What I’m packing for Paris - February 2023

I’m so fortunate to be able to go to Paris this February, so I’m embarking on one of my joys in life - packing 🙂

Paris was a trip my husband and I were looking forward in May 2020… little did we know when we booked that, Covid had other plans. Now nearly three years later, we’re finally able to make it back there, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. 

For this trip, I’m planning for dinners, some work events, museum visits, shopping, and a whole lot of walking. Weather in February can be tricky - it could be warm, rainy, or snowy - so I’m religious about checking the weather right up until I leave, and always bring options just in case things change, especially if I’m going to be at a destination for over a week.

Here’s a look at everything I’m packing on my February trip to Paris:

Luggage

We’re staying for two weeks, so I’m bringing all of my essentials: a Rimowa Essential Cabin, Louis Vuitton keepall 50, Rimowa Essential Check-In M, and Goyard Artois MM tote. 

We have both the Louis Vuitton keepall duffle in 50 and 55 - purchased second hand in Japan - and in my opinion the 50 is better overall for most of our trips. It fits easily into the overhead compartment if you’re flying, and isn’t so large and heavy to make it difficult to carry in the airport. We also have the keepall in Epi leather, and I’ve noticed that it’s slightly heavier than canvas and also shows wear more easily on the corners. I don’t mind it looking well-loved, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re more particular. If you’re going to invest in a Keepall, I would suggest checking reputable consignment stores, or purchasing in France or Hawaii. 

I picked up my Artois tote from the Goyard boutique in Japan on my last trip there several years ago, and it’s held up amazingly well on countless trips, and more recently serving as my daily work bag. It fits my 15” laptop very easily (although it does get quite heavy) with plenty of room for other essentials. I have a few smaller Goyard pouches that are helpful in organizing smaller items like keys, hair ties, earphones, etc. I also have a few Goyard St. Louis totes (without zippers) and those are great for travel too, but I appreciate that the zipper keeps everything in place under the seat of an airplane. 

My Rimowa luggage brings me perhaps the most joy, however, because of how nicely they glide through airports / train stations / hotel lobbies / etc - they are hands down the easiest rolling luggage to maneuver from any brand and are well worth the investment. Plus, they look great! I love the Essential line because they’re sturdy but light, and have a telescopic handle that is (in my opinion) significantly better than their T-bar handle. So far I haven’t had any issue with the Cabin size fitting overhead, and the white color still looks good after countless trips. BTW, My husband has an Original style check-in from Rimowa - and while it’s very beautiful, it’s way too heavy for me to travel with on my own. 

We put Apple AirTags in all of our luggage so we can easily track where our bags are - such amazing piece of mind 🙂

Coats

This could end up being a bad idea, but I’ve decided to bring three coats for my trip. One of the things I struggle with during winter trips is that all you see is your coat, so I like to have a variety for pictures…and so I don’t feel bored wearing the same thing every day. It’s supposed to be 40-50 degrees F, so I’m packing several wool coats and a tweed jacket. Wish me luck for not getting a cold streak and regretting my coat choices!

Staples - sweaters, trousers, and jeans

One of the troubles with winter travel is that knitwear tends to be very bulky. I’ve tried to limit my fluffiest sweaters to just a few, and pack more thin, warm knits as much as possible. Paris tends to be a city where people wear muted colors - greys, navy, black, beige, cream. All of my favorites 🙂So I’ve tried to keep my clothes in neutrals, and add some color variety with my coats. 

The year of the trouser is continuing into 2023, so I’m packing a few options. I think trousers work particularly well with sweaters, and can be styled up with heels for dinner and down with sneakers for walking around town.

Some of the thicker wool trousers are also great because they’re very warm - this Vasco trouser from The Row is so warm and (nearly) windproof. It has lots of stretch while never stretching out. And it’s on sale right now!

Shoes

Inevitably, I always pack one pair of shoes I will never wear. I’ve just resigned myself that this will happen on every trip. I’m not sure what they will be on this trip - but I’m packing a full set of options.

In the lineup: ankle boots to wear with bootcut jeans and trousers (from two years ago, similar here), white knee high boots, white sneakers for walking around the city, a number of slingbacks and flats in white and black, and a suede loafer in for the office and casual dinners.

Bags

Beyond my tote which I’ll bring to the office the days I’m working, I also plan on bringing some smaller options for sight seeing and dinners. I love mini flaps for travel because they’re light and easy to wear, and fit all my essentials like phone, sunglasses, wallet, lip, keys. It almost feels like I’m not carrying anything at all, and I can focus on being in the moment. The mini also transitions nicely to evening and this gray color goes with most of my evening looks (which are boring and black as usual :). 

Nights out

Lastly, nights out. I won’t have any truly fancy occasions, but will have some nice dinners and potentially a ballet to attend. So I’m bringing a few skirt and dress options that I can wear with tights and boots, and basically work with the sweaters I’m already bringing for day.
An oversized black blazer is always a good idea, and feels right for Paris. I also can’t wait to wear this long black column skirt.

And that’s a wrap! We’ll see which ones end up being the hero pieces of the trip :)