Summer Travel Wardrobe Recap: France & UK
We’re home, after a very full couple of weeks in France and the UK! While it’s all still fresh in my mind, here’s my Travel Wardrobe Recap for this trip.
My France/UK Summer Travel Wardrobe Recap
Overall, I was pretty darn pleased with how well this travel wardrobe worked. I wore almost every piece at least once. At the last minute, I swapped out that black floral silk top for this one, which can be worn either as a top or light jacket. And for my “Wild Card,” I threw in a white linen oversized shirt (similar) which turned out to be a lifesaver in Paris during an extreme heat event.
That “canicule” had not yet been forecast at the time our departure. Had I known, I would have substituted some lightweight trousers for one of the other pairs of pants. But I was able to find a pair of navy linen trousers on sale (similar) that worked well during the heat wave in Paris. I also bought a light cotton sack dress in Beaune, but after wearing it around for a few minutes in hot/humid conditions, remembered why I don’t wear dresses without tights: chafing.
So overall, I’m giving this summer travel wardrobe an 8 out of 10.
MVP’s
- The sneakers and the sandals. Both were completely comfortable in the heat, and for hours on my feet.
- The lantern pants (similar / Plus). They were polished enough to wear out to dinner, but comfortable in the heat.
- The tiger print top (similar). On all but the warmest days, it worked well as a casual top and also with the silk jacket for evenings.
- The leopard tee (similar). It was comfortable in the heat, but also layered nicely under a jacket on cooler days.
- And yes, the white linen shirt (similar / Plus ) which was cool in the heat, while providing coverage from direct sun.
- Boyfriend and slim leg jeans. Were my go-to’s on all but the warmest days.
Pinch Hitters
- The navy pleated floral top. Dressed up my basics for warm evenings.
- The silk jacket (similar style / Plus). Lightweight and easy to throw on for evenings.
Benched
Wish I’d Packed…
Hindsight is 20/20 of course, but in the future for travel between May and October, I’ll anticipate heat waves and include a few lighter pieces, like that pair of linen trousers. And yes, more color! (But that’s a more overarching project, which I’ll be writing about soon.)
I wore the ankle boots once, on the outgoing flight. I inadvertently left the navy cardigan on the back seat of the rental car 😫when we dropped it off in Dijon, and didn’t realize until a few days later. Though I wouldn’t have used it for the rest of the trip, I’m quite sorry to have lost it. I wore the lightweight grey v-neck sweater once, on the flight home.
I hope this summer travel wardrobe recap was helpful! How do you pack for extreme heat when traveling?
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In extreme heat, I wear dresses, both at home and when travelling. Or sometimes a skirt, paired with a linen tee. I believe life is too short to worry about saggy arms, varicose veins and the like – c fort is my first priority. Aesthetics, a distant second.
‘Comfort’
Extreme heat requires all natural fibers like lightweight cotton or linen. I would never bring jeans (way too heavy) or anything containing polyester that does not breathe. I pack comfy very lightweight cotton ankle pants, cotton sundresses, cotton sleeveless tops, and linen that is not scratchy. Also a sun hat is a must. I carry baby powder for comfort for chafing. Finally a very lightweight cotton cardigan (see thru almost) that can be thrown around the shoulders when visiting churches. A nice, big lightweight foldable tote to carry water bottles, baby wipes, powder, and anything else that will be needed for comfort in sweltering heat.
If you are Susan, our hostess, I wear lycra shorts similar to bicycle shorts (minus the chamois) if wearing a dress in the heat. They come in pretty colours and are not like the old granny panties. I’m wearing thsoe right now – it is VERY hot here – and no, you can’t see the shorts under the dress. I wear skirts a lot; have bought one that packs very small. Dresses usually only when it is very hot. But to each her own!
No, it is another Susan. I have never heard of wearing bicycle shorts under a skirt or a dress and don’t understand why anyone would bother.
Chafing. Once I forgot to wear them – just wore ordinary panties – and had quite a long ride to an event somewhere else in the city, and I was very sore afterwards.
Also works if you’re actually riding a bike and for those windy moments
I also have come to rely on lightweight bike shorts under dresses and skirts in very hot weather, since chafing has become an issue. Friends swear by “Bandelettes,” which are little lace bands that serve a similar purpose.
Oh, Lagatta, I am just back from Montreal and it was so hot. The girls on the street were wearing the shortest little dresses! I brought jeans and was quite miserable.
