Paris Wardrobe Travel Planning II: The Right Pieces

After culling my closet, I discovered I had basic tops, a cardigan, white jeans, and navy

pants which will serve me well while traveling in Paris. My large cashmere wrap is also

a blessing, big enough to use as a blanket, as well as serving as a wrap when cool.

Identifying holes: Once I completed the review and hung my current clothes together,

only then could I see what I was missing—non-wrinkling day dresses and skirts. I also

wanted two tops which had a bit of flair but nonetheless are as versatile as my basics.

Next, I stress tested the items I already had by creating 3 outfits with each garment

before I decided they’d earned a spot in my suitcase.

Fabric considerations: Regardless of what you pack, make sure the garment will

survive the rigors of travel and can be re-worn. I have a silken cowl top, which I love but

can only be dry cleaned, and since spot cleaning is out, the tank essentially becomes a

single-wear garment because I always spill on it. My love for it remains, but it didn’t

make the cut.

This type of rigor is also important when considering the fabrics of your travel wardrobe,

non-wrinkling items which you can spot treat and wash by hand, if necessary, remain

best. I’m notoriously hard on my clothes so small prints in darker fabrics camouflage

stains.

Finally, when developing such a specific shopping list (like a navy, small print, day

dress), online websites are key if what you need isn’t in stores. Typically, it takes 4

garments ordered before finding the right fit and color, so factor in the necessary time,

unless you know the brand well.

Tammy’s Truism: Physically hanging together items may be necessary to identify the true “holes”. You will want one dressy and one casual version of each item you pack and with the two-color rule, they interchange effortlessly.

Next Up, Part III: The final selections for the trip.