December 10, 2025
If all goes as planned (which hasn’t been the case recently!), by the time you read this I will be heading to the airport with Belovedest for a trip to Paris. Belovedest is only going for a long weekend; I will be there for a week (yes, he’s tough, and we’re flying in First Class, so he should get some sleep on the plane).
I’m trying really hard to pack a tiny amount of stuff. When you vacation in the middle of winter, most of the world ONLY sees your winter coat, and even then, they don’t pay attention, and they don’t care!
Maybe the hardest thing to remember when traveling (or at any other time!) is that you are ONLY the center of attention in your own mind. So long as you are clean, don’t smell horrible, don’t expose anything that should be kept private – you’re fine!
This is how I will look in Paris. Bear in mind that people WILL notice my purple hair; if I’m going to be remembered for anything in my appearance, that’s it!
If the temperature is sustained well below freezing, I will wear my poofy mittens! Otherwise, gloves should be sufficient. My hands are sensitive to cold; I understand that’s from fibromyalgia?
But anyway! I decided that since I was packing a small number of garments, that I would pack/wear my very favorite things…
Pearl earrings – Nordstrom; Fair Isle cardigan – J.Crew; cotton turtleneck – L.L.Bean; loafers – Franco Sarto; velvet bag – LoveShackFancy; jeans – J.Crew
Please note that the sweater, turtleneck and jeans shown above are the EXACT SAME THINGS that I will be wearing on the plane, and then well into Friday evening in Paris.
And the cardigan is WONDERFUL. Frankly the quality of the wool is quite a bit nicer than any cashmere sweater you’ll find at a similar price. Worth remembering that it doesn’t have to be cashmere to be nice…
My handbag is a vintage Lulu Guinness that’s black velvet with black embroidery. It’s quite glorious! I don’t want to carry-on anything more than that; I’m not really coordinated these days, and I’m also getting to be stunningly forgetful. The less I have, the better!
I’m going to want to wear my Fair Isle cardigan more than once, so the first things I pack are chosen to get more wear our of it! And note that I have these exact shoes – the second I paid for them, I took the shoes laces out, removed the silly metal brand tag, and then re-laced my shoes. I try to avoid being anyone’s billboard!
The next thing that I chose to pack centers around purple – nobody is shocked!
Dusty purple turtleneck – L.L.Bean; dark twilight blue turtleneck – L.L.Bean; amethyst earrings – Latelita; scarf – Emily Carter; black cashmere cardigan – Lands’ End; black cords – Lands’ End; boots – Blondo
And it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t have some stripes with me!
“even” striped tee – Lands’ End; narrow striped tee – Madewell; earrings – Classicharms; Paris print scarf – Scapes by Elizabeth; cashmere cardigan – COS; ponte knit pants – Eileen Fisher
Here’s where it gets interesting – at least to me!
For at least 20 years, there’s been a “thing” among image consultants, style writers, and all kinds of people who are interested in figuring out what their personal style might be:
Choose three words that define your style:
Some writers will tell you that the first word must be an adjective.
Or that the third word is the KEY – and that the first two words should only define 25% of your style.
Or something like that…
Now, these aren’t the three words that I’ve chosen, but they are indeed three “style elements” that float to the surface of this suitcase:
Not exactly how to define my style, but certainly how to define my wardrobe!
What is your personal style, anyway, but just the clothes you like to wear? It’s tempting to complicate things with thinking about how you want others to see you, or where you want your career to go (your clothes will NOT get your a promotion).
My words? I don’t love the first one; maybe you can help me find a better one.
- Rich – as in richly textured, patterned, or made from a luscious fabric. Is there a better word than this? “Rich” rubs me the wrong way;
- Relaxed – if it’s not oversized, it’s probably not right for me. I wear oversized tops over oversized bottoms, although many people will tell you that’s a bad idea. I don’t care.
- Androgynous – I like to wear things that might be found in a boy’s or man’s closet. Yes, they might not wear a ton of purple, but they do wear tee shirts and turtlenecks!
