DRESS WELL: EVERY OUTFIT I PACKED FOR PARIS

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I just got back from Paris. This trip to celebrate our anniversary was our first real vacation in over a year, and while we came home to a real spring explosion, part of me wishes i was still wandering the streets of the 3e arrondissement, croissant in hand (lean into the clichés, i say!)…

Instead of the spring vibe report i’ve been cooking up (it’s still coming!), I wanted to quickly share (though it’s never that quick, is it) the outfits i planned for this trip — a peek into my packing process while inspiring your own transitional weather looks.

So here’s a breakdown of every outfit i packed for shoulder season — my sartorial sweet spot — in the city of lights.

Bur first:

*Lil tidbit: most people my age grew up on the cool 70s/80s music their parents listened to, but this is what was playing in my household. I found it mortifying back then, but these beautiful (and very cheesy) French classics known by very few on my side of the pond were the soundtrack of my childhood, the melodies that imbue this sentimental gal with nostalgia now. A small but meaningful way to feel connected to my roots as an expat in the US. I still learned all those radio hits by default of existing in that era, but i wouldn’t have known these songs if my parents hadn’t played them.

I breezed over my packing protocol in my last newsletter, but in essence, I prepare for travel by planning all my outfits in advance. I try everything on, i take a photo, and i gather them in an album on my camera roll for easy reference. The idea is to save myself the headache once i’m at my destination. If my strategy had a tagline, it would be:

“PRESENT YOU” DOING “FUTURE YOU” A SOLID.

It makes it so much easier while on the road: i just peek at my camera roll, pick an outfit for my day/night, and move on quickly.

There’s no use in denying the fact that i’m the Queen Of Overthinking™️, so i’m gonna share another little bit with you that truly earns me this title: i often like to put a moodboard together to inform my packing (when i have the extra time).

I’m extremely visual, so concretely illustrating the vibe i’ve been conjuring in my head not only gets me more excited about my trip, it also helps to provide a wardrobe throughline. I then create every outfit based on it.

Here’s my Paris in April moodboard:

I hadn’t been to Paris in 9 years, and the vibe i was overwhelmingly feeling for this trip was effortless elegance with hints of retro. Think CBK meets Yves Saint Lauren Rive Gauche meets the Olsens — polished but not too sleek, with an emphasis on tailoring and interesting proportions. Lots of black but textures and playful touches, too. Coquette with grungy tendencies. Simple yet impactful accessories.

With all that in mind, I gathered all the pieces i’d pre-selected in my head and got to styling.

LOOK 1 - This short trench coat (code HELENE15 for 15% off) does the most for springtime traveling: an über lightweight shell that takes up very little space, plus it’s basically a rain jacket that elevates an outfit. It’s quickly become a wardrobe staple—the yummy chocolate brown color doesn’t hurt either.

The jeans to end all jeans (larger sizes avail here). Adore this wash and universally flattering shape, and the quality is exceptional. The kind of jeans that will earn you compliments every single wear.

I only brought two handbags for the trip, with the intention of using this navy bucket/tote hybrid for daytime. *Pats meself on back* for that one: the size was perfect for everything i needed to carry, it has a snap button closure for both easy access and safety, and it’s comfy to lug around but also (very important!) chic as hell. The navy pebbled leather is drool-worthy.

On me paws: my trusty Céline boots you’ve seen ad nauseam if you’re a regular here or on the socials. If i didn’t already own them, i’d buy these in a heartbeat. I’d also highly recommend these classics, which i also have on heavy rotation.

LOOK 2 — One for evening! A structured sleeveless vest that’s refreshinly not a waistcoat — it’s giving mid 90s Armani if you ask me. Excellent layering piece, too.

Running with my polished lady theme and accentuating my waist (something i very seldom do) with this absolutely stunning belt, which is ON MAJOR CLEARANCE RUN DON’T WALK. I love how many holes it has, so can be worn both high on the natural waist or sit a little lower.

A black skirt (code Helene15 for 15% off) emphasizes the evening vibes (a really great versatile item in one’s closet, might i add).

A floaty leopard blouse underneath for that playful chic Parisian je ne sais quoi. The beauty of this evergreen print (currently having a moment in trendland) is it can lean either ladylike or rock ‘n roll depending on the styling and the wearer. J’adore.

