I Only Brought 9 Pieces On My 5-Week Vacation In France And Here’s How I Did It
Photos galore!
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by Carolyn Firestone
I dream of packing the perfect suitcase. The minimalist kind you see on social media where everything fits in a carry-on yet every outfit is somehow impeccably styled.
Well friends, I’ve been influenced. A couple months ago, my niece sent me this TikTok about a very Marie Condo-esque packing technique called the Sudoku packing method. After watching it 8x for the organizational porn it was, I thought, “hmmm, perhaps I should put it to the test.”
With a two-week trip to France coming up, I pitched the idea to my editor. I would pack, using this new Sudoku grid and provide an honest review … for better or for worse.
After all, what could be more French than the unbelievably efficient packing of one’s favorite, chic, staple pieces into a compact suitcase? My boss signed off on the idea, and at the risk of spoiling the ending, I must tell you, I may never pack another way again.
THE Method
Ok, here’s how it works (don’t worry, it’s actually pretty simple). From left to right, line up an outfit in the following order: top, bottom, layering piece (or you can do a pair of shoes instead). It should look something like this:
Below that, lay out a bottom, a layering piece, and a top. So now you’ll have two rows that look like this:
Finally, lay out a layering piece, a top, and a bottom to complete your grid like this:.
What you’re essentially doing is creating 3 rows and 3 columns of complete outfits. So it works like this:
And this:
That’s it. That’s the method. Can you swap in an extra pair of shoes instead of a layering piece, because it’s the deadest of summer and even a bikini top feels like too much? You can. And I did!
Can you choose multiple colors or prints of each basic so you have more options? Absolutely!
Can you mix and match and go zig zag and diagonal to create more looks? Of course!
The idea is you’re creating a solid base of outfits that are all multi-use. Every single thing you pack is therefore a critical piece in any chic, summer uniform.
THE CLOTHES
And now, of course, we must get to the clothes. Here is exactly what I packed using the Sudoku packing method. Remember, versatility is key, so everything had to fit beautifully but also work in multiple looks. But before I lose you in a sea of basics, remember it all comes together with styling. Trust!
The Tops
THESE* ultra-flattering, ribbed tanks. Skinny straps and a scoopneck are the absolute key to making a tank its most flattering. J.Crew does this to perfection. Plus, they’re not too long which makes us look schlumpy.
THIS* mariniére, the word for the classic, striped tee every elegant French woman has owned since Coco Chanel.
THIS* classic, white, whispery tee. Don’t keep looking. Don’t spend $90. This one is the best.
The Bottoms
THIS* floaty, romantic midi skirt that turns clothes into looks (recommended in at least 2 colors).
THESE* absolute best, lightweight, breathable travel pants known to man. Buy them once, wear them forever.
THESE* classic jean shorts. Madewell makes the most flattering denim shorts on curves. I’ve tried dozens.
The
Layering Pieces
THIS* gauzy, white button-down, because nothing makes us look as instantly elegant as a white button-down. I chose this one because it’s airy enough to layer over tanks in the heat.
THIS* soft, linen striped button-down, because frankly, nothing makes us look more put together than a stripe.
THIS* cropped jean jacket that makes waists look nipped and it protects me whenever I stroll into blasting AC.
THE ACCESSORIES
The Shoes
Every single shoe on this list, elegant and minimalist as it may be, has 3 things going for it: arch support, a cushioned footbead, and a buttery, anti-blister material.
The Luxe Flip-Flop Alternative*: You won’t believe the comfort.
The Comfiest Flat Sandal On The Planet*: I have recommended these to every woman I know. They look like heels but feel orthopedic.
The Wedge You Can Walk Miles In*: If you’re a clean girl who wants a little height when walking the cobblestoned steps to the beach café, these are unreal.
The Sneak*: The Samba is my preferred summer sneak, but I aways pack one with a pop of color to elevate my outfits.
