This semester I am studying abroad in France, and on the weekends I am spending my time traveling to nearby countries. Before this experience, I never considered myself to be a “light packer” in the slightest. However, backpacking on the weekends has forced me to transition to a very minimalist mindset. This is no easy task for someone OBSESSED with clothes. When packing for my semester abroad, not only did I have to somehow fit the next four months of my life into a 50-pound suitcase, but I had to be EXTREMELY picky about what clothes I wanted to pack (to avoid that brutal overweight fee). Coming to Europe, I needed to be both selective and careful about my clothing choices to have the most versatile pieces I own with me. In the past, on week-long vacations, I would bring SO MUCH just to end up never wearing half of what I packed. That was not an option for this trip. So how did I do it?
To be honest, I had no idea where to even begin. However, I did a good job of fitting all my belongings into my checked luggage (somehow) and one backpack. Aside from rolling literally all my clothes to save space, I brought items that can be used in a variety of different outfits. One thing I have observed about the French style is that they carry themselves with a very simplistic elegance coupled with a focus on functionality, which is what I aimed to do when packing.
I decided to bring all solid pants differing in colors, materials, and fit. Each pair I packed was free of holes, as Europeans tend to stray away from excessively ripped jeans (and because it’s quite cold out here). In addition, I packed only four pairs of shoes: two pairs of white sneakers, a pair of black rain boots and one pair of black booties (which I have yet to wear, lol). I managed to bring only three coats, consisting of one leather jacket, one grey puffer jacket, and one long teddy coat. All the shirts I chose to pack had to meet the requirement of matching with at least two of the pants I had. However, I think just about all of my shirts would match pretty much every pair of pants! Finally, the one key to being minimalistic yet still fashionable and not wearing the same thing every day… accessorize. Strategically chosen accessories can elevate an outfit beyond a boring combination of matching shirt and pants. Whether it be a simple belt, a bold pair of earrings, a neck or headscarf, or even styling your hair in a fun way; accessories are truly the key to mastering a minimalist wardrobe. They are what helps a simple outfit still be a stylish one!
As a weekend traveler, it is vital for me to be realistic about my clothes since I only ever travel with one backpack. Typically, I have been bringing just one pair of pants with me, about three or four shirts depending on how many days I am gone, and just one pair of shoes and one jacket. The key to traveling with just a backpack for shorts trips is two things; first, wear your bulkiest items while in transit (a big sweater, thick scarf, or jacket). Second, plan outfits wisely so that you can combine items more than once without appearing like you are repeating an outfit. For example, I have been a huge fan of turtlenecks or mock necks on this trip. These are perfect for combining with different outfits. You can wear a mock neck on its own, and then you can also wear it under a shirt with a lower neckline. This not only allows you to save space in your bag, but it also helps you to layer, which is especially great if you are traveling to colder places and spending time in and out of museums, cafes, or restaurants all day. Honestly, it can be challenging to strategically plan like this every time, but it will certainly pay off.
My travels throughout Europe have helped me to discover and appreciate a simplistic yet sophisticated aspect of fashion, one that I never expected to embrace with such enthusiasm. It is constantly a learning experience, but I must admit, I am having so much fun discovering how to make simplicity stylish! Minimalism might just be the new black.
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