How to Pack for Paris

J. Crew

Is there ever a wrong time to visit Paris? Even in the freezing rain or unbearable heat, Paris is still, well, Paris. But Paris in the fall? C’est magnifique.

On the weekend agenda are romantic walks along the Seine, taking in a museum or two, sipping “chocolat chaud” outside Café de Flore, and wandering aimlessly throughout the City of Light.

From fashion week favorite Hôtel Costes on Rue Saint Honoré to Bohemian enclaves on the Left Bank, hotel offerings are aplenty. One of my favorites is L’Hôtel, a theatrically decorated boutique hotel right off the St-Germain-des-Prés that served as Oscar Wilde’s last home. It features an intimate lobby bar, a Michelin-starred restaurant and it’s walking distance to my favorite museum, the Musée d’Orsay.

Start Slideshow

1 of 12

iStockphoto

On my packing list are Parisian classics like a boat neck striped shirt, straight-leg jeans, black flats, and a faded leather jacket. They make for perfect walking staples that evoke the effortless style of the quintessential French woman (plus a little black dress for dinner at Le Meurice). Upon stepping into Paris, all men should channel their inner Serge Gainsbourg in a cool black pea coat, skinny denim and the perfectly tied neck scarf. C’est tout!