How I Packed for a 3-Week Trip to Paris with Just One Carry-On & Plenty of Cute Outfits

This covers underwear, toiletries and any other personal/beauty items you may need. No matter the length of my trip, I always start with 14 pairs of underwear. That guarantees at least a week or two before I seriously need a washing machine. The caveat is that you will need said washer, but I’ve rarely been in a position where one was impossible to find.

As for toiletries, makeup and hair, I pare down everything to the absolute essentials. Here’s what I brought on my trip:

• Versed Hydrating Cream Cleanser ($13)
• Emme Diane HydraLuxe Cream Moisturizer ($40)
• Versed Good Defense SPF 50 PA++++ ($20)
• Idun Minerals Powder Foundation ($46)
• Typology Concealer Serum ($36)
• Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush ($25)
• Violette_FR Lip Nectar ($29)
• Altesse Boar Bristle Brush ($320)
• R+Co Elastic Styling Pomade ($39)
• Lily England Heatless Curlers ($25; $15)

Reflecting back, I ended up rarely doing my hair and could have left the curlers and pomade at home, but it was a fun and convenient way to do my hair for a few nights out. I’ve also gotten to a place where I could get away with concealer and lipstick—so if that’s you, too, you can always cut space there as well. What I absolutely wouldn’t skimp on: Cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen.

While I love a good sundress, the truth is that you’ll get more out of your limited wardrobe if you pack separates. The key is to keep things neutral and color-coordinated so you can maximize the mix-and-match potential. (These three Parisian fashion rules are a good jumping point.)

This is what I packed:

• 1 pair of flats
• 1 pair sneakers
• 3 sweater shirts
• 2 pairs of jeans
• 1 belt
• 2 button-up shirts
• 1 set of pajamas

It doesn’t feel like a ton, but by pairing different pieces together, I ended up with eight different outfits that felt varied but also consistent with my style. There were even more possible variations by mixing up the shoes and adding or subtracting a belt. For me the biggest hack, especially for transitional weather, is the “sweater shirt.” Instead of packing just one bulky knit, I opted for thinner cashmere/wool sweaters from Sézane that could be worn as shirts, or layered under another piece, like my trench coat, for added warmth on brisk days.

While packing, I was torn. I love dresses and prefer to avoid trousers if I can. However, you lose the ability to mix-and-match since the whole outfit is complete. Thus, I was sparing in my dress and jumpsuit selection, packing the following:

• 2 jumpsuits (1 linen, 1 denim)
• 1 dress (eyelet)

I could then sprinkle these complete outfits between my separates and feel like I wasn’t wearing the same thing all the time.

Since I was traveling in transitional weather—not quite spring, not quite summer, I did have some bulkier clothes I needed to tote, namely my Sézane trench coat and my denim jumpsuit. This was my travel uniform. Any time I was getting on a plane or a train, I wore this outfit with my sneakers, thus removing the most voluminous items from my carry-on suitcase. I’m also convinced that a jumpsuit is the best travel outfit. I know that the bathroom shimmying is a huge caveat…but if you can handle that, it’s an easy, stylish, secure and comfortable way to travel. My friend was raving about how nice I looked when I rolled into her apartment after an overnight flight.

I maximize my suitcase space by rolling up all my clothing. (For reference, I have Away’s The Bigger Carry On.) This dramatically reduces their volume, and I find I can fit double or triple the amount of clothing when doing this. I also acknowledge that I do wear a size 4/S, so my clothing may not require as much space as other sizes by default. Should you be absolutely trying to take advantage of every last square inch, I would eschew any one-piece items like dresses and jumpsuits to give yourself the most variety with separates. You can “cheat” by packing matching sets that also coordinate with each other, so you always have one full outfit à la a jumpsuit or dress, but then can pair them with other pieces, too.

And that’s it! Bon voyage. Your back will thank you.