My grandparents love to travel, and the next trip on their calendar is a riverboat cruise from Paris all around northern France. Their vacation is right around the corner, so I asked my stylish grandmother what fashion items are a non-negotiable in her suitcase and which new pieces she purchased specifically for the trip, and her responses did not disappoint.
From soft travel-friendly dresses to comfortable sandals, she shared with me her French girl-inspired travel wardrobe, with items from Sezane, Anthropologie, Amazon, and more. Shop the highlights of her suitcase, including a classic white T-shirt, an elegant wrap, her go-to travel jeans, and more, starting at just $10.
5 Best Picks From My Grandmother’s Travel Wardrobe:
Sezane Emy Dress
Sezane
My grandmother swears by the French fashion brand, Sezane, for easy-to-wear, comfortable travel staples. She’s planning multiple outfits around this midi-length T-shirt dress, from the plane to dinner out. The stretchy fabric and non-constricting side slits make it perfect for travel, while the elevated gold buttons add a sophisticated touch.
Promover Wide-leg Pants
Amazon
I convinced my grandmother to purchase my favorite petite yoga pants, and they’ve quickly become a staple in her travel wardrobe. These versatile bottoms are the perfect length for our short stature, and the wide-leg silhouette looks a tad more like trousers when compared to other yoga pants. With lots of walking tours planned, she can wear the comfortable bottoms and still look put together.
Pilcro The Alani Cashmere Mock-neck Sweater
Anthropologie
My grandmother also purchased this 100 percent cashmere mock-neck sweater to have on hand in case the weather requires an extra layer. The chic piece is an Anthropologie bestseller, made from a lightweight, “soft as a cloud” cashmere and featuring a relaxed boxy design that’s easy to style. She said she plans to throw it around her shoulders for a post-dinner stroll or during a day on the boat, enjoying the sea breeze.
33,000ft Packable Waterproof Long Rain Coats
Amazon
Fall weather can be unpredictable, so it’s better to be prepared in case of an impromptu rain shower. She’s bringing this packable long raincoat in a versatile, neutral ivory shade that will match any outfit. The coat rolls up into a compact bag that doesn’t take up much luggage space and can be thrown in a bag to carry around for the day. She especially likes how the sides of the coat cinch to give it a bit more shape.
J.Crew Relaxed Premium-weight Cropped T-shirt
J.Crew
My grandmother’s favorite white T-shirt was discontinued, and she’s been searching for a replacement ever since. She came across this best-selling J.Crew option and deemed it a worthy alternative. Inspired by the brand’s popular men’s tee, this cropped, relaxed-fit top is made from a soft, mid-weight material, and it’s currently on sale starting at $35. This option is selling out fast, but you can also shop the tee in other colors like black and ballet slipper, or check out this similar style.
Maeve The Colette Crop High-rise Wide-leg Jeans
Anthropologie
I can confidently say that my grandmother is the number one fan of Anthropologie’s Colette pants. She owns multiple pairs in different washes and raved that they are the only pants she needs to travel with. She loves that the denim pants are available in petite sizing and notes that they have a flattering high waistband and just the right amount of stretch.
Camila Paris French Hair Clip
Amazon
Being on the boat each day means lots of wind, so my grandmother is packing these clips to keep her hair out of her face. She says these $10 claw clips are great for those with thinner hair, and the chic tortoise shell design gives them a Parisian flair. She keeps one in all of her travel bags so she’s never without one.
Riiqiichy Scarf
Amazon
For dressier dinners, my grandmother says a wrap is an easy, packable piece that will elevate any outfit while keeping you warm. This best-selling option, which can be worn as a scarf, shawl, or wrap, is currently on sale for just $12. It’s available in 32 color options, and for that price, she recommends picking up more than one.
Born Kasady Shoes
Zappos
My grandmother doesn’t like the constricting feel of some closed-toe shoes, so she usually opts for comfortable sandals, even when traveling in the fall. She picked up this supportive pair from Born, made with soft, breathable microfiber fabric on the insole and a high-traction rubber outsole. The wedge heel adds a comfortable lift to the sandals that’s easy to walk in and can “be dressed up or down,” according to my grandmother.
J.Crew Sculptural Orb Earrings
J.Crew
One of my grandmother’s top travel tips? Leave the expensive jewelry at home. She opts for elegant costume jewelry instead, and one of her favorite spots to shop for affordable, sophisticated pieces is J.Crew. These luxe-looking orb earrings are available in matte silver and matte gold, and they’re currently on sale for just $30.
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