Packing is always tricky business. Packing for Fashion Week? Let’s just call that the mother of all packing jobs. First off, there is the difference in climate to contend with—transitioning from steaming-hot late-summer days in New York to the chilly, sometimes sunny (often downright freezing!) weather in Europe isn t easy. Then there is the more obvious challenge of trying to look fresh for the new season. (What better time to experiment with those crazy brightly colored Miu Miu animal-print blouses than now?) In any case, the pressure is on!
Personally, I hate overpacking. I’ve heard stylish women swear by traveling light (Coco Brandolini D Adda, Lauren Santo Domingo, etc.) over and over again. And after countless lost luggage situations—not to mention the heavy lifting of trunks on and off the Eurostar—I, too, try to keep things streamlined.
That said, packing too little, or forgetting the precise accessory, can throw you right back to the drawing board. Case in point? The brand-new black sheer Proenza knit sweater I was excited to wear one night to dinner, only to realize I had left the matching strapless black bra behind. So despite the fact that I’m not really into preplanning looks (I like to dress according to my mood), I try to be a little more, shall we say, focused when packing for Fashion Week. Here, my 14-point wardrobe plan for Paris Fashion Week.
1. Have a vague outfit plan for each day and night.
2. It’s all about outerwear this season, so pack a few good options. (I’m excited to parade my new black patent coat with its bright yellow faux-fur collar by British label Shrimps, and a Max Mara camel coat that I’ve been dying to wear since the summer.)
3. Don’t try to predict the weather, so pack a couple lighter options as well.
4. Have a couple of standout street style attention-grabbing dazzlers (my Miu Miu minis in yellow and black PVC, and those crazy animal prints) and . . .
5. A bunch of more basic ensembles: a pair of leather pants, a white cotton shirt, a black turtleneck.
6. Get a fresh leg wax and pedicure, but also pack the Wolfords.
7. Wear your new lavender-colored special-edition Nike Air Max as much as possible.
8. In fact, only wear flats during the day. Parisian transportation can be unpredictable, and walking along the Seine by foot is nicer anyway.
9. Keep the number of shoes you pack to a minimum, but cover your bases (a pair of boots, ankle boots, pumps, sneakers, and my favorite Givenchy chained flat boots.)
10. Dig out that beautiful old Meadham Kirchhoff slip dress. After all, slip dresses are definitely the next big thing.
11. Pack your kimono from Japan, even if it’s only been worn at home over your pj s. Call it boudoir chic.
12. Experiment with knitwear and hats.
13. Pack all your brightly colored eye pencils from NARS for a sharp lower eye contour and an otherwise bare face.
14. Keep a bit of room in your suitcase—a little shopping never hurt nobody, after all. . . . À bientôt!