What’s Your Travel Uniform?

I traveled solo once a year for five years to Europe from 2015-19, all in the fall/winter. It’s my absolute favorite season to travel! Like lots of others have said, I packed thin merino or cashmere sweaters to layer, wool socks, fleece lined tights, and blanket scarves. I swore by my Doc Martens, which I always waterproofed right before leaving on my trips. I stuck to one color palette–burgundy, black, denim–so that all of my pieces mixed and matched easily. My base layers (tshirts) could be washed in the sink at night and be dry the next day. Later on, I planned on picking up items while traveling (I collect vintage clothing), so I’d make sure to underpack a little so that I’d have room to bring something back. I’d never know what it might be, but that’s half the fun!

Hi Joanna :) I love your travel uniform! Since Paris can be very humid in winter I would also advise having low waterproof boots (like these ones from Aigle https://www.aigle.com/fr/fr/p/soft-rain-NA08_noir.html, which are very Parisian but also practical). I find that this type of boots are very practical to be in the city and walking around (which you will do a lot in Paris I imagine!) without getting my feet wet (which I hate) and damaging my nice white sneakers with water/mud. I would pair them with breathable but hot socks to keep my feet warm. I would also suggest having a slim down jacket (like the one at Uniqlo – I gifted one to my mom a few years ago and she wears it ALL the time haha) because the temperatures can be very variable in Paris. That’s the 2 things I would add to your list to enjoy Paris more!

I also wanted to recommend a place that I think you will love: Tram Café Librairie (https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=18OMd8sbLI50XSGaut8U8sAu3YVU&hl=en&ll=48.84696684891361%2C2.3483193618089127&z=19). As you can understand from the name it is both a cafe and a librairy but they also make delicious lunches and the place is beautiful. It is near the Pantheon so you can have a nice lunch there while exploring the Latin Quarter. Be sure to get there early, the places to eat are few and the café is very beloved by tourists and neighbors! There are obviously dozens of places to be recommended in Paris but I think this one is very special.

I hope you have a great trip :)

Slim down jacket under that overcoat or you will be so cold. Paris in winter is bitter. You will notice this is how the locals style it. Big big scarf for layering and warmth/ cosiness on the plane too. A really good lip balm so no chapped lips from all the time outside enjoying beautiful Paris

Packing cubes are a huge win for traveling with the family too. Get different colored cubes and assign person a color. They keeps everyone’s stuff from mixing together in the adults’ suitcases and they the kids some independence – “go get the red cube and put your bathing suit on.” They love the cubes!

I LOVE Chan Luu scarves. I take them on cold and warm weather trips. They stuff so nicely into a tote or suitcase. An investment but worth every penny. My black Chan Luu is a workhorse.

Hello Team- had a chilly trip to London/Paris this past year as well. I second who ever said Chan Luu scarves, some of mine are 15 years old, worth the investment. And someone else said photogenic I believe? I can see my Chan Luu in Madrid 2014, etc… I would like to share Inoui- buy a wool scarf there while in Paris. There are a few locations. I got a crazy limey mustard green one last trip with amazing print of animals . I don’t see it here but I would bet my life you will find a winner and favorite souvenir . Bon Voyage!
https://inoui-editions.com/en-us/category/scarves/wool-scarves?gclid=Cj0KCQiAofieBhDXARIsAHTTldqgZx9sIvSo9mu4Cir9HMT5z4KM9MFmXlxe4jqHTz9hX7WVjk7wrP0aAnZ7EALw_wcB

There is so much talk about wool, I wanted to throw out the brand Icebreaker (U.S.). Fabulous base layers, accessories, and clothing in general.

Love love love love love packing and travel posts!
While I’m not going anywhere exciting soon, I love hearing about all of your upcoming travels. Recently, I’ve been streamlining what I bring, so that I can easily pack in a carry on and always feel prepared. As someone who loves lotions and potions, washes her hair everyday, and wears makeup. All of those little things add up, and most travel containers are terrible.

