Travel Wardrobe Recap: France, Spring 2018
My France Travel Wardrobe Recap
We’re unpacked, the laundry is done, and it’s time to review my France travel wardrobe. I’ve always found this to be a helpful exercise, and will refer back to my prior wardrobe recaps when it’s time to pack for the next trip. You can see all of my Travel Wardrobe posts HERE.
The challenge for packing for this trip was trying to get a bead on the weather. Before we left the extended forecasts were all over the place, sometimes shifting wildly every few hours. In the end, we didn’t have a lot of extreme weather in either direction, though I had included pieces both for cold/wet and hot/humid conditions. Click HERE to see what I packed.
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As with almost all of my travel wardrobes, I wore a few pieces more than others, and some not at all. I picked up a pair of wedge sandals in Lyon, which became mainstays for much of the rest of the trip. All in all, I’m scoring this travel wardrobe 8 out 10.
So let’s break it down….
You can see my original travel wardrobe HERE. At the last moment I left the black jeans behind (didn’t miss them).
MVP’s
- The Cole Haan metallic sneakers (similar). Hands down, these were such a good choice. I added a Footpetals insole for just a little extra cushioning and to allow me to wear without socks if I wanted. (Though most days I did wear my Smartwools.) They were comfortable, and polished enough to wear out for most evenings. I was able to walk all day in them over a variety of surfaces without any discomfort.
- The lightweight printed tops. (Button front HERE. Similar popover styles HERE and HERE.) These were great for those days that were too warm for a jacket, and helped keep wardrobe boredom at bay.
- The Eileen Fisher lantern pants (similar HERE). For something I included almost on a whim, these turned out to be real workhorses. The wider leg added a bit of élan, and they dressed up or down equally well. They were a nice alternative to jeans. You could also opt for a linen wide leg pant like these (another style in the ochre color that’s popular in Paris ).
Pinch Hitters
- The Aquatalia boots (similar). I wore them for travel on our way out, and a couple of times when it rained. I’ve traveled with these boots before, and knew they’d be fine to walk in for long periods.
- The gold Paul Green loafers (similar). Were perfect to dress up my basics for a couple of dressier evenings.
- The navy long jacket. We had a couple of evenings that were on the cooler side, and this was just warm enough over a lightweight top.
Benched
- The merino v-neck sweater (similar). Never was cool enough to wear it.
- The white long-sleeved tee. I thought it looked kind of blah on its own, but it was too warm to wear as a layer.
- The down vest.
- The Birkenstock sandals. I just felt better and more comfortable in the wedge sandals I purchased in Lyon. (Note to self: pack these instead next time, even though they take up a little more space.)
- The denim shirt/jacket. A little too warm for daytime wear, but felt too casual for evenings.
I’m not sorry I brought any of those pieces, though. Had the weather been just a few degrees cooler I might have made use of most of them. I’ve learned to pack at least a couple of “unseasonable” pieces. If you’re traveling in the spring/summer, you may have a hard time finding sweaters and other warmer items in shops should there be a cold snap.
The rest of my clothing lineup worked well as a team. I never had a moment where I felt I didn’t have something appropriate to wear.
The Bags
- The black nylon MZ Wallace crossbody bag (similar) is a really great design, lightweight, and held everything I needed at any given time securely. My only gripe is that the nylon webbing of the strap squeaks against itself and the metal rings when I walk or move. I found that kind of annoying.
- The brown Brahmin crossbody is a lovely bag and lightweight, but felt too visually heavy for the season. I found myself wishing I’d packed something a bit more summery. I did pick up a tan suede fringed bag in Paris, which worked well.
Wish I’d Had…
A lightweight drapey trench like the ones I saw in Paris. Something like this one. Or a lightweight jacket in a light neutral like ivory or tan. Will keep on my radar…
What kind of weather or destination do you find it easiest to pack for?
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I enjoyed your roundup and also appreciate your analysis of what worked and what didn’t. We were south of you in Provence for 6 weeks and were surprised by how cool it stayed through the first 3 weeks of May. I wish I had had brought 3 pairs of jeans and 3 sweaters rather than the two that I packed. The remainder of the trip (until 3 days before we left this past Saturday) was unusually wet and rainy. Even the locals were commenting on the unusual amount of rain. All and all we had a wonderful trip and didn’t let the weather get in the way of going out and enjoying ourselves. Love, love, love that gorgeous drapey trench coat. It’s so very French and feminine…
Sam
I was looking forward to this! Your wardrobe roundups from your trips are always so helpful!
