes, they run 1/2 size large, so suggest sizing down.)
- The Betty cardigan. This piece has become one of my travel stalwarts, which I wear open as a jacket alternative or buttoned as a mid-layer. Even though it’s a little bit bulkier to pack than some other sweaters, it more than earns its place every time. (And it’s one of the pieces I reach for at home most often during cooler months.)
- Barrel jeans. Comfortable enough for travel days, but polished enough to go Smart Casual. (Budget-friendlier similar style HERE.)
- Barrel trousers. Fun, comfortable, and easy to style. And I actually received several compliments (from strangers) on these in London. (Budget-friendlier similar style HERE.)
- Leather jacket. The perfect topper for days that swung from chilly to mild. Layered well over whatever else I was wearing.
- Layering tees. Similar striped | similar solid
Pinch hitters
- Quilted vest. Another topper that worked really well for days that fluctuated in temperature. It adds interest and warmth without weight. I’m wearing size Small.
- Striped shirt (similar). I wore this on a couple of the warmer days as a topper over a tee.
- Silk scarves. Most days were warm enough to not need a scarf, but toward the end of my trip the weather cooled down enough to add one. (Leopard print HERE.)
Benched
- I did overpack sweaters, and never wore the lightweight merino crewnecks which I’d anticipated using as base layers, or the peach cardigan. (I purchased the red sweater I’m wearing above from Me+Em, and the weight & warmth were perfect for the last few London days.)
- Straight-leg jeans. Never wanted to wear these, was much happier in the barrel leg pair.
- Quilted jacket. Rain was negligible this trip, so I never needed a water-resistant piece.
So there you have it: my fall travel capsule wardrobe for London & Paris review! I’ll have more travel recaps and tips in future posts, as well as more travel capsule ideas for cooler weather ahead. In the meantime, be sure to visit my Travel Wardrobe Resource Hub for packing tips, gear reviews, and more travel wardrobes.
Do you keep notes on what you wore when you travel? What are some of your favorite items to travel with?
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Susan,
Great recap. Wondering if you could do a post on jean “washes”. Given the seemingly hundreds of washes, rinses and “distresses” available, which are flattering for the seasonal types ? As an autumn, blue isn’t one of my best, but let’s face it; it’s jeans !! We all go there. Curious as to your thoughts and help with this. Thanks
This is so helpful Susan, thank you! I am headed for France for two weeks and I appreciate your posts very much. Two questions, I am considering investing in the Vince loafers and wondered what type of ‘no show’ socks you paired with them if any. And do you think that you did not wear as many sweaters as anticipated due to weather?
Hi Margaret, thanks! The no-show socks I have are a few years old from Smartwool. (similar HERE) I also wore regular socks with them on cooler days. The weather was milder and warmer than I’d anticipated, so I used tees as a base layer rather than the lightweight merino sweaters.
Ugh. Pay no mind to those saying you packed too much.
I am a firm believer in choices. Perhaps you wake up with a different vibe for the day—-you get to choose!
The wardrobe and your choices are great!
Hi Cathe, thanks! It’s always a balancing act between choices and being able to shlep my luggage. 😉
I purchased the purse strap and it is great. Now I want more colors! It has updated a bag that was meh and is now great. Thank you! I also love Ruti, which you introduced me to.
Thanks, Simone! I’m glad you like it.
Looks like a wonderful trip. Loved your color choices. What size is the Betty Cardigan?
Thanks, Kathy! I’m wearing size Small in the Betty.
Love all of your choices. you look Fab in the red and brown ensembles. the brown leather jacket is so smart. glad u enjoyed your trip. cheerio!
Thanks so much, Judy!
Hi Susan! Welcome home! Looks like it was a fantastic trip. I’m eyeing the Shon barrel pants and wondering if you sized down to size 4? While you were in London with Annie did you try on any Varley clothes? I got one of their tops and I liked Annie’s joggers that she got from them. Also I’m curious: do you wear your compression socks only on the plane or also out walking for hours? Great choices for your trip!
Hi Sally, thanks and yes I size down to a 4 in the Shon pants. We did stop in at Varley and Annie found a few things (including some gorgeous Autumn Kingfisher & Chestnut pieces) but they didn’t really have anything in Spring colors. Their styles tend to also be quite long and oversized for me, great for taller folks though. I usually wear regular socks for walking around, compression socks on the plane.
Thanks Susan! I did find the varley top that I bought a bit large but I decided to keep it for “proportion play” with my Vuori joggers. The Varley jogger material looks mor substantial than the Vuori ones so I thought the Varley might be a better travel choice. I might give them a try. I think the Shon barrel pants are very cute and quite nicely constructed! Thanks again!
So glad to hear you had a great trip and even better weather! Don’t you find that when you are travelling in “jacket weather” that you really just need a few pieces for underneath? And maybe an extra jacket just to switch it up a bit.
