I Spent a Month Living in Paris—Watch My Style Evolve From Week to Week

There's something about airplane luggage restrictions that can turn even the most exuberant dresser into a minimalist. Recently, I spontaneously booked a monthlong trip to Paris with little time to plan. Because of luggage limits, I centered my Parisian wardrobe on a capsule wardrobe like no other. Everything I read and saw on social media told me French style was all about wardrobe staples, cheeky cardigans, and quiet luxury. While I came to Paris with that expectation, a conversation with a Parisian friend revealed the truth.

He told me over drinks in Le Marais that French fashion isn't exactly what Americans think it is. "It's about breaking the rules," he said. "Paris girls will never wear a full look. They'll put two things together that you would never expect. They'll even mix Zara with Hermès—they don't care." Hearing this halfway into my trip totally changed how I approached my personal style.

Although my style started out in the elevated-basics category, I watched it evolve in ways I didn't expect. During every phase of my journey, I thought to myself, "Wow, this is the new me," only to transform again the following week. Below, discover the evolution of my wardrobe week by week—you're guaranteed to be impressed.

Phase 1:

The capsule wardrobe I initially packed for this trip was centered on elevated and tailored separates. I lived in trench coats the first few weeks, and so did the French girls I walked among. Packing this way was essential because I could mix and match things an infinite number of ways and never feel like I didn't have something to wear.

Speaking of wearing things in more than one way, I packed a shirtdress I wore multiple ways. When I went out for dinner with friends, I wanted to wear it differently than I had before. Putting a skirt on top of my dress was the ultimate way to make the most of my capsule wardrobe.

Shop the look:

French girls love a suit, and I fully embraced that. But I occasionally wanted to wear something that would stand out among the sea of tailored separates. This suit had many details that set it apart from the rest: a cropped blazer, micro miniskirt, asymmetrical hem, and padded shoulders. I will definitely wear this outfit again now that I'm back in New York.

Shop the look:

Matching sets are ideal to have in your suitcase because you can wear them together or separately. I wore this set more than three times in different ways, but my favorite moment was when I put all of the pieces together. The leather trench coat was the added layer that made my look feel extra cool.

Shop the look:

Phase 2:

There are many sides to Parisian fashion, and while many women dressed in the elevated staples I mentioned above, fashion women knew how to make a statement. I took note of that in the second or third week of my trip and played into it heavily. Taffeta, volume, 3D elements, and lots of colors interrupted the quiet luxury staples I had been living in the week before. No matter how minimalist I get, there will always be a maximalist hiding within me.

French women are known for their love of vintage designer finds, and some Parisian friends showed me a few spots I fell in love with. The prices were unlike anything I'd seen in the States for cool designer brands. I found this vintage Chloé dress that made the perfect addition to my staycation at Hôtel Madame Rêve. If you want to stay at an iconic Parisian hotel, this would certainly be my pick, and you'll need a vintage-inspired dress for your stay.

Shop the look:

I never made it to the Paris Opera, but I spent some time loitering outside one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen while dressed to the nines. Hey, if you want something in life, dress like you already have it. I usually use these hair clips while I am doing my makeup, but they felt like such a vibe with my outfit that I decided to keep them in. The best part is they're only $5.

Shop the look:

As soon as I tried on this dress, I was convinced it would be perfect for someone to wear to a wedding. The bubble hem and bold sleeves earned me so many compliments. I'd do it again.

Shop the look:

Phase 3:

While the dramatic dresser was still living within me, I had to pull out the stereotypical French cottagecore wardrobe when spring came into full bloom. At this point, I only had a few days left in my trip, but I packed these items and was intent on wearing them. It was still too cold for French women to join me in dressing like this, but I heard they come around to this trend when the heat wave comes about in July. I'll be carrying these pieces into my New York wardrobe for sure.

I feel like a lot of midi and maxi dresses aren't super flattering, but this one most certainly is. It emphasizes an hourglass shape and makes you look absolutely stunning, so I highly recommend it. This is one of the dresses that I got the most questions on.

Shop the look:

I packed this dress in case any formal events came up. This trip ended up being on the casual end, so I never got to dress it up, but I just love having a dress on hand that I can wear for a normal day out on the town or to a formal gathering.

Shop the look:

Matching sets are a way of life, and something about this low-rise style felt so stereotypically French to me. This is another set you can wear together or separately, so I highly suggest you add it to your cart.

Shop the look:

This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.