I enjoyed your posts and photos while in France. I did wonder, why no white jeans?
Hi Sharon, I usually don’t travel with lighter pants/jeans, for the simple reason that they’re harder to keep looking clean. Had I been traveling a bit later in the season, I might have taken the risk and just laundered if needed.
I so agree about white/light pants…I love them and wear them often at home. But on the road, they are just too much trouble! I am really having fun planning my travel wardrobe to Provence in October and your posts are so spot-on..your price points are higher than mine, but you are great at offering links to other, similar options! For example, for the metallic loafers. I almost ordered the Cole Hahn’s but need a really firm arch support. Dr. Sholl’s (yes, Dr. Sholl’s of our grandma’s days!!) has some great looking metallic slip ons for under $75.00. I am lusting (literally) for a French Kande necklace and am giving it to myself as a birthday gift! Anyway, totally enjoy your blog and appreciate the great deal of work you put into it! I expect you are very disciplined!!
Thanks for the round up. I’m currently constructing a winter packing list for December in London and Germany. I’m Australian and I really feel the cold, so looking for warm options (fortunately I have a down jacket similar to yours. But will rake your advice and pack a couple of lightweight tops in case of milder weather. I’m using your winter packing list as a base, although will also work in a couple of wool dresses to wear with leggings. My daughter just headed off with only a backpack (to keep plane=e costs down) for six months in Europe….she fit in a lot, compression sacks and packing cubes are great.
Hi Cathi, I also used Susan’s winter travel capsule as the inspiration for my trip to Europe last Dec/Jan (also from Oz). Temps down to minus 2, I was okay in either jeans or EF washable crepe pants, with a viscose or linen tee, merino jumper and a down jacket. Added a uniqlo heattech base layer when it was colder. I had both heattech and wool socks, but my feet were cold on snow days so next time I’d pack a silk base sock. I found most hotel rooms too warm, so having the lighter tops was great.
Although I only have a weekend trip planned thus far, I’m especially interested in the Mephisto sandals (they’re usually too narrow for me, but I see these have velcro!) and the lantern pants. I’ve been eyeing a pair of those from Artful Home and wondered how versatile they’d be.
It is so hard to predict the weather in spring. Yesterday, I went on a shopping trip to Toulouse and had rain and sun at the same time (driving with windshield wipers going and sunglasses on). As soon as the sun was out, it was quite warm, but when it ducked behind a cloud, especially if drops were falling, it felt cool. !!! I was in and out of a jean jacket. Had I thought about it better, I would have chosen a light cardigan that I could have tied around my shoulders when I was warm.
please remind me of your lipault carry on, looking for something similar?
Hi Jules, this is the one I have: http://bit.ly/2Mnzj5A
Did it fit under the seat or did you have to put it in an overhead bin?
I wound up putting it in an overhead bin. I think it would have been a tight squeeze to get under the seat, especially with my other purse.
The wheels make it easy to maneuver but add bulk, I bet. I asked because getting items into and out of an overhead bin is getting dicier as we age.
Thank so much for your travel update. We stayed three weeks in Paris this May. All your suggestions came in handy, thanks! I used and loved, Smart wool socks, Unlglo down jacket, EF silk long sleeve tees. My most used shoes were Clark’s lace up flat boots ( older) and Ecco leather sneakers both in black. I lived in my Burberry tan trench ( bought used) , good weight, looked nice. I bought two cotton dresses, for the warmer days, in a boutique, the fit and quality isn’t easily found in the U.S. I agree Monoprix has wonderful linen clothes for reasonable prices. Again, thanks!
I spent 2 1/2 weeks in England in late April/early May. The weather forecast for the trip was cool with around 40% rain chances each day. I brought layers: several long sleeved cotton knit tops, two cardigans, a cashmere pullover, a lightweight wool jacket, and a rain jacket that could be worn over any of the pieces. Brought two pairs of jeans as well as black stretch crepe pants (for our dressier occasions) and my “magic pants”, microfiber pants from Athleta which are my go-to travel pants.
The first few days in Northern England were bitterly cold, so I was glad of all my layers (I also brought gloves). But by the time we got to London, the weather turned surprisingly warm, and I wished I’d packed some short sleeved tops! And it never rained until the last day! So it turned out I brought an extra pair of shoes I didn’t need, which were meant for rainy weather.