Jockey makes wonderful “Skimmies” which go on very lightweight under dresses/skirts and prevent chafing. I have been using their summer weight for a few years now, would not travel without them. I cannot and will not wear pants of any weight in the summer, and I never wear shorts in Europe. The last time I was in Paris in 2017 I happened to be there during an over-90 heatwave, and also had packed a white linen shirt, definitely a lifesaver along with a couple of dresses I’d brought.
I understand the chafing issue but love to wear dresses sometimes. So, I wear under shorts. Many brands make them-Jockey, Spanx, etc. They can add a tiny bit of heat, but some of them are very light and breathable. I bring a pair with me every time I travel, just in case. Sometimes them come in a shorter or longer version. Go longer and give it a try.
I’ll be on the lookout for those!
I live in cool, breezy dresses from April to October and find under shorts to be a lifesaver. As Lynn mentioned, you can get them anywhere and at all price points. I get mine at Target.
I just found Jockey Skimmies Slip-Shorts in the longer length. They create a smooth line under pants and dresses and no chafing! I like that they don’t feel like a Spanxx “girdle”…very comfortable! Wash up easily too for travel.
These are great under dresses. They’re lightweight and not too hot, but provide a little smoothing, too.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00827RT84/
I chafe, also, do I use baby powder on my thighs. Lifesaver!
In lingerie departments or fitness-centric shops. Since I cycle a lot, I have a little collection.
Hi Susan! Thanks for the recap. BTW, Alison over at Wardrobe Oxygen has a post about buying skimmies or thigh savers. She tries several pairs and rates them! I found the Jockey brand just fine, run large, but like you I don’t wear dresses a lot. She recommends and wears another brand, I think it’s Knix?
Knix are wonderful, but more expensive. I have some as they are Canadian and I like to buy local. They also have fairly supportive bras without garrot underwires. If Jockey runs large, then size down. Knix also has a large range of sizes.
I agree with Lynn about the undershorts. I actually wear them over my underwear. They aren’t shapewear but do prevent chafing and are a lifesaver! I took several dresses with me to Paris last year and was able to walk all day with these under my dresses! I always take several pair with me and just love them! Your outfits looked great and so glad you were able to enjoy yourself despite the heat!
These are underwear. I suppose they could also be described as althetic wear.
They make different lengths–one brand, Jockey calls them Skimmies. They make a world of difference. I wear them over my regular underwear, saves on washing them out.
I love the light breathable undershorts too! Just an added bit of modesty/confidence on windy days or while clambering into vehicles in a skirt or dress.
I spent two plus weeks in Italy last August and it was over 100 degrees most of the time. I wore dresses nearly every single day, and was so glad I did. Two weeks from now I’m spending a couple of weeks in Scotland and plan to bring a completely different wardrobe. I’m still thing about it.
If you happen to have spray antiperspirant, it can be used to prevent chafing. A little tip learned by improvising.
I live in Florida and love to wear dresses. Antiperspirant works well but I swear by undershorts. A little warm but the comfort of not chafing makes up for it.
What a shame you lost your navy cardigan. These unfortunate things happen a lot while travelling. I lost my best sunglasses three years ago returning from Canada. Bummer when such things happen.
Didn’t get the chafing bit while wearing a summer dress without tights. What is chafing then? Surely not your legs? You are so slim!
Greetje
I have muscular thighs though, and they rub together at the top. 😉
If you can’t bear undershorts, there’s always talcum powder. Or, better yet, cornstarch baby powder. It’s how folks in hot & humid climates have been surviving for generations. 🙂
Butt paste(baby item) works well for chafing…
Just returned from two weeks in Germany, including the 100+ day in Berlin.
I’m 70, short and plus size. Little chance of shopping for substitute bottoms, though there’s a nice Ulla Popken shop in Alexanderplatz.
Two pair of EF crepe stretch knit pants went unworn. A long but lightweight cardigan never left the suitcase. Just too hot. As was wearing any necklace.
Previously comfortable low wedge sandals failed me. Luckily, I seem to have German feet and ALWAYS find shoes there. This time a pair of Merrell sandals on sale saved me. Hush Puppies walking shoes held up, but were kind of warm.
Biggest problem was underwear in the heat. I can’t go braless, but brought one all cotton stretchy bra that did little for the figure, but also didn’t cause rashes. Bamboo blend panties were pretty good.
Khakis, cotton capri length pants and an assortment of cotton knit tops were all that was tolerable. Wish I could find dresses, but never any luck, even “custom” online brands.
Hotels were picked for their a/c. On the hottest day, I left my room for breakfast in cotton knit shorts for the first time ever in all my travels (in a city!). They were brought along, with an oversize T, for lounging in the room and not messing up my other stuff.
