Packing for Paris is always part dream, part puzzle. You want to look effortless, feel comfortable, and still somehow capture that certain je ne sais quoi the city seems to require. This May, I’ll be heading to Paris for a mix of work and pleasure, and I’ve already started mentally arranging my carry-on. Springtime in Paris? Flowers blooming, café tables spilling into sunlit streets, a breeze light enough to lift a silk dress. Here’s what I’m bringing, and maybe it’ll inspire your next trip too.
The Foundation: Easy Layers & Trusted Favorites
The Oversized White Shirt
Years ago, while people-watching in a tucked-away square in Lisbon, I noticed a woman wearing a billowy white shirt, sleeves rolled, collar popped. She looked like she didn’t try at all — which, of course, meant she tried just enough. Since then, I’ve kept one in my suitcase. It’s perfect over jeans, tied at the waist, or layered under a sweater on cool mornings.
A Stack of Soft Tees
There’s something satisfying about folding a crisp white tee into a perfect little square and slotting it into your bag like a puzzle piece. I’ll bring a few, along with a striped long-sleeve tee — something about stripes just feels right in France. Think Picasso-meets-modern-day-street-style.
That Navy Sweater I Always Bring
You know how some pieces of clothing feel like old friends? This thin navy sweater has traveled with me for nearly a decade. It works with everything: jeans, dresses, flights, and fancy dinners alike. The cost-per-wear must be approaching pennies. It’s comforting, like a warm cup of tea on a chilly day.
A Nod to Romance: Prints, Silk, and Softness
A Whisper-Light Floral Blouse
While I tend to pack mostly basics, I always include one “just because” piece — not practical, not essential, just beautiful. This time, it’s a floral blouse that practically floats. It’s the kind of top that feels like it belongs in a Parisian garden party or a quiet solo dinner with wine and a good book.
A Silky Dress for Day to Night
All winter I’ve been living in a slate-blue silk shirt, and when I discovered it also comes in dress form, it was an immediate yes. It drapes just right, catches the light, and feels like something you’d wear to walk along the Seine at sunset.
The Dress for Evenings Out
There’s something transformative about putting on a dress that makes you feel lovely without trying too hard. This floral one does just that. I imagine it paired with flushed cheeks, freckles from an afternoon in the sun, and maybe a glass of wine at a corner bistro.
The Essentials: Jeans, Jackets & PJs
Two Pairs of Jeans — One Blue, One Black
My go-to combination: one classic blue pair and a sleek black pair that wears like leggings but reads like tailoring. The black ones, in particular, stretch just enough for comfort on long walks but never lose their shape. Ideal for both a museum day and an impromptu dinner.
A Fresh Take on the Classic Jacket
Barn jackets are having a moment in New York, and I’m leaning into it. I’m packing a white version with a corduroy collar — slightly oversized, unexpectedly crisp, and very spring. Perfect for tossing over anything on cooler days or layering over a sweater in the evenings.
Pajamas for Slow Mornings
Paris isn’t about rushing. It’s about letting mornings unfold — maybe with buttered toast in a cozy kitchen and the sound of the street below. I always pack soft, well-loved pajamas for just this reason. You want something that feels like home, even far from it.
On My Feet: Form Meets Function
White Sneakers for Walking Everywhere
There’s no better way to see Paris than on foot. My white sneakers are cushioned and blister-proof (I’ve tested them on cobblestones and café crawls alike). They go with everything and handle the day’s demands with grace.
A Pair of Pink Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are like poetry in shoe form. I’m bringing a pale pink pair that’s both playful and polished. Just enough Parisian flair to make me feel like I belong, even when I clearly don’t. (And if you’re curious: yes, my friend actually wears real ballet slippers around the house — and yes, it’s as charming as it sounds.)
The One Constant: My Rolling Carry-On
I’m a carry-on loyalist, and my battered but beloved Away suitcase continues to do the job. It fits everything I need, rolls like a dream, and reminds me that you really don’t need much to travel well — just the right pieces and a little intention.
Packing Isn’t Just Preparation — It’s a Kind of Anticipation
Packing for Paris is a ritual I love. It’s not just organizing clothes; it’s envisioning the trip. It’s deciding who I want to be while I’m there. Will I read in parks? Will I strike up a conversation with the woman next to me at lunch? Will I take long walks without checking a map?
I hope so.
And I hope my clothes make space for those possibilities. Clothes that feel like me, but maybe a slightly bolder, breezier version.
So tell me — what’s always in your suitcase? What’s the one item you bring on every trip? I’d love to know.
Here’s to packing light, dreaming big, and making room for magic. Bon voyage.