I’ve been working on paring down my packing, but still bring too much stuff. Next challenge is two weeks in Italy in August.
Thank you for sharing your post trip reflections. Very helpful. The flowy trench coat is darling—for a July trip to Paris, I probably won’t need it but definitely more attractive than the light rain jacket I am packing just in case of summer rain. The Cole Haan’s I have, thanks to you, and now trying out different configurations to fill the shoe a bit as I have a narrow foot. I have the rt size. Will try those inserts and smartwools next! I also have a slim orthotic. The lantern pants are sold out—look so comfy! Eileen Fisher is a brand I love. Simple elegance and dependable quality that lasts. Appreciate too your sharing of shops, eateries, neighborhoods. We will have an apt on the edge of the 7th arr and 15th arr, close to Place de Breteuil. My traveling partner, my daughter in law, lived in Paris and knows it fairly well and now teaches in a French American school in Seattle. I am in good hands. She took her 7th graders to Paris for their special field trip this spring. And now me….
Can I just say I found your travel wardrobe very uninspiring? Practical, yes, but dull, dull, dull!
Perhaps. Do you have anything constructive to add or did you just want to be insulting?
Tell me, what do you pack for overseas trips?
Oops, sorry, I put a thumbs up emoji in response to your reply Susan, but it’s hasn’t come up!
Thanks, Patricia. For some reason emoji’s don’t seem to display in the comments.
I’m not in a position to do a lot of overseas travel, myself. I do know I’m a terrible packer because I try to add a little fun into the mix and don’t do enough practical. Still, all the pop over tops while no doubt practical from a layering perspective, we’re not my favorite compared to other wardrobes you have featured.
Ann, may I suggest that instead of following bloggers whose style and advice you don’t appreciate-and then insulting them-you find some bloggers who speak to you? We are so lucky these days that there are a range of women over 40 offering their expertise and experience. Go find one you like!
I suppose my wardrobe for my upcoming trip is equally “dull” but when considering that my “exciting” clothes are not necessarily practical for either traveling light or easily coordinating I’ll take “dull”. (Honestly, what’s dull about looking put together in flattering clothes? Me thinks Ms. Behar doesn’t understand the point of this post).
Looking put together on a limited wardrobe can hardly be described as dull. Susan’s choices are always well considered, and afford her casual to dressy options. While I can’t always afford such items, I appreciate the thought process that goes into planning and reviewing the capsules. Selections from an actual wardrobe that work for a specific trip, not insta-wannabe nonsense.
Your note at the top on reposting on other websites unsettling. Imagine some do not have your flair for writing and giving so many helpful examples if readers want to shop. Very sorry to know this bad news. On happier note I relived my 2006 experiences with great pleasure. Susan
Imagine my delight when I clicked on the Cole Haan sneakers link and my size 10.5 was available! And on sale! Thanks, Susan, for fun and informative posts – I learn alot from you.
I don’t comment enough on how inspiring I find your posts! Love your travel wardrobe and use it as my template! Thank you, again and again and again!
Thank you for this update. I have been worrying about what jacket to pack for Paris in mid-August. I think now I will take my recently purchased (after seeing it on your blog) light weight L.L. Bean khaki utility jacket. I have been concerned about rainy weather but just purchased a very nice looking dark gray/black-ish fold up rain jacket from Costco (!) which I will take. I have several popover type blouses in polyester from Talbots and Chicos that I think will work well now that I see what worked on your trip. Would love to hear any Paris restaurant suggestions. Again, many thanks. Your postings are a big help!
Ironically, I just got through telling my 12 and 14 year-olds that if they don’t have something necessary, useful, or kind to say, then say nothing. Sorry to see that even some adults have yet to learn this. Rude, rude, rude! Susan, I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts.
When a child is jealous of someone more fortunate, she will often deflect that by lashing out. Typical childish behavior, as I see it.
As a packing geek, I do the same recap and look forward to yours.
For variable temperatures, you would be better off with the “compact” version of the Uniqlo down jackets and vests. They are thinner and more packable than the regular version. My compact down jacket has taken me from 72° on its own to 46° layered under a raincoat. And because it has no collar, it avoids the “Michelin Man” effect — it’s nice enough to wear to dinner. For warmer weather travel, the compact down vest packs so small that it is the perfect “just in case” piece.
I finally sprung for a pair of the slim black washable crepe EF pants everyone loves, and I loved them as well. But I’m not stylish enough to pull off the lantern pants like you did!
