Une recette parisienne.

‘We can't have you walking up and down the Champs-Élysées looking like a tourist undertaker!’

Sabrina Fairchild in 'Sabrina'

Non, we certainly cannot!

One of the things I looked forward to when planning my recent trip to Paris, was adopting the un parisienne style—even if only for my short stay.

With this in mind, I curated a day-to-night wardrobe, complete with shoes, jewellery, and accessories that helped my avoid the not-so-chic ‘touriste’ look. And yes—drumroll please—it all fit in my carry-on luggage (which may on may not have included a ‘handbag’ that weighed more than my carry-on suitcase)

La recette:

six (6) scarves - 4 printed silk + 2 cotton

deux (2) belts

dix (10) pairs of earrings + bracelets

trois (3) blazers - versatile colours and lengths that mixed and matched with the rest of my wardrobe (1 white and 2 black; 1 cropped + 1 longer)

un (1) trench coat

cinq (5) dresses - I opted for medium lengths including 1 special occasion dress

deux (2) skirts - 1 short and 1 medium length

trois (3) trousers - 1 pair of black (dark wash) cigarette jeans, 1 pair of black dress pants (also slim fit), 1 pair of navy capri trousers. All high-waisted.

six (6) tops - 2 casual long-sleeves, 3 blouses, 1 cropped ‘la marinière’,

trois (3) sweaters - including 2 cropped cardigans

cinq (5) pairs of shoes - 1 little white sneakers, 1 sandals, 1 black low pumps, 1 high black strappy heel, 1 black patent leather flats (I also bought a pair of slides as aforementioned little white sneakers gave me blisters on day 1! To avoid my rookie mistake, only bring shoes that have been worn in.

zero (0) leggings or athleisure wear!

I wore about 70% of my wardrobe and felt like I had plenty of options to coordinate and choose from depending on the weather, occasion, and mood/style of the day.

Here’s to dressing for Paris, when in Paris, and avoiding the ‘tourist undertaker’ look next time you travel.

Bon voyage!

S.K.