This is not the first heat wave I’ve been caught in in Europe, but the older I get, the crankier and more uncomfortable in it. Think I’ll change my habits and choose another time of year.
The sidewalk restaurants would have been wonderfully enjoyable except for what seemed like a resurgance in smoking which is allowed on the patio but not indoors.
I just returned from Paris and a river cruise from Bucharest to Budapest. I was shocked at how much smoking we saw. Especially in Paris. Quite concerning… It was quite warm on our trip, but I had brought along some warm weather outfits just in case. June is tricky. You really have to plan for a variation in temperatures. I too am thinking of not going to Europe in the summer again. It’s just not pleasant when the temperatures rise.
You couldn’t find dresses at Ulla Popken? They have some very pretty ones, in a wide range of sizes, from 12 to 38. Some of their summer items are on sale now (online as well).
There was just one rack in the store, nothing short. I’m 5’1″, thus my anxiety over losing luggage or not having what I need. Who wants to spend the holiday hemming clothes?
But thank you for the notice of the sales. There are some nice simple options online and I think the “tunic” length dress will not even need shortening!
My EF lantern pants are a staple for travel. I have them in organic cotton and in stretch crepe and one or the other is always in my suitcase.
Petti-pant slips are an option that hardly take up any space and are also useful when wearing loose unlined linen pants. I find you get fewer crotch wrinkles with something underneath that kind of pant.
I’m relieved to see you posting and to know you got home alright because I didn’t know if the earthquake would disrupt your travel. I hope all is well at your house.
Thanks! Yes, we had about 30 seconds of rocking and lights swaying, but the epicenter was far enough away that the impact was minimal here.
Thanks so much for your packing tips and trip recaps; you really helped me with a trip to Italy! A friend swears by Body Glide to prevent shoes from rubbing. Google indicates it also works for chafing, so it might be worth a try. It would be cooler than shorts.
Yes, have used this or even stick deodorant on thighs when doing long charity walks wearing a skort.
Undershorts or compression shorts are great. I wear them under golf skorts because the nylon thread used on the skort irritates me. These are the staple for many runners; you see them at the gym. Ladies wear them under shorts which are much cooler than exercise pants. I bought mine on Amazon where the selection is much wider than the stores. Love your blog!
I just returned from the European heatwave and pack a few pieces similar to yours per your packing blog: light cardigan, linen cropped pants and blouse, jeans, light blouse that doubled as jacket over sleeveless tops. However, on the hottest days I wore cotton or gauze dresses with slip shorts. I didn’t wear the Jean’s that often, and was thankful I threw in two lightweight capris. I packed flat sandals and walking shoes, which I alternated with no complaints. We were gone three weeks: toured Portugal and Spain, then ended with a Rhine River cruise (Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam). I wore everything at least once and did laundry at end of week two. Thank you for your packing advice; it saved me from overpacking.
A split skirt will save you in the summer under skirts! It solves the chafing problem and wearing a slip. My daughter wears her biking shorts under skirts.
I have enjoyed following you on your travels this trip. Your clothing choices worked very well.
I dislike hot weather so always travel in autumn but got caught out on our last trip to the US in September/October. We were expecting some warm weather during our first week spent in California/Las Vegas but mostly packed for the final 3 weeks in Toronto, New England and New York where we were looking forward to some cool crisp days and autumn colours. Not a chance! It was so hot that the few summer items we packed were on high rotation and most of our clothes went unworn. It was a fantastic trip anyway.
Sorry you lost your cardigan! always a bummer to lose things. Someone stole my husbands sunglasses in New Orleans when we checked out of the hotel! The porter went to get the car and every day he kept asking, “are you checking out”? so, we complained but of course the management never did anything. We are traveling to Paris on Sunday! I am soooo glad that the heat wave has ended! We are so excited, will see Eifel tower of course, and Giverny and Versailles, the Louvre, and other sites. so excited!!!
There is a product called Chub Rub (Amazon, if not in your neighborhood Walgreen’s) that will prevent chafing. There is something similar for feet that I use whenever a shoe starts rubbing. These items make all the difference!
I also have a few pairs of Petti-Pants in cotton, which are also on Amazon. They’re like a skort, but underwear. I have an above-the-knee pair and one just above mid-calf. I love dresses in the summer, but need both the Chub Rub and a petti-pant to be comfortable in the Texas heat.
