My 2-Week Fall Travel Capsule Wardrobe: London & Paris Edition
It’s Time to Pack!
Fall is one of my favorite seasons to travel, and this year I’m especially excited for two weeks in London and Paris. I’ve pulled together a fall travel capsule wardrobe that’s polished, comfortable, and easy to mix and match.
The weather this time of year can be unpredictable, so I’ve built in plenty of layering options and a few flexible pieces to handle everything from drizzly mornings to balmy afternoons to nippy evenings. I’ve been watching the extended forecast and making a few tweaks here and there, and will do one last check before I head to the airport. And because I always like to leave room for spontaneity, I’m allowing myself one or two Wild Card pieces, based on the weather, or just my mood!
How I Plan My Fall Travel Capsule Wardrobe
This capsule wardrobe is a bit smaller than my usual, but it will cover most of the activities on the itinerary. I do have a couple of “special events” this trip, and am bringing extra pieces for those that I’m not including in this capsule (more on those later).
As with all of my capsules, I started with neutrals (brown, tan, and dark wash denim), and then built around those with a few color accents. The pieces are all layerable, and can be worn in multiple combinations. Most can be washed by hand or machine if necessary. Here’s what I’m packing (including what I’ll wear on the plane):
2nd row: GREEN CARDIGAN | COLLARED CARDIGAN | BROWN CARDIGAN (SIMILAR)
3rd row: TWILL PANTS (SIMILAR) | CORDUROY PANTS | JEANS
Shoes: BOOTS (SIMILAR) | OXFORDS (SIMILAR) | SNEAKERS
A note: all of these pieces are from my personal wardrobe. Some are from prior seasons or no longer available, in which case I’ve linked to similar items.
Shoes: The Foundation of My Travel Outfits
I always start with the shoes when planning my travel wardrobes, as they’re the most important part to get right!
- Ankle boots (similar): for chillier days and easy to dress up for evenings.
- Oxfords (similar): a more polished alternative to sneakers, comfortable for all-day wear.
- Sneakers: lightweight and stylish, ideal for casual exploring days.
Pants: Polished, Comfortable, and Versatile
- Twill trousers (similar): a great option when I need a break from my jeans or want a slightly more elevated look.
- Corduroy pants: a relaxed fit, but can dress up easily with a blouse or cardigan.
- Jeans: my current favorite pair; the darker wash feels sharper and more polished.
Tops and Sweaters: Layers That Mix and Match
- Leopard print blouse (similar): my go-to pattern for adding visual interest.
- Lightweight crewneck sweater (similar): the warm red pairs beautifully with browns and tans.
- Tan blouse: a neutral that layers nicely under cardigans or jackets.
- Green & dark brown cashmere cardigans (similar): both can be worn buttoned as a top, or open over blouses.
- Collared wool cardigan: doubles as a jacket alternative. (I’ve packed one of these Sézane “Betty” cardigans for most of my recent trips; they always earn their MVP status.)
Outerwear and Accessories for Fall in Europe
- Leather jacket: a longtime travel staple, just the right weight for transitional weather.
- Bag and Strap: I’m bringing my Pearl for travel days and daily wear, with a second bag planned for my “special event” outfits.
- Scarves: I pulled a few favorites from my stash in a variety of colors and styles. Most are no longer available, but I never travel without my lightweight cashmere-silk wrap…it’s one of my in-flight essentials.
I’m still deciding on a second piece of outerwear. The forecast looks too warm for my packable down coat, but since a little rain is always a possibility, I’ll likely choose something water-resistant. TBD.
Building a Functional and Stylish Capsule Wardrobe
Packing for a fall trip to Europe can be tricky, but a well-thought-out capsule wardrobe makes it so much easier. Choosing versatile, layerable pieces means you’re ready for changing weather without overpacking.
What’s Next: Styling My Travel Capsule in Action
I’ll share some of my travel outfits along the way, so stay tuned! Once I’m back, I’ll recap how this capsule performed and what (if anything) I’d change next time.
