My personal style is inspired most by the way Europeans dress (namely Parisians and Italians) with a touch of tomboy chic, so packing for my trip to Paris was a breeze. For the most part, I already had everything I needed right in my closet— every bit of clothing that’ll help me avoid looking like an American tourist in Europe! However, in order to keep warm during the frigid temps of Paris’ fall season, I had to find a way to master the art of fall layering without compromising the stylish look of my daily ensembles.
Fall Layering in Paris
This particular day — strolling and shopping in Le Marais— was one of the warmest days of my trip to Paris (mid 60s). However, between me and you, I had a pair of leggings under my pants and a longsleeve henley under my shirt (my fall layering recipe!). I didn’t want to end up feeling chilly as the temperatures began to drop throughout the day.
Since I knew my plan for this day was to shop, I made sure my outfit was as comfy and practical as possible (and super stylish at the same time). I can LIVE in a pair of Stan Smiths. This happens to be my second pair* because I have this weird issue of when the outer sole of the sneaker gets really dirty, they have to go! I know, money doesn’t grow on trees but there’s nothing like a fresh pair of white kicks.
Pro tip: I’m all about getting bang for your buck so if you have small feet like me, you can get a pair of Stan Smiths at a fraction of the cost by buying them in a big kids size. Thank me later!
About my pants, I nearly Marie Kondo’d the ish out of these bad boys this past summer, if you read the book (The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up), you’ll know what I mean. I purchased these pants at Zara a few years ago at next to nothing during the dead middle of their winter sale. However, in 20 degree weather, ankle cleavage is not the way to go and I couldn’t figure out how to shoehorn these trousers into my winter wardrobe. Anyway, very happy I didn’t get rid of these pants because they came in quite handy for my trip.
And now for my jacket, hat, bag and shirt! This denim jacket is a staple for me and an item that’s dear to my heart. My grandmother bought me this jacket from Gap when I was a teen. (Yes, so if I ever were to lose this jacket I am crying bloody murder!) Thankfully she bought a Women’s XS because I can still wear this jacket till this very day! My shirt is also Gap, my scarf is H&M and my bag is Zara.
Ok, about this bucket bag! Best travel bag ever, especially for Europe where you literally have to keep your belongings as close to you as possible. It has a drawstring that can be cinched tightly shut and I can wear it as a crossbody (my absolute favorite way to wear a bag by the way); it holds everything including my huge Canon camera. One caveat: The interior stained some of my belongings. Nothing to cry about, but anything that was white, turned black! Last but certainly not least is my favorite Rag & Bone Wool Fedora Hat! Love this accessory, I wish I can wear every single season, but yeah, who wears wool in the summer?
*Ed’s note: This post was written before purchasing yet another pair of Stan Smiths in a new color-way. Stay tuned for details!
Quick tip for packing layers: Include tights, undershirts, scarves*, hats*, and long-sleeve henleys in your suitcase.
*Keeping your head and chest warm is vital!
More about my trip to Paris here and read all about my nightmare at CDG airport.
Get The Fall Layering Look:
