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As an American, touring to Europe is nothing in need of a revelation. Whereas we might marvel at New England buildings and landmarks that date again to the early 1600s, European structure and historical past transports us to what seems like one other world—and in lots of respects, it’s. One of many methods I anticipated that distinction as I deliberate my two-week carry-on packing record for my journey to Paris and London final month? The style.
Having lived in Paris for a 12 months prior, I anticipated lots of the sartorial selections that may peg me as an American instantly. Whereas in Chicago I can comfortably—some might even say, stylishly—sport my sweatsuit to my neighborhood espresso store, loungewear in Europe is reserved for the house.
However having just lately entered my *maximalist* period, the place coloration and sample reign supreme, I used to be a bit off form when it got here to dressing because the Europeans do. Fortunately, with time to strategize, I knew precisely what to take and what to go away behind for my two-week journey in a single carry-on.
Mild layers, monochromatic coloration palettes—and most significantly: prioritizing consolation. As a result of whenever you’re in Europe, you’re going to stroll. So much.
Featured picture from our interview with Janessa Leoné by Teal Thomsen.
The Technique
It had been seven years since I lived in Europe, so there was so much driving on this return journey. Would I join with the cities’ busy, winding streets as I as soon as had? Would I have the ability to navigate the metro system with acquainted ease? Had an excessive amount of time handed for me to anticipate to really feel any of this in any respect? In fact, with a lot anticipation, I needed what I packed to be a supply of consolation, inspiration, and enjoyable.
As a result of right here’s the reality about getting wearing Europe. Whereas neutrals and darker colours stands out as the go-to alternative, type can also be a supply of private expression. There’s a uniform, positive—a sea of navy, black, and white—however inside this template might be discovered idiosyncrasies specific to the wearer themselves. An embellished pin on a lapel, a shiny scarf tied round a bag, or a pair of glasses that make contacts irrelevant.
When it comes all the way down to it, in case you personal who you might be and your type displays that, you’ll match proper in. Why sweatpants don’t work in Europe? As a result of there isn’t intention behind the selection.
Packing Parameters
Along with exploring my very own type and tailoring it to a European panorama, I had just a few parameters that dictated my packing:
I might be touring between London and Paris for nearly two weeks: March 13-26.
There was rain within the forecast and temperatures had been predicted to fall within the excessive 40s/low 50s.
The vast majority of my journey could be spent visiting museums, purchasing, consuming out, and naturally, strolling a ton.
With these constraints in thoughts, these had been my high three priorities when planning my two-week carry-on packing record:
Prioritize mild layers that pack nicely. I opted for a lot of silk tank tops, skirts, and attire that may very well be layered beneath sweaters within the daytime and worn with a wrap at dinner.
Pack sneakers that may very well be worn in a number of contexts. I introduced a pair of Chelsea-style boots, sneakers, and comfortable clogs that had been all straightforward to stroll in.
Decrease cumbersome objects. I packed a lightweight puffer that may very well be squashed down in my suitcase, two sweaters, and a cashmere wrap that doubled as a shawl.
The Suitcase That Modified My Life
I’m somebody who prefers to journey mild. Not solely do I not have to fret about further baggage costs, however it makes going from airplane to coach to in-city transit simpler. And whereas the suitcase has been lauded from nearly each nook of the web, I’m right here to substantiate: My Away suitcase has modified the best way I journey. I bought mine two years in the past and it’s been in all places with me.
What’s nice:
One aspect options an inside compression system. That is sometimes the place I pack my bulkier objects—jackets, sneakers, and so on. You may clip it down and tighten the straps to suit far more than you thought attainable.
For longer journeys, I all the time fill mine to the brim. However irrespective of how a lot I pack, the suitcase all the time feels light-weight because of its even distribution of weight.
Whenever you’re working by the airport to catch a connecting flight, you’ll love the 360° wheels that by no means (ever!) get jammed. After I had 10 minutes to make it throughout the Reykjavík airport, this was clutch.
What’s not:
Whereas the suitcase can match within the overhead bin of most airways, you might have to examine it on smaller or full flights.
My Two-Week Carry-On Packing Checklist
With out additional ado, I’m sharing the ten necessities that made packing a carry-on for 2 weeks in Europe straightforward and streamlined. Belief me, that is all you want for the final word European spring vacay.
A Roomy Tote (Maximize Your Private Merchandise!)
Let’s kick issues off with a bang. Regardless of how a lot you put together prematurely, the sudden can all the time happen. For me, that got here within the type of boarding a super-packed flight from Chicago to London and having to examine my bag. After which… continuing to have that bag misplaced for 3 days. Fortunately, I may steal from my trendy finest good friend’s closet. However that is your signal to maximise your private merchandise. Although I’ve been by a number of iterations, I’ve carried a trusty black tote for years that may match my laptop computer, a guide, toiletries, and a further outfit/pajamas in order that I can really feel a little bit prepped ought to the worst happen.
Journey tip: Although I say maximize, you wish to make certain you received’t find yourself hurting your self lugging your bag round on one shoulder. Hold your additional outfit light-weight and pack solely the mandatory toiletries: a toothbrush, hairbrush, cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF. If you wish to add a little bit make-up to the combo, maintain it streamlined with this glowy set and mascara.
A Mild Puffer
On a number of events as I used to be packing, I requested myself: Why didn’t I guide my journey for late spring/early summer time? That means, I may keep away from the necessity to pack heavier layers like a coat. Effectively, with these tickets booked for months, there was no turning again—and I knew I wanted one thing to maintain me heat on London and Paris’ inevitable windy and blustery days. Enter: a light-weight puffer that packs all the way down to a fraction of its dimension. It saved me cozy with out feeling like I used to be prepping for the tundra.
