November 18, 2024
Come rummage through my closet with me!
Yes, I’m going to Paris after all. You may recall that Belovedest and I had to cancel a trip to London and Paris last month after my wee pratfall in the hotel bathroom; there was no way that I could face an international flight that soon after I broke seven ribs!
But I’m finding now that I can sleep on my side (which is a game-changer, for me!), walk on a treadmill for over a half hour, and be outdoors for 3 or 4 hours at a stretch. I’m not leaving until December 11, so I’m working with the assumption that I will feel at least somewhat better than I do now, and be quite a bit stronger.
All that said, Belovedest insists that I check my suitcase, even though it easily fits into an overhead bin, and that I do NOT carry a backpack. Small handbag only, although I will just put my wallet and phone in pockets during my days there… And a handkerchief!
After visiting Paris a ton of times, I’ve come to the cruel realization that NOBODY IS LOOKING AT ME. Unless I’m ordering food, paying for something, or walking straight at them on the sidewalk… So I don’t need to worry about variety in my travel capsule wardrobe, nor about being shocking beautiful (no more than normal…).
Also, I realize that Paris, like most of the world, is pretty doggone casual. If I was planning to hang out in the high-rent districts, I might need to dress up more, but I’m going to be mostly in the Marais, which is very relaxed, and has a wide variety of the human type to observe and enjoy!
With all of these things in mind, I’m starting with the core of wardrobes for so many people, The Common Wardrobe:
Black cashmere turtleneck – Lands’ End; black long-sleeved tee – L.L.Bean; black cashmere cardigan – Lands’ End; chambray shirt – J.Crew; white and China blue shirts – Lands’ End; short-sleeved tee shirts – Lands’ End; jeans – L.L.Bean; stone twill pants – L.L.Bean; black knit pants – L.L.Bean
No, you don’t have to own all of these! You don’t have to own ANY of these… But I’ve been looking at what people wear for over a decade, and I see these pieces of clothing a ton. On all kinds of people, worn with accent garments and accessories of amazing variety. These are a base – a core – a starting point upon which to imprint your taste…
My version of this includes stripes, because I have to have them!
Black cashmere turtleneck – Lands’ End; black vest – Theory; black cashmere cardigan – Lands’ End; chambray shirt – J.Crew; white shirt – Lands’ End; striped shirt – Lands’ End; striped tee shirt – Lands’ End; black long sleeve tee – Lands’ End; ivory tee – Lands’ End; jeans – L.L.Bean; Heritage stone pants – L.L.Bean; black pants – L.L.Bean
I’m packing outfit by outfit – as soon as my suitcase is “loosely full” (does that make sense?), I’m stopping. I have a suitcase that does NOT have the bars from the handle on the inside of the bag, and it’s shocking how much more space it gives me!
I’m flying like this. My jeans are loose, my turtleneck is like a second skin in cold weather, and my hoodie is cashmere…
My new handbag is just large enough for me to carry my normal wallet, sunglasses, notepad, etc., plus my prescription medicines. I’m taking two weeks worth or medication for a one week vacation – I’m not paranoid!
earrings – Samuel B.; scarf – Jessie Zhao New York; cashmere beanie – Talbots; black cotton turtleneck – Lands’ End; down jacket – Uniqlo; cashmere hoodie – J.Crew; jeans – L.L.Bean; cashmere gloves – Nordstrom; bag – Apatchy London; boots – Vivaia
I’m connecting through Dublin – it will be good that I’ve checked my bag through to Paris, because it will keep me from ducking out of the airport in Dublin and just spending the week there!
I start my packing with black pants and a denim shirt. With these pieces, I could manage for a week… I would buy something additional, but if I had to, I COULD travel with just a backpack! Except Belovedest would worry…
And yes, I’m packing a second coat. A down coat – even one that’s NOT advertised as “packable” – will squish down to a tiny bit of nothing. Remember that everything is packable – unless it was manufactured ON YOUR DOORSTEP, it’s been packed before…
And having a coat that covers my derriere will be useful.
