From city to coast and back again, knowing what to pack and packing well so you don’t have a ton of suitcases to weigh you down while traveling on the train is the goal, and I am tickled to report, this particular trip I did the best I have done with packing. Only two items were never worn, and everything else put on repeat, mixed and matched with no clothing needed to be purchased to make myself comfortable. Wahoo!

A bit of background of my experience traveling to France, specifically Paris and Brittany and traveling during this time of the calendar year:

This was the seventh time I have traveled and spent time in Paris and the second time in spring, but in April, not in March. Regarding Brittany, I have only ever visited once before and only for a few hours during a study abroad program 25 years ago. So while I knew about what type of coast, not necessarily beach, I would be experiencing, I referred to my trips to the English countryside for wisdom on what to pack, and it definitely helped.

So let’s get packing and traveling, shall we?

I have included a list of items I highly recommend and am so glad I packed, and do some shopping for you as well, so you too can add items that are similar (or exact in certain cases if the items are still available) to your wardrobe and packing list.

Brittany in March (NW France)

A quick recap of where exactly I went and stayed in Brittany as different areas will have slightly different weather, however, always be prepared for rain. They say that if it’s not raining, the sun is crying, so that should give you an idea of the weather report. Which, as long-time TSLL readers will note, I love the rain, so right up my alley. I stayed in north Brittany near Perros-Guirec (photo of the famous Ploumanac’ lighthouse near the town is seen below), and you can explore all of where I went and saw here in the two Travel Diary posts shared back in March (here and here).

I stayed here for eight days and seven nights, taking walks on the coast every morning, and then toodling about the many different villages before snuggling in back at my cottage for the afternoons and evenings.

Necessities that served me well:

Le Chameau short wellies

A trusted French Wellington rain boot worn by the likes of Monty Don and the Princess of Wales, these boots as was spotlighted during a past TSLL French Week Wellies, are available in oodles of different colors, linings, styles and heights. Having packed and worn full-height (knee-high) wellies when I travel to England, last year I purchased these short wellies and wear them often around the garden. To save space, I wanted to give these a try on my trip, and it was a very good idea. They provided what I needed from a rain boot without taking up too much space in my luggage. You will see the ones I wore in the photo below, and this stye (short) is very flexible and comes with reliable traction so you don’t slip.

My short wellies in marine blue from Le Chameau

~Available in four colors, navy (marine blue) and olive seen here, black and cherry red are also available.~

A proper Bretagne rain coat, Bermudes (from Armor-Lux)

One clothing detail I quickly realized would be a nice upgrade especially since I was walking in whatever the weather happened to be was a proper rain coat. And by proper, I mean, not only would it keep me dry, but it would keep me warm, so lined with a cozy felt-like fabric. Since the rain coat I had packed was purchased 15 years ago, it was time for an upgrade, and I did just that.

At a local boutique situated right by the shore in Perros-Guirec, La Goélette (it opened in 1970 and continues to be a favorite of travelers and locals), it sold the top Breton and Normandie clothing brands – St. James, Armor-Lux (Bermudes is a sub-brand of Armor-Lux) and many more. They had oodles of styles, colors, you really could just satisfy all of your Breton stripe desires in this shop – shirts, scarves, coats, sweaters, you name it. Needless to say, the saleswoman helped me find the right size of the navy Bermudes rain coat (an XL because of my broad shoulders and long arms), and the price was not that bad, under €200 (the price online is twice as much). Now, I couldn’t find these exact coats online, but below is the closest in style to what I have, but still a true Bermudes. They are made in Brittany, and while these are for everyday folks, they also make the professional raincoats for what we would call the Coast Guard and fishermen.

I absolutely love this coat, it’s warm, but not too. It definitely breaks the chill of the cold sea-air wind, and the exterior isn’t shiny, but rather matte (much more to my preference). There are oodles of pockets and a hood (not detachable).

I continue to wear this coat now that I am back in Bend as it is ideal for our early spring weather which is still cold (a brisk breeze in the morning), and sometimes rains. I can see myself wearing it again come autumn as well, but likely not winter as I will need something warmer. However, if you are visiting anywhere along the coast with moderate temps – Britain or France – this is a coat you will have for a lifetime. High quality.

A Breton long-sleeve top, bien sûr !

