My Spring Travel Capsule Wardrobe for London & Paris (3 Weeks, 9 Pieces)

Whenever I plan a trip, it always feels like it exists in some distant, abstract future — until suddenly it doesn’t. A few days before departure, I shift into full Prep Mode, and just like that, it all becomes wonderfully, excitingly real. This particular trip has been on my radar for almost a year, and I can hardly believe it’s finally here. I’ll get to see my dear friends in London, and I’m especially buzzing with anticipation for my Paris Fashion Tour — a dream I’ve been looking forward to for a long, long time.

After obsessively monitoring the weather forecasts for London and Paris, I’ve made my selections. I’ve intentionally pared this down to a nine-piece capsule to save space. But these pieces should cover just about any activity on the itinerary, and accommodate fluctuating spring temperatures. (As of this writing, it calls for cool and mostly dry conditions, at least for the first several days.)

What I’m Packing: A 9-Piece Spring Capsule

To keep things simple, I’ve stuck to a single silhouette and coordinated color palette. (I’m bringing lots of scarves to add more color and variety!) All of the pieces are lightweight and layer-able and can be worn in multiple combinations.

So let’s break it down….

Travel Shoes: Where Every Wardrobe Starts

When planning my travel wardrobes, I always start with the shoes. If my feet aren’t happy, I’m not happy. For women over 50 especially, it’s so important to have comfortable, supportive, and stable footwear.

Sneakers. Over the last dozen years or so, sneakers have gone from a “tourist red flag” to a ubiquitous style worn almost everywhere. I prefer sneakers that aren’t too clunky or highly athletic-coded, but you’ll see just about everything worn these days, even by locals, so go with what works best for you. I’m bringing two pairs, a lightweight slip-on knit sneaker (similar) for travel and casual days, and a sleeker style that’s also comfortable and can dress up to Smart Casual.

Boots. I’ve gone back and forth between packing boots or flats, and with the cool temperatures forecast decided I’d be more comfortable with an ankle-covering bootie. Mine are a few years old, and I treat them with a waterproofing spray before every trip. Here’s a similar style, and if you want something seriously weatherproof, I highly recommend these.

Bottoms: Two Jeans, One Trouser

Jeans. I always travel with jeans as they’re what I wear most and are easy to style. I stick to fabrics with some stretch, and that aren’t the heaviest weight. Both of these are barrel leg styles from Ruti, which I love. Dark Wash | Medium Wash. (Save 15% with code SUSAN15)

Pants. I don’t have anything on the itinerary that requires more formality than Smart Casual, so I’m packing this comfortable pair of cotton twill pants, also a barrel-leg style. (See how I wore them last fall in Paris HERE.)

A note about Ruti pants and jeans: I find they run small so usually size up.

Tops & Sweaters: Mix, Match, and Layer

I’ve included 2 collared shirts, one in a stripe and one in leopard print. (My leopard print shirt is from a few seasons prior and no longer available, so I’ve linked to one with a similar look.)

My striped layering tee is from Vince and is probably five years old. Here’s one with a similar look.

Last spring, I discovered how much of a travel workhorse a “twinset” (matching shell and cardigan) can be! Wear them separately or together for a multitude of combinations!

Outerwear & Bag: Ready for Anything

Outerwear. I purchased the Varley raincoat in London last year. It’s lightweight and packable, and really waterproof! (In the photo above, I’ve folded it under at the bottom — the length hits me mid-calf.) I sized down to the XXS. Unfortunately it’s sold out in smaller sizes, but here’s a shorter style, still available in most sizes and colors.

I’ve had that leather jacket for a couple of years now, and it’s great for travel!

Bag. I purchased this ME+EM crossbody bag last spring in London, and used it for the entire rest of my trip. It’s lightweight, comfortable, secure, and holds quite a lot!

Underpinnings I Never Travel Without

In addition to underwear, socks, and sleepwear, I always bring 2-3 of these silk tanks from Eileen Fisher to wear as base layers. And just in case the weather turns unseasonably cold, a set of silk long underwear (top | bottom).

Before I Head to the Airport

I’ll do a final weather and vibe check, and may swap out a piece or add a “Wild Card” at the last minute. Sometimes my Wild Cards end up being the pieces I wear most often.

Learn My Packing Tips

I’ve shared lots more travel wardrobe tips and capsule ideas at my Travel Wardrobe Resource Hub. You can even filter the articles by season and trip length, to find the information that’s most relevant to your travel plans.

And as part of our Los Angeles Spring Color Event in May, I’ll be presenting an in-person seminar, Pack Less, Wear More: A Guide to Smart, Stylish Travel. It will give you the tools to plan and edit travel wardrobes for your destination, activities, and personal style, as well as how to pack and travel in comfort. I hope to see you there!

Your Packing Questions, Answered

Here are the questions I’m asked most often about my travel wardrobes.

1. Does this capsule include what you’ll wear on the plane?

Yes, it does. I’ll usually layer up for the flight, as the temperature in airplane cabins can be unpredictable.

2. Will you do laundry while traveling?

I’ll usually hand wash underpinnings and some lighter items in the sink and hang to dry, once or twice during longer trips. Other items I’ll spot clean with a Tide Pen or Janie Stick (for grease stains). And I’ve started bringing an empty spray bottle that I can fill with cheap vodka and spray clothing to remove odors. When absolutely necessary, if I don’t have access to laundry facilities, I’ll occasionally use hotel laundry service or dry cleaner for a piece or two.

3. Do you fold or roll clothes?

Usually some of both. I’ll roll jeans and other pants that don’t wrinkle. I fold and pack shirts in these flat garment “folders.” Everything else goes into these compression packing cubes.

And that’s everything that made the final cut! I’ll be sharing outfits and updates as I go, so follow along on Instagram for the real-time version. And if you’re not already subscribed to my newsletter, now’s a great time — I’ll be sharing some exclusive content from the trip there. When I’m back, I’ll report on what I actually wore, what I wished I’d brought, and what’s coming home unworn. Because honestly? That’s where the real packing wisdom is.

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