The Bags And Hat
The Basket Tote*: If you know the French brand Sézane then you probably know they make the chicest basket bags. I chose one with embroidery to add color and texture to my clothes, but they of course have more neutral options.
The Petite Crossbody*: The travel-size version of my favorite everyday bag on the planet.
The Bag Strap*: The little details are what make your clothes sing, especially when you’re packing light. Clare V. makes so many cute, attachable straps, it’s dizzying.
The Sun Hat*: Anti-aging but make it chic. This hat has the perfect, medium brim size, so much so that it sells out all the time.
The Jewelry And Scarves
The Necklace Stack*: I rely on this stack to add a higher point total to all my looks, another styling trick I learned on TikTok, I’m ashamed to say.
The Anklet Stack*: I stole this idea straight from my Editor-in-Chief. I never thought I’d be an anklet person, but the way it makes your whole look more summery and alluring and intentional is addictive.
The Small Scarf*: I tie this to my waist, my bag, and my hair to add brightness to my neutral fits.
The Big Scarf*: I use this one as a belt, a pareo, and for a little shoulder coverage when the sun gets too scorchy or the restaurant AC gets too arctic.
THE LOOKS
OK, here’s where things get fun. When you pack a more minimalist, staple travel wardrobe, you rely on your accessories for the styling, pops of color, detail etc. I created a grid of just the accessories I packed to illustrate my point:
1. The Airplane Uniform
This look is all about comfort. And really, it’s all about these pants. Everyone at The Candidly agrees that they are decidedly the best travel pants we’ve ever known. And just look how the shape slims the leg.
2. The Black and White Ensemble
The look is simplicity itself, but when you put black on top and white on the bottom, a trick my editor Audie taught me, everything just looks chicer and more expensive. I swap the bag and add a layer to wear it out to dinner:
SHOP THE LOOK
* Skirt | Tank | Striped Tee | Sandals | Bag | Hat*
2. The Same Idea as Above But In All- White
Aka the outfit I put on the morning after eating an entire baguette before a 3-course dinner.
P.S. These shoes are unbelievable to walk in.
3. The Colorful Skirt Ensemble
Just to prove that packing with the sudoku method doesn’t mean everything has to be neutral, I opted to bring the same magic midi skirt in cherry tomato. I then incorporated pops of yellow from my accessories for a bit of fun.
4. The Outdoorsy Day Look
Whether heading to the beach or out for a looooong, windy walking excursion, it’s so nice to have lovely layers to work with as we move through the day. I love the striped button-down from Z Supply for this, but I also keep it really simple in white.
SHOP THE LOOK
* Shorts | Tee | White Button-Down | Striped Button-Down | Bag | Sandals *
5. The Minimalist, Day-In- The-City Look
I’m not someone who likes to wear shorts in the city in the same way I’m not someone who likes to wear a neon viser that reads “tourist.” All-black sounds insane in the summer heat but that is how light and magical these same traveling pants I keep crowing about are. They feel like nothing, have a stretchy waist, and read very tailored and chic. Shall we start a sisterhood?
…In Which You Inevitably Get Stuck In The Rain
This is mainly to show how that light, scarf layer comes in handy rain or shine.
6. The Day At The Pool (But Make It French) Look
See how that striped marinière is just so much more styled-looking than a plain black, white, or gray tee? I actually borrowed this beach/pool look from an oft-forgotten 90s movie that arguably has the most idyllic, succinct summer wardrobe to ever appear on screen. But you can read all about that HERE.
SHOP THE LOOK
* Striped Tee | Shorts | Sandals | Bag *
And that’s it, folks.
In the end, I packed light, wore everything in my suitcase, and felt more put together than I ever had on vacation … and in 95-degree heat no less. And my small, lovely dream of packing the perfect suitcase was finally achieved. It’s the little things, my friends.
Carolyn is the Managing Editor of The Candidly. Her favorite thing to do is to write about her favorite things, especially when they have even the slightest chance of making someone else’s something (mood, relationship, travel plans, or toiletry kit) a little better. You can find more of her articles here.
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