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!
