Pack for Paris with Me
There is so much to do as you prepare for a trip, especially one with the whole family. While everyone else seems to be floating through the process and packing the night before as a mom or caretaker we end up fielding most of the preparations that make it happen — booking tickets, finding a dog sitter, refilling prescriptions, holding the mail… need I go on? Let’s make the process of packing for you easier and more fun so you can enjoy your vacation in style and have the outfits you need when you arrive. Here are my steps as any trip approaches:
Step 1:
Plan Ahead – Start putting aside favorite pieces early
I literally start throwing items I love onto the chair in my room. As I go about my days I realize that a whole outfit or a certain piece would be perfect in Paris so into the pile it goes: my favorite jeans and coziest sweater along with my best thong and my most comfortable bra.
Do laundry and set items aside.
Send out any dry cleaning early and set it aside after pickup.
Check the weather at your destination: Paris is looking a lot like New England with warm days and cooler nights — and maybe rain. Into my pile goes my light raincoat.
Check your itinerary for any special events or outings: Some restaurants in Paris still require a collar or blazer, a day long trip to Versailles calls for a pair of seriously comfortable shoes, and cobblestones means I need thick soles and heels on any shoes I bring. Planning a run? Don’t forget your sneakers!
Decide carry-on or a checked bag since this will impact how and what you pack.
Step 2:
Time to get serious – Choose a look for each event
Take a hard look at your itinerary and consider what you need for each outing day and night. I always start by referring back to my outfit photos stored in my Unfoldid app. These are complete looks I love and I know just work! Plan exactly what you will wear for each occasion — you can always switch it up when you arrive but having it ready is priceless. I always think I will have more time to get dressed when I’m on vacation, but in reality I find I am excited to be off to the next thing, or too relaxed by the pool to spend much time primping. Having it planned out means more time for friends, family and fun!
After determining the first couple of complete looks I start expanding the outfit combinations in a way that reuses core pieces like shoes and jeans. A simple change of top or accessory can create a completely new look with the same core pieces like pants, jeans or shoes.
To pack light choose outfits that all fall into the same color column. This means they all have the same neutral base (black, navy, grey, brown or tan) with 1 or 2 added colors. This will allow you to easily create a capsule of multiple outfits with only a few pieces that all coordinate.
Stay away from new pieces that haven’t been vetted — especially shoes! There’s nothing worse than breaking in new shoes away from home.
Pack layers that fit over each other instead of extra pieces. I don’t bring a warm coat for the few cold nights but instead I have a warm but thin sweater that my blazer fits over and then a light coat and a silk scarf. On the coldest day I wear them all, but on the other days I wear different combinations of each.
Step 3:
Pack it up!
Don’t wait until the last minute to pack just incase things don’t go (ie fit!) the way you planned. Toiletries and shoes take up a lot of room so be sure to calculate the space. I can’t tell you how many times I had to sacrifice a pair of great shoes because my toiletry kit was still in the bathroom! I tend to start packing with a “minimalist” set and then have other items and outfits at the ready if there is any extra space.
I keep my toiletry bag packed so I’m always ready for an adventure!
I occasionally check my toiletry kit by pulling it out and “living out of it” for a day to ensure nothing is missing or empty.
A basic scale can give you a close approximation of the weight of your suitcase and remember airlines are getting more strict with carryon sizing!
Feeling overwhelmed or stuck getting packed for your next trip?
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