Welcome home!
This recap is great, the choices were sound, and the proof is in the charming photos! I don’t have a blog to remind myself of my hits/misses so I resort to leaving notes to myself that stay in my suitcase until the next trip. For example, I’m headed to NYC in the fall and I will remember to pack some more exercise gear so I can squeeze in some Pilates workouts.
Susan, I really like your blog and always enjoy your travelling accounts, and yes, I do love France. I am going there next week, and to Germany for a few days as well. My travel wardrobe is mostly blue, with some pattern and the odd brighter color thrown into the mix. Somehow I never manage to look as stylish as you, so I have to consider myself a work in progress. I am glad you post such wonderful pictures of yourself and the places you go to. Thank you
Just want to wade in to respond to the “boring” comment.” Travel wardrobes are not the same as what we wear at home. Unless we want to haul way too many pieces of luggage, and only wear a portion of what we pack. I had a similar comment about outfits I wore on a New York trip. How one in particular needed a pop of colour with lots of bracelets and a bright bag. I thought at the time..”Uh…okay. but I’m not packing a bright bag for one outfit for a three day trip.” In my opinion… travel packing posts are meant to show us what you REALLY packed, and what you REALLY wore. Not some contrived conjured up outfit for the benefit of a photograph. So I appreciate your honesty with what worked and what didn’t. That’s what is helpful to us, your readers. Phew… glad I got that off my chest:)
BTW … love that new bag with the fringes. xo
Exactly. What I pack has to a) be comfortable and appropriate for a range of temperatures and activities while b) fitting into a suitcase I can carry. I’m not one of those fashion bloggers who goes places to put on pretty dresses and pose. (Which is fine, that just isn’t my gig.)
Excellent explanation of what a travel wardrobe is Susan!
I find your suggestions so useful when packing for trips! I have used the capsule packing method for a couple of years now, and it is so great to get to some place and not waste time thinking about what I am going to wear–travel, to me, is about experiencing! I like my “Garanimals” wardrobe, I don’t like to do laundry while I’m traveling, and I hate to come home with a lot of stuff that I did not wear (sometimes, it’s necessary, like packing for possible fluctuating weather). Frankly, I don’t wear that much color anyway (and I, too, live in LA), so my packed wardrobe really DOES reflect my everyday wardrobe.
Thumbs up to both susans. I always enjoy this blog, as for one thing it is well written, and of course I wouldn’t make all the same choices (I love skirts, and am not fond of blue on myself, except denim). It doesn’t bother me that there are things I couldn’t afford at full price, as quality garments train the eye, and sometimes there are extraordinary sales at upscale shops.
One accessory I love is Parkhurst cotton bérets: https://berkeleyhat.com/parkhurst-cotton-beret.html I buy the larger size for it to be slouchy, but the smaller one would be slouchy on a smaller head. They are made in Toronto, and a major Canadian paper toured the factory; the working conditions are fine, according to the report. There is a wide range of colours.
Oh Lagatta–what a wonderful phrase–“quality garments train the eye.” I have learned so much by following Susan and examining the higher quality garments. I’ve been fortunate to find many on sale or eBay or similar items in consignment shops. I’m entirely spoiled now.
I love my EF lantern pants. The cut is flattering on me. I got a pair in Tencel, and they are so silky!
I study all your packing posts. I don’t travel abroad, and am usually gone for just a long weekend or week at a time, but the packing is still challenging. I end up wearing only a few of the items packed, but I never know which few those will be! Thanks for the guidance. And I love that flowy trench. For what weather range do you think that would be appropriate? haha I live in SoCal so the outer layer and layering thing is sometimes hard to wrap my head around.
Thanks for another great post. I have loved that Madewell popover since you first bought it. What a great purchase. And polka dots are so on trend this season.
If you do find a flowy trench for us shorter, short waisted, busty gals–please let us know! I’ve tried 3 or 4 with no luck. I do love the look so much!
Thanks! Susan for your travel capsule. I haven’t traveled overseas yet but it help with my travelling in the states, also I was packing too much period.
I love your travel outfit choices! My husband, myself & son are going to be spending 14 days in the Netherland’s, Germany & Belgium in December (our home base will be a canal boat in Amsterdam, how fun!!). My winter wardrobe consists of black, grey and white; my pops of color are a beautiful midnight blue sweater and a red and black flannel shirt I use as a jacket.; all packed in a travel on bag. I love reading your posts, they are SO informative! I’ll be reading more for my trip!! Thank you!