My trip to France included a 7 day river cruise on the Seine. When I critique what I packed, what stands out most to me was how dressy I thought dinners would be. I brought dressier clothes than most of the women wore. There were two dressy nights (and when I say dressy, I’m not talking sequins here…casual dresses or nice pants and a top), but on other evenings some of the women came to dinner in the clothes they wore for excursions. Mon Dieu! I was appalled. This was a high end cruise (Tauck) and I was very disappointed with the attire of some of the women. Is this the way of the world now? I certainly hope not!
Hi Susan,
I’m so happy you had a great trip! Thank you very much for all this information. It is incredibly helpful.
Would you say the Betty cardigan runs true to size? When I tried on your small cream one, it seemed right. But I don’t exactly remember. Would you recommend the small or the medium!
Thanks for any advice you can send.
Hi Ann, thanks so much! I think the Betty cardigan runs pretty true to size. If I’m remembering correctly, the Small you tried was a good fit for you.
Love your packing tips and what you wear. What bag are you using in the pic with the red sweater and leather jacket. It is a bucket bag but I can’t see the brand. I love the shape and color.
Thank you,
Jill Sheehan
Hi Jill, thanks! The bucket bag is from Céline.
Thank you!
Susan,
This recap of your trip was wonderful and so helpful! I followed your trip with great interest and I looked forward to your posts. I’ve learned quite a bit about packing smarter and I do try to stick to your capsule formula! I like the Sezane Betty cardigan- I tend to wear a lot of cardigans as my third layer. I’m tall though and long waisted and not sure if that’s a good length for me. I’m leaving for London/Paris/Normandy on Tuesday and I’ll have to check out the Sezane store. Do you have a favorite chocolatier in Paris? Jean-Paul Hevin I’ve heard is good but there are so many to choose from? Any suggestions for special gifts for family?
Thanks Susan, and welcome home!
Hi Diane, oh, there are SO MANY wonderful chocolatiers in Paris! Pierre Herme is another (and they also have the best macarons), Cluizel is another, à la mère de famille, are just a few that come to mind.
Hi, like your ideas! Going on a river cruise in October on the Rhine/Moselle where only way to wash clothing is through the line, which will be expensive. So any special advice? Have my Tide packets for sink washing…any other suggestions?
What a fabulous idea to use the leopard strap with your Lo & Sons Pearl! It looks wonderful with the outfits you’ve paired it with. I have several Pearl bags and will definitely be ordering new straps for them. It’s fun to be creative like that and make something truly your own – thanks for the reminder!
Hi Susan, I always enjoy your detailed travel wardrobe posts! I think you’ve done a great job. It’s very difficult to foresee which pieces will be benched as you don’t know if there will be rain or how actually cold or warm or windy the weather will be, or if you might soil a piece of clothing that is not easy to clean on the run! I thought you packed the right amount because you always want to be prepared!
Good post. I would rather have some extras that I didn’t wear than be sorry. Despite weather forecasts I still like to have enough to adjust as needed. Also if I spill or stain my clothes I like to have a little extra to choose from. I always travel with a wool scarf/pashmina especially for the airplane. I thought your choices looked great and you looked comfortable. It is really helpful to see how someone else packs and to find out what worked and what didn’t.
Hi Susan! I’ve been following and enjoying your website for a few years, beginning when you were dressing in mostly black. I love your style and it has been fun to see your color transformation. I am tall and blonde/gray and a “spring,” so I am looking for different colors, but you are an inspiration! The travel reports are so much fun to read. My husband and I travel often and coordinating outfits, colors etc. is so important. We just came back from a family wedding in Vienna followed be a trip to Slovenia (don’t miss Ljubljana and Pirin!) so my packing wasn’t as streamlined this time. I find Europe more casual these days. Jeans and good sneakers are essential. Layering tops helps, particularly in the shoulder seasons when we like to travel. I like to mix it up, say a Uniqlo t-shirt with a Hermes scarf or one from Elizabetta (beautiful–you must try!) I also have a bag with an extra “guitar” strap for variety. (Check out the Mini Windbourne from Kempton and Co. –I call it my Mary Poppins bag — small outside, big inside.)
I’m eager to try the barrel trousers–darling on you!
PS: We always wear quick-dry undergarments that can be washed in the hotel sink and hung on travel hangers.
Keep up the great posts!
Nan
I’m going to London for the first time during Thanksgiving. I expect cold but not freezing, dark, wet. I already started collecting clothes and making my list. We travel carry on only (and will have a Ryan Air flight) so need to be strategic—especially my large spouse who goes through a shirt a day.
P.S. You might want to let your readers know that the leopard scarf featured above in your travel wardrobe is available in other colorways for other seasons/palettes.
They have a black, a navy blue, a camouflage green and a “dappled” that may be suitable for winters, summers and autumns. I just ordered the navy and I hope that it is as fabulous as it looks.
Love the use of color with your eyeglasses. What colors for eyeglasses frames would add flair to a sultry winter colors profile?
Hi Donna, thanks! You could try dark Emerald, Burgundy, Holly, Navy, Blackberry, Cranberry, Royal Blue…
Excellent. Thank you!