How to 'Pack' your Personal Style Abroad
Need help with your packing list for your trip abroad? Look no further.
Whether you are preparing to pack for your semester abroad, or perhaps for a vacation, here is everything you need to know about bringing your closet from home, abroad (sustainably). Allow me to introduce one of our RodeoU ambassadors, Sadie Morris, who has fully cultivated her Parisian chic sense of fashion while abroad in Paris. Keep reading to explore what items she packed, how she styled and shopped sustainably, and what necessities she recommends to you!
Hi! I am Sadie Morris, I go to LIM College in NYC, but I am currently located at Paris School of Business studying abroad!
The hardest part about preparing to study abroad was, by far, figuring out how to pack my closet into a suitcase for three and a half months. Space is limited, and you know you will shop, so picking and choosing the most essential things is necessary. You want to make sure that you’re sticking to your personal style so it’s not a challenge getting dressed everyday. I hope after reading this you can gain some insight like I needed!
My personal style consists of basic pieces with heavier accessories; when following a trend, I would rather buy an accessory than a piece of clothing. This has helped me a ton, especially while studying abroad because I only needed to pack the necessities. My favorite way of upping my accessory game has been getting a piece everywhere I travel to so that I have a unique, personal reminder of my time abroad! They are like their own souvenirs (you have to justify it somehow, right?).
As you can tell by my photos, most of my outfits here have the same base - A white tee and blue jeans. It is not very groundbreaking but you can do anything with this! I will usually add a sweater or a blazer, then accessorize. It is much easier than you think. Keeping things minimal has also helped me turn into a much more organized packer! I can fit a weeks worth of clothes, toiletries, and shoes into a backpack!
My personal style has definitely adapted to the people around me in Paris. I notice that I lean more towards to a blazer or a silk headscarf. Nobody knows who you are here, so now is the time to experiment with your style! Shopping is not always cheap though, so I recommend thrift stores or “Vinted” (European Depop - you’re welcome in advance). Since Paris is a very fashion-forward city, I sometimes feel pressured to buy things I may not need.
When I’m in class, I see lots of oversized button ups, jeans, loafers, and long coats. I asked some friends in other abroad cities what they are seeing day to day, because I know Paris is not a common abroad destination. What I saw in Barcelona was a lot of baggy jeans, tight tank tops, and some form of an Adidas sneaker. Florence is preppier with lower rise jeans, tees with a cardigan, and a Samba. London is lots of jeans with a nice sweater, a leather bomber jacket and most emphasized; trench coats and Longchamps! I find it really interesting that every European city has its own personal style, and that has probably been one of my favorite things to look at while traveling.
Here is a rough list of what I packed… Of course this list is not perfect, but for the most part it has served me well! This is also personal to me. It seems impossible but you really have to ask yourself “Will I really wear this?”. What I did was envision at least 4 outfits with each piece, and if I couldn’t, then I did not pack it. Remember, you are only leaving these clothes for 3 and a half months! You’ll have them back soon! (This list is also personal to Paris weather!)
8 shirts: white, black, graphic, long sleeve - you will probably buy more!
5 pants: 2 blue jeans (I recommend two different fits/shades), black jeans, beige jeans, trousers)
LOTS OF SWEATERS!! (I packed around 4 but wish I packed more)
Going out clothes: lots of black, 3 tops, mini skirt, mini dress)
2 sneakers: Light and dark pair for versatility
Boots: flat platform and heeled for going out
JACKETS! (I unfortunately did not pack any besides my denim jacket, and that was my biggest regret! Bring a trench!)
PJs: 3 bed shirts, 1 hoodie, 2 pairs of sweats
Bags: 1 shoulder bag that can be zipped/has a flap, 2 larger tote bags for school, and I bought the rest of mine here!
Heres a more specific list of some favorite pieces I wore when abroad: Study Abroad Essentials.
And with that list, here are some tips!
DON’T GO OVERBOARD!!! (Easier said than done, I know)
Check the climate of your city! With that…
Avoid too many seasonal pieces! I packed sooo many summer items thinking it would be warmer longer or I would travel to warmer places, but that did not happen so I have a lot of wasted space in my closet!
Unfortunately, athleisure wear is not a big thing in Europe, so I swapped most of my leggings for trousers - I promise they are just as comfortable!
Heres another guide, more specific to the practicality travel things: Travel Necessities.
Feel free to message me on instagram @sadiiemorris with any other study abroad questions. You can find all of my favorite abroad outfits linked and my guide to travel/clothing essentials all on my ShopRodeo! 😉
So good😍😍