Great fun, but as you know well, it will probably be chilly and damp. However there will be Christmas markets in all three countries and a warming atmosphere. I presume that you have a coat warmer than your flannel shirt, or at least a good raincoat as your top layer. I spent over a month in Amsterdam in late November and December until just before the Christmas holidays, not on holiday and enjoyed it very much.
Try to make sure to do at least a daytrip or two to other Dutch cities and towns; I like Utrecht, Rotterdam is different as it is extremely modern (having been flattened during the War since it was the foremost port). I’m mentioning just cities in the Randstand, the conurbation that includes Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and smaller cities. I hope to go farther south in the Netherlands one day, especially to follow the sites of the Canadian military campaign liberating much of the country (The US and Britain also played a role).
Is your son an adult, a teen or a schoolboy? He might be interested in doing more research about those countries before you go.
As with the previous comments I agree that travel clothes & home clothes can be poles apart even when you’ve nailed your personal style. My philosophy now is to see, not be seen, otherwise why travel at all? Since our last summer trip we’ve decided to avoid that season as temperatures can spike wildly, too many tourists (haha) and will now aim for early Autumn instead. We live in northern New Zealand so we’ll still do our mid winter trip to either Northern Queensland, Australia or one of the Pacific Islands. I just have to remember my cashmere & merino poncho for leaving and arriving home!
I enjoy and learn from your travel wardrobe posts every time. Thank you! One variation for me is that I am tall and have much bigger feet than you do, so I simply can’t take as many items and fit them in an international carry-on. Two pairs of shoes are ideal; three max if one is a pair of on-the-delicate-side sandals or very flat flats.
Enjoying your travel wardrobe tips. Even though I’m more into colour there is some very good advise. Live in New Zealand and will be visiting Italy and France this Sept/Oct. You always look “tres chic”.
I avoided France due to train strikes and found jeans to be too hot for Switzerland. My most used and loved were my J Jill favourites, 3/4 for city and long bottoms for hikes in the mountains, plus those lovely layers for tops. Plus they are a bit less expensive so I didn’t mind the wear and tear they had to endure. Next time I will include more J Jill for comfort and breath-ability and lose the heavy clothes. I did splurg and enjoyed a few ‘cooler’ purchases ( But Honey, all my clothes are too hot!) at Max Mara in Zurich and Mark O’Polo in Lugano. Shoes, I found Ganter activ suede shoes in Leuven, Belgium, which I wore to death, plus Ganter sandles which were dressy and comfy! I normally never shop in Europe, but found I was so pleased with the colours and styles that I went a bit crazy. And the shoes!
I have GOT to stop packing so damn many travel clothes, whether for an overnight to The Big City or three weeks in New Zealand. I NEVER wear everything I take! By now, I should know that a chance meeting with Queen Elizabeth will not produce an invitation to pop in for a spontaneous royal wedding. Yet there have been times I’ve lugged along shoes for just such an occasion.
My name is Ann (the one from Missouri, not the rude one), and I am an inveterate overpacker. Sigh.
Haha, Ann not the rude one. You know, someday we will be invited to dine with the queen, but we will use that as an excuse to shop locally!
A sincere LOL for that good idea. Excellent solution!
I love your consistently elegant and simple style. The photos in this post in which you wore white (or a light color) and no jacket, changed your whole look — I like it a lot. I know you are partial to black/darker tops and jackets, but in my opinion, lighter colors near your face really light you up!
One trick that really helps me is that I keep a note on my iPad titled “Master Packing List.” Then when I am preparing for a trip I copy the content onto a new list titled for that trip (e.g. Europe 2018). Inevitably there are things I won’t need for that particular trip (e.g. golf attire) that I erase, and also some things I might add. Many of the items are various beauty/health products and I start throwing these in a basket a few weeks before the trip, purchasing anything that is lacking.
I love this blog and it really helped with my most recent trip to Northern Europe. I bought the utility jacket (Lands End) and the Smartwool sockets (a lifesaver – walked all over in cute sneakers and they never slipped off). Thanks, Susan!
Susan’s lists are on my smartphone…! I think the style is timeless and anyone can be confident and comfortable in these clothes. I have a few friends who are really “out there” with style, flamboyant, daring, and darling. But for me, comfort and taste are in the forefront…That’s why I love this blog!
