I'm Moving to Paris for 2 Months—Here's the Capsule I'm Packing to Look Like a Local
"Paris is always a good idea." No words ring truer in my humble opinion. At the risk of sounding cliché, there are few other travel destinations in the world that have that je ne sais quoi, which is why it remains such a poignant fixture in the psyches and itineraries of so many people. However, I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge that the reality of actually being in Paris is completely different from the idealized version built up in pop culture. Don't get me wrong: I love that city so much that I'm moving there for a short two-month stint. But it's far too easy to get swept up in the romantic notions of your trip that you ignore reality—that’s especially true when it comes time to choose what to pack for a trip to Paris. It's normal to fall into the trap of wanting to pack some of those more cliché pieces that we associate with this city: a striped sweater, a tweed set, or maybe even a little red beret. But I'm begging you, please don't do it!
Speaking from experience, there’s nothing worse than having to wobble around cobblestone streets in an uncomfortable outfit that screams pickpocket target. From a safety and sartorial perspective, it's far better to pack more basics for your trip that will help you blend in with the locals. But which exact pieces should be in your capsule? Lucky for you, that’s where my expertise comes in handy. Since I’ll be heading to Paris this spring, I figured I’d share my research on crafting a travel capsule wardrobe. Ahead, I’ve identified 10 key pieces that every stylish person is currently wearing, styling tips, and shopping recommendations that will surely convince locals you’re a French person too (even if you’re not). You don't have to take every item listed, but you'd better believe they'll be in my own Calpak suitcase.
1. Trench Coat
Ah oui, trench coats! You can’t really talk about timeless staples worth the space in your suitcase without mentioning this tried-and-true outerwear. French women love their trench coats, and I don’t blame them. Not only are trench coats functional enough to keep you comfortable in the city's constantly fluctuating temperatures, but they'll make you look positively chic as you sip a cup of coffee at a café. Basically, packing at least one trench coat (or wearing one while traveling) is nonnegotiable when traveling to Paris.
2. Foundational Layers
Beyond packing functional outerwear for your trip to Paris, it’s equally important to pack a few foundational layers. It might seem a bit obvious to suggest packing layers, but some of those more basic pieces are, in fact, the backbone of every French woman’s wardrobe—and your winning styling strategy to blend in with the locals. Whether you choose a button-down, tank top, cardigan, or T-shirt, I recommend opting for layers that can be styled at least two to four different ways during your trip. Trust me, packing these in your capsule will ensure your travel looks capture the carefree essence of the French.
3. Elevated Denim
Often when people are planning a trip to Paris, they think they have to dress up for the duration of their stay—not true. Yes, you should try to avoid wearing leggings when walking through Les Jardins (unless you’re going for a run). But that doesn’t mean you have to be fully decked out; in fact, the style crowd can always be spotted in a pair of elevated jeans. Denim is a quintessential part of a Parisian's wardrobe, as it’s used to make formally tailored pieces more wearable in everyday life. Ultimately, the secret to feeling, or at least looking, like a local lies in styling your jeans comme les Français.
4. Ballet Flats
There are a lot of irrational fears in the world, but none rank higher for me than finding out my outfit screams tourist—hence I typically try to avoid wearing sneakers in Paris like the plague. Sure, you could get away with wearing them if you want, but if you also suffer from a deep-seated fear of sticking out like a sore thumb, as I do, then you’ll want an alternative flat shoe to pack. Enter ballet flats into the chat. Frankly, no other footwear is as ubiquitous or even as beloved with the French fashion set as these shoes (for a good reason). Ballet flats are the perfect addition to your travel capsule because they’re comfortable enough to wear while walking around the Palais-Royal Garden and chic enough to pair with pretty much anything else.
5. Statement Jewelry
It may seem counterintuitive, but a well-curated travel capsule shouldn’t consist only of staples. If you’re planning to stay in Paris for an extended period (like I am), you'll likely have to rewear your foundational layers or jeans a couple of times during your trip. The secret to keeping those staples from looking stale? Statement jewelry. While you could pack other accessories, jewelry will always take up less space in your suitcase than any other bits and bobs, making it the more pragmatic packing choice. Personally, I’d recommend picking a trend-forward piece like a beaded necklace or two-tone earrings to add shine to a simple button-down shirt.
6. Day-to-Night Top
Those warm spring and summer days in Paris can not be beaten, but dressing for them can be a challenge in and of itself. After all, what does one wear when their plans might entail anything from sitting by the Seine watching the sun set or spinning around a dance floor until dusk? The solution is simple: Pack a top that can effortlessly transition from day to night. When in doubt, having at least one blouse that can be dressed up (or down) on a whim is a surefire way to make sure you look stylish no matter where your plans take you.
7. Relaxed Trousers
Speaking of elevated separates that work for any occasion, there's another staple you won't catch any French woman without: relaxed trousers. The beauty of packing a pair of loose trousers is that they can add a touch of luxury to even the most casual travel ensembles. Whether you choose to wear them with an oversize T-shirt to meander through Le Musée d'Orsay or style them with a swimsuit for a day by the sea in the South of France, they'll make you look elegant enough to be mistaken for a local.
8. Kitten Heels
While taking practical walking shoes is a no-brainer, a common packing mistake many people make when visiting Paris for the first time is forgetting heels altogether. Let me be clear: I’m not recommending you wear stilettos (unless your balancing skills rival Rihanna's). But I’d argue it would also be a grave mistake not to pack at least one pair of comfortable pumps for more special occasions. Every French person swears by having a pair of kitten heels in their capsule wardrobe, as they’re the kind of footwear that can be worn to a casual bar for l'apéro or to a ballet at the Opéra National de Paris.
9. Little Black Dress
Don't judge me for what I'm about to admit: Some of my most cherished memories in Paris aren’t seeing the Louvre or even the Eiffel Tower but rather sitting at a café late at night with a glass of wine and a cigarette in hand (often followed by a spin on the dance floor at Silencio). It’s called La Ville Lumière for a reason, friends! You have to actually go out and, well, see the lights. Frankly, there's no better piece to do said activity in than a little black dress. No matter if you opt for a sultry lace slip or a silk halter dress, you’ll find that this staple will see you through some of your best nights to come.
10. Shoulder Bag
When it comes to curating a chic travel capsule, no choice is more imperative than [dramatic pause] what bag you pack. Paris is otherworldly, but the rampant pickpocketing? Not exactly magical. If you don't want your trip ruined by theft, it's imperative to pack a compact, discreet, and stylish shoulder bag. Ideally, you want a style that's versatile enough to wear for various occasions and features hidden pockets to keep your belongings safe. But beyond the pragmatic qualifiers you should consider when selecting your bag for your trip, be sure to look for an option that makes you feel like a Parisian—because, well, isn't that the whole point?
