The Ultimate Packing List for France in September 2024
The ultimate packing list for France in September consists of all the basic go-to pieces in my wardrobe.
This is an updated post, and I’m packing and wearing almost the same as what I wore last year at the same time. I did, however, make a few swaps for some newer pieces.
cardigan // slip skirt // high-neck-tank // short sleeve shirt // Birkenstocks // midi skirt // round mini shoulder bag // Adidas Sambas // white T-shirt // Alex Mill Jeans // bandana // Kule stripe T-shirt // Alex Mill Jeans // Gucci Brixton Loafers // classic white shirt // Black leather tote // leather Apple watch band
France in September
I created my ultimate packing list for France in September when the seasons will change from summer to fall while we are traveling.
We’ll be starting with a few days at the coast and then on to Beaune and Lyon to visit some of France’s best flea markets. But the bulk of our time will be spent in Paris so I want to make sure that I have a variety of outfits and all the essentials (scarf, light jacket or denim jacket, raincoat, sunglasses, etc).
I do this all in a carry-on bag which is why I created the packing list in the first place. You only need to have the airlines lose your luggage once to be a carry-on convert. But a carry-on bag does make it more challenging.
I did not buy anything new for the trip!
I’m wearing this pair of black pants I bought at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last year. Nordstrom still has them because they are the best pair of black pants! Don’t let the name of these trousers potentially turn you off. They are called the New York Irving Skinny Stretch Wool Pants. I feel like the name sounds like a fancy pair of leggings. They are not at all that! They are very flattering pants that could be dressed up or down. I know these will be my go-to pants for years to come! When I find something like this, I wear the heck out of it and take it on every trip!
Here’s why I didn’t purchase anything new
I think my packing list could be considered a capsule wardrobe
I wanted to keep my packing list to a minimum, so taking something new is risky. What if I decide I don’t like it? Or worse, what if I see a photo of me wearing it, and it’s terribly unflattering? That’s why I stick to the basics and will be an outfit repeater…over and over on this trip!
stripe T-shirt // Neil Pant from Alex Mill // Birkenstocks // Stripe Button-Down Shirt (no longer available) // midi skirt // Adidas Sambas // crew neck cardigan // Birkenstocks // round mini shoulder bag // leather Apple watch band // short sleeve shirt // Alex Mill Jeans // Gucci Brixton loafers
Denim, stripes, olive, and black work with everything in my closet and in my luggage
I really stuck to the basics when preparing this ultimate packing list for a month in France.
Almost every item in my suitcase can be worn together. A lot of black, white, denim, and stripes. This year, I added some brown pieces. Everyone has been saying that brown is the new black, and I love it!
Cardigan Sweater from Eileen Fisher // Midi Skirt and top from Eileen Fisher // Adidas Sambas // Gucci Brixton Loafers // Round Mini Shoulder Bag from Uniqlo // T-shirt from Rag & Bone
Alex Mill Jeans // The Classic White Shirt from Crimson // Checked Camp shirt from Eileen Fisher
Bottoms
I have blue and black denim jeans, a nice pair of trousers, and my go-to pants from Alex Mill. I am also wearing a pair of black Lululemon pants on the plane that I could wear for a yoga class or a hike. They are currently sold out, but the Brooklyn Midrise from Athleta is amazing!
The midi black skirt can be worn with flats, Birkenstocks, or sneakers.
Tops
Black, white, and gray t-shirts. This striped shirt that’s great with everything and can be layered over a t-shirt. One white shirt and one blouse.
I love these T-shirts in black, gray, and black and white stripes from Lululemon for workouts and travel. They can easily be hand-washed in a bathroom sink and hung to dry.
Cardigan sweater and black leather tote from Quince // Black long sleeve T-shirt.
Jackets
A jean jacket since it’s great with everything. I’m also bringing this denim shirt/jacket and this sweater blazer from Quince.