Have you tried to define your style? I just got an email from one of you who has chosen “feminine, colorful, simple” as her style. She also listed her preferences or clothes and colors, what her neutrals will be, and what things she wants to avoid.
Would this be a useful exercise for you to try?
love,
Janice
p.s. Amazingly enough, ten years ago, I was packing to go to Paris! I have a hunch that this trip was cancelled when I came down with flu while on the train to the airport…
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Instead of rich how about opulent, luscious or lush. Enjoy Paris.
I was thinking “sumptuous”… Like luscious (a word Janice often uses) but with less of a “flavor/food” overtone. Although “luxe” isn’t bad either.
Yup, English major here, couldn’t resist! 😊
I thought of sumptuous as well!
My thought was luxurious instead of rich. Opulent works too!
That’s what I was thinking too.
I agree about opulent. Or maybe luxe.
Enjoy your trip
I really hope you’re well on your way to beautiful Paris right now. Your reports on what’s in the shop windows, the museums, food etc are always delightful.
I could live in this travel capsule- just substituting brown for black, ivory for white and some kind of bright blue or Kelly green for the other colors.
My words? Natural – but not oversized, classic- neat and timeless clothing, western- there will always be denim, western boots and the mountain town chic touches. There are certain hiking, skiing and outdoor outfits that work in many venues here in the western states. But oversized makes me squirm. I will wear pearls with a nice ski turtleneck and puffy vest. I will wear western boots with a cashmere sweater, blazer and jeans… silk scarf or pearl necklace to round it out. Preppy cowgirl maybe?
Enjoy Paris!
Preppy Cowgirl! I love it! ☺️
I just adore this…and am totally inspired by it! I am obsessed with the sweater. I had the most beautiful Dale of Norway sweater for decades that was quite similar…but since I’m no longer a size Small, I’ve passed it over to my daughter, who loves it. I am so happy that it continues to live on beautifully. It was a gift from my late husband sometime between 1999-2002 and it still looks great. With these expensive sweaters, made from excellent materials, they are truly an investment. With good care, they last and last. I am putting this one on my ‘to buy’ list!
I hope you have the best time ever in Paris…I’ve been at Christmas and it’s just magical. My family comes from Nancy…to the southeast of Paris and that’s also a breathtaking (but small!) holiday spot to visit. Je vous souhaite un merveilleux voyage!
You have inspired me to give my three personal style words a bit of thought. I’m not sure Aging Preppy Teacher has the right level of sophistication to it…
1. Interesting. Like you, something interesting about the colour, texture, pattern, even plain isn’t necessarily plain, but I can’t think of one word either.
2. Comfortable. And that includes footwear and being warm enough or cool enough.
3. Classic. Then clothes don’t ever look dated and serve their purpose longer.
I hope you have a fantastic trip and share all the details at some point!
My recommendation as a replacement for rich: sumptuous.
Bon Voyage!
Sumptuous was my thought too!
What about “scrumptious”?
ooh I like sumptuous instead of rich too. Elegant, classic, or luxurious would work. I’ve tried a few exercises to name my style and I think I’e narrowed down my three words to: Comfortable – I have to feel comfortable and not out of place, but also nothing scratchy; Colorful – needs to have some element of color or at least multiple textures; Casual – I work from home and don’t need to be dressy too often. If I have to be dressy, then comfort and color come into a larger role: soft fabrics, beautiful colors, elegant jewelry.
I would just use TEXTURED, since YOU know what it means.
😀
I agree with “texture”!!
My three words would be Vintage, Coordinated and Floral. The purple is lovely. Enjoy Paris!
I like “textured,” also. Love everything in your suitcase. Have a grand trip! One question, though: is that the only purse you are taking? Would a small crossbody be safer and more handy?