Just got back from three months in Italy, and it was hot the last month. I wore cotton poplin dresses and skirts mostly. On top I wore white cotton poplin button up shirts, with the long sleeves rolled up or down, or tied in front as a “ shrug”. I bought two, one piece stretchy bras from “ Sloggi “ because my bra was chafing, they worked great. I agree about the skimmies under dresses, I use them also. I bought low espadrilles in Italy ( they are only 60-70 euros there, and $125 dollars here!) brand Toni Pons, and my feet didn’t sweat at all! I loved my Ecco lace up leather sneakers with cotton socks. I bought a basket to use instead of a leather purse, for the hottest days, and my cotton tote bag didn’t stick to me either. I wore a hat ( I sew elastic bands inside, small head) . And ALWAYS walk on the shady side of the streets if possible. I purchased some linen items, because a lot of locals were wearing it. Thanks for your travel information!
I have started to get warnings about your site ! They say ‘malicious emails often link to this site’ .Do you know about this – or is it itself some sort of scam ?
Is this when you click on the link in the email? If so, I’ve reported to my tech team, but my site is safe from malicious software.
I also received a warning when I clicked on the link in the email received today: “malicious emails often link to this site. Are you sure you want to proceed to unefemme.us9.list-manage.com” I chose not to click either of the links in that message (the whole thing seemed fishy to me) and went instead to a previous email where I knew the link worked, which it did and then forwarded to this post. Just posting this additional information for your tech team. It sounds like someone/thing may have “attacked” the emails rather than your site.
From my research, it may be related to anti-phishing software that gmail has added. Because I use an email service, it’s possible that spammers are using the same service and that’s what’s being flagged. I don’t get this warning when I click on the links from other email services (like Yahoo). The link in my emails is safe. And I’ve asked my tech support folks to look into it too.
Susan, I love your blog both for all the great tips, photos and copy you provide but also for all the great suggestions offered by your readers! Just ordered two pair of “Skimmies” on sale from Macy’s to try out after reading today’s comments. Thanks, everyone!
Runners use a product called Glide to prevent chafing. It looks like a deodorant stick and you can apply it anywhere – it’s invisible. Great for hot humid weather and for wearing shoes without stocking as well.
Chafing – I use Body Glide also and there is a similar product made by Gold Bond. It’s a little easier to find (drug store) and a little cheaper.
I totally agree with Stella about Petti Pants. They are loose so they breath better than a fitted undershort. I need to replace mine and thank you so much for a hint on where to buy them.
My lifesaver for heat? Gauze clothing. Linen or cotton , it doesn’t wrinkle and is cooler than knits. My favorite pants are gauze full legged trousers that swirl over my skin, not clinging to it.
I agree. We used to spend a lot of time in Mexico and over the years I acquired a whole wardrobe of loose cotton gauze clothing there. It is lighter weight and more loosely woven than knits, launders and dries quickly without wrinkling or needing special care, it lets cooling air through the fabric, and is quite inexpensive. Thank heavens I still have a few pieces left and am wearing two of them right now, as we are experiencing another 90+ degrees today here in Ohio.
It’s one of life’s little mysteries that even slender legs can chafe. According to my marathon/triathlete friend, a product called Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm is the perfect thing if one is concerned about chafing (or even a swipe of anti-perspirant on the inner thigh works perfectly). As for me, I only wear dresses when temps are over 80 and find that if I use anti-perspirant there is one less thing to carry and no extra layers to add heat.
Susan, I so enjoy your blog. Whether you are in town or away, your style is elegant, relaxed, and refined and I thank you for that.
It can depend on your bone structure, and of course musculature. I chafed even at a size 7 (and this was back when the smallest size was 5, not 0). Some people “interfere”, as one says of horses. The runners and professional cyclists who chafe are not burly rugby players.
You are absolutely right. No one (or at least very few) is immune to the chafe!
Looks like you are the only one who didn’t know about Skimmies. I wear them more for modesty than chafing — surely a marker of “femmes d’une certain age.”
I so rarely wear dresses that it hasn’t been an issue for me. 😉
Has anyone else discovered http://www.bandelettes.com? I’ve worn them during several summers now and they’re absolute lifesavers.
Those look BRILLIANT. I may need to check them out. Thanks for the tip!
I just ordered a pair and am looking forward to trying them out!
Sue, Thanks for your thoughtful review of your travel wardrobe. I have tried the Jockey slip shorts but didn’t care for them as the waistband rolled and they felt warmer than cotton. I just discovered that Calida makes a comfort-stretch long-line brief that is mostly cotton with 5% lycra. They’re a bit spendy but get good reviews (on the Her Room site) and I have found that Calida uses a silky cotton knit.
