No, I hadn’t forgotten. Usually I write and post my travel wardrobe recaps immediately after my return from any trip, but I had such a backlog of Paris posts, and then we were into the holidays….it just kept getting pushed.
(Early) Winter Travel Wardrobe Review
But better late than never, oui? This was the smallest wardrobe I’ve ever traveled with, and even then I didn’t wear everything. But I always felt well and appropriately dressed, if not particularly imaginatively. The weather was unseasonably warm for early December, so I didn’t need to bundle up that much.
You can see my original travel wardrobe selections HERE. I did leave the brown boots behind, and took a second pair of black low-heeled boots instead. For a wildcard, I went “safe” and added my black merino wool Uniqlo sweater (similar). No other changes.
So let’s review the roster:
MVP’s
- Lands’ End packable down parka. Wow, did this ever turn out to be one of my best decisions! It was light, it was warm, and it’s a good-looking piece of highly functional outerwear. It was the only outerwear I packed, and worked brilliantly. In fact, I’ve worn it a few times at home for open boat rides on cold nights and cold morning dog walks. The navy color is currently unavailable, but may be re-stocked at some point.
- All of my pants choices (ponte knit | dark wash denim | black smooth denim) worked well, but the two pairs of jeans were what I wore most.
- The two pullover sweaters, navy cashmere (similar) and “wild card” merino wool (similar). Wore one or the other of these every day.
- The suede Chelsea boots. Comfortable, good-looking and (had I needed) weather resistant.
Pinch Hitters
- Navy cashmere cardigan. Wore this out for dinner a couple of times over the silk blouse (similar look).
- The other pair of boots I took was a few-years-old pair of Paul Green’s similar to these. They were a bit more casual, didn’t wear as often.
Benched
- The long-sleeved tees. It was too warm for this additional layer underneath the sweaters.
- The cashmere hoodie. It retired in Paris.
- The gloves. Never needed them. I did wear the knit cap out walking one night, but that was it.
However I’d pack the tees, gloves, and hat again for cold season travel, as the unusually warm weather was the only reason they weren’t needed.
Wished I’d Brought…
- A third pullover sweater, perhaps with a bit of color or pattern.
- I’d also take a page from the Parisian women’s style book, and bring a bag in a lighter neutral (taupe or tan?) next time to play off my darker pieces.
- If I’d been traveling for a longer period, I’d probably have wanted a second piece of outerwear for variety, maybe a wool coat in a brighter color?
I did not make any clothing purchases this trip, aside from this scarf.
Are you traveling this winter? Any favorites you pack for this time of year?
You can see all of my recent years’ travel wardrobes and recaps HERE.