Down coat – Lands’ End; scarf – Ingmarson; earrings – Argentovivo; sweater – H&M; chambray shirt – J.Crew; black pants – L.L.Bean; loafers – Minnetonka
When you travel in the winter, you have to accept that you may well pack things you won’t ever wear. I want to take my stone chinos with me, because I love them, but if the weather is wet and sloppy, they may never see the light of the Paris day. Or night.
And if it’s bitterly cold, my vest might not be warm enough. But I love it. So be it…
And down-filled mittens. Amazing. Wicked expensive, but they can be the difference between sore fibromyalgia hands, and warm hands.
Scarf – Echo; earrings – Black Bow Jewelry; white shirt – Lands’ End; heritage stone pants – L.L.Bean; black vest – Theory; down-filled mittens – Hestra
Lastly, I will definitely pack more tee shirts (or cotton turtlenecks). If I’m going to put my shirts into a packing sleeve, I may as well FILL that sleeve, and that means 6 or 7 tops. My skirt rolls/twists/wads up into a ball about the size of my fist. The cardigan will be with me if there’s space…
Scarf – Echo; earrings – Gemondo; black & ivory tee shirts – Lands’ End; pleated skirt – J.Crew; tights – Falke; striped cardigan – Maje
Therefore, this is what I will have with me each morning in Paris, when it’s time to get dressed:
I know that for many of you, this is painfully, depressingly monotone. I love it like this – we all have different preferences, as we should. And it bears mentioning that I have purple highlights in my hair, so it’s not like I’m actually drab!
How will I assemble these classic pieces into equally classic outfits?
I’ve also given some thought to what I’m going to buy in Paris, and what I might tuck into my bag if I have room…
If I can only sneak in one last thing, it might be my black cashmere sweater. It’s 24 years old, and should last me the rest of my life. I can wear it with any pants, or my black skirt. Warm and timeless.
I’m almost certainly going to buy the boots, and probably the sweatshirt. Depending on how my packing sleeve fills up, I will toss in a 2nd black cotton turtleneck. They really are my default first layer all winter!
Black cashmere turtleneck – Lands’ End; ivory quarter-zip sweatshirt – Colorful Standard; black cotton turtleneck – Lands’ End; boots – Camper
I have a folded-up Longchamp tote bag somewhere – I will pack that, and put all purchases into that, and carry it onto the plane on my trip back.
Putting all of my purchases in one place like this makes getting duty-free credit just a bit easier – anything they want to see at French Customs will be right there. And on the off chance that the US Customs wakes up and takes a look at me (which has NEVER happened) I will be ready!
So I’ve got packing all sorted. Now I’m thinking of where I want to visit, what I want to do, and what I want to eat.
love,
Janice
p.s. Ten years ago, someone bought a GORGEOUS Issey Miyake black jacket, and wanted some ideas about how to wear it with brown. Oh my…
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Yes, I’m one of those who is a bit of a magpie when it comes to colors, but I love the way you’ve included contrasting silhouettes and textures. There’s so many ways to mix and match them, you could probably stay for weeks! 😁
I’m so thrilled to hear that you’re well enough to travel to Paris! That’s cause for celebration. 🎉 I hope you have a great time ….. you deserve it!!
It’s always so interesting to read how you plan to pack. Taking the empty tote bag for carrying your purchases on the return trip is a genius idea.
I’m another one who loves a bit of colour variation but your blue pieces add some gentle variety.
I followed the link for the tights and discovered that they’re actually the footless variety- which I would call leggings – but I see you plan to wear short boots with your skirt so the overlap between socks and the leggings’ hem will be out of sight. 😅
It does my heart good to know your hubby is reminding you to travel with your continued recovery in mind. The notion of boarding a plane with just a purse sounds like a luxury to me. Is it a direct flight to Paris?
