Week-end

The date of your departure and your destination will obviously hold great sway over the contents of your suitcase (note, it is a good dealer warmer in Lisbon in June than in Oslo in January), but a global principle still works whatever the circumstances.

Strolling through town, from morning to night, you will constantly be in and out of shops, museums, through parks or on the subway. The day is thus a constant oscillation between hot and cold. So you must be able to cover up and take off at your leisure.

For this equip yourself with a series of pieces you can wear together and that can be removed at will: a t-shirt, a shirt, a sweater, a jacket and a raincoat. If it’s hot you’ll wear the t-shirt.

Most importantly, you’ll never be caught off-guard. 

While the mountains aren’t a continuously frozen domain, it is generally to see the snow that we tend to go there… So get dressed warm.

A denim canvas offers good insulation for the bottom half. And for the top half cashmere and wool are just the ticket. A round-neck sweater is elegant over a shirt. A roll-neck will keep you a little warmer, but isn’t quite so chic. A shawl collar cardigan is perfectly cosy. 

Remember to pack knee-high socks, and some long johns. Leather shoes are best, high-top if possible, to avoid snow, mud or any other possible messy infiltrations that come with mountain life.

Obviously the parka is the all-essential coat, and you’ll wear all day and every day. Crafted from technical quilted cotton and filled with high quality natural down, it will guarantee waterproofed warmth and comfort.

If it doesn’t, it’s not a good parka. 

You’re probably heading to the coast in the hope of finding some sunshine. And if you don’t believe it, no one’s going to believe for you.

So discover yourself a little, show off your forearms, your calves, but not your thighs because a Bermuda short should sit just above the knee. Prioritise cottons. A light knit for the evenings will also be useful. Likewise a deconstructed and unlined jacket. 

Accompany the jacket with a pair of chinos, which are chicer and cooler than jeans. A polo shirt will look smarter than a t-shirt. If you like wearing shirts don’t take that perfect white one. Stripes or checks are much more appropriate. The short-sleeve shirt is not an option – it’s the height of inelegance. But you probably knew that already…

As for the rest, espadrilles are way chicer than flip flops. A pair of sneakers in white canvas will no doubt come in handy. Maybe even a pair of beige suede brogues.

Don’t forget your sunglasses and sun cream. And don’t bring that promotional bath towel that’s been hanging around your closet for years…