A vintage Ferragamo bag I impulse-purchased because of the patent leather. This bag (price is right!!!) for similar vibes — i’d snag it in a heartbeat if i didn’t already have mine. Bigger budget? Here you go.

See boot notes from LOOK 1.

LOOK 3 - My most-worn coat this spring: a green trench that makes every single outfit instantly look like a million bucks. It’s a worthy investment with a quality level that’s palpable.

Monochromatic otherwise with a cropped black trouser and a lightweight collared cashmere cardi (code Helene15 for 15% off) — if you want more black ankle pant options, i’ve gathered some good ones here.

A loafer (code Helene15 for 15% off) keeps things smart yet comfortable (like, really comfortable — these shoes have now seen most of Paris). Adore the is-it-black-is-it-brown color.

A devastatingly handsome belt adds a gold hardware accent while the purse offers textural interest with patent leather, despite contributing more black (i swear if no one goes for this bag, i might have to do it).

LOOK 4 - A repeat of the trousers, loafers, belt, and leopard print used in a different variation. This time with a charcoal polo (code Helene15 for 15% off) in case it got too chilly.

LOOK 1 - Lightening things up with joyful yellow — the color of the season! I had to take this lovely lightweight cashmere sweater (code HELENE15 for 15% off). Slouch factor is a ten out of ten.

A pinstripe trouser in a nearly identical shade of yellow managed to evoke the moodboard.

A white sweater on the shoulder instead of a jacket for warmer days (code HELENE15 for 15% off, size up for less cropped). If your size is gone, try this one for very similar vibes (code Helene15 for 15% off).

Introducing another work-of-art belt, this time for silver hardware impact. This one just screams minimalist sleekness, it’s TDF. Did i bring 3 different belts with me to Paris? I sure did. Do i have regrets? Not a single one.

Accessories repetition with the bag and the loafers (code Helene15 for 15% off), aka the whole point of this packing exercise.

LOOK 2 - Pretty much the same as LOOK 1 but simplified with the introduction of a cream jean, which paired beautifully with the lightweight yellow cashmere (code HELENE15 for 15% off), loafers, and bag.

LOOK 3 — The cream jeans again, here with a pinstripe blazer and whimsical silk neck scarf. This is a classic look in theory, but the blazer’s oversized proportions makes things more interesting and less cookie-cutter.

LOOK 4 — Repeating the shoes and the leopard blouse, now with a leather button-down (mine is by ALIGNE from a while back, but here’s a very similar one, or here for higher budgets).

Leather and leopard print together would typically telegraph rock ‘n roll, but it’s rendered preppy here with the shoulder scarf (code HELENE15 for 15% off) and loafers.

My jeans are by L’AGENCE, and while they look like a very dark blue, they’re actually a charcoal/black. These feel very similar.

LOOK 1 — A structured bouclé jacket (very few sizes left, but i rounded up several similar ones here) felt very fitting for Paris, and i love the feeling of the crisp white.

What could be more French than a houndstooth or gingham trouser? How apropos that these are Sézane, but sadly from a few years ago and no longer available. Try these for a similar vibe or this looser iteration).

Peekaboo leopard print and simple, elegant square toe pumps complete the look. Mine are Bottega Veneta, but these are a similar shape and fabric (and on MEGA sale).

LOOK 2 — Classic codes in playful proportions: cashmere stripes are casually draped over a floaty white blouse, and even take on the role of a scarf if the weather says the leopard jacket is needed. I’d highly encourage you to scour the vintage/secondhand market for a one-of-a-kind leopard-print coat, but if you don’t roll that way, i love this casual one or this dressier one.

The shoes are the Repetto Michael Loafer — which i actually purchased in Paris 10 years ago and still wear regularly. Proof that investing in things you love is never a bad idea. I sourced several similar loafer options here, too.

LOOK 3 — Well, this isn’t exactly an outfit, they’re my pajamas… But i’m obsessed with them and they deserved their moment. The softness is everything i want in a PJ, plus they take up no space in a suitcase making them ideal for travel. Since they fit the moodboard, they’re getting a shoutout.

May this newsletter inspire your future packing endeavors as well as your outfits for the remainder of spring. Drop your thoughts or questions below, give me a heart if you enjoyed.

À bientôt,

Hélène

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