This past weekend, my family and I headed into Paris for a quick break. We were visiting as a surprise hen do for my Sister, who’s getting married in May, and I’ve been so excited about this trip for so long. Paris has always been my favourite city, and I could wander the streets for hours simply marvelling at all the beautiful buildings and incredible architecture.
My Sister’s Maid of Honour, Georgie, who also happens to be my Brother’s partner, scheduled and planned the entire weekend to the tee – so we simply had to show up and enjoy ourselves, which we most certainly did. Traditionally, I’d post a packing list before going away on a trip, but since this one was a surprise – I wanted to wait until we were back before anything went live. Therefore, instead of talking about what we got up to I’m simply sharing what I packed and why, for the City of Lights.
P.S. You can check out the apartment we stayed in, which is where these photos were taken, on Airbnb right here. You can also get up to $40 off your first stay with Airbnb by using my referral link, right here.
So, without further ado, lets flash back to last week when I was planning what I wanted to pack for a weeking in Paris…
Since the weather in Paris is similar to what we’re currently experiencing in West Lancashire, this trip will be all about the layers. I love a monochromatic outfit, so I’ll be taking a range of dark greys to white pieces that I can mix with other colours like blue and stone, too. I love this dark grey peacoat that I picked up last year (and it’s currently on 60% off, too!). It’s perfect for shorter guys, while also being elegant and structured enough to dress an outfit up even if it’s simply jeans and a tee.
For tees, American Eagle have always made the softest cotton t-shirts in my opinion (seriously, I stock up while I’m in the States!) so I’ll be bringing this tee as a versatile piece between loungewear, layering or if it’s a warm March afternoon in the city. I also love the look of layering oxford shirts under jumpers, and I’ve been in love with this white one, and this striped one both from H&M. After picking up this fine-knit cotton jumper from H&M too (which was on 60% discount to H&M Club members only), I’ve loved the look of these layered on one another.
I’ve also been a huge fan of these Gucci-inspired trainers from River Island. I picked them up just after Christmas and quite honestly have worn them almost every day since. In the evenings I try to give them a wipe down, because I want the white to last as long as possible, but I love the Gucci-inspired emblem of the wasp and the side-stripe is a great detail, too.
I’m going to be fitting all of the below in a single backpack for our trip, as citybreaks are usually best when you’re running around with a backpack on rather than lugging cases behind you, especially when you’re dodging on and off metro systems and climbing endless staircases!
In the Wardrobe
- My favourite dark grey peacoat for versatility and Parisian style.
- The softest white cotton tee that I own.
- A lightweight oxford shirt to layer up.
- A striped oxford shirt for a different option.
- A comfy, fine-knit cotton jumper for layering and smartening an outfit with.
- A pair of dark wash skinny jeans to dress up or down while exploring the city.
- Crisp stone chinos for an evening in the city.
- These Gucci-inspired trainers for a day on our feet at Disneyland.
In the Toiletries Bag
- My favourite lightweight daily moisturiser to keep my face hydrated (it’s also SPF 30 for sun protection!).
- The best eye cream that I’ve used, to help replenish and cover up my undereye bags.
- My go-to lip balm from Burts Bees to keep hydrated through the winter temperatures.
- This ultra hydrating facial masque to wear through the night for a dewy appearance.
- This gentle cleansing cream from Burts Bees, for scrubbing off the city at the end of the day.
- This Piz Buin face fluid, for added sun protection among the city smog.
- My go-to cologne at the moment from Jo Malone.
Over the past few years, I’ve been to Paris quite a few times and its always remained as my favourite city. Perhaps it’s because it was the first city Scott and I visited together solo, or perhaps it’s because I fall in love with the streets and architecture more and more each time I visit. There’s nothing quite like the streets of Paris in any season.
For more posts from my travels in Paris, be sure to click here. And alternatively, you can read other packing list posts of mine right here.