I did the same thing, saved exactly what I packed on my iPhone, and put a tick next to the things I wore. No tick, no go is the rule for my next trip! And save room for shopping! No use pretending it isn’t going to happen! I also realised I bought the exact same Mephisto sandles as Susan! No wonder I love her style!
Thanks, Susan, I just bought the Cole Haan sneakers and they are on sale. We have a river cruise coming up in the fall and these will be perfect. I have learned a lot from you – back in the day, I went on a one week cruise and had a black capsule as well as a khaki one. Yes, I have reformed! (Still not as bad as a friend who had a bag just for her shoes! And she has learned as well.)
After just returning from two and a half weeks in Italy, I’ll admit there are times when I wish I could bring more wardrobe choices — especially when I see some really cute (but single purpose) outfits at my destination. But then I remind myself that it’s better to travel light, even if one sometimes has to give up a few extras… Like you, I put a fair amount of effort into looking well put together and presentable for a range of possible weather and events without overpacking. I really appreciate you sharing your experiences and what worked well for you.
I’ve enjoyed and learned a lot from your travel capsule wardrobes, especially for Paris, which I also love. I make a spreadsheet with pants, tops, outerwear, and so forth and then use it to create outfits and edit for things that don’t mix well so I can replace or eliminate them. It’s also helpful when planning for the next trip. Cheers to traveling in style.
I enjoyed seeing your travel wardrobe and reading how your choices worked out for you. I think, first and foremost, a travel wardrobe should be comfortable so the focus can be on the experience. I never travel with much jewelry and only comfortable shoes. I think you looked perfect – relaxed and pretty.
Hi Susan,
I just returned from a week long trip to Seattle from the S.F. Bay area. Even though the hubs and I were traveling by car I didn’t want to take more than was needed. So, I challenged myself to fit everything in my small suitcase as if I were traveling by plane. I used your capsule wardrobe as a guide and it worked out really well! I felt pulled together and ready for any city activity and weather condition! Thank you so much for all the work you put into your blog, I appreciate it so much!!
Hi Susan, What is the brand of the black pants you are wearing in some of your Paris photos? They have a semi-wide leg with an “inverted V” cut up the front of the leg. I don’t see them mentioned in any of your Paris trip posts but believe I have seen them in a previous post. I hope to be able to find them for an upcoming trip to China. You are my fashion guru and I get so excited when I see your email in my inbox. As I read it I can hear a little voice in my ear going “ka-ching”, “ka-ching”! Thank you for your inspiration, your research for “other options” to offer us and your always right on fashion sense!
Hi Carol, thanks so much. Those are Eileen Fisher “lantern pants” from a few seasons back. She intermittently has versions of this leg style in her collections and they tend to sell out. I have my fingers crossed she’ll bring back this style in the fall collection. There are a few alternatives on Ebay here: http://bit.ly/2ye7Z6T
Thanks for asking that Carol, I was wondering about those lovely trousers too! The inverted ‘V’ detail is really nice.
I have just bought a pair that are similar-ish in the cut of the leg, with a roll top/yoga trouser waist but the fabric has a nice weave (rather than jersey, like a yoga trouser), that I got from Cos.
Thanks Susan, for an informative post. I remain surprised at the rude comments that can appear (as earlier) on fashion blogs. Thanks so much for your effort and attention to detail in all of your posts.
Hi Susan – thanks for the details that you post, I’m planning my first trip to Europe this fall – Paris – Nice – Rome – and I am a classic overpacker! I’m studying your travel wardrobe lists, which are great. And I expect that my wardrobe will be “boring” and I just don’t care.
Can you tell me what brand of t-shirts you have in this post? I need a good v-neck or scoop neck and with my mid-life body I’m struggling to find a flattering fit. Thanks!!
Hi Peggy, the two plain t-shirts were from prior seasons from Eileen Fisher and Velvet. (Similar HERE and HERE.) The striped tee is Majestic Paris HERE. Have a wonderful time in Europe!!
Your wardrobe ideas are always helpful. I follow several people but always comes back to you. Thank you. Also, can you do a summer in Europe wardrobe also. Thanks.
Enjoy the blog——! I was wondering about travels in August to Provence area. ( I have to go with our daughter n her boyfriend—- am sorry to say I dislike and am uncomfortable in France ). Was wondering about outfits and climate here. I will for sure be carrying on- not a check luggage gal.
