I join Mary Ann and Cindy every Sunday for our five weekly favorites. It’s like our weekly catch-up over coffee chat. This week I’m talking about what I’ll be packing and wearing for a month in France when the seasons change. Many of the items are things I’ve read about on Cindy’s blog, and it was Mary Ann that introduced us to Tablet hotels years ago. Now we use Tablet Plus for every trip!
Drawstring Pants // Oversized Bandana // Shirt/Jacket // Black and white T-Shirts // Striped Long Sleeve Shirt // Black Trouses // Veja Leather Sneakers // Birkenstocks // Black Jeans // Denim Jean Jacket // Linen Shorts // Gucci Loafers
I created my ultimate packing list for France in September, when the seasons will change from summer to fall while we are traveling.
To make things even more complicated than the seasons changing, we will spend time at the coast, then travel to Lyon, Provence, Nantes, and then Paris.
I did not buy anything new for the trip!
I did not buy anything new for the trip besides the pair of black pants I bought at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. 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 pant 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 buy anything new
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!
Denim, stripes, and black work with everything in my closet or {suitcase}
I stuck to the basics for packing for this ultimate packing list for a month in France
Every item in my suitcase can be worn together. A lot of black, white, denim, and stripes.
Bottoms
I have white jeans, shorts, jeans in blue and black denim and my one nice pair of trousers. I am also wearing a pair of black Lululemon pants on the plane that I could wear for a yoga class or a hike.
This CP Shades Lily Maxi skirt can be worn with flats, Birkenstocks, or sneakers. Cindy often wears the Lily skirts and shows how versatile this piece is in posts like this one.
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 stripe from Lululemon for workouts and travel. They can easily be hand-washed in a bathroom sink and hung to dry.
Jackets
A jean jacket since it’s great with everything. I’m also bringing this denim shirt/jacket and a blazer.
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.
Accessories
- a Burberry scarf in navy/gray/black (I swapped this out from the oversized bandana)
- a black and a white silk bandana
- Tote bag
- a mini umbrella
- a few bracelets
Beach/pool
We will be spending a week at this resort on the Landes 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.
I’m also bringing this packable hat from the Gap.
2. My Suitcase
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.
3. Travel Cubes and Shoe Bags
Madeline works for Travel & Leisure, which means she has a lot of suitcases and travel gear. I am borrowing this bag. I love how it expands to accommodate more for the trip home. I use shoe bags that come with my shoes…I’ve saved them forever and wash as needed.
Travel 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.
4. 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%!
5. 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! Truly amazing, in my opinion.
That’s all for me today; we leave tomorrow! Let’s go see what Mary Ann (new grandma) and Cindy found this week!
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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!!