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As an American, traveling to Europe<\/a> is nothing short of a revelation. While we may marvel at New England buildings and landmarks that date back to the early 1600s, European architecture and history transports us to what feels like another world\u2014and in many respects, it is. One of the ways I anticipated that difference as I planned my 2 week carry on packing list for my trip to Paris and London last month? The fashion.<\/p>\n Having lived in Paris for a year prior, I anticipated many of the sartorial choices that would peg me as an American immediately. Whereas in Chicago I can comfortably\u2014some may even say, stylishly\u2014sport my sweatsuit to my neighborhood coffee shop<\/a>, loungewear<\/a> in Europe is reserved for the home. <\/p>\n But having recently entered my *maximalist* era, where color and pattern reign supreme, I was a bit out of practice when it came to dressing as the Europeans do. Thankfully, with time to strategize, I knew exactly what to take and what to leave behind for my two-week trip in a single carry-on.<\/p>\n Featured image from our interview with Janessa Leon\u00e9<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n Light layers, monochromatic color palettes\u2014and most importantly: prioritizing comfort. Because when you\u2019re in Europe, you\u2019re going to walk. A lot.<\/em><\/p>\n It had been seven years since I lived in Europe, so there was a lot riding on this return trip. Would I connect with the cities\u2019 busy, winding streets as I once had? Would I be able to navigate the metro system with familiar ease? Had too much time passed for me to expect to feel any of this at all? Of course, with so much anticipation, I wanted what I packed to be a source of comfort, inspiration, and fun.<\/p>\n Because here\u2019s the truth about getting dressed in Europe. While neutrals and darker colors may be the go-to choice, style is also a source of personal expression. There is a uniform, sure\u2014a sea of navy, black, and white\u2014but within this template can be found idiosyncrasies particular to the wearer themselves. An embellished pin on a lapel, a bright scarf tied around a bag, or a pair of glasses that make contacts irrelevant. <\/p>\n When it comes down to it, if you own who you are and your style reflects that, you\u2019ll fit right in. Why sweatpants don\u2019t work in Europe? Because there isn\u2019t intention behind the choice.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n In addition to exploring my own style and tailoring it to a European landscape, I had a few parameters that dictated my packing:<\/p>\n With these constraints in mind, these were my top three priorities when planning my 2 week carry on packing list:<\/p>\n I\u2019m someone who prefers to travel light. Not only do I not have to worry about additional luggage charges, but it makes going from plane to train to in-city transit easier. And while the suitcase has been lauded from just about every corner of the internet, I\u2019m here to confirm: my Away suitcase<\/a> has changed the way I travel. I purchased mine two years ago and it\u2019s been everywhere<\/em> with me. <\/p>\n What\u2019s great:<\/strong><\/p>\n What\u2019s not:<\/strong><\/p>\n Without further ado, I\u2019m sharing the 10 essentials that made packing a carry-on for two weeks in Europe easy and streamlined. Trust me, this is all you need for the ultimate European spring vacay.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s kick things off with a bang. No matter how much you prepare in advance, the unexpected can always occur. For me, that came in the form of boarding a super-packed flight from Chicago to London and having to check my bag. And then\u2026 proceeding to have that bag lost for three days. Thankfully, I could steal from my stylish best friend\u2019s closet. But this is your sign to maximize your personal item. I\u2019ve carried a trusty Everlane canvas tote for years that can fit my laptop, a book, toiletries, and an additional outfit\/pajamas so that I can feel a little<\/em> prepped should the worst occur. <\/p>\n Travel tip:<\/strong> Though I say maximize, you want to be sure you won\u2019t end up hurting yourself lugging your bag around on one shoulder. Keep your extra outfit lightweight and pack only the necessary toiletries: a toothbrush, hairbrush, cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF. If you want to add a little makeup to the mix, keep it streamlined with this glowy set<\/a> and mascara<\/a>.<\/p>\n On multiple occasions as I was packing, I asked myself: why didn\u2019t I book my trip for late spring\/early summer? That way, I could avoid the need to pack heavier layers like a coat. Well, with these tickets booked for months, there was no turning back\u2014and I knew I needed something to keep me warm on London and Paris\u2019 inevitable windy and blustery days. Enter: a lightweight puffer that packs down to a fraction of its size. It kept me cozy without feeling like I was prepping for the tundra.<\/p>\n Travel tip:<\/strong> Whether I\u2019m in Europe or the States, I always opt for black or navy outerwear. That way, no matter the outfit, my topper will always pair perfectly.<\/p>\n Washable silk is having a moment and I couldn\u2019t be happier. Not only do silk pieces look and feel totally luxe, but they take up minimal space in your suitcase. Trust me, it\u2019s my go-to fabric for transitional wear as it takes you seamlessly from winter to spring. This was the skirt that I packed in my personal item, and I couldn\u2019t have been more grateful for the forethought. <\/p>\n Travel tip:<\/strong> Pair with a silk cami, a simple white tea, or an oversized button-down. Outfit, made. <\/p>\n A disclaimer: I am not a hard-pants girl. You can catch me wearing jeans maybe 10 days out of the year, and even then, they\u2019re oversized mom jeans. Point is, when it comes to pants, comfort is key\u2014but that doesn\u2019t mean you have to sacrifice style or fit. I scored these pants (with an elastic waist!) for $70 five years ago from a vintage store in Portland. And if we\u2019ve hung out at least twice, it\u2019s likely you\u2019ve seen me wearing them. No matter what cut is in style, I find that a cropped, wide-leg pant is universally flattering.