Journey tip: Whether or not I’m in Europe or the States, I all the time go for black or navy outerwear. That means, irrespective of the outfit, my topper will all the time pair completely.
A Versatile Skirt
Washable silk is having a second and I couldn’t be happier. Not solely do silk items appear and feel completely luxe, however they take up minimal area in your suitcase. Belief me, it’s my go-to material for transitional put on because it takes you seamlessly from winter to spring. This was the skirt that I packed in my private merchandise, and I couldn’t have been extra grateful for the forethought. I additionally love the drape midi skirt from Love, Bonito beneath—it’s the proper mixture of cozy and unbelievably flattering.
Journey tip: Pair with a silk cami, a easy white tee, or an outsized button-down. Outfit, made.
A Cozy, Flattering Pant
A disclaimer: I’m not a hard-pants woman. You may catch me carrying denims possibly 10 days out of the 12 months, and even then, they’re outsized mother denims. Level is, relating to pants, consolation is essential—however that doesn’t imply you need to sacrifice type or match. I scored these pants (with an elastic waist!) for $70 5 years in the past from a classic retailer in Portland. And if we’ve frolicked at the very least twice, it’s probably you’ve seen me carrying them. It doesn’t matter what lower is in type, I discover {that a} cropped, wide-leg pant is universally flattering.
Journey tip: As a result of I’m petite, I prefer to pair these pants with a small heel in order that they don’t overwhelm my body. Whether or not you go for clogs, sandals, or boots, including top is essential.
Reusable Baggage (That Even Parisians Like)
It doesn’t matter what shifting traits persuade us to put on, BAGGU baggage will perpetually keep in type. At house, I like utilizing these to hold my groceries and I all the time maintain at the very least one in my purse in case one thing cute catches my eye. Whereas I used to be touring, I saved one in every of these baggage in my fanny pack to hold purchases and any layers I wanted to take off. And I child you not, my bag acquired at least ten compliments from Parisians. That’s when it clicked for me: Even when the French typically gravitate towards darker colours within the metropolis, the love and fervour for coloration is undeniably current. For proof, even Merci—the famed division retailer—curated a group primarily based on the collective love of brightness.
Journey tip: In case you’re checking a bag, retailer one or two of those in your carry-on or private merchandise. That means, in case your bag is over the load restrict, you may have additional room to tug just a few issues out.
A Does-It-All Cashmere Wrap
As a Christmas current just a few years again, my mother gifted me this cashmere wrap that I’ve hardly taken off since. Whereas it’s much less of a mode in America, many European ladies drape their scarves and shawls round their our bodies for an added layer. On many an event, my Parisian journey companion and I needed to run to make our dinner reservations. With out time to alter, I merely pulled off my jacket and wrapped myself in cashmere. Straightforward and oh-so-elegant.
Journey tip: Use your wrap as a blanket to maintain you heat on the airplane.
Day-to-Evening Clothes
I put on attire year-round. Within the winter, you may catch me with a made-for-spring frock layered over tights and beneath my coziest sweaters. The look feels female and trendy, whereas additionally being undeniably snug. It’s simply one of many some ways I prefer to romanticize my work-from-home life. Much like my silk skirts, these attire packed all the way down to nothing (so I didn’t should make the laborious resolution as to which of my faves would get left behind). In fact, whenever you plan forward with layers, you may take this look from day to nighttime with seamless ease.
Journey tip: Pair with tights, a sweater, and dress-down boots for the proper daytime ‘match.
A Structured Blazer
A well-fitting blazer is as timeless because it will get. Whenever you need one thing a little bit extra elegant than a loose-fitting sweater, a black blazer is an easy layer that’s each useful and trendy. The objective right here is to go barely outsized. That means, ought to you want to add a layer beneath, you’re all set.
Journey tip: This may rapidly grow to be one of many key items in your wardrobe, so that you need one thing delicate however structured. And although the value tag could also be on the steeper aspect, if we’re speaking cost-per-wear, it’s value it.
Silk Tanks
Let me rely the methods I like this cami. Effectively, for perception, the skirt pictured above was my good friend’s and that is me rounding out day two of this journey’s suitcase-less starting. However with my black cami on the prepared, I may pair it with absolutely anything in her closet. Whether or not it’s pants or a skirt, silk tanks and camis are a universally elegant alternative.
Journey tip: As with every little thing on this record, we’re going for consolation. Your cami ought to rival your softest, most well-loved tee. If it’s in any respect much less cozy, it doesn’t belong in your suitcase. (Or closet, for that matter.)
A Arms-Free Bag
I initially bought this bag in the summertime of 2020, after I solely had walks and hikes to entertain me. It was good for carrying my pockets, telephone, a pair of sun shades, and one other Baggu simply in case. Since then, it’s grow to be my on a regular basis bag due to the benefit of wear and tear and the easy incontrovertible fact that I hate having something in my fingers after I’m out and about (save for a Berthillon ice cream cone, in fact). Bonus: Whilst you’ll have to show your backpack round and put on it on the entrance of your physique in case you carry it right into a museum, this bag already has you lined.
Journey tip: I discovered the laborious means that no matter you do, in London DO NOT consult with this as a fanny pack. “Bag” or “satchel” works completely superb. For insights, learn Merriam-Webster’s take.
This submit was final up to date on April 7, 2025 to incorporate new insights.