Oops–the Calida cotton rich panty is long-leg, not long-line.
We just returned from East Anglia and were there when you were finishing up in Paris and heading for the UK. I thought about you when I heard about the Paris heatwave. We only had one really warm day. It was 84F. I know it isn’t your style, but I wore long cotton shorts with a Johnny Was loose rayon shirt, and I was pretty comfortable. I packed both shorts and lightweight JJill capri jeans in a stretchy fabric. I also had a lovely white Tencel top that feels like linen that was great. I didn’t pull my dress out of the suitcase for some reason. I just didn’t want to wear it. My white Ecco sandals you suggested in an earlier post have been ruggedly wonderful on two trips to Denver and the UK. I liked them so much I went back and bought the black ones too. Everything pretty much worked on this trip. I owe you many thanks. Reading your blog all these years has prepared me for packing for all types of weather. We got home day before yesterday. Welcome home.~~Dee
I just got back on July 2 from 2 weeks in Ireland. Here’s how crazy the weather was: I never touched my rain jacket until day 10. IN IRELAND! I was very glad I packed several short sleeved T-shirts to layer under sweaters, which could be easily removed when it got warm. I have recently bought several pieces from a company called ADAY http://www.thisisaday.com
Best travel clothes ever. I paired the Something Borrowed short with the Turn It Up pants (with a big Vince cardigan layered over) and was comfortable and nonwrinkled for a 10 hour flight.
The heat wave was exceptional, but as a general rule, you can always put on more clothes but there’s a limit to how much you can take off. So it’s good to have some cool and comfortable options. Personally, I like colors, because I have thrown away too many fantastic white tops and dresses that became discolored by sun lotion.
Lover your blog. Because of your sharing your experiences and style recommendations I have improved my own wardrobe and personal beauty habits. The other day, while my husband and I were enjoying simple lunch at local eatery, a woman walked over to our table to tell me, “she loved my attire and thought I looked elegant.” My gosh what a nice moment! So sorry you lost your beautiful cardigan. Would you please share what your spouse wears, and any pictures of locals you might have.
I don’t wear dresses very often in the summer heat but when I do I wear footless tights. They are no heavier than pantyhose. I also wear Capri length tights under dresses because I can’t stand having my backside exposed nor my vein-y legs!!!. They are sheer enough to not be hot they hold me in a bit too. I work in a hyper air conditioned place and my gams get chilly!!
As an aside NEVER use baby/talcum powder near your nether regions as it has been linked with ovarian cancer. This from the American Cancer Society ‘Until more information is available, people concerned about using talcum powder may want to avoid or limit their use of consumer products that contain it.’ Corn starch is a good option.
Just sayin’.
So glad you had a wonderful trip and are home safely. I do wear dresses a lot in the heat. Living in Florida I consider a casual loose fitting dress and sandals my uniform. Plus bringing a cotton sweater with me to combat the freezing air conditioning! I think many people consider dresses “dressy” but there are some wonderful casual ones. They are so much cooler then slacks or jeans. I never pack jeans for summer travel. I pack dresses, cotton shorts or capris, and only linen pants.
In Florida, I’d do the same (but skirts, never shorts, unless it is for an athletic activity or hike in the countryside), but I spent a summer month in Amsterdam and it was very chilly that year. Definitely lightweight dark jeans, as well as the skirts.
One exception to my above comments. I find the Athleta Brooklyn Ankle pants cool and comfortable. You suggested them on this site. They are perfect for travel days. And there are several other styles also.
Loose linen dresses, a sun hat and flat sandals! I’ve just been to the south of France where it was over 35 °C every day. There’s no way I can wear trousers in that heat! I’m quite happy to wear sleeveless dresses. Older French women don’t feel the need to cover up their arms.
There are a few favorites in my suitcase that I’ve not been able to wear during these weeks of extreme heat….like you, the canicule was not on my radar when I chose what to bring. So the 100s are past, for now, in the south of France, but today’s high in Aix is still high 90s! By now I’m quite tired of my few coolest outfits!
I wear Spanx Skinny Britches under skirts and dresses in the summer. They control the jiggle a bit and are much lighter than any other Spanx I have worn.
I always wear shorts in hot weather when travelling. In fact, I wear shorts every day here in Florida in the summer. Anything else is just too hot to wear. I hate dresses on me so shorts are the way to go. I usually wear shorts just above the knee because I am not tall and anything longer really shortens my legs.