Paris packing inspiration

Camille from 'Emily in Paris' is leading the way

This year, our travels will bring us to Paris, and I couldn’t be more excited. It has been a decade since I’ve stepped foot in the City of Light and it will be the first time my husband and I will be there together (his college memories of Paris are a hostel and too much beer consumption along the Seine!). While there is still plenty of time to prep for the trip, I’ve been immersing myself in travel books, am on a 35-day Duolingo French streak, and consistently keeping tabs on the instagram account Parisiens in Paris. I also found myself scrolling through Netflix and naturally gravitating toward Emily in Paris - it was just too tempting.

The show’s consulting costume designer is the iconic Patricia Field. I have the utmost admiration for her limitless creative vision when it comes to costuming - she is nothing short of fearless and fun in her execution. Her work across Sex in the City inspired so many of my fashion choices throughout my late teens and 20s. And when I think of Paris, I can’t help but think of Carrie’s iconic sea foam green tutu dress in the series finale, a more mature version of the tutu she wears in the SITC opening, which showcases Field’s knack for visual story telling.

Field consulted with Marilyn Fitoussi on Emily in Paris. Now, when it comes to this specific show, the true style standout is Camille, played by French actor Camille Razat. From the moment she struts onto the scene in Season 1, I’m head-over-heels in love with her look. It was funny watching the first season a second time because I audibly gasped when I saw her look - SO CHIC! I find the existence of her sophisticated style very grounding, as it’s easy to get lost in the complexity of bold colors, patterns, and textures worn by Emily (played by Lily Collins) and most other actors up to that point.

Throughout the series, Camille consistently graces the screen with modern - and sometimes edgy - takes on timeless, French-inspired looks.

I see 5 core themes across her costuming:

1. Black, and often in leather, for evening looks - the pieces chosen make a statement through the silhouette in particular

2. Monochromatic styling, which brings greater sophistication - whether it be denim on denim, tweed on tweed, or leather on leather

3. Strong tailoring, which provides clean, gorgeous structure to any look

4. The incorporation of statement footwear, and often cowboy-inspired boots, which lends itself to a playful, more casual contrast

5. Always a subtle nod to classic Parisian fashion - whether it be a pop of cherry red, simple stripes, a beret, or a silk scarf tied around her neck. There’s always some sort of simple symbolism that assures the viewer that Camille knows how to really master her French style

The way in which Camille’s look below contrasts with the other characters says it all.

Back when the series first came out, there were countless articles written about editors championing Camille’s look, but the challenge with today’s culture is that we’re conditioned to move way too quickly onto the next trend. So a 2020s TV show and character are all too quickly forgotten. Watching Emily in Paris nearly 4 years after season 1 premiered highlights the fact that Camille’s style is here to stay. Her outfits serve as inspiration for my own style preferences and emulating her looks feels organic for me given the classic, tailored pieces (and most often in gorgeous neutrals) that she wears.

So, when it comes to preparing for my trip to Paris, I’ll undoubtedly have the following in my suitcase…

A versatile black dress for evening

The Rachel Comey Zimi Dress with a beautiful drape and slightly open back. It’s perfect for pairing with a belt or statement jewelry and would look stunning under a leather or wool jacket or blazer.

The La Ligne Lee Dress creates a gorgeous column silhouette with a side slit to show some leg.

The A.L.C. Elsie Dress is a favorite in my closet. From weddings to nights out in Las Vegas, I have had some fun times in this dress. It also comes in a longer midi version, on sale at Saks. Laurel Patin just wrote a substack post sponsored by Sezane about how one singular dress in a classic shape can be a trusty standby for a number of events.

A blazer

Rachel Comey’s New Amboy Blazer is a favorite for when I travel because it’s easy to fold and the fabric is forgiving with wrinkles.

A leather jacket

I’ll definitely be bringing my Iro leather jacket that I purchased a few seasons ago and wear endlessly. It proved clutch during our trip to Japan this past fall.

I find this type of jacket so personal because it’s an investment piece and, given the plethora of leather jacket styles, one’s choice should truly match one’s aesthetic. For more of a biker style, I love this one from ME+EM. And French company Nour Hammour always has a gorgeous selection.

I wore my favorite Iro leather jacket non-stop in Japan.

T-shirts

My love for Teller tees runs incredibly deep. I’ve written about them so many times across Le Find here, here, and here (and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon).

I also love the James Perse Vintage Boy Tee and recommend sizing up.

Jeans that easily transition from day to night

SLVRLAKE’s Mica Double Seam Jeans are a favorite and I also love Apiece Apart’s Merdian Jeans because they’re elevated.

I’m a fan of Agolde’s Riley jeans and have them in 2 different shades. My first ever pair is 6 years old and the first piece of clothing I purchased when I moved to LA.

Block-heeled boots

These Isabel Marant Leyade Boots were a gift to myself. I’ve searched high and low for a boot with just the right proportions that is incredibly comfortable and has a block heel that’s the perfect height. These ones do a nice job of elongating your legs based on the cut and length of the shaft and are easy to wear under pants as well as with dresses. The black color is also stunning if you need something that’s a bit more classic - I tried them on in store below.

Trying on the Isabel Marant Leyade Boots in black in store.

On my “want list” because I know I’ll wear it just as much in LA as I would in Paris:

A cropped blazer

I’m consistently casually looking for a cropped blazer and re-watching parts of Emily in Paris only further solidifies this desire. It’s hard to find a good solution, however, because the tailoring has to be just right in order to not look like Gru from Despicable Me.

As I’ve browsed the internet, this one from & Other Stories stands out.

This one (currently 50% off) from Closed Official is intriguing as well. They aren’t a brand I run into often, but any piece I’ve ever purchased has far exceeded quality expectations.

My north star splurge is Nili Lotan’s Beauregard Blazer, but I wish it came in black and without the bright gold buttons.

More to come as I more seriously plan packing over the next few months. And Paris suggestions are ALWAYS welcome!

Merci!

x jz

Images | 1 | British Vogue | 2 - 13 | Netflix | 14 | Rachel Comey | 15 | La Ligne | 16 | A.L.C. | 17 | Rachel Comey | 18 | b.g.mckay | 19 - 21 | Shopbop | 22 | MyTheresa | 23 | me | 24 | & Other Stories | 25 | Closed Official | 26 | Nili Lotan

This post contains some affiliate links. Please note that all recommendations and opinions are my own.

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And if you’re a classics lover like me and seeking timeless pieces, you’ll love this and this. And if you’re a fan of denim on denim, look no further