If you’re planning fall travel soon, I hope this gives you ideas for creating your own mix-and-match wardrobe that makes packing and getting dressed so much easier. Bon voyage!
Shop My Capsule (& Similar Items)
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Will you wear something from this collection on the plane?
Yes.
That is a really great wardrobe selection. On my trip (late August) to Paris, I pretty much packed clothes based on your previous navy wardrobe layout. Your selections are both stylish annd practical Unfortunately, it rained every day and the hero piece was my full length raincoat and my soggy walking shoes. My travel style was ‘drowned rat’. Have a fabulous trip and I hope you enjoy good weather
I hope you will have a wonderful time.
Greetje
Love what you’ve chosen for this trip. Can’t wait to see what you’re bringing for the special events. Love the Quince purse strap. How does the quality seem?
Hi Deanna, thanks! The quality seems to be quite good. The canvas webbing is smooth, and the hardware sturdy.
Thanks. I need two, one in black and the cognac. Wider straps are much more comfortable to me.
Great post! Can you share a link for the spring green scarf?
Thanks, Leslie! That’s a vintage Hermès scarf that I purchased second-hand many years ago. It’s called “A Walk in the Park,” and you might be able to find one on vintage or resale sites.
This post is just in the nick of time! We are leaving Friday for 10 days in London and Paris. Thanks so much, if I spot you I will introduce myself!
Hi Marilyn, please do, and have a wonderful trip!
Thanks! Bon voyage!
I’m going to London for 10 days after Thanksgiving so this post give me some ideas for my own wardrobe. It will be colder when I’m there (probably) but I have the coat part covered.
Hi Cathy, glad it was helpful!
Just got back from Paris two days ago (and Provence before that)! Weather was, yes, changeable. Showers then sun. I was comfortable in leggings, short sleeve T, and lightweight sweater: sometimes a light coat and always a scarf. I think one of the best things, small as it may seem, is my iPhone lanyard! So so convenient, easy to take pics, can “hide” under a coat or jacket, and then doesn’t take up room in a purse (I have the larger size phone.) Highly recommend.
My husband and I have just booked a 2 week trip to France in April next year. Have you posted in the past a capsule wardrobe for that time of year or is this one comparable?
Hi Carole, yes, you can read what I packed and my recap from last April here: https://unefemme.net/spring-travel-capsule-wardrobe-recap-2024.html and from April/May this year here: https://unefemme.net/3-week-travel-capsule-wardrobe-review-travel-outfits.html
There’s bound to be some rain….what kind of hat do you wear or do you pack an umbrella?
I pack an umbrella.
Your timing couldn’t be better! I leave for Paris in 1 1/2 weeks and will be there for 10 days. I’m following your capsule closely. I have 4 scarves ready to pack. I was worried that was too many, so was happy to see your layout. Have a fabulous trip!
Hi Allene, the wonderful thing about scarves is that they don’t take up much room in luggage. So I never skimp! 😉
I like that you’re a “light” packer — not too much stuff and just a carry-on, I assume. Have you posted what luggage you use?
Hi Leslie, yes, this capsule fits easily into a carry-on, though I sometimes take a larger bag to have room for bringing gifts home. I’ll be reviewing my luggage and gear at the end of this trip. (Am traveling with lightweight Lipault “Lost in Berlin” spinner.)
I looked at that Lipault suitcase and regret not buying it. Instead I bought a hard shell case which was a real drag lugging it on and off trains. I worried about it cracking and ended up getting it plastic wrapped at the airport (despite my misgivings about so much plastic)
Two weeks in London and Paris–just marvelous!
Greetings from a longtime reader in Richmond, Virginia! Your post is well timed as my husband and I are headed to London next week (unfortunately, no Paris stop for us). The trip, for me, includes a color consultation at Red Leopard, which I am very excited about, inspired in part by your experience there. Any tips for making the most of the experience? I have been so impressed by how knowing your colors has brought such coherence (and fun) to your wardrobe. Thank you for your blog!