Sweaters
I am bringing only one sweater. I can wear a cardigan as a layer with a blouse, a T-shirt with jeans, or wool pants. A cardigan is a great classic piece that can be worn a little more dressed up or under a jean jacket with a graphic T-shirt for a day of flea markets.
Shoes
I know we will be doing a ton of walking, so I am only bringing shoes with that in mind. I’ll wear sneakers, Birkenstocks and Gucci loafers with the skirt, trousers, and jeans.
Underwear
The only items I always buy new for a big trip are bras! There’s something fabulous about how a new bra makes you feel. I only bring two, a nude and a black bra. These are my favorite bras.
Accessories
- a black and white silk bandana
- Sunglasses –Luna Polarized Sunglasses from Quince
- Tote bag
- a mini umbrella
- a few bracelets and a necklace with charms (I shared on my Instagram the charms I chose to wear while I’m away from my kids)
Beach/pool
We will spend a lot of time at the pool and on day trips to the coast. This cotton-linen beach shirt from J.Crew is perfect over a bathing suit. I love it because it’s not at all sheer; it’s long sleeve. (I can always roll them up), And you don’t necessarily feel like you are wearing a coverup.
1. My Luggage
I love this Briggs & Riley bag for many reasons. I’ve had bags with an expansion feature, but they never really amounted to much extra space. This bag has a one-touch expansion feature. You press a button and pull up the sides to easily expand the size of the bag. Then it compresses, so you can still fit it in the overhead as a carry-on.
I also just started using these travel compression bags that I learned about from Samantha Brown. I try not to use them when I start travel, but instead on the return.
Round Mini Shoulder Bag from Uniqlo
This is the perfect unisex lightweight crossbody bag. It’s great for keeping your passport, money, and anything else you need. It’s roomy enough to keep a lip balm, a little makeup, and even a travel toothbrush/toothpaste. The Uniqlo bags come in several neutral colors. Wearing it in a color like this makes it feel a little less like a tourist than wearing a basic black bag. But that’s just me!
2. Travel Packing Cubes and Shoe Bags
Shoe Bags
I use the shoe bags that come with shoes and always save them to use with sneakers and shoes that don’t have them. These waterproof shoe bags would be nice to have, though.
Packing Cubes
I have been using these for years. I love how it keeps everything organized for both long and short trips. Some people use a cube for every outfit, but since everything I pack can be worn with every item, I sort by tops and bottoms. Travel cubes often come as a set. I use the smallest one to keep chargers organized using these twist ties.
3. Comrad Compression Socks are always on my ultimate packing list for any travel
I’ve talked about these socks before. Comrad Compression Socks are the best. I wear knee socks for travel and cotton ankle compression socks every day. They make a difference in how my legs and feet feel after a day of wearing them! You can click here and save 25%!
4. Toiletries
Lumify Eye Drops
If you haven’t tried Lumify eye drops, do not wait to try them just for travel. I use them almost every day, but especially when I travel. Just one drop and no red or bloodshot eyes! Genuinely amazing, in my opinion.
Sunscreen
While I intend to visit a few pharmacies in Paris to stock up on my favorite things, one item I’ll be sure to pack is sunscreen. We use La Roche-Posay, and it’s available on Amazon.
Shampoo & Conditioner
I find that even luxury hotels don’t seem to have hair conditioners. So, I always pack my own shampoo, conditioner, and soap. I love this brand, and they have travel sizes that you can refill when you get home with these. Hot tip: If you search travel size, you can buy the refill, pump bottle, and travel size, and it’s less expensive when you bundle. I do it every order, give them to my kids, and keep them in the guest bathrooms.
Reusable Water Bottle
We always bring reusable water bottles. I love how airports and many public places have water-filling stations. I can’t remember if they have as many in Europe, but more and more places have them here, which, obviously, reduces single-use plastic water bottles. I use a LARQ self-cleaning bottle. It’s more expensive, but it’s great for travel. and everyday!
