Trés Chic! 7 Capsule-Wardrobe Pieces to Pack for a Parisian City Break
If you have a trip to the French capital in your summer itinerary, these seven items are the first things 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 to 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 whilst 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-Élysées.
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 Minidress
Style Notes: A minidress 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.
Shop the Look:
Dôen is my first stop for a new summer dress.
Dissh is one of my absolute favourite Australian brands.
This comes in five different colours.
I adore the intricate broderie anglaise detailing on this.
A long-sleeved 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 is technically three different outfits in one, right? Wear together or separate pieces, this pared-back option is a space-saver and a sleek full-look option. Just don't forget to pack a travel iron, just in case.
Shop the Look:
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 UK editor's favourite for the past few summers.
This is available in nine different colours.
I gasped!
3. Smart Sandals
Style Notes: A smart sandal like a leather flip-flop or a kitten-heel is the effortless shoe option that instantly elevates any outfit. I love the put-together finish this simple sandal gives to a simple jeans-and-T-shirt look, but it 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.
Shop the Look:
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 wish list 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 wear it on chillier evenings, a simple cardigan will always be a clever addition to any outfit.
Shop the Look:
COS knitwear is some of my favourite on the high street.
Quality knitwear is worth investing in.
I love the soft hues of Lisa Yang's cashmere cardigans.
M&S knitwear is such good quality for affordable prices.
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 that fits 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 and also have longevity.
Shop the Look:
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 into.
Shop the Look:
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.
Wear this pastel-pink pair with whites and soft greys to complement 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 out of 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 it with everything from simple jeans to silk shorts, and you might just pass for a Parisienne.
Shop the Look:
I own this and get so much wear out of it.
Sézane does such lovely romantic pieces.
A boho-inspired style.
A piece you'll bring out each year.
So pretty.
