The Items French Girls Never Wear on an Airplane

When she’s not working as a journalist, It girl Sabina Socol also shares her fashion expertise in our French Girl column. Come back each month for her perspective on Parisian style.

I’ve been planning a trip to Italy with my friends for months. We’ve rented a catamaran and will be visiting the Amalfi Coast by the sea. To me, a weeklong trip on a boat needs organising not only for restaurants and sightseeing but also in terms of style. This is actually a topic I’ve been thinking about a lot lately and even discussing with my closest friends: How to travel while remaining chic?

I always like to observe Parisian women whenever I’m at the airport. Their travel style is so flawless and laid back at the same time. For instance, I never thought that travelling with a lot of luggage was chic, and I think it’s something that most French women would agree on. French girls at the airport look exactly the same as they would in the street. Usually, their go-to outfit is masculin/féminin, which includes a flattering pair of jeans, a cashmere sweater or a man’s shirt, and a well-tailored jacket, all paired up with a classic piece of luggage such as the Louis Vuitton Keepall or Longchamp Boxford Bag. That’s what I call travelling à la Parisienne!

For the airport, I used to privilege comfort over style when I was younger, especially when I took long flights. I would wear a pair of leggings, Uggs (yes, Uggs) and a comfy sweater. When I look back to that time, I wouldn’t say I regret it as it’s a time that comes with a careless attitude that I enjoyed, but I’ve definitely been trying to evolve. Now, I won’t wear comfortable clothes over stylish pieces. I try (as much as possible) to dress as I usually do. So for summertime, I wear a flowy dress or a pair of jeans with flats and a leather jacket or a sweater that I carry in my basket in case it gets chilly. Furry boots and leggings are now banned.

Travelling a lot for work lately, I noticed I hated waiting for my luggage at the airport. I also live on the fifth floor in Paris and don’t have a lift, so carry-ons are not the best option for me. I’ve been looking for a duffel bag and finally put my hands on one that’s practical and has that safari-chic vibe. In France, Longchamp bags are a chic, classic and affordable option, even a go-to for Parisians.

The Amalfi Coast is trending on Instagram right now, as is the style that goes with it. Of course, it’s tempting to adapt to the trends on Instagram, but I’m going to try to keep it low-key and stick to my usual outfits (the ones that I wear in Paris, too). Keeping in mind that I’m travelling on a boat, I forced myself to bring only essential wardrobe pieces and accessories that can be worn with several outfits.

That includes a few colourful wrap dresses, a Levi’s jean skirt and some tops to pair with it, a pair of flat sandals and a pair of high heels, a basket bag and a lot of swimsuits since that’s what I’m going to be wearing most of the time. Besides that, the rest of the looks are pretty much the same as what I usually wear in Paris. Whenever I’m abroad, I can always recognise Parisian women. With just a messy bun, simply cut dresses, Repetto ballerina flats and a relaxed attitude, they’re a little laid-back with a touch of je ne sais quoi.

Keep reading to see what I’ll be packing for my summer getaway to the Amalfi Coast.