Spring has (almost?) sprung and it's time to start planning your "printemps packing capsule" for Paris. It's a fun and easy way to get the most out of the small space in your suitcase, while still looking street ready and put together - it is the way chic Parisians dress themselves.
The best way to achieve a successful capsule is to keep things simple in colors that work together, with minimal patterns. Monochromatic pieces are key and high quality basics are best. You can even get most, if not all, into a carry-on bag, as we've previously discussed here. We've also discussed, winter, fall, and summer capsules - Paris for all seasons!
You can add pops of color and patterns with accessories like scarves, etc. Personally, P'Niche tends to be very "scarf forward" in travel (and home based) capsules. They take up little storage or packing room, but offer maximum style impact! A simple jeans and turtleneck combo can look 5 or 6 different ways with a scarf (which can be used in many fashionable ways - we'll "tie that together" in another post, so do make sure to subscribe to check back into the Parisian Niche...)
As you begin to pack, you may already have some ideas of what you wish to include for your travel look book, but you will wish to consider the events you have planned (attending a wedding, business conference, special occasion, photo shoot, etc.) and if you might need a cocktail dress or sports jacket, for example. You will definitely wish to include sudden weather change layering pieces and appropriate footwear for rain, etc.
One (non-sponsored) app P'Niche adores is Stylebook. Currently priced under $5, I find it to be well worth this minimal investment to have my own "personal look book," based on weather, date, event, etc. at my fingertips.
To use, take photos of the items you will pack, against a plain background (like a white wall) and load them into the app. You mix and match (and play) to catalogue and style your looks. It takes the stress out of packing, as well as getting styled in Paris. One click, and you can see your "Chic of the Day" look.
Now, let's have some fun (and this should be fun - dream a little!) P'Niche has crafted an overall Springtime Capsule wardrobe for both ladies and gentlemen. I'll also share a second post of what I am personally taking with me to Paris this springtime, so make sure to subscribe to join us again in the Parisian Niche.
As you plan, make notes of what you plan to do while in Paris (an afternoon strolling through the springtime showers in the Luxembourg Garden will require a very different look than an evening at a lovely dinner out at that chic resto you've been aching to try). This way, you can best create your own unique capsule and Parisian style...most of all - have FUN with it...
As of blog posting time, the Air France international carry on luggage allowance maximum size measures in at: a single item, no taller than 21.7 inches, no wider than 13.8 inches, and no deeper than 9 inches. This measurement includes all hardware, pockets, and wheels. It should weight no more than 26 pounds. You will still be able to bring a handbag in addition to this for some extra space.
It goes without saying that other airlines may have other specifications, so best to check with your carrier before packing.
For those checking bags, make sure your ticket fare includes a check in bag. Not all tickets allow for checked in baggage, so do know before you go. For those checking in, your measurements can measure a total of 62 inches (and this includes height + width + depth of bag, including all wheels, hardware, and pockets.) The total weight should not exceed 50 pounds (economy class ticket).
If your bag is larger or heavier at the airport, in either direction, you will face additional fees, depending on how much you exceed your allowance. Many swear by a small luggage scale for this reason.
Many people also pack a carry on WITHIN a checked bag for shopping and getting purchases back home - genius!
Below is a sample spring capsule wardrobe idea for ladies. Gents will follow below. You'll notice that this will likely all fit into a carry on in the measurements stated just above.
Allez, on y va - Let's Go!
Some ideas for "Airplane Couture" (as airplanes can be super cold, you might want that scarf for more than just a chic look!) and hitting the Parisian streets. It's important to remember, you may likely have to wear the outfit you wore on the plane all during your first day in Paris unless you have pre-arranged for an early check in at your accommodations, so you'll want to plan accordingly):
A few more other ideas as you mix-n-match. These are not hard and fast rules - you can make lists for any specific Parisian times / items you have planned...
For days out and about...
For your lovely Parisian evenings...
And Now for the Gentlemen: Again, note that this will likely all fit into a carry on. And fellas, the same maximum measurement requirements apply for your carry on bag as well - a single bag, no taller than 22 inches, no wider than 14 inches, and no deeper than 9 inches. And you still get to bring an extra "personal item" or small bag in addition to this!
Some ideas for "Airplane Couture" (as above, you'll be grateful you wore a scarf on that chilly airplane!) and hitting the Parisian streets. It's important to remember, as above, you may likely have to wear the outfit you wore on the plane all during your first day in Paris unless you have pre-arranged for an early check in at your accommodations, so you'll want to plan accordingly).
A few more other ideas as you mix-n-match. These are not hard and fast rules - you can make lists for any specific Parisian times / items you have planned...
Out and about in Paris...
And for your evenings in Paris...
Of course, you can and should tailor (pun intended) this capsule to your own specific needs for the things you will be trying to see and do in Paris.
Top Tip: make sure you break in your shoes before you go, you'll be so grateful you did.
What are you including in your own Parisian style capsule wardrobe? Please let us know in the comments section below and à bientôt!
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