Never underestimate wearing all black
Never under estimate the ease of wearing all black. Especially for travel. Everything goes with black. This simple Quince tunic style midi dress can go from Sunday morning flea markets to a casual dinner with a few simple changes.
A great pair of loafers can really level up a basic outfit. Take this midi dress, switch out the sneakers, denim jacket and tote for a pair of black loafers, a black bag and maybe a cashmere cardigan sweater if needed, and you’re off to dinner.
You can dress it up or down
Wearing Samba Sneakers is probably my best advice for wearing a sneaker that looks fashionable, but are so comfortable right out of the box. Adidas Samba OG Sneakers come in several colors. You can now find them at Nordstrom and of course on the Adidias website. You can read more in this post, and this one.
The pair I’m wearing are these, and they have black and cream laces. I switched to cream laces for summer and will return to black laces this winter.
Thanks for this. I just ordered a new piece of luggage and have decided I need to pare down when packing for a trip. Have a wonderful, memory-filled getaway you will enjoy!
Karen B.
Hi Karen, a few years ago my luggage was lost, and I had to buy everything! I bought a pair of linen pants, shorts, 2 linen shirts, and
a swimsuit and wore my son’s t-shirts. And somehow, I managed…it made me realize I need far less than I think I do!
xx
Enjoy every minute!
Thank you, Elizabeth! I wish you were going too!
As lovely and stylish these fashions are-these items would cost a nearly a years wages for most people. A good template for looking for affordable copies perhaps.
Hi Sandy! I only have a few expensive items, and except for the new pants, I have worn them for years, and I mean years. I do like to buy things that will last for many years. I mix it with GAP and Old Navy, but then I notice those pieces only last a few seasons. What I’m bringing is basically my entire closet! haha
BRILLIANT PACKING LIST! You look so chic. Everyone will think you are French. Especially with the striped shirt.
I use the eye drops every day too.
Bon voyage!!!
I really enjoyed reading with all the ideas for packing for my next Viking trip this coming May to France to visit the wineries with my girlfriend. I usually pack too many clothes, love the two color styling combo’s, sure makes it much simpler.
My question is about the Lily Maxi skirt in black, now only XS is available, what size do you have and could I get by with the XS, I wear usually size 6, 29 inch waist and hips 39.
Would really appreciate your input before it sells out.
Thank you, Debbie
Hi Debbie! I think you could wear an XS. Let me ask Cindy her opinion, she has several and told me what to buy! They are at a good price right now!!
Debbie! We think yes, a size xs. Mine is medium size, and I’m usually a size 10 and 30 in jeans.
I see the black pants are “dry clean only.” Will you be laundering or dry cleaning them during your travels?
That’s a good question! I rarely dry clean anything, but I may with these pants since they were so expensive. I will probably wear them several times between cleanings, though.
Annie so excited for you and to follow along. I am saving this and all your tips for when I get to go! Love the travels looks! Yay you I hope it’s wonderful. xo
Thank you, Kim! Have a very happy birthday this week! Where are you going? You always seem to take a trip for celebrations! xx
Annie … you’re going to look amazing in France … and very French. I wish I had your packing discipline. I do love packing cubes. Have so much fun … I’m excited to follow along. Ou la la! xo
Thanks, Juliet! Something tells me you are an excellent packer! You always look stunning and perfect for the occasion! xx
I love France and have been to all of the places you are traveling to! I hope that you have an amazing time. My favorite time to travel to Europe is in the Fall and Winter, less crowds and the weather is beautiful.
Your wardrobe is perfect and I have bookmarked your tips for my next trip.
I cannot wait to see and hear more of your adventures.
I really enjoy your blog. I love the CP Shades Lily skirts – yet, I have learned there are two types – linen (unlined – except for the white version) and cotton/silk blend which are lined. The black skirt you are showing right now – is it linen or the cotton/silk blend? If it is the linen, do you find it see-through? They are on sale now so I’m debating. Thanks.