Medicine boxes seem to be a sign of ageing. I have a similar one where I can remove a pill box for the day to put in my handbag.
I’m in the process of swapping clothes – winter is arriving. I’ve decided to keep all the clothes that fit me downstairs utilising the furniture in the spare bedrooms. With everything accessible, I can finally use the Common Wardrobe and Weekly Timeless Wardrobe templates to organise my clothes for a whole year by colour combinations.
Love this post especially the star scarf and al the cozy cashmere which I always pack for travel! However in Paris would strongly recommend against keeping wallet and phone in pockets because of pickpockets. A belt pouch or bandolier and a phone lanyard would be safer,,,,, glad you can travel enjoy!!
I second this. We were there last fall, and my husband’s wallet was pickpocketed on the Metro by a thief using an umbrella tine to unzip his pocket. In the process the umbrella tine scored my bare arm (I guess he was new to this), and there was blood all over, the wallet was emptied of cash but credit cards remained. Taught my husband, who thought he knew how to manage things smartly having lived in NYC for a time, to be more cautious. When we returned to Paris last summer, he was so scarred, he resumed using a money belt and inner pants wallet, and we avoided the Metro altogether. I always carry a small handbag with my hand on it. Or it’s under my buttoned coat.
I hope you have a wonderful time! Stay warm!
Your wardrobe has classic style; love the clothes.
Janice, I am so very glad you’re going to be able to go to Paris after all. Paris at Christmastime is just so magical! It’s been more than 30 years since I’ve been there at the holidays, so I will be living vicariously through your trip!
I truly believe that your version of the capsule wardrobe (I can’t go anywhere without a Mariner shirt!) would work for nearly every journey throughout the world in colder months. You have truly inspired me. Me being all about color, I’d pack this same wardrobe with brighter pashminas, colorful socks and one bright dress. But, I truly believe that this base would work for ALL. I’m a ‘wear khakis all winter long’ kind of woman, too, and I would totally pack them for any excursion.
I hope you continue to heal over the next few weeks and are feeling even better when you fly.
This is gorgeous and practical. Very classic and elegant (to me). Absolutely love it. I wish I could do this. Several years ago I traveled with just black, white, purple, and I got SO BORED!!!!! and it was only a week. In fact, I had another trip a couple of years later with the same colors. Still bored. Although everything mixed and matched I craved my colors. That was the end of my purple/black/white years and now my closet explodes with colors. I’m happy you are feeling well enough to travel.
Beth T good to see you back! I saw you post on Friday, but prior to that I hadn’t seen anything for awhile and I missed you – maybe I just didn’t see your posts – but I’m happy to see them now.
Same for Sally from St. Paul – saw her post on Friday but hadn’t seen any of hers for awhile – I always appreciate the comments from the both of you.
Have a lovely day ladies – contrary to Janice, I am wearing a bright yellow, pink, red sweater vest today with a red tunic and gold long sleeved blouse underneath, orange leggings, and red floral boots.
Thanks Sheila. Yes I’m back to normal having had a very busy few weeks with lots of demands. Your outfit descriptions sound so cheerful and jolly.
Hi Sheila! I so relate to your purple/black/white travel capsule boredom, haha. For me, it’s not a matter of other people seeing me in the same items/colors, it’s that I get bored with it myself! I find that I can deal with the narrowness of a standard outfit formula better than a limited color palette when I travel. One year for Christmas travel I switched between two pairs of jeans (one black, one blue) and two pairs of boots, wore the same leopard puffy vest every day as needed (had a coat with me too), and worked through a range of long-sleeved Ts and sweaters plus scarves…and the different colors of tops and colors/prints of scarves was enough to keep me happy.
The outfit you’re wearing sounds amazing, and I really like how it leans into the “warm” colors, which can definitely lift the spirits on a cold or dreary day.
Yay! So glad you’re feeling better enough to tackle a trip! I’d put an airtag in that checked bag to make sure they can’t lose that favorite cashmere turtleneck on you though – yes, I’m paranoid. (If it was me, I’d tuck it into my purse!).