Well, this is was a no-brainer, and I was tickled to be in the countryside that brought these beloved stripes to the world – Breton tops are from Bretagne ! Needless to say, my top of choice underneath my coat were one of the three I packed. As we know, we can purchase these from so many brands, and especially this season as nautical stripes are en vogue (when are they ever really out of vogue though, come on! ;)).

I have shopped a few different brands below.

Saint James: the Minquidame Breton stripe shirt or the Meridame II authentic Breton shirt (oodles of different colors available for each style)

Armor-Lux’s Marinière manches 3/4 (four colors), Marinière boutonnée (two colors) or Marinière “Lesconil” (oodles of colors)

I lived in Boden’s Ella long-sleeve Bretons. Below are many other Breton tops colors – the short-sleeve Ella, you can shop here.

Paris in early and mid March

Now to Paris where I wore many different clothing items AND utilized a very-dependable accessory that will always be in style and won’t break the bank. Let’s talk about how to dress well (for style and comfort) in March in Paris.

While the blue skies in Paris were gorgeous, prepared with the knowledge that it was still March prompted me to pack a very important accessory that turned out to be worn just about everyday of the trip. Seen in the photo at the top of the post and below, my large ivory print cashmere scarf was necessary with the frigid wind that blew in that gorgeous weather. Because that wind was cold! Oh my goodness. Again, I was there during early and mid March, and while on two days, the temperatures eventually reached 60 degrees Fahrenheit, those same mornings were chilly even if the wind wasn’t blowing.

I will let you take a look at the few photos I captured of three different outfits I wore: (1) Returning from shopping on the left bank at various shops including Le Bon Marche. A cold, but beautiful day; (2) Heading out in the evening to a classical music concert at a small église near Shakespeare & Co., very informal and included a walk along the Seine; (3) dinner at Hestia with dear friend Veronique who now lives in Spain, but who lived here in Bend for many years and helped me decorate Le Papillon.

The Tote to Have for Everyday Toodling About (that includes all sorts of shopping)

Longchamp’s Le Pliage classic canvas tote, large

I shared a couple of years ago during my trip to Paris last time that I needed a reliable and versatile travel tote, and then during the following trip to Britain I brought with me for the first time my Longchamp navy canvas tote that I found on consignment and love (it has a 11″ drop which I need for my long arms, the standard now for the drop is 9″). Following the most recent trip, I thought I would want a larger one, but this trip solidified that nope, the large size is PERFECT!

I slung this tote over my arm everywhere I went. It was perfect for placing my shopping treasures in without lugging around the bags given to you at the shops. You didn’t look like a tourist, and it wasn’t large and bulky. Lightweight and also nearly indestructible with the canvas, I would throw my heels in here for dinner to meet Veronique as I walked to the restaurant (and through the Louvre) in my Adidas sneakers. I put my small crossbody bag in here when the tote was empty, the gifts for the TOP Tier members to bring to our dinner, and anything else I needed to carry from one place to the next. For $155, this tote will be with you for a very long time, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly.

I also used this tote for my handbag while flying, tucking again my crossbody small bag inside, while then bringing on board my carry-on duffle/suitcase. Since my new carry-on holds my computer and toiletries, unlike what I thought I needed (a larger tote), the large Le Pliage is perfect and transition well from flying to shopping about Paris. 🙂

Comfortable and stylish leather sneakers

My go-to sneakers: Adidas’s Japan retro sneakers

As I included for episode #400’s Petit Plaisir, Adidas’s Japan sneaker in warm sandstone & cream and white were worn constantly throughout my eight days in Paris. While I did not wear them in Brittany in order to keep them clean but also because I wore my wellies most of the time anyway, these sneakers were perfect for city walking. I shared all of the details as to why in this post. And you will notice, my laces are sandstone and not white. An awesome detail that comes with your order are two sets of laces, so you get to decide which color you want. I prefer the streamlining of the color to make it look a bit more polished, as much as possible for a sneaker. 🙂

Hugo Boss’s relaxed-fit trousers in wool, navy

Normally when I fly, I wear a dress, a jersey midi-dress that is slimming, yet super comfortable, enough to sleep in. And while I will continue to that during warmer months, during early March, leaving from a chilly Bend, I wanted a bit more warmth. However, I had to keep the sale.

I chose these wool trousers that have an elastic waist and fell in love. Don’t let the fabric of wool scare you away if you are assuming they are too heavy. Nope, this is the most light-weight wool that feels almost like silk on the skin. So lovely, and drapes beautifully. I wore the tanks you will see below and pull on a jacket over the top, and along with my sneakers and scarf, this was my outfit for traveling.

