What to Wear: European Dash

Here’s a special rush request:

My husband and I will be traveling to London, Paris, and a wedding in a French chateau (a little over 2 weeks total). He would be happy to wear sloppy old t-shirts and jeans and Chuck Taylors the whole time, but I want to look as stylish as usual (if not more).

Difficulty: we’re flying standby and can only take 1 carry-on bag each. Double difficulty: did I mention the wedding in the chateau (which will be populated by beautiful French and Portuguese people)?

He: 32, but a boyish 32, 6’2″, fair with dark hair and a very sweet (and not gross) potbelly. Will not sacrifice comfort for style. Enjoys wearing blazers over t-shirts. Has only 2 pairs of shoes. Entire wardrobe is black, denim, and earth tones. This trip will be his first time out of the US.

Me: 29, 5’11”, size 12-14 and a little chesty, also fair (we are the ghost twins), right now brunette, but usually red-headed. Mostly wears flats so as not to tower over the husband. Prefer not to wear pink, generally wear mostly neutrals with a pop of color.

The one bag thing is really killing me, because I know the weather will be somewhat unpredictable, and because I have a hard time wearing the same thing day in and day out. PLUS dressing for a French wedding in a chateau is very intimidating!

Amy (from Texas)

For most of your trip, pack a pair of jeans you love (preferably a dark, straight leg pair) and lot of solid colored layering tees. Use scarves and belts to make your outfit different each day. Wear your heaviest shoes and coat on the flight to make room in your bag. Now for the fun part:

Her
Dress – From what I read online, you’ll need something you can wear all day and with enough coverage to wear in a church. Hats also seem to be prevalent, but I think you can skip. Depending on your schedule, it might be fun to buy your dress in London or Paris. It would be a fantastic souvenir. For example: Tara Jarmon has some beautiful dresses. If that would be too stressful, I like this simple gray dress J.Crew.
Jacket – To cover up in the church or in case it gets cold. Very Carla Bruni.
Necklace – A pretty piece of jewelry you bought at a Paris flea market. Like this one, but maybe not $200.
Shoes – Ridiculously cute frenchie flats with a big teal ribbon.
Clutch – From my favorite Etsy seller: Red Ruby Rose.

Him
Suit – Unfortunately, my research showed that a suit will probably be necessary at the wedding. Luckily, this stylish option from J.Crew is on sale. If it turns out that the suit isn’t required – go with sturdy gray trousers that can be worn at the wedding and then with other, less formal clothes on the rest of your trip.
Shirt – A blue dress shirt in a tone to match your outfit. Try to find one that is wrinkle resistant for easier care.
Tie – A very appealing basic tie from J.Crew.
Shoes – European men wear their dress shoes with a longer toe. These Kenneth Cole oxfords will fit in well on either continent.

I’d love for our European readers to chime in with their suggestions for Amy and her husband!