<\/p>\n Travel tip:<\/strong> Because I\u2019m petite, I like to pair these pants with a small heel so they don\u2019t overwhelm my frame. Whether you go for clogs, sandals, or boots, adding height is key.<\/p>\n No matter what shifting trends convince us to wear, BAGGU bags will forever stay in style. At home, I love using these to carry my groceries and I always keep at least one in my purse in case something cute catches my eye. While I was traveling, I stored one of these bags in my fanny pack to carry purchases and any layers I needed to take off. And I kid you not, my bag received no less than ten compliments from Parisians. That\u2019s when it clicked for me: even if the French often gravitate toward darker colors in the city, the love and passion for color is undeniably present. For proof, take a look at Merci\u2019s, the famed department store, visiting exhibit<\/a>.<\/p>\n Travel tip:<\/strong> If you\u2019re checking a bag, store one or two of these in your carry-on or personal item. That way, if your bag is over the weight limit, you have extra room to pull a few things out.<\/p>\n As a Christmas present a few years back, my mom gifted me this cashmere wrap that I\u2019ve hardly taken off since. While it\u2019s less of a style in America, many European women drape their scarves and shawls around their bodies for an added layer. On many an occasion, my Parisian travel companion and I had to run to make our dinner reservations. Without time to change, I simply pulled off my jacket and wrapped myself in cashmere. Easy and oh-so-elegant.<\/p>\n Travel tip:<\/strong> Use your wrap as a blanket to keep you warm on the plane.<\/p>\n I wear dresses year-round. In the winter, you can catch me with a made-for-spring frock layered over tights and beneath my coziest sweaters. The look feels feminine and stylish, while also being undeniably comfortable. It\u2019s just one of the many ways I like to romanticize my work-from-home life<\/a>. Similar to my silk skirts, these dresses packed down to nothing (so I didn\u2019t have to make the hard decision as to which of my faves would get left behind). Of course, when you plan ahead with layers, you can take this look from day to night with seamless ease.<\/p>\n Travel tip:<\/strong> Pair with tights, a sweater, and dress-down boots for the perfect daytime \u2018fit.<\/p>\n A well-fitting blazer is as timeless as it gets. When you want something a little more elegant than a loose-fitting sweater, a black blazer is a simple layer that\u2019s both functional and stylish. The goal here is to go slightly oversized. That way, should you need to add a layer beneath, you\u2019re all set.<\/p>\n Travel tip:<\/strong> This will easily become one of the key pieces in your wardrobe, so you want something that\u2019s soft but structured. And though the price tag may be on the steeper side, if we\u2019re talking cost-per-wear, it\u2019s absolutely worth it.<\/p>\n Let me count the ways I love this cami. Well, for insight, the skirt pictured above was my friend\u2019s and this is me rounding out day two of this trip\u2019s suitcase-less beginning. But with my black cami at the ready, I could pair it with just about anything in her closet. Whether it\u2019s pants or a skirt, silk tanks and camis are a universally elegant choice.<\/p>\n Travel tip:<\/strong> As with everything on this list, we\u2019re going for comfort. Your cami should rival your softest, most well-loved tee. If it\u2019s at all less cozy, it doesn\u2019t belong in your suitcase. (Or closet, for that matter.)<\/p>\n I initially purchased this bag in the summer of 2020, when I only had walks and hikes to entertain me. It was perfect for carrying my wallet, phone, a pair of sunglasses, and another Standard Baggu<\/a> just in case. Since then, it\u2019s become my everyday bag thanks to the ease of wear and the simple fact that I hate having anything in my hands when I\u2019m out and about (save for a Berthillon ice cream cone, of course). Bonus: While you\u2019ll have to turn your backpack around and wear it on the front of your body if you bring it into a museum, this bag already has you covered. <\/p>\n Travel tip:<\/strong> I learned the hard way that whatever you do, in London DO NOT refer to this as a fanny pack. \u201cBag\u201d or \u201csatchel\u201d works perfectly fine. For insights, read Merriam-Webster\u2019s take<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe Strategy<\/h3>\n
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Packing Parameters<\/h3>\n
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The Suitcase that Changed My Life<\/h3>\n
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My 2 Week Carry-On Packing List<\/h3>\n
![\"Isabelle](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/isabelle-eyman-black-tote-bag-865x1073.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA Roomy Tote (Maximize Your Personal Item!)<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/isabelle-eyman-light-black-puffer-865x1074.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA Light Puffer<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/isabelle-eyman-pink-silk-skirt-865x1153.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA Versatile Silk Skirt<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/isabelle-eyman-flattering-pant-865x1288.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA Comfy, Flattering Pant<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/isabelle-eyman-baggu-reusable-bag-865x1153.jpeg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nReusable Bags (That Even Parisians Like)<\/h2>\n
![\"Isabelle](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/isabelle-eyman-cashmere-wrap-865x1078.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA Does-It-All Cashmere Wrap <\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/isabelle-eyman-day-to-night-dress-865x1080.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nDay-to-Night Dresses<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/isabelle-eyman-structured-blazer-865x1077.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA Structured Blazer<\/h2>\n
![\"Isabelle](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/isabelle-eyman-silk-tank-865x1153.jpeg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSilk Tanks<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/isabelle-eyman-hands-free-bag-865x1075.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA Hands-Free Bag<\/h2>\n