Below, we list some of the most important items every traveler should have in their suitcase for a trip to Paris.
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A black blazer
The power of a perfectly tailored black blazer to elevate not only your outfit but your confidence can’t be understated. Look for shapes that accentuate your best features—a nipped waist or double-breasted, cropped sleeves, or padded shoulders. Stand out with velvet accents or oversized buttons, and if you’re really daring, wear it over a ruffled shirt like Dior’s elegant dandies.
Dior
Black cotton velvet fitted jacket
Barrel leg jeans
Named after their voluminous and tapered shape, this style has wiped skinny jeans off the face of fashion. The silhouette balances proportions on all figures, but size up for comfort and that oh-so chic care-free vibe. Length should be ankle grazing to style them with a mule or ballet flat, and a simple tee.
Mules
Elegant and versatile, the fuss-free mule is a perfect fit for fashion week. I find myself constantly clopping around in my Manolo Blahnik backless Maysales. After all, Paris is a walking city and they tick all my boxes: high fashion chic, and at the same time, laissez-faire cool. In the evening, I slip them on with a wrap-around mini. In Paris this season, everyone’s mule of choice has to be Manolo Blahnik‘s Marie Antoinette collection in partnership with the exhibition at the V&A, or Jimmy Choo‘s vampy lace-up take.
Jimmy Choo
Scarlett Mule 50mm black soft Spazzolato leather mules
A classic trench
The trench is constantly being reinvented—see Burberry’s new Mini Capettes or the wonderfully androgynous Margaret Howell x Barbour waxed version. These new additions to the trench family only emphasize the timelessness of the old school original. London and Milan are full of fashionistas wearing their trenches the traditional way, not just as a cute cover for all weather, but great over a good pair of jeans. I favor a floor-length style for wafting in the gardens.
The carry-all bag
Whipping around Paris for fashion week is as hectic as it is glamorous. You need supplies: show tickets, portable chargers, touch-ups, spare shoes, snacks, sunglasses, and so on—your bag must be big enough, but not ludicrously capacious. Stick to a shoulder bag that can be easily tucked under your arm, under your seat, or in the basket of your bike (the most efficient way to make the next catwalk on time). Keep it luxe with materials like suede or quilting.
Rimowa
Leather shopping bag
Sunglasses
Fashion week for the spring/summer season always falls at the beginning of autumn. Days are sunny and crisp, leaves are falling, fashion editors from around the world are in town, and cocktails are drunk en masse. Sunglasses are your new best friend to shield tired eyes from the commotion around you. Opt for oversized frames that wrap around your face for maximum coverage, and black lenses—essential for people watching.
A reliable knit
A trusty knit sweater will serve you for life if you look after it well (get yourself a travel steamer, stat). Neutral tones like navy, chocolate, or dark gray will stand the test of time. For Paris, a boxy shape is best so you can French tuck it into barrel jeans or wear loose around your shoulders or even crossbody. Don’t forget to check the cuffs for a smart ribbed finish. Voila—you are a Paris it-girl.
Whistles
Whistles Brown Wool curved hem knit
A mini dress
A mini dress is a must-have in Paris for swishing about the Champs Elyse’s in between shows. This season, tights of all hues and patterns are a key accessory, and a multi-purpose mini is the perfect pairing. Think black lace hosiery with an LBD, or a burgundy dernier from Calzedonia with a floral slip. Pick a style that can work for a coffee at Brasserie Dubillot and Champagne at the Cheval Blanc. Here’s some style inspiration—otherwise, in Paris, it has to be Chanel, as seen on Margaret Qualley at the Grand Palais this year.
Ann Taylor
