What I packed for Paris
And everything I saw and did when there
Yes, you read that correctly — Paris! We’re incredibly lucky to live just a train journey away, even with the English Channel between us. Although there’s no luggage restriction, I’m planning to pack light and stick to a small carry-on bag.
Naturally, excitement levels have been running very high, fuelled further by Frosso’s splendidly voyeuristic posts on Parisian street style. If you’re not already following her, I’d highly recommend - her posts are so fun! Read on for the street style moments we spotted.
The trip
The remit: A whistle-stop 2-day visit with my 13 year old daughter, to celebrate her recent graduation from child to teen (I’ve two more daughters to go 😬).
The agenda: Walking, walking and more walking, interspersed with coffee/ juice and people watching.
The packing requirements: Comfortable footwear, layers to add/ subtract depending on the temperature, and outfits that make me feel “stylish” and just a little bit Parisian.
What I packed
Whatever method you use for packing, I believe it’s always good to put pen to paper - whether that’s virtually or literally. I started with my digital wardrobe in Indyx. I reached for my three favourite t-shirts and built up from there. Here’s what I packed.
While classic blue jeans are clearly a mainstay of Parisian style, I felt inspired by Frosso to include not one but two skirts as a way to assimilate into the arrondissements with alacrity. Styling these ruched midi length skirts with ballet flats feels French and Pinterest clearly agrees.
I include distressed denim in most packing lists, as it plays well with the simple basics that I naturally gravitate towards when travelling and in which I feel most like myself.
To elevate these otherwise casual outfits, I packed my oversized leather jacket (similar to the Whistles Bonded sellout style). In the end, though, it stayed unworn thanks to the warm, sunny weather throughout the trip. Layered over my non-negotiable Mother sweatshirt, it’s the perfect piece for spring.
Accessories obviously are a must, so I leant into the ‘French scarf’, alongside a mix of old, much-loved pieces, my new Shannon Bond tassel necklace and Etsy-sourced “Estelle” bag.
Here are the outfits I have created using these 16 items. I may have over egged it with 6 outfits for 2 days, but it’s always good to have options!
What I wore
In the end I wore 3 outfits 😆 Isn’t it funny how we choose our old faithfuls for travel? There’s nothing more comforting than a grey sweatshirt to get you through a thoroughly mucked up travel schedule! Having to abandon our scheduled train mid journey as it was stalled behind a train traffic jam for at least an hour (UK readers you’ll relate - everyone else how bonkers is this!), we hopped in a taxi to hightail it into London in the hope of catching our Eurostar train. Grouping with a few strangers to bring down the cost, it turned out to be a gift of an experience as we met the most wonderful mental health nurse and all round incredible lady.
Anyway I digress! Here’s what I wore and for what activity during the mini break.
What the Parisians wore
I feel like I’m stating the obvious here but Paris is incredible for people watching. You do, however, have to look carefully for the true locals amid the constant flow of tourists, both French and international. I spotted some seriously stylish ladies on the move.
Every eye-catching outfit seemed to be built on a great pair of trainers/ pumps. If you ever needed an excuse for an upgrade, here it is - literally every second person in Paris was wearing the Adidas Spezial in brown. Clearly a must-have to recreate Parisian style.
What I saw
I know you guys love a Paris photo dump so here’s the best of my holiday spam. While we covered 22k steps on day one, and saw most of the “big ticket” items, we preferred the smaller quieter galleries and the many beautiful outdoor spaces. We also enjoyed some choice gluten free eating spots (my daughter is coeliac), with thanks to Frosso and She can't eat what? for great recommendations!
Le Petit Palais - a gloriously situated “secret garden” at the heart of a low key art gallery.
Marie Bracquemond Le Gouter at Le Petit Palais - my new favourite female impressionist.
Le Louvre - once the royal palace, this is jaw dropping in its opulence and scale.
Parisian dog park in Montmartre - I couldn’t resist snapping this cute French dachshund as I was clearly missing mine!
The steps up to Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur - a worthwhile workout.
La Seine - I could’ve spent the entire trip here strolling and people watching.
Paris’ beloved green chairs in Jardin Des Tuileries - to me these symbolize the best of French culture in terms of conversation and connection.
Monet’s Les Nympheas or “Water Lilies” at the Musée de l’Orangerie - these were designed to be viewed in silence as a meditation.
Copains - a completely gluten free French bakery chain! Needless to say we ate here a few times.
That’s all for now mes amis! I so appreciate the time you spend with me each week. If you enjoy what I create, please do consider subscribing and recommending My Style Rush.
Wishing you a very restful weekend, Jenny x
Oh, I absolutely ADORED this, Jenny! It brought me so much joy just looking through all the street style photos you took and seeing what an amazing time you had in Paris. I’m sure your daughter will remember this trip forever. So happy you enjoyed Les Copains! 🤍 (and merci beaucoup for the feature and the kind words!)
At the risk of being annoying, it’s Le Louvre. 🧐