Hi PJ, mine is unlined, and I don’t find it to be see-through at all…thank goodness or I would have to wear some sort of slip, and those are hard to find these days! The one that I have looks like it’s marked down 50%! Cindy Hattersley wears them all the time. Have you checked out her blog? She’s the expert on CP Shades!
Yes, I emailed Cindy as well. When I recently ordered the skirt (on sale!), I got as far as the payment section and then I got a message that said out of stock. So I ordered another color that was available, and the same thing happened. Frustrating! I ended up buying one on poshmark (linen, black, unlined, not worn). Looks great. Thanks for the post and response!!
Love your packing list, Annie … tres chic! Have the best time! xo
Wow! So many great ideas! You introduced me to those bags and I am a fan. Love everything Eileen Fisher timeless!
Hi – sounds like a great trip and perfect packing! We are going to spend 2+ weeks in Paris in late Nov/early December and am trying to find an apartment to rent. All suggestions very welcome – we’re flexible about the arrondisement and do love the Marais! We both speak French so that’s never a concern for us.
Bon voyage!
Oh, I just remembered you wrote a post on the MOB Hotel – and went back to re-read it.
Would you recommend a longish stay there?
Hi Kris,
Yes, I would if you upgraded to a larger room. We stay in a room that has a separate sleeping area, and a dining table, living room area, with a tiny balcony. We love the hotel! It has a beautiful lobby, restaurant and gym…and outdoor space and pool in warm weather months. We often think about an Airbnb, but I don’t like surprises, and the Mob House is always a treat! My husband and I both love it! The staff is waonderful!
annie
Kris! How wonderful that you speak French! That will make finding apartment easier, I would think! We love the Marais too! So many cool shops and cafes. I can’t wait to hear what you find…keep me posted! I would love to know what you think of Mob House if you check it out!
Annie
Hi Annie
I love your travel wardrobe, it helps me a lot when deciding what to pack on my upcoming month long trip to Malta and Italy. I was wondering how much your carry-on weighs, as the airline I’m flying with only allows 7 Kilos of carry on luggage.
Thanks Annie. Enjoy your trip to France!
Liz
Hi Liz! So nice to see a note from you! That is a very good question. I think it’s about 35 pound. I just checked the conversiion and 35 pounds is 15.87 Kilos. Wow! My suitcase is not very light weight. I’m thinking that would be the first thing I would change. Do I have the conversion correct? I cannot imagine cutting mine in half!
xo
annie
I recently discovered your blog, and I love your style! I appreciate all the links you shared and though I won’t be traveling for a few months, the capsules you shared are great inspo for me to wear in my daily outings. I also want to thank you for sharing the excellent products by people/businesses who are environmentally conscious with high ethical standards (I just ordered the Verdant hand tufted rug from NuStory that you shared in a recent post). Best wishes for a lovely, joyful journey!
Hi Pam (or do you go by PJ)? – I am so happy to hear that you discovered NuStory rugs. Great qualtiy, beautiful designs, and lovely team of people! I had to look up the Verdant rug…it’s gorgoues! I love the design!
Annie, this is a great list. I think more often than not most of us bring way to many clothes. Sticking to a color scheme and mix and match outfits make packing so much easier.
Have a wonderful time!
Elizabeth, I used to do that as well, but now that I bring so much stuff for my shop, I have to really save room and bring less! And it has worked out!
Great tips on styling bomber jackets! I’ve been loving my grey leather bomber jacket from Petersign. It’s perfect for creating a sleek and modern look without sacrificing comfort. The grey color adds a unique twist compared to the usual black, making it a standout piece in my wardrobe. Definitely worth considering for anyone looking to up their jacket game!https://petersign.com/products/mens-distressed-grey-leather-bomber-jacket
Such a thoughtful packing list! Perfect for a September trip to France!
Diana! Always bring an umbrella and a raincoat. We’ve never had so much rain in September!