I’m with you in the monochrome – just looked at my packing plan for an upcoming short trip and it’s neutrals all the the way. So easy!
Thank you for sharing! I just packed for a two week trip to Costa Rica (to include the much cooler rainy cloud forest and the beach) and did a brown, navy and white capsule in carry on only. I loved it and still only wore about 2/3s of what I packed. Looking at your list I think I could have done better and paired it more.
One question – I am actually looking at purchasing Vivaia boots for myself. Are they worth the hype and do they really hold up? I have short fat feet (usually a 5.5 wide) and I struggle to find shoes that fit so these sound promising.
Enjoy your vacation and glad you are recovering!!
I’m so very glad you’re feeling better! Being able to sleep in your side makes ALL the difference. And your belovedest is absolutely right. When recovering from broken ribs and covid, check the bag and just take the lightest essentials on the plane.
Your wardrobe looks so very You! I’ve been following your posts for a few years now and this just sings of Janice. When you have purple highlights you don’t need anything else. 😁
Hooray for coats that cover the bum! Perfect for sitting on a park bench, stone wall, etc. when you just need to rest. This looks like a lovely and practical wardrobe for Paris. I’m so glad that you’re able to go and it sounds like your husband is looking out for your best interests!
I, too, prefer a more monotone wardrobe. It cuts down on decision fatigue! Could you please provide some examples with the same core but adding in warm toned tops (cream and camel) and accessories? Boy, I really enjoy all your content. I think its amazing what you do!
If you’re prone to being cold (and live in Chicago!) I would suggest that you look at the Ororo heated vests and coats. I live in ATL where we play tennis year round outdoors. We do have cold days (it’s all relative!) in the winter. The youngsters on the coarts started wearing the Ororo vest for playing and watching tennis a few years ago. I became so hooked I now have 4 of them! Two lightweight in gray and black, and two down look in cream and navy. I love them so much, sometimes I wear them in the house. Also if you register on their website before purchasing, they send you coupons and specials.
So happy to hear you have healed enough to travel. I broke a couple of ribs while in Mexico and it was not fun. Paris sounds wonderful, I was there this past spring and it definitely left an imprint on my heart.
I’ve noticed you use Lands End and LL Bean for a lot of your core pieces. We don’t live near a store for either one. Would you say their fit is consistent and true to size?
Enjoy Paris!
I purchase from Lands End and find sizing is NOT consistent. However, they do often (not always) include “Item Dimensions” when you click through on the “Size Chart” link. If you know the dimensions you are looking for, and the item dimensions are available, you can select the correct size to purchase.
For example, I like my tops to fit a bit loosely and have a range in mind for where I’d like the top to land on my hips. So I look for a chest size that is 40 and a length of 25 1/2 to 26. Depending on the garment, that can be anywhere from a size 4 to a 12 (XS-M) and can be regular or petite. It’s frustrating, but I have very good results with my purchases.
To determine what dimensions you are looking for, measure a favorite fitting garment, not your body. The item dimensions listing for Lands End are of the actual garment layed out flat. I’ve gotten to the point where I won’t buy an item if I don’t know the actual item dimensions. If they aren’t listed, call and ask for them – they are usually very responsive.
I know that their phone service USED to be excellent; I haven’t called them in years so I don’t know if its still that way. Their operators used to have all of the measurements pretty much at their fingertips…
love,
Janice
Yes, like Lena I buy a lot from Lands’ End. If a certain measurement isn’t listed, calling or initiating a chat will get you the answer quickly. They have all the measurements available and are very helpful. Even less common ones, like leg openings on trousers or the difference in sleeve length between different sizes.
