Trés Chic! 7 Capsule Wardrobe Pieces to Pack For a Parisian City Break
If you have a trip to France coming up in your summer itinerary, these seven items are the first thing to pack for effortlessly chic city style.
If there’s one thing I look forward to every year, it’s a holiday. Whether it's a week-long vacation spent lounging on a sunbed in the sun, or a quick, weekend city break, abroad (or in the UK), I always tend to book something for the end of summer to cling onto it for that bit longer.
This year, I’m off to the French capital for a long weekend away and already planning my wardrobe options. Parisian women are known for their effortless approach to dressing and mastering the ability to make anything look incredibly stylish, and while I have been before and ticked off the tourist hot-spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, I do still intend on wandering around and embracing the cultural hotspots and shopping along the Champs-Elysees.
I have to admit, I find a short city break harder to pack for—it’s not just bikinis, floaty dresses and sandals, it requires more thought and I have to fit it all into a carry on suitcase, something that is not exactly my forte as an over-packer. Practicality must also be key due to the sheer amount of walking I’ll be doing, so comfy shoes and clothes that are fine in the heat, yet still appropriate for a city break are essential.
In a bid to stop myself from waiting until the last minute, struggling and then inevitably packing an array of pieces that don’t actually quite work well together, this year, I’m vowing to be more organised. I’ve done some research and curated an edit of seven capsule pieces that are best to pack for Paris, so I can prepare myself and maybe for once, organise myself rather than leaving it until the night before I go.
1. The White Mini Dress
Style Notes: A mini dress and a holiday just go hand-in-hand, don't they? Opting for white will keep you cool during a heatwave, but it's also versatile enough to wear with timeless ballet flats for a city break and swap for a suede sandal to head out for evening drinks.
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Dôen is my first stop for a new summer dress.
Dissh is one of my absolutely favourite Australian brands.
This comes in five different colours.
I adore the intricate broderie anglaise detailing on this.
A long sleeve option is perfect as the weather gets cooler towards the end of summer.
2. The Cotton Co-Ord
Style Notes: When it comes to girl math, a cotton co-ord option is technically three different outfits at once, right? Wear together or separate pieces, this pared-back option is a space-saver and a a sleek full-look option. Just don't forget to pack a travel iron, just in case.
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A crisp white top and shorts set is always a good idea.
A shirt and short set is so effortlessly chic.
A Who What Wear editor's favourite for the last few summers running.
This is available in nine different colours.
I gasped at this set.
3. Smart Sandals
Style Notes: A smart sandal like a leather flip-flop or a kitten heeled version are the effortless shoe option that instantly elevates any outfit. I love the put-together finish this simple sandal gives to Nnenna's simple jeans and t-shirt look [pictured above], but also means saving space in your carry-on as these can take you from day-to-night plans with just the change of a top.
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White gives a clean, crisp finish.
I love the caged straps.
I have a couple of pairs of shoes from Dolce Vita and they're so comfy–ideal for those long days on your feet in Paris.
These have been on my wishlist for a while now.
Aeyde is one of my favourite brands for timeless, classic styles.
4. The Light Cardigan
Style Notes: I always like to pack a light knit when I go away, especially towards the end of summer. Whether you pull it out for shoulder-robing during the day or wearing on chillier evenings, a simple cardigan will always be a clever addition to any outfit.
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COS knitwear is some of my favourite on the high-street.
Knitwear is always a good thing to invest in due to how long you'll have it in your wardrobe.
I love the soft hues of Lisa Yang's cashmere cardigans.
M&S's knitwear is such high quality for such an affordable price.
This entire look is so chic.
5. The Crossbody Bag
Style Notes: When I go away, I don't want to be lugging around giant handbags, I want an easy style to fit my essentials. Crossbody straps are the perfect solution for this, not only do they make me feel more at ease walking around the city, but they keep my hands free too. Try to look for leather styles that will go with everything, but also have longevity of wear too.
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The Puzzle bag is one of Loewe's most iconic styles for good reason.
A sleek everyday option that will go with anything.
I absolutely adore this.
Polène is one of my favourite handbag brands.
A smaller option for those that don't want anything too big.
6. Silk Shorts
Style Notes: Silk shorts have been trending for a while now and it's clear why. The natural evolution of the silk midi skirt and cotton shorts, they automatically feel more elevated than poplin, and give the romantic finish that Parisian women are known for leaning intto.
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I don't really wear bright colours but Marianne's lime shorts [pictured above] have really inspired me.
For the minimalist that prefers a neutral hue.
A black option is so versatile.
This set is so cute.
Pair this soft pastel pink pair with whites and soft greys to compliment the lighter tones.
7. The Broderie Anglaise Blouse
Style Notes: Broderie Anglaise blouses have been getting a lot of attention this year (both in and outside France). Not bad for what has been a staple in my wardrobe for years, and easily one of my most worn pieces. It's such an easy, effortless option but still manages to feel considered. Wear with everything from simple jeans to silk shorts and you might just pass for a Parisienne.
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I own this and get so much wear out of it.
Sézane do such lovely romantic pieces.
A boho inspired style.
A piece you'll bring out each year.
So pretty.