The pockets of my winter coat zip shut, so I just put my wallet and phone in my pocket, most days…
Otherwise you’re entirely right, a smaller crossbody bag would be essential!
hugs,
Janice
Such a wonderful wardrobe and sure wish I could buy all of it! But I could not travel, especially internationally, without one of my totes/convertible backpacks accompanying me, stuffed to the brim :) . So Janice, your minimalism is admirable. Even with my own physical considerations, my travel tote bag is always with me, filled with all sorts of travel necessities! (And extra clothes!)
Soft, minimalist with occasional peacock tendencies.
“Feminine, colorful, and simple” is me! Neutrals year-round will be all shades of denim/chambray, soft white or winter white, and a little navy. Accent colors are all cool-tone shades of green and purple. I’m also not opposed at all to wearing my accent colors head to toe or mixed together. My 2026 project is to continue tightening my wardrobe to fewer items but better quality. I love your travel capsule wardrobe, Janice! Have a wonderful time in Paris!
What helped me find my three words was watching Ellie Jean Royden’s videos on her Style Roots System. I love that analysis tool so much! My three words/Style Roots are Feminine/Delicate (“flower” in her system), Simple/Classic (“Mushroom”), and Natural (fit and materials) (“Earth”). I highly recommend her videos for pinpointing your style!
Fan of Ellie-Jean’s style roots, too. Mushroom x mountain x earth AKA the “rugged academic.” Hate the handle but the style is EXACTLY me! So much fun. That said, TheVivienneFiles will always be my first (and favorite) love. Janice, your travel capsule is fantastic, but, not being used to frigid winters, I’d have to exchange the cotton Ts for wool.
I also would go for ‘luxe’ or ‘luxurious’ instead of ‘rich.’
I’ve heard about the three words thing before, but I’ll have to do more thinking about what mind might be.
Practi-glam! Everything has to be comfortable, work well & make me look just right for the situation, whether it’s hiking pants or a ballgown. This is of course a bit aspirational, but I try!
Practi-glam!! Love it
So I looked it up (three words to describe my style) the article I read suggested the words fall into following categories: 1. practical or realistic 2. aspirational 3. emotional. I can’t do it in three words I don’t think! 1. colorful casual (see what I did there?) 2. bohemian 3. joyful
Have a great trip. One of these days……. Love your clusters.
I love this capsule…the fair isle sweater makes it…and I’m particularly in love with jeans and black….this capsule wardrobe takes it to the next level…
Enjoy your trip …can’t wait to hear what you find….
And yes three words….for my style…I’ll work on that while I recover from my ankle surgery.
Merry Christmas to all🎄
Janice,
Classic, casual, comfortable . Be safe and have fun !
Oh and one more C — a bit of Color !
I suggest the word “ luxurious “ . Shorten to Lux !
First class travel and a week in Paris?
I can’t imagine but it’s fun to do so!
I owe it to my mother…
love,
Janice
Have a wonderful trip! I am impressed that Belovedest is making that flight twice in a few days. Uggg! Love what you’ve packed. I could easily make that work for a week. I have tried and tried to pinpoint my 3 words. I like “Preppy Cowgirl” AK, but I am also a fan of oversize. Pictures of Linda Wright always inspire me. I do know what I like and don’t mind trying something a little bit different. The 3 word idea would be fun to see on TVF. And yes luxe or sumptuous seems like a better description than rich.
The actual flying is going to be lovely for him, in Aer Lingus Business Class – it’s their only “nicer” class of service, and it’s quite lovely. He will be able to sleep on the plane, fingers crossed!
hugs,
Janice
My three guide words for purchasing clothing, styling outfits are:
1)Interesting- can be a design feature, colour, texture, shape
2)Comfortable- no more shape wear, must feel good and fit right, can’t handle pocket flaps that don’t lay flat, sleeves that need readjusting, trying to avoid “faffing about” with an outfit, so put it on and done!
3)Functional- appropriate for weather, occasion, cleanable, works/flatters my proportions, the item “works”
Luxurious, relaxed,gamine
1)You love your luxury fabrics (cashmere,silk,well made items)
2) you picked the right word! Relaxed can apply to fit or style or lifestyle
3)Gamine is a better descriptive of your style than androgynous which is going down a whole other rabbit hole. Assuming you are a cis woman in a heterosexual relationship self describing as ‘androgynous’ isn’t the right word.