Hard to do outfits and style with only 2 pair shoes ( 3 rd pair of shoes will be my running my shoes—- never miss a chance to workout)…. so wondering about how to style and as well allow for workout clothing. Love your input/advice.
Thank you!
Hi C., it will probably be quite hot. You don’t mention what activities are on the agenda or your style preferences, but my suggestion would be to pack a few linen pieces, and a pair of walking sandals as one of your shoe choices.
I love your what works, what does not….etc… I too am looking for a trench coat one with a hood for my trip to Spain and Portugal next April. I love my cross body bag which I purchased over 2.5 years ago on the recommendations of your blog. Its big enough for my camera etc when doing day tours. Thank you
Hi Susan! I am leaving for Paris and Bordeaux in 2 days. I have studied this post for a couple of weeks now, trying to figure out what I own that is similar to what you wore in the Spring. I am looking at weather apps everyday, and they vary so much, almost as much as the actual weather! What weather app do you rely on for predictions?
I have the clothing capsule down but am struggling with the shoes. I have a pair of Taos “Freedom” sneakers like yours, and I always travel in my wool-lined TOMS classics, but it’s the rain booties that I wonder about. My waterproof Romikas weigh abou 2.5 lbs and are rather stiff. I like your Aquatalias and wonder if they are leather, and are they soft around the ankle? I will watch for sales on the Aquatalias, but meantime I’m wondering if I really need to take rain boots. Thanks for your input Susan, you are an inspiration to so many, and my travel guru! 😀
Hi Jaqueline, I haven’t really found any of the weather apps to be particularly accurate more than a couple of days out. This time of year, you can probably get by without rain boots if you don’t have a lightweight pair. I’ve traveled with three different pairs of Aquatalias over the years, and they’ve all been quite comfortable. It really depends on the style, but a Chelsea style (with some stretch in the shaft) or lower-cut style (hitting below the ankle bone) are the most comfortable for me.
Have a wonderful time!!
I took my Romikas and was glad I had them as it rained when we went to Chenonceau. The walk in from the car park was a muddy mess for most. I was very glad I brought them but I am going to look for some other rain boots that are more supportive and comfortable while being stylish if the two qualifiers are not mutually exclusive. Wish me luck
Hi Susan! I managed to find the gunmetal Cole Haan sneakers in time for my Danube river boat cruise in October. Maybe I’m not seeing correctly, but did you replace the laces? I’m not liking the stark white laces against the metallic shoe. If so, could you let me know what color you chose and the length? Thanks so much and I am enjoying your blog immensely.
Hi Janie, yes I did replace them. Here are the ones I bought in Dark Grey: https://amzn.to/2IgX5P2 54 inch length.
Thanks so much!
I really have enjoyed your blog and all your suggestions. Your tips makes it so much easier when it comes to packing! My question is how do you travel with your more expensive purses? I always hesitate to put mine in checked luggage so I end up bringing only one (besides clutches etc)… any suggestions?
Thanks again for making the whole process easier!
Heading to Italy for a month in march/April and came across your blog on Pinterest. Thanks so much.
I love this wardrobe. I have pulled out all the similar pieces that I already have in my own closet and have just ordered a few tops in styles similar to what you had. I then read your update and you said that you wished you had a tan jacket…and I have one of those that I love but I would probably not have packed it. But it will be coming along now.I also have a dressy style denim jacket but I am in two minds about it. What do you think? Thanks for the shoe tips as well. I am taking black flat walking leather walking boots, dressier black ankle boots with a slight heel and my metallic sneakers. I don’t have the gold loafer type, but I do have a light tan croc-skin pattern ballet flat which is comfy and doesn’t take up much room. They are nearing the end of their life so if I find some better shoes in Italy (If???) I can always leave them behind to make room in the luggage!!.
Hi Narelle, welcome! I’m glad you found the wardrobe helpful. With regard to the denim jacket, does it fit easily underneath the outerwear you’re planning to bring? Is it a piece you wear often at home with the other pieces you will be packing? If the answer to both is yes then you might want to make room for it. Otherwise, I’d leave it, as it’s probably a heavier and bulkier piece.
Thanks Susan,
It us a sort of boxy collarless jacket and I wear it all the time at home. It looks good over a tee with a scarf or over a collared shirt. It isn’t bulky so I could zip it up and wear it under my outer jacket which I can then take off and cloak if possible at galleries etc and still have the denim jacket to look a bit polished.
Thanks so much for your blog and for getting back to me.
Happy travels!