Summer afternoons in Paris ask a lot of your wardrobe. It’s hot in the sun, cold inside cafés and shops, and chances are you’ll walk far more than you planned. Over five different afternoons, I kept reaching for the same simple formula. A few shirts that doubled as layers, two hardworking bags, shoes I could walk in for hours, and an all-black base that made getting dressed almost automatic.
Here’s the capsule that did all the work.
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The ultimate summer layer: the shirts for temperature changes
A great shirt is the most versatile piece you can pack for summertime. It adds a visual dimension, gives you range when it’s too cold indoor and too hot outside, and you can always put it in your bag or tie it around your waist. These three did more work than anything else in my suitcase. It’s a top, a jacket, a layer, a cover-up, all in one piece…
This Comme Si blue poplin shirt is the piece I reached for constantly — worn buttoned as a top on its own, or left open over a plain white tee or a black slim top as a third piece. It made me feel not basic and boring while keeping me comfortable.
The COS seersucker shirt earned its spot the same way: structured enough to look intentional, textured enough to not need much else going on. Whenever I go to COS in-person, I always browse the men’s section to find oversized shirts, t-shirts and sweaters.
This Guest in Residence butter yellow cashmere shirt was the wildcard that made everything else feel new. It’s butter yellow with stripes. It adds texture, it’s soft and light. Please do not wear this with your raffia bag!! Worn open and slightly oversized over black trousers, I have found it easy to store away in my bag or tie it around my waist when needed.
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The bags to carry everything you need
I didn’t overpack bags this trip — just two, and they split the job completely.
The Horse black leather tote was my everything bag — big enough for a full day in Paris. I find it light when empty and really spacious. It comes with a detachable pouch to store your valuables. It’s also a great office bag, IMO.
You know how much I love this Wandler green suede bag. It’s sold out in Europe in verde but available in the US (use code ARDAS15 for 15% off). A real compliment magnet. I worn it as is, over my shoulder, but it comes with a long strap and can also be worn as a clutch. Sometimes I looped my Monica Vinader tiger’s eye necklace onto the strap as a bag charm. It can fit a A5 notebook, if this is important to you (it sure is to me).
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The shoes to walk more than you planned
I walk as much as I can in Paris. The shoe test was simple: can I wear it all day?
The sandal
Margaux black leather sandals have been the most comfortable leather sandals so far. See, compared to the competition, I found them 100x more comfortable, and they look modern and elevated.
Nomasei Flip ballet flats were my pick for the days I wanted something a touch more polished but still needed to move. Crisp enough to look done, soft enough to forget you’re wearing them (code ARDASCHANDRA10). They feel like socks with a 2cm heel (and also come in black).
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The black base to fight decision fatigue and bring ease
I mostly packed black bottoms anyway. When I didn’t want to think, I built from the same black-base uniform every time — a black top, a black bottom, and let the shoes, the bag, and the third layer do the rest of the visual talking.
The tops in rotation:
The bottoms in rotation:
COS black trousers (also would love the off-white)
COS black poplin trousers from SS25 (here are the 2026 navy ones)
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So that’s the breakdown — four pillars: shirts, bags, shoes, black tops and bottoms. Everything’s linked above to shop directly. If you’re looking for a link to something I wore in Paris (including accessories), I’m 99% sure it’s here, in this collection on my ShopMy.
See you again soon! I have some great letters coming up next, including my Paris destination shopping guide, my summer wishlist, and more!
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