Pack These Items in Your Suitcase and You're Practically French

Have you ever wanted to get a glimpse inside a French girl’s suitcase and see an up-close look at exactly which essentials they’re packing for a summer getaway? Yeah, us too. With their effortless style and easy approach to fashion, French girls have pretty much mastered cool vacation outfits.

Curious to find out the top items they pack and how we can tap into their style, we went straight to the source and asked some of the most stylish French girls we know to share what lies inside their travel bags. While pieces like espadrilles and breezy dresses were high on their lists, they each have a specific take on their vacation must-haves and the pieces they wouldn’t travel without. So what are the items they always pack in their suitcases?

Keep reading to find out and shop the pieces they told us they’re packing this summer.

“I always have some beauty products like Cicalfate from Avène, the Tom Ford Neroli Portofino perfume, and Dior lip glow balm. I always have a pair of Castañer espadrilles and K. Jacques sandals, my vintage Levis shorts, a lot of flower dresses from Réalisation Par or Reformation, and Matteau and Eres bikinis.”

“Whenever I travel for summer holidays, there are some go-to pieces that I can’t go without. That includes a swimsuit, of course. I like to bring outfits that can be worn during the day and go through the night, especially midi dresses or skirts with light tops. I also always bring one pair of jean shorts or a skirt to wear with different tops or a swimsuit if it’s really too hot outside. As for the shoes, I usually bring three pairs of flats to wear during the day, and a pair of high heels, sandals, or wedge espadrilles to wear at night with my floral dresses. Beauty-wise, a good SPF, an after-sun cream, my lipstick, and my perfume are my only must-haves. I never wear any makeup during the holidays. And, of course, a good book like Chanson Douce by Leila Slimani.”

“I have five favorite pieces that you will always find in my suitcase. A pair of vintage Levi’s shorts, a pair of Birkenstocks, my Borsalino, a classic linen white shirt, and an airy silk dress. Those are my essentials because they are very versatile—you can wear them both day and night.”

“This summer, I’m going to Greece. I always bring denim shorts, fluid blouses, cotton T-shirts, a few light dresses, wedge shoes, a wicker basket, and a few books.”

“The first thing that I put in my suitcase for a summer vacation are my swimsuits. Then I’m careful not to forget my sunglasses and a summer hat. After all those essentials, I pack evening dresses, lace tops, shorts, jumpsuits, and espadrilles, of course.”

And now, 11 outfit trends that have defined travel style in 2018 so far.

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