Out and about in Paris, I loved wearing these pants, tucking a long-sleeve button-up top into them and then throwing my long gray trench over the top. Again, paired with sneakers, I was comfortable and able to walk everywhere, but also looked en vogue in a neutral way (nothing too flashy for me ;)).

There is a ribbon waist tie inside the waistband, so you just cinch that in, and tuck it inside, so the pants stay fitted and to the length you want. I literally lived in these – walking, sleeping (on the plane), and traveling quickly through the airports.

Hugo Boss’s Straight-Leg Trousers in Wool, Navy

Similar to what was shared above, these trousers are so light-weight, you don’t feel like you are wearing wool, thus why you pay a bit more. 🙂 I absolutely love these trousers, and wore them to TSLL’s TOP Tier Member dinner in Paris at Benoit. Currently, the navy may be sold out, but I am fairly confident they will restock, as it is a perennial favorite. The length as well, for someone like myself (5’11”) is perfect and I wore them with 3″ heels. Slimming, comfortable and not too low-waisted.

Currently, three colors are available.

One nice, long-sleeve blouse

Having the option to dress up with a blouse paired with trousers was a nice alternative to a dress should the weather become poor, or extremely cold or I just wanted something easy to walk in. While the blouse I wore from Veronica Beard is no longer available, choosing a neutral hue that paired well with navy was my trusted choice. In fact, my blouse had thin stripes (you can see it in my second Travel Diary post of the trip as I wore it to our TOP Tier Dinner at Benoit).

Veronica Beard’s Silk Button-down Shirt in Ivory

Layering striped cotton tanks/tops

Banana Republic Factory’s Ribbed Racer Tanks (on sale)

Underneath my blazer or my sweater coat (I will share that below), I wore these super comfortable (and very affordable – $15-18) racer tanks. White, navy and taupe (although they describe the taupe as gray, it is actually a nice rich beige), they have many other colors too. I sized up, and ordered a large as I didn’t want it skin tight (ordered one medium and one large, discovered I loved the large and ordered three more in all of the colors below in that size). I also wear these often at home around Bend, again, usually under a blazer. The crew neck is nice for both warmth and keeping it casual, yet dressed well without needing much jewelry.

Knit-sleeve, zipped jacket with cowl collar

A couple of years ago I purchased the coat I wore from Reiss (they no longer sell it, but I found a similar one below). It is super warm, hits at the waist, has a large cowl-neck collar that can be zipped all the way up to look like a turtleneck or left partially unzipped as you would a coat. The sleeves, similar to the jacket below are knit/sweater fabric.

I found this jacket to be ideal for traveling on a plane in early March because it kept me warm, layered well over my tank, but wasn’t too large to get in the way as perhaps a trench would do. It also complemented my navy wool pants and sneakers.

Varley’s Delfern jacket (large size still available)

Oversized blazers in neutral colors

When I wasn’t wearing my trench coat, or traveling on the plane, I was wearing my oversized wool navy blazer from Reiss. Paired with my large cashmere scarf, I was definitely warm enough in Paris, but not too much.

A blazer is a great alternative for packing purposes, but also for dependable style. Choose the fit and length you prefer, I try to make sure I can button close it especially if it is going to be a bit chilly so I am not constantly pulling my blazer closed while I walk (even though it is usually left unbuttoned otherwise), have it tailored if necessary to complement your waistline – a little nip is always a good idea as some oversized blazers are bit too boxy, and if you make it a neutral fabric – whether solid or tweed/houndstooth – you will be able to pair them with just about anything – pants, jeans, all sorts of tops, etc.

I have shopped a few blazers for you below.

—SHOP THE BLAZERS Shown Above:

Two Belts – one wide, the other traditional width, two different brown hues

Keeping it simple, but also making sure I had the ability for function and style, I packed my large three-inch light beige belt I purchased from Sézane about three years ago (unfortunately, no longer available, as it is a lovely belt), and my everyday medium brown belt for jeans when I was in Brittany. Here are two similar ones:

Sézane’s Clarence belt in camel

Altuzarra’s Hardware Belt, Tobacco, on sale

Nili Lotan Nilli Belt, dark brown or black available (on sale, use code STYLE to get 15% off)

An oversized trench, midi-length

What I loved about my new oversized trench is that I could wear anything underneath it, and it draped well every time. Part of the reason it draped well is because when you tie the belt around your waist, the design of the front flaps gives you structure as well as holds the entire coat in place. I had my eye on this J.W. Anderson longline trench coat in dark grey since last September (they are made in Italy), and when it dropped to 70% off in December (so, just under $700), I scooped it up. There are still sizes available, and some are on sale.