Ok, there’s the GAME CHANGERS:
Contact lens cases, it it chic? hell no. Do I get everything I want in a teeny tiny bag? yes. They don’t leak. I trust them even for oils. They fit a surprising amount! I tested the new system for a 3day trip with plenty of product left over. I got a pack of 4, each a different colour, for about $8.
Filling the following can last me a week:
– Hair: styling cream & oil
– Cream: everyday lotion & thicker cream
– Face: Tinted serum & concealer
– Cheeks: cream bronzer & cream blush (and a small Elf putty bronzer brush)
I have been throwing in my La Roche Posay sunscreen seperately since it’s pretty small, but will be picking up a couple more contact cases, for sunscreen and eye cream. (Will obs need another big bottle for sunny trips.)

For leakproof shampoo and conditioner:
1oz Nalgene Wide-Mouth HDPE Water Bottle, they’re under $2, indestructible. I also have the 2oz for weeklong trips.
Also ideal for camping, and air bnb stays where you’ll be cooking to bring oils, salad dressings, etc..

Interesting prompt: I tend to go on vacation in summer, usually to countries hotter than where I live, so I find vacations an excuse to bust out my floaty tops and my Doen dresses. My winter uniform is shorts with tights and rollneck sweaters, usually paired with chunky boots or on nicer days, my Supergas. If I were going on vacation in winter, I would probably pack the sweaters which I use too infrequently, because I worry they are too good for day to day use, so a black silk pullover with mother of pearl buttons and my Doen navy jumper which looks great with jeans or with skirts (I realise that my comment reads like an ad for Doen, but I just love the brand!) I also have a couple pairs of silk trousers which are good for dressier occasions but still ultra comfortable: years ago, I ebayed a pair of three quarter length silk Chloe trousers in cream and black which I wear every Christmas, and I would totally take that to Paris on a winter vacation.
I hope you have a wonderful trip, that is a really lovely thing to do for your mom.

I am headed to Vancouver in April so travel packing has been on my mind recently! It’s my first trip since the pandemic started and I’m going to see my mom for the first time in 5 years.
I recently discovered Mama Owl merino base layers and have been wearing them all winter. They double as lounge separates as well! For the tops you can choose either longsleeved or tanks.
I also love Babaa’s merino matching sets. I take issue with them not being size inclusive but their merino sets are wonderful to wear together or as separates. They’re pricey so I’ve only bought on sale.
I’m a childhood Blundstone wearer so those are my typical cold weather and rain boot. I condition them monthly to keep them soft and waterproof. I also like packing slippers for wearing indoors (especially in hotel rooms) and a pair of sneakers.
A shawl that can double as a blanket. I have a Uniqlo/Marimekko one that is pretty great and I wear it like Lenny wears his giant scarf.
A good hat. I knit, so I have a wealth of options to choose from. Most recently, I finished a balaclava with ruffle edges and these seem to be very popular at the moment.
A waterproof layer, whether it’s a trench or poncho.
Elizabeth Suzann Clyde work pants in canvas for their sturdiness and roomy pockets
J Crew tissue turtlenecks and Uniqlo heattech turtlenecks. I love their collaborations and try to get turtlenecks when those happen as they break up a boring plain top with small design touches (Marimekko, Marni).

I’m in love with that tank. The bit of lace that peeks out of a sweater collar is just so sweet.

Joanna, do keep an eye on the demonstrations happening as they can easily degenerate as was the case with the gilets jaunes movement. It will likely be over in a few weeks (HOPING Macron will have given up on his useless unfair unwise reform that no one except him wants) but when there IS a strike, the whole country can be paralized.

I’ll put out (or +1 since someone has likely already listed): cute compression socks for long haul flights & long walks. There are lots of fun ones out there these days.

I am going to Paris April 1 and can’t wait. I would love you to post your packing list. Have a wonderful time with your sister and your mom .

