Deciding what to pack for a vacation you've been planning for weeks, months, or even a year can be stressful. One way to eliminate some of this stress is to pack a carry on bag, and to limit the pairs of shoes you bring.
I hear the ladies laughing now.
It seems insane but on our recent trip to France I packed ten days worth of weather conscious day/evening wear in my little roller! The only pair of shoes I brought were the ones I wore on the plane. There is method to my madness. To follow suit, there is the only concept you need to understand:
Versatility.
Packing a versatile capsule wardrobe takes some forethought. Being able to mix and match items multiple different ways is key to a light suitcase. For example, pairing jeans, a body suit, and a light layered sweater not only provides multiple styling options but also added warmth. Remove the sweater and you have a great dinner date ensemble. Exchange your jeans for a long maxi skirt and now you have clothing appropriate for visiting the Louvre or Versailles. This get's you most of the way there, but my true secret weapon when packing for versatility is...
Sneakers.
Yup, this is nothing new friends, we all own them. Most of us associate them with gym workouts, the laundry matte, or lounging in the park, but there is so much more to this type of shoe and I'm here to help you rethink it's possibilities! From biking the Seine, fine dining in The Marais, or strolling through the Jardin du Luxembourg, it is possible for the sneaker to be a perfectly acceptable choice for all occasions.
The Palace of Versailles, France
Chris and I walked seven to ten miles a day in Paris. At the very least, I needed a good pair of athletic shoes. That being said, I also didn't want to dress like a frump in one of the fashion capitals of the world! Wanting to pack as light as possible I decided my pink suede rhinestone sneakers from Aldo would be my go to. I was able to wear them with jeans, dresses, long skirts, you name it. Not once was I disappointed I didn't have a pair of heels with me.
These items supplied me with different outfits for five of the ten days we we're in Paris.
Below are some additional inspirational Parisian day to night looks I am completely obsessed with at the moment. These ladies are dressed to the nines, focused on living in the moment, and comfortable. This is smart, efficient, and chic travel fashion I just love.
Photos via: Figney | Stella McCartney | Modern Legacy | Vogue | Jolochei | The Impression | Jonathan Daniel Pryce | Nymag | CollageVintage | Nicole_ontrend | FashionMedley | Pairs
The more creatively you can interpret the flat the more fun you'll have weaving these looks together. Below are some sneaks I'm currently drooling over this Fall. Rhinestones, suede, and embroidery all help dress these athletic shoes up when you're traveling light.
What are some of your favorite styles for travel?