Hi Jenny, ooh, I’m so excited for you having the Red Leopard team doing your colors! They are the BEST. My only tip is to remember to come without makeup, otherwise just enjoy the experience!
I am interested in the Sezane cardigan. But have not ordered from them before. From previous posts of yours, I think our sizes are similar, so can you tell me what size you purchased? For reference I am 5’1” and 107 lbs.
I’m wearing size Small. Depending on your preferred fit, you may want to size down to an XS.
Hi Susan from BC Canada
I am just wondering if you find that so much color in your Paris travel capsule wardrobe becomes overwhelming.
I am a very fair summer and find although I love navy & other shades of blue, cool grey, become tired of them. Any suggestions for more variety, especially for our 2026 early fall travel to France. Bon voyage!
Why do you wear so much brown. I think that black or the blues would be so much more flattering. Kinda like slinking into old lady-hood.
I wear brown because I like it and it suits my coloring. Not slinking anywhere.
The russet and brown tones Susan chose are very current right now (see Pantone A/W 2025-26 colours). One sees them on young people all over my European hometown, especially that rich chocolate. Also practical for autumn travel. Lovely choices, Susan
Thanks, Iona!
Wishing you a fantastic two weeks in London and Paris! Looking forward to your pictures and writing about what is popular in both places. You are very observant and accurate. Enjoy!!!
After reading your newsletters over the past few months, I went out and bought myself a collared cardigan. I think of it as my “Susan sweater” and can’t wait to wear it out and about! Thanks for all your inspiration and tips 🙂
Hi Susan, I wrote in last week. I am leaving for Paris, Cannes and Nice next Tuesday. Any suggestions as to where I can purchase a good quality trench coat in Paris? I am a winter, so no beige for me. Looking foe black, red or magenta. Still have not finalized my capsule wardrobe. This is giving me the biggest problem.
One of your best travel wardrobes yet! I hope you have a wonderful trip.
I own the Betty cardigan in red and get a lot of wear out of it. Some of the other Sezane sweater are too boxy for me, and the Betty has a set-in sleeve.
What do you think about buying multiples of things? I’m tempted by the brown Betty as well, and happy that brown is having a well-deserved moment.
Thanks very much, AnneSanFran! (I actually own the Betty in multiple colors… 😉 )
Beautiful combination of your colours Susan.
If it’s not too intrusive I would love to see how you pack your suitcase. I travel with about the same clothing range but I can never fit more than two pairs of shoes, the larger pair on me and the smaller pair in the suitcase stuffed with underwear or socks. If I’m going to get a toiletries bag in, it’s one pair of shoes only in the suitcase. How do you manage it?
Hope you enjoy your trip this side of the pond, your reports are always a great read.
Thanks, Maureen! I’ll be sharing that once I’m back and reviewing the luggage.
So jealous! My favorite time to travel in Europe too. Your clothing choices look perfect! Have a spectacular time!
Thanks, Teresa!
Hi there, Susan! Love this capsule and the combination of browns and green! Is the green Tuckernuck cardigan pictured the same one currently on their website or is yours from a previous season? Just wondering if my screen makes the color look different or if it’s actually a different green. 🙂 Thanks in advance and enjoy your trip!
Hi Kathy, thanks! I think mine may be a slightly different color, maybe from the tail-end of Spring/Summer. It’s a bit brighter IRL than the color online.
Thank you for sharing a warm colors capsule wardrobe! I am using your ideas to pack for an upcoming 2 week trip to Italy. I plan on navy and camel as my basic neutrals with some colorful tops. I honestly had forgotten all about the color personality analysis until I read your blog- I just knew I liked brighter hues like coral , blues. Found a decades old color analysis that says I am a “Bright Spring” with swatches of all the colors I typically choose. What is the difference in bright spring vs warm spring?
Looks a great selection but take the packable down coat if you can fit it in. You may be surprised how cold it can feel just now in Paris. The weather is extremely changeable.
Would love for you to show a picture each day of how you wore the items! I need help putting outfits together!
Hi Bonnie, you can see several of my daily outfits here: What I Packed, What I Wore in Paris & London