I’m so happy that you are feeling so much better and can go on your trip to Paris! Your wardrobe looks very you and will serve you well there. I’m paranoid about lost luggage so I’d personally wear that fabulous 24 year old cashmere sweater on the plane. Air tag inside your checked luggage and your purse. I 2nd or 3rd the recommendation not to carry wallet inside a pocket. I’d likely use a travel-safe crossbody and keep it underneath my coat. My niece was in Paris and was pickpocketed this year. Have a fantastic time, Janice!
So glad you’re progressing in your recovery! With humor at that! My kind of capsule. Just not the skirt!
Can’t wait to hear about the trip and sites seen. I need to rebuy solid core staples and looking at the Lands End current customer reviews, quality seems to be less than, one review states 6 months of wear and a hole in the elbow of the cashmere sweater. Time to go down the rabbit hole of resell shops. Who knows what will turn up. :)
So glad this trip is back on the schedule! Packing extra medication is 1000% smart. I have a lot of necessary medications myself, and I’ve found that transferring the pills and labels from the bottles to snack size ziploc bags means that they can stack up really small in my carry-on bag, so I can bring plenty extra.
Have a super fabulous trip. I took my son to Paris a few years back. We walked around the art museums with silly grins on our faces. And we discovered a small restaurant with a divine beef stew. It had a hint of orange flavor. Ooooooh my!
Love the wardrobe and the simplicity! My only comment, if I were to pack like this, I would feel a bit uncomfortable with white (even if “winter white”) pants in December. Just me…and I’m glad you’re feeling better! It takes quite a hit to break seven ribs, so remember and step carefully (I tripped over cobblestones at St. Andrews, wrecked my hand, and limped for the net week, so I feel your pain.)
I’m under contract to Belovedest to text him every 20 minutes, I think. He’s legitimately worried…
But I will be careful; I don’t want to do this again EVER. And regarding my stone chinos – I’m going to be watching to see how often I see someone wearing light-color pants while I’m there – it’s a question that I’ve never looked into before. If the weather is yucky and yet, and I’m guaranteed to ruin them if I wear them, they will just get to stay in my Paris closet!
love,
Janice
Thanks for this. I’m going to Montreal (almost Paris?) in a couple weeks. Now the dilemma for me is do I replace the black with navy? I’ve got those seasonal analysis people in my head.
You can if you wish, but I’m not a member of the seasonal color club. I had my colors done twice within just a few months, and got two UTTER different results.
https://www.theviviennefiles.com/2011/05/when-image-consultants-collide.html/
I wrote about it thirteen years ago; I just decided at that time that I would wear what I wanted, and that my smile would have to do the heavy lifting of making the color “work” for me.
love,
Janice
I was a winter in my younger days (20’s and 30’s) When I had my boys, for my 50th birthday I had another consultation and at that time was determined to be an AUTUMN!!! Which I loved for years. Now, as my hair has gone silver, I find the autumn colors not quite so suitable. In the end, I agree with your decision and wear what I want and “making” it work for me!
So happy you are able to go on your trip and look forward to hearing what they are wearing in France. Your wardrobe is wonderful, very classic. I am trying to do a bit more of this in my own wardrobe but with lighter basics and pops of colour. I believe as we age, our colouring changes as well and alas need to change our wardrobes up a bit as well. I am grateful for all your incredible wardrobe ensembles, something for everyone.
How true, no one is looking at you in Paris. I figured that out the first visit over 30 years ago. I’ve been back many times since. I think people who read a lot of fashion blogs or watch YouTube videos about Paris get the idea that everyone there looks like a runway model. I know a couple of people who were so disappointed to find out that Parisians dress like normal people and that most of the folks they encountered were just tourists just like them.
I’m very glad to hear that your recovery is progressing and you’re making the trip to Paris. I was there in late May with instructors for a college study-abroad short course and it was crazy crowded! Make sure you have reservations for anything you want to do, although as a professional traveler, I’m sure you do. Love the wardrobe and I could just substitute navy for the black.
Marvellous ideas of travel planning !
Be just careful, in Paris, about your bag and money : there are MANY pick-pockets.
