Packing for a Week in Paris

10 items, 10 outfits.

Ah, Paris. The city of lights and overpacking. Planning outfits for Paris is exciting but overwhelming. If you're like me, you like options on vacation. I never know what mood I'm going to be in and I want pieces for every occasion. That used to mean a very big and very full suitcase. These days, I've paired down. But I'm still prepared for anything.

Montmartre

Montmartre

Montmartre is set on a hill in northern Paris. It's a great spot to take your significant other for break-taking views of the city. Wander through the narrow, winding streets lined with small cafes and shops. Salvador Dali, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh were just a few well-renowned artists who had studios or worked in the Parisian neighborhood.

Photo by: Jürgen Roberg / EyeEm, Getty Images

Jürgen Roberg / EyeEm, Getty Images

Here's what I've learned: Pack in a color palette. You'll be able to mix and match every piece and reuse pieces for different outfits. You won't pack as much and that will give you more room for buying new pieces and souvenirs.

I got together with editors Liz and Marianne at our sister site HGTV.com and we came up with a neutral palette for Paris with a classic pop of red. We took 10 clothing items, four pairs of shoes, two scarves, one headwrap, one hat, and came up with 10 outfits for every scenario, from museum hopping to midnight dinner.

Watch the video below and get outfit inspiration for your trip to Paris this summer.

Packing for Paris
Loading Video...

Next Up

25 Dollar Store Pack Hacks

Pack smart and save $$$.

Fellow Traveler: Atlantan Sarita Alami

Find out why dental floss is always in this business traveler's kit bag.

3 Hat Tricks That Are Lifesavers

Finally pack a hat without crushing it.

Is This the Future of Luggage?

Robots, scooter bags and more.

Fellow Traveler: Stylist Marion Jones

 Have scissors, will travel.

3 Wine Cork Hacks for Travelers

You'll want to save those #WineWednesday corks.

Fellow Traveler: Photographer Bjorn Johnston

This Aussie on the go keeps things streamlined in his motorcycle kit bag.

Fellow Traveler: Army Veteran Ray Travis

Our photographer's dad packs for California.

9+ Packing Essentials for Summer in Thailand

The Land of Smiles is friendly...and hot.