Ask Angie: Capsule Wardrobe for Study Abroad

HeatherW

I'm leaving for midwest France in one week for seven weeks of study abroad, and would love your recommendations for a capsule wardrobe for my time there. I'm a teacher with a family, working on a Masters degree, so I don't have a lot of $ to buy new stuff. I'd love to know what you recommend for a capsule wardrobe that has to be comfy enough to travel and hip enough not to look too American I wear a lot of black and cream with accent colors. Merci beaucoup! Love, love, love your site!

13 years ago

Dressing

6 replies

Latest reply was from Mander

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Sounds like you have a marvelous time ahead of you, Heather. I'm not Angie, of course, but what you want to pack will naturally depend on the weather, and also on what *you* prefer to wear. E.g. do you love dresses, feel better in jeans, prefer woven tops over knits etc. I imagine you'll be doing quite a bit of sightseeing and a spot of shopping maybe, so you'll need comfortable shoes for walking. An umbrella and a couple of scarves are always a good idea too.

Wishing you a wonderful stay in France!

13 years ago

Asingh

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Inge. The best accessory would be scarves!

13 years ago

harmonica

Veteran

Wow - what an experience!

How about thinking of a capsule that should work for 7-10 days? I.e 3-4 bottoms, 7 tops, 3 toppers, 2 dresses (one nice, one casual), outerwear (jacket, rain coat, blazer), shoes (2 pair of walking shoes, 1 pumps, 1-2 sandals) + accessories.
ETA: considering the heat (which I totally forgot and Angie cleverly pointed out) I would probably take a few more tops than 7

I guess there will be some shopping over the seven (?) weeks, so don't stuff your suitcase too full

Think that these elements should cover different activities like work, sightseeing, family. Slip in a nice dress or skirt/top, layers of clothes (in case of cooler weather), walking shoes, nicer shoes/pumps/sandals. You need more tops and toppers than bottoms. Skirts can be worn more before laundry is needed than dresses. Scarves, belts and some jewellery can vary the outfit from day to night, work to sightseeing.

And a final question: what is the difference between American and European style?

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Such great advice! What is the dress code for school?

It can get VERY hot in the middle and South of France because there are virtually no a/c's. (I have lived and traveled through France). Make sure you have breezy stuff as well and toppers for when you travel. Keep things a little dressier. No sneakers unless they are Converse. Ballet flats, trousers, long shorts, skirts, dresses, tops, blazers and a trench coat will make for a good foundation. Throw in jeans and a denim jacket too.

13 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

I think Angie's earthy dress post from yesterday would be a great start to your capsule!

BTW -- As a Chicagoan, I had to chuckle at "midwest" and "France" in the same sentence!

13 years ago

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I think that when you see those "how not to look American" articles, they are mainly talking about the "too-short jeans with white athletic shoes and ill-fitting boxy t-shirt" look. No YLFer would wear that on a trip abroad!

I'd also be sure to take at least some wet weather gear, like a trench coat. One summer my parents and sister went to France for a few days, and we warned them to be prepared for hot weather -- the previous year several people died from the heat. Well, this time around it rained and was cold the whole time and they all froze because they had only brought light clothes with them!

You might also find some useful ideas in the Academichic archives: http://www.academichic.com/201.....of-travel/

13 years ago

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