Many Parisian – or French – who choose now special bags to be protected against them ; or very small pockets you can hide under your coat ; and so on.
It’s necessary to always have a look on your bag, your money…
Sometimes, these “pick-pockets” agress you…It becomes more and more frequent.
Anyway…”Paris sera toujours Paris” !
There will be great celebrations for re opening of Notre-Dame on 7th and 8th of December.
J’espère que vous ferez un bon voyage, Janice.
Janice, So glad to hear that you have recovered well and can proceed with your Parisian trip. Love the capsule you are packing, and appreciate your wardrobe tutoring over the years. Was able to pack for a 17 day cruise last month with carry on only thanks to your guidance!
And today I bought the J. Crew pleated skirt for upcoming holiday parties; it’s a great price right now and of very nice quality.
Safe and best travel wishes,
C
ADORABLE! CLASSIC! PERFECT!
Still, just watch your step! No need for further injury.
French reader here: your capsule for Paris is absolutely perfect, you’ll blend right in. You have selected very Parisian-like outfits. That’s how they all dress in winter: grey, black, jeans and nice coats. Whatever it takes to stay warm, comfy, and nothing ostentatious.
My parents live there and I spend regularly a few days in Paris. There is always something nice to see, even when the weather is dreary. Just be aware that you’ll be there in the middle of the revolt led by farmers (starting right now) and a train strike (planned for mid-December). Which is pretty much business as usual in France.
Enjoy your time in Paris.
So very glad you can go! Looking forward to seeing what you see.
Janice- I was looking at the first image of the common wardrobe and found it very reassuring to see and then my second thought was, hmmm… how can infuse a little more personality but maintain the same common core feeling? And then there was the next image doing exactly that! Either you are a mind reader or I have been following your blog for years and am learning to think like you do! Either way, I’m thrilled to follow along and travel vicariously. So happy you are able to make the long awaited trip to Paris. And your Belovest is a keeper!
Question about your footwear choices. I don’t see any sneakers. Are the shoes you chose comfortable enough to walk for miles or are you not going to be walking much?
Both! I’m actually pretty smitten with my Vivaia boots – I’ve worn them a ton around Chicago and found them to be long-distance wonders. For days when I’m not going far, I will wear my moccasins, which are basically just hard-soled slippers…
Also, I’m seriously thinking that I will try on Camper boots when I’m in Paris, and probably buy them if they’re as comfortable as I expect. When I ran the stockrooms for a HUGE kitchenware store (seriously!) I wore Campers every day, and frankly never thought about my feet.
Since I’m still getting over the whole broken rib injury, I probably won’t walk as much as usual. My plan is to take a cab to a destination (like the recently refurbished Madeleine Church), and then walk home. I’ve got to pace myself, because if my ribs start to hurt it could be days to recover.
love,
Janice
Bravo, Janice! So glad you are well enough to head to Paris. We are heading there next week – luckily, will avoid the train strike (I hope) as have several day excursions planned during our 11 day stay! The Musée de La Defence has (by all accounts) an amazing exhibit about the liberation of Paris, so we have added that to things we want to do (some friends saw it and highly recommended it). Also l’atélier de lumière has a wonderful Egypt exhibition that hasn’t come to N.America yet (?) – close to le marais and always one of my favourite things to do. Bon voyage, bonne chance!
Good news that you are going to Paris! I noticed that you did not include a raincoat. I never travel without one and it usually gets worn. I carry it with me on the plane and it can also serve as a light blanket when the cabin is down to zero.
Thank you for this! I am traveling to New York City and then to the Quebec-Montreal Christmas markets next year. I love your basics and would only substitute navy for black. My husband recently commented on my constantly wearing navy pants, so just ordered stone chinos! We went to the German Christmas markets in 2017, and the Lands End turtlenecks were real work-horses. I sometimes wore them layered with the underneath one higher on the neck than the top layered one. When you are wearing a coat much of your day, turtlenecks or scarves are what people see.