Wishing you and your families a very merry Christmas filled with lots of love and laughter! Nick and I are wrapping up a last-minute visit to Europe, and will be spending the holiday in his hometown on the West Coast. After a challenging past few months, I told Nick that few things would lift my spirits like the magic of London around Christmastime. We had visited last year in December, and the twinkling lights, festive streets, and cheery carolers just make me feel like a kid at Disneyland!
While Paris isn’t quite as decked out, it also has its own unique charm during the holidays. And it’s just a train ride away, so who could resist a couple nights in the City of Light before heading home?
Staple Base Layers
This outfit combines a few pieces that were worn on repeat during our trip. The vast majority of my luggage space went to outerwear and boots, which I mixed and matched with a small rotation of clothes. A black turtleneck tee is always a staple – for lightweight cotton ones at a great price, I recommend Madewell whisper turtlenecks (see on me) or J.Crew tissue turtlenecks (see on me), both of which I own in multiple colors and stripes in sz xxs. These two options are extremely similar – the cut of the Madewell one is just slightly more relaxed, which I like. As a thermal base layer, I hid my trusty Uniqlo heattech tees under nearly every outfit!
A Swingy Skirt
I’m on a retro-inspired kick lately so packed this pine green midi skirt (also see it here), which I paired with a long wool coat, tights and flat rain booties (so versatile & sleek!) for exploring and shopping. I swapped in heels just for tea and dressier meals. I love the comfort of an elasticized-back waist and the convenience of pockets on this skirt. The waist runs narrow so an xxs will fit a 23″ to 24″ waist, however the length is a little long, so I plan on eventually getting it hemmed. As a shortcut, I usually fold the waistband down once as shown in the photos here (just be sure to cut the tag off in the back).
Finishing Floral Touches
If you love Chanel’s classic camellia flower brooches, you’ll have to pick up one of these wool ones on sale at Talbots! They come in black, ivory, or this pretty plaid, and look and feel very similar to designer ones over 10 times the price. I’ve been pinning these on my coats, tweed jackets or blazers, and also simply on plain tops like in this look!
Merry Christmas from my family to yours, wherever you might be celebrating! xx
This is an adorable outfit super chic thanks for shring!
More personal posts on the baby journey since I am on it too!
Hi! Do you have a link for the heels? They really look amazing with the outfit!
Love, love your style!
Gorgeous emerald swing skirt! Love those green plaid heels as well! Perfect combo!
XOXO //
SINCERELY OPHELIA | NYC Petite Fashion Blogger
Hi Jean,
You touched on it a bit here but I would love to see you do a post about how/what you packed for this quick trip. I have an upcoming trip to London/Paris/Barcelona at the beginning of April and I’m trying to figure out what to pack, all while using just a carry-on and small backpack! Any tips you have regarding footwear, wool/trench coats, and versatile pieces would be greatly appreciated.
Happy (almost) 2018!
Hi Keelan! So I did bring a checked bag because I wanted to take photos for several different blog posts, but if I were traveling only for leisure then a carry-on is definitely do-able. I would’ve brought just one heavier coat (likely my navy belted wool coat since Europeans tend to dress in dark colors and sleek silhouettes), black leggings, a pair of dark skinny jeans, my Sam Edelman rain booties mentioned hear which work for both wet or dry conditions, a warm neutral sweater, striped tee, button-down blouse for layering, and then a pair of sleek flats, or my Nike free sneakers if a lot of walking was on the agenda. If you’re going in April, I think all of the above would still apply except swap in a black or neutral trench coat for the heavier coat. Have fun!!
Jean,
Thank you so much for your detailed reply – these are all great tips. I just bought myself a pair of the Sam Edelman booties! I love your recommendations and can’t wait to see what I discover through you in 2018.
Love this green
Meghan | http://tanlinesanddaisies.com/
That green is gorgeous, and I love those statement sleeves!
xx
Sam
It is pretty, but it is too cold to wear outside!
Your outfit is stunning! I love the color scheme. 🙂
Merry Christmas too!
Such a cute and chic Parisian look! I love the swingy skirt, especially the color! It’s the perfect retro holiday look! <3 🙂
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
You are soooo gorgeous Jean!
Greetings from Lyon
love this so much!
xx
https://closettostreet.com/
Jean ever since you showcased the uniqlo turtlenecks I bought several and wear them under practically everything as well.
Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you
Always lovely to hear from you, Val! I hope you and your family have a very happy new near!
LOVE this outfit! Perfect for Paris!
Such a cute and chic Parisian look! Love the choice of accessories, especially the beret and trunk bag.
http://www.yzwears.com
You are so rocking this look! So stunning!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
Lovely outfits, especially that black jacket! Merry Christmas, and I hope 2018 is a good year for you.
Thank you, Jenna! I hope 2018 brings amazing things for you as well! xx
Simply beautiful … le petite Parisienne! 👍🏼💗👍🏼
Such a cute outfit! I love it, you always look so amazing <3
https://www.myblackcloset.com/
This outfit is so pretty! I love the deep green color of that skirt and the sleeves on that jacket are to die for! Also, great to hear that you recommend Uniqlo’s HeatTech tees as a base layer. I love their tights, so I’d like to check those out as well.
-Helen
http://www.sweethelengrace.com
Yes, especially the ones in a nude color so it won’t show under lighter-colored tops!
Adore this beautiful emerald green skirt!
Wishing you a lovely Merry Christmas
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Love this style on you! The colour also looks gorgeous ❤️
Hope you have a great Christmas! 🎄
http://charmainenyw.com