To make sure you choose the right size, you can look at the exact measurements of the coat so that you can size down as you need. I am wearing a US 8/UK 12, and probably could have sized down to a US 6 if I wanted to be a traditional cut (not oversized). The coat is lined, and heavy as there is a lot of fabric, but once you are wearing it, it doesn’t feel heavy because it is spacious and easy to move in. Perfect for spring and a winter in the city. It has a deep v-neck (see second photo below), so perfect for wearing with a scarf (or not!).

Here is the trench on a model, and this particular one is on sale. Shop here.

Linen long-sleeve pajamas

I so appreciated having my white linen pajamas on this trip. First, because I packed them on my carry-on and wore them on the plane, but also because when my luggage was lost upon arriving in Paris, I had my pajamas with me to take a cozy nap in at the apartment as well as sleep in both in Paris and Brittany. They kept me warm, but not too, and they were great for lounging about in as I eased into the day.

I am becoming a bit of a broken record on this brand, but I love these linen pajamas from Serena & Lily (four solid colors, one stripe color). As I shared last fall, when S & L were having a surprise sale, I purchased two pairs of these pajamas for a total of less than $100. Having worn them for more than ten years, the order this fall was my replacement order as finally my previous two pairs wore out, they are long-enough in the inseam and arms (I wear Medium), and they can be worn year-round.

Fingerless long cashmere gloves

With it still being cold, but not freezing, wearing these cashmere gloves without fingers was perfect (mine are about three or four years old from J.Crew, and need to be replaced, but still function very well). Make sure the gloves are long, meaning they cover your entire wrist, so if your sleeve moves, no bare skin is revealed. I wore these both in Paris and in Brittany and will always remember to pack them in the future for spring and autumn visits moving forward.

Eric Bompard is a well-known and trusted French cashmere company, and while the gloves aren’t cheap, you will love how they feel and have them years. Shop the four colors here.

A Shirt or Sweater dress

One of the two things I didn’t wear, but did pack, was a midi-length sweater dress (one I have had for three years and love), and a pair of heeled knee-high boots. That was it. And if I hadn’t worn the shirt dress you see in the photo for dinner with Veronique, I would have worn the sweater dress. However, in the evening Paris was becoming warmer and warmer by the end of the trip, so a sweater dress wouldn’t have been that comfortable. This ivory shirt dress from Joseph provided a neutral option that I simply cinched with a large dark beige belt, wore with nude pumps (from LK Bennett – super comfortable), and a long necklace and that was it! comfortable, timeless, perfect. The sleeves are wonderful in their touch of something special, but not too much, and the fabric buttons, yep, that adds a nice finishing touch.

Shop Joseph’s Viscose Twill Dress, on sale

LK Bennett’s Floret Nude 2 pumps (3.3″/8.5cm), more colors

Two Pairs of Jeans – a dark and a lighter wash, with different lengths

Depending upon the coverage I needed or the color I needed, I was set with these two pairs of jeans. Both were high-waisted, one was boyfriend and one was straight-leg. Below are similar jeans.

AYR’s The Stir, hits just above the ankle, many washes and mid-high waist

Madewell’s The Perfect Vintage Jean

Citizens of Humanity’s Baretta Relaxed Fit Straight Leg jeans

A large cashmere scarf or stole in a neutral (light hued) color

The key I have found with this necessary accessory, is buy just one or two when you can afford a high quality cashmere scarf that is large and you love the color or print. I have two now in my rotation – one that you see in the photos above from Sharon Santoni’s My French Country Box, and another that is gray and blue that I picked up in Britain a couple of years ago. I wear them frequently all winter depending upon my outfit, and as it turned out, for my trip, this beige option was the perfect color and comfort level.

Because you will be wearing it constantly, you want it to feel wonderful against your skin. In fact, you want it to be so lovely you don’t really think about it so you can go about the business of enjoying your trip. 🙂 I trust Eric Bompard’s quality, as mentioned above. While an investment, they will last for a very long time and won’t pile as I take mine (I have one from 13 years ago) regularly to the dry cleaner each year. What I also appreciate about their scarves is that the fringe isn’t excessive, therefore, it doesn’t get in the way or get trapped in your zipper or buttons.

