I just did a live going through everything I packed for a 2.5-week trip across Brussels, Antwerp, Lille, and Paris. You can rewatch it here. I go through what I brought, why I brought it, how I thought about dressing across four cities without falling into the trap of overplanning or underpacking.
Let’s get one thing out of the way: I’m not a minimalist packer. Never have been. Never tried to be. I don’t get a thrill from fitting my entire wardrobe into a carry-on. But I also don’t bring things I won’t wear. My rule: if most of what I packed gets worn, then it was a good pack.
How I packed
I didn’t pack outfits. I packed moods i.e. a range of pieces that let me play, remix, and create friction in the best way possible. If you’re familiar with my friction formula, this is that, IRL.
Each item earns its spot by offering a distinct vibe. If two tops do the same job visually or emotionally, only one comes. Packing this way gives me the most creative freedom, which is what I want when I’m getting dressed in a new place every few days.
The vibes of the cities
Brussels: heritage, ring 3 tones, quieter
Antwerp: edgy, directional, black and bright
Lille: quaint, relaxed, soft classic
Paris: you already know. Iconic, polished, Paris
I didn’t dress for the cities, but I considered their energy in what I brought with me.
The numbers
11–12 tops
10 bottoms
3 dresses (and I intend to wear them!)
3 blazers or vest-alternatives
7 shoes
3 bags
Jewelry I may or may not remember to wear
Yes, it’s a lot. But everything is light. I’m checking in a bag, so it worked.
Why I pack this way
Because I love getting dressed. It’s a joy. A creative ritual. A way to play with identity, even on vacation. Especially on vacation. I wake up and think, “What feels fun today?”.
Some people say clothes should be the least interesting part of a trip. And I get it. But for me, how I dress is one of the most joyful parts. My outfits aren’t the main character but they’re definitely doing supporting actor work.
What’s next
Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll try to share daily outfit breakdowns and how I’m styling what I brought. If you want to follow along, make sure you’re subscribed.
Here is everything I packed. Some of the older stuff is sold out, but I included the links anyway in case it helps you find those items pre-loved. This post contains affiliate links, which support this newsletter at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support.
Thank you
, , , and many others for tuning into my live video! And thanks to those who catch the rewatch.
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