Gamine allows for the ‘guy’ vibe but also the feminine fabrics and accessories Check out Susan Blackey who has the gamine look down yet no one would accuse her of androgynous.
I think Audrey Hepburn is one kind of gamine. Love it!!!!
I don’t think being a cis woman in a het relationship precludes an androgynous presentation. I know people like that who are not in the least bit gamine (which to me implies petite and feminine while also spunky.)
My words are:
1.) Classic- which seems like a word you could use to replace rich as to me it means well made garments in natural fabrics before the advent of synthetics.
2.) Simple- no ruffles, bows, adornments and only a rare scarf from the men’s department in pure wool. Simple in color palette as well.
3.) Comfortable- fits perfectly and at the same time comfortably appropriate for the occasion.
It’s been really mild here in the City of Light. I’m not sure you’ll want that big coat!
Do you have any 2-week trip travel capsules for cold weather (no laundry machine unfort)? I tried to search through the archives but only found one made in 2017. Thank you!
Have a great trip!
The first word is tricky. If not rich, lush might be your best bet. Opulent sounds too maximalist. A white Mercedes is luxe but that’s not the vibe I get from you.
This sentence, “When you vacation in the middle of winter, most of the world ONLY sees your winter coat” would make me want to bring a really special coat, gloves, scarf and hat (and boots!) and make everything underneath it super plain. I just wish so much winter clothing wasn’t black. I get it, it hides dirt and goes with everything, but you end up looking like a shadow in the grey and the rain (I worry about pedestrian safety.)
I wanted to buy a yellow coat the other day. Unfortunately, it wasn’t lined and only had one button.
So, a definite no. But I did find a beige coat with a small check pattern the other day.
I have a kind of a gold-yellow raincoat and if I’m carrying an umbrella it’s usually leopard print. I live in Seattle so greys, blacks and even greens just make you blend in with the scenery. Alas I have 2 very gothy teens who dress all in black and I want to buy them retro-reflective vests or something because it’s already dark when they are getting off the bus from school. At least I have managed to get them to carry colorful umbrellas.
I hope everything went well and wish you a wonderful vacation.
I’m classic, colorful, and patterned.
Omg! The discussion about a better word than “rich” has me flashing back to the scene in Animal House where Mrs. Dean Wormer is explaining the difference between “sensuous” & “sensual.”
Classic movie.
I keep hearing to never wear jeans on a long flight. I don’t take too many long flights, but you regularly go “across the pond”, so you have more experience than I do. The reason I’ve heard has to do with body parts swelling while sitting and so jeans (actually any non-knit pants) don’t have the give you need to be comfortable. I love jeans. I wear them nearly every day. Jeans or Khakis. (Khakis being a style, not a color.) Thoughts?
I feel like that applies to tight 100% cotton jeans. But softer denim jeans with a small percentage of elastane in non-skintight cut seems fine to me. If you’re wearing your bulkiest items on the plane (a popular packing strategy) that often includes jeans…
Bonjour, Janice! Amuse-toi bien à Paris! And the dreaded (for us) “r” word! And you have totally gone above and beyond in service to your happy readers. (I just hope there is a way to maintain the archives as I consult them often.)
If you do move to Ireland, I imagine that to be a much calmer/relaxing place to live than the current sad state of affairs in what we jokingly refer to as “Canada’s basememt”.
Whatever you decide, I wish you everything good for the holidays and the year ahead!
Oops – forgot to say that quite a few years ago, 2 Vancouver, BC women wrote a book called “Style Statement”. I was lucky enough to go to one of their early promo sessions – after a series of very fun questions, they helped you narrow down to a 2 word style statement. The first word representing your 80% core with 20% being your unique twist.
I think “cultivated” might be a great first word for you – it implies refined, cultured, sophisticated, luxe, thoughtful, polished…..