Eric Bompard’s classic solid small cashmere stole, many colors

Eric Bompard’s Printed Stole, beige & light pink

Eric Bompard’s printed Stole in Autumn White & Admiral Blue

Takeaways that I Learned

My color palette worked well

As you probably noticed, I kept my clothing to a consistent color palette – beige, navy, white, taupe, and grey. This helped for mixing and matching based on what I needed to best suit the weather. Nearly all of my clothing items were viable options because I could throw a warmer coat over the top or a less heavy coat depending upon the temperatures outside.

Simple, yet well-made shoes

I wore very few shoes. Two in Brittany (my wellies and walking shoes – basic Nikes), and two in Paris (my sneakers and my heels). That was it! Like I shared above, I did pack a pair of tall boots for the city, but didn’t wear them. Since I knew this trip was about doing a lot of walking and exploring, I didn’t make the mistake of packing too many fancy shoes, but rather neutral shoes – one for wearing with my dresses or a dress pant, and the other for walking around with ease.

Jewelry was kept simple and it worked for every occasion

I never once left my apartment or cottage without some sort of jewelry, but it was the same jewelry every time, just sometimes less or more: my gold thick, yet small hoop earrings, watch, diamond single strand delicate necklace, and/or my large chain necklace seen being worn at Hestia. Knowing they would work with whichever outfit I chose should I choose to wear it, made the decision making simple.

Louise Damas small hoop earrings (from My French Country Box)

The earrings I wore the entire trip.

Niiki Paris, Calypso necklace (three colors), I am wearing the beige

By well once, wear forever

While the ‘forever’ may be a stretch as after two decades an item might wear out, this rule of thumb has honestly served me very well. I am still building and adding a few things, waiting for find exactly what I need and then saving up, but when it comes to my cashmere scarves and my trench coat, these items were well worth the wait and will be with me for many decades to come. Similarly, my Longchamp tote, it looks brand new, and I purchased it on consignment. I use it regularly here in Bend and everyday while traveling. Well-made, perfect for the functionality I need, and versatile.

Once you know what you need for how you like to travel so you feel both comfortable and well dressed for the occasion, then you can know what you need and be on the look-out for it. For some items, it may take years, but for others, it may happen in an moment, and because you are confident that you will wear it and it will work perfectly, you feel confident to invest.

Letting go of being too concerned with being stylish

This may sound sacrilegious or it may come as a breath of fresh air, but so long as I knew I was dressing well for my needs, being thoughtful about the occasion (for example, I wore a dress to the Louvre to see the Couture exhibit), I stopped worrying it was enough. No more tugging or fretting about whether I was stylish enough for Paris. I know I will never be the ‘best dressed’ in the room in Paris, but I am confident to trust that I know how to dress well for my body. That’s enough for me. I am wearing what makes me feel good, and I also know how much thought (quite a bit) went in to choosing, purchasing and then packing my wardrobe. It is now time to enjoy the trip and wherever I found myself and my wardrobe became a supporting character in that journey. For that I am grateful.

Simple is the way

While I have always professed a simple approach, it has taken time to really whittle down my closet, something I have finally been able to do with great earnest these past three years now that I am not teaching and not needing lots of work outfits for the classroom as I always wanted to look pulled together and professional. Admittedly, working from home has made pulling my wardrobe together with quality items easier, but not any quicker. I now live in blazers for spring and autumn, so layering is my approach, finished off with a simple scarf, a pair of jeans and sneakers, loafers or ballet flats (pointed toe). Dresses are usually shirt dresses, and I keep to a neutral palette, and my trousers are typically navy or sometimes beige. The accessories as well are simple, and few, which gives me permission (I tell myself) to buy well when I know what I will wear with multiple outfits, case in point, the single diamond delicate necklace (I wear this regularly for everyday and dressing up).

Upon reflection, the confidence I have begun to find in my daily wardrobe here in Bend helped me pack for my recent trip and gave me the items that I could mix and match well without packing too much.

I hope this post helped to provide insight into the type of weather you will be dressing for when you head to Paris in early spring/late winter, as well as ideas should you head out to the Brittany coast. If you have any questions at all, or if I forgot something, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments and I will be happy to answer. Bon voyage!

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