I was just in Paris a few weeks ago and it was COLD! I live in a warmer climate, but still — yowza. I have incredibly warm fleece-lined leggings, and I wore those and a long underwear top under a dress, or a skirt and sweater. Wool socks and leather boots or tennis shoes. Long puffy coat, huge scarf, gloves. I found myself being too hot once I went into a museum or the Metro, though…so dress for how you’ll be spending most of your day.
Museum recommendation: Musee de la Chasse & de le Nature, in le Marais. It’s small and a bit weird, and not far from Centre Pompideau if you need to bail out for some modern art. :)

I agree with all the readers who suggest merino wool. If you buy something new, please make sure the merino is mulesing free.
Maybe also bring some lamb skin boots…? It will be cold and perhaps also rainy, so white sneakers seem like a very light option to me :-)
These boots are my favorite, I‘ve had them for many years:
https://www.crickit.de/boots/alle-boots/1940/levke-cognac

Have a wonderful trip 💖

Oversized cashmere sweaters (sometimes from the men’s dept), Uniqlo heattech under layers, and black skinny pants. Uggs if it’s super cold. Blundstone Chelsea boots if it’s moderately cold and I’m not walking too much. A voluminous scarf, a cute hat, and gloves! And usually a longer puffer jacket. The Uniqlo ones pack down so small.

Wow my mind is kinda blown by the comments. In Winter I wear a thin long sleeved top or thermal or shirt underneath a handful of thick wool jumpers which get washed once or twice a season (eek!). Assumed this layering was just the norm! Another situation where I realise that even the most basic, every day things are done differently by different people. Love to be reminded how different we all are!

Where is everyone finding warm boots that are comfortable enough for walking around and exploring Paris? I’d love some recommendations.

I am not a leggings person – I much prefer joggers (especially for the plane – not constricting!) Vuori performance joggers are the best in the world, hands down. So flattering, and they somehow look more elevated than other brands. Plus, the rise isn’t too high – they hit right around my belly button. I love wearing my black joggers out and about with my Vejas, tee shirt, scarf and jean jacket. Or, a long sleeve waffle knit sweater or top with a slim black puffer vest (i love mine from 32 Degrees) and joggers. You can always tuck the strings in and it makes them look more streamlined.

Wool, wool, wool. Bra, underwear and especially a long sleeve light wool sweater for travel days. After a full day on the plane it won’t smell and you can continue to wear it without washing if needed. I get the ones from j crew or banana republic but be sure it’s 100% all wool and not a bled. Bon voyage!

I love this post! My husband and I spent a week in Paris mid-February last year and it was a wonderful time to visit. It can be pretty cold and windy though and I was happy I brought my long wool coat (similar to this one: https://www.stories.com/en_usd/clothing/jackets-coats/woolcoats/product.relaxed-belted-wool-coat-beige.1026863003.html). I wore it all week with a scarf, and some days a hat and gloves as well. It seemed like the wool coat is the Parisian uniform for February! I also appreciated my merino wool Bombas socks and Blundstones (I like the “dress chelsea” style), which kept my feet warm and comfortable even with a full day of walking.

And because it’s Paris I can’t help mentioning the food… one of our favorite eating experiences was a wonderful prix fixe lunch at Le Mary Celeste, in the Marais. I love how prix fixe menus in France are just the perfect amount of food–you leave not stuffed, but satisfied and happy.

That ruffle neck tank top really took me back to my childhood (the south, in the 80s) when “dickies” were a fairly common wardrobe item in our house, for some reason. I think they’re actually quite genius, and I might have to bring it back!

I recommend photographing her and recording her share her stories about her time in Paris. Maybe even plan to check out the place where you all used to live and record her reaction. Life is so short – it’s so important to soak in all the details of our loved ones. Have soo much fun and big hugs to you and your beautiful mama, Jo!

Merino!! Jumpers, turtle necks and sweater dresses, I choose YOU! Warm, light, layerable, doesn’t get stinky!
With tights, a pair of leggings for extra cold days and ankle boots.
I layer my Uniqlo ultra light down gilet vest thingy under any coat
Lots of navy – agree that it’s nicer than black on most people. and looks great as a monotone look
And a big cosy scarf in a cool colour which brightens everything up and which you can also use for the plane.
Add some fun jewellery and bring some bright lipstick just in case the mood takes you and you’re set!
Have the BEST time! Xx

I would appreciate links to fashionable, warm scarves that would look great in Paris. I’m from So California and that is the one accessory I am clueless about. Can anyone help?