Help! Packing for 3 weeks in Europe...

Since it seems unlikely that any companies will be hiring between now and the new year, we decided to spend the holidays with my husband's family in northern Germany. We're leaving this week for three weeks and I'm having so much trouble trying to decide what to pack. I could really use some input from the experts!!!

I decided to use Shiny's advice about starting with shoes - 1 pair of comfy black wedge ankle boots (great for walking while still giving my some added height), and 1 pair of tall heeled black boots (for dressier occasions). I thought about possibly taking along my chocolate suede boots (flat, comfy for walking & lined in Smartwool so super warm too) but since I returned the unflattering skinnies, I don't really have any outfits to wear with these.

I decided that the easiest thing to do would be to build my wardrobe around neutrals - mostly black & white. Bottoms are easy - 1 pair of black trouser jeans, 1 dark denim boot cut jeans, 1 dressier black & white tweed wide legs, 1 microcheck straight leg pants (same ones that Nicole has) and possibly a grey Gap bootleg jean (although this might be overkill). I'm also thinking of a few skirts - a gorgeous tartan skirt my mother-in-law gifted me, a denim pencil skirt and a black cord pencilish a-line skirt.

But here's my issue - tops! Since I am an inverted triangle with thicker arms, this has always been my problem area. Pre-YLF, I had alot of bulky sweaters, ribbed turtlenecks and horizontal stripe sweaters - all of which exacerbated my problem areas. Though I realized last winter that these would have to go, I didn't go about replacing these items since I was pregnant (but I had some really cute maternity looks though!).

I've gone through & replaced many of my summer/fall tops with v-necks, wrap tops and cardigans with tank tops that are more flattering but I have no idea what to do about my winter tops. I have 2 cowl neck sweaters I can bring - 1 black and 1 red. I also have a red cashmere v-neck. But what else??? So far, I've still been mostly wearing my fall uniform of cardigans with knit or tank tops (though I double up on them) or my short-sleeved v-necks with a blazer on top. This works fine in the suburbs where I can throw on a coat and jump in the car to drive wherever I need to go. I don't have to worry about walking around in the cold very much.

This will not be the case at my in-laws though. They live in the city and we do LOTS of walking everywhere. I'm planning on bringing my long wool coat and probably my black puffer (that makes me look like the michelin man but it's warm!). Any ideas on some other tops I can bring???? I can probably buy 1 or 2 things before I leave...

17 years ago

Maya

Veteran

When do you leave?

I think it sounds like you need to play around more with layering. I don't see anything "wrong" or lacking with your current selection, just that you don't have enough of it. Unfortunately we busty gals don't really get nearly as much variety with tops as our non-busty counterparts, so if you find a neckline that's flattering for you, it helps to just duplicate it. Take some of the ideas you have from your summer wardrobe and just look for them with long sleeves or a thicker weight, like a long sleeved wrap shirt. Maybe some button-down tops to use as layering pieces (if you're layering them under something fitted, it's not really crucial that they fit spectacularly.). A knitted vest is always a great option as well. Since Nicole and you have similar body types, maybe you could look at some of her ensembles for inspiration

I'm guessing you don't want to do a lot of shopping in your current situation though (which I am very sorry to hear about). Try experimenting in your own closet first.

Also, even without layering, you can always accessorize with a scarf or a pretty wrap. I often don't bother to take off my scarf once I'm inside because it keeps my neck warm, which is rather nice when your neck and upper chest are exposed by necessity.

FTR, I wear cardis and knit tops under my coat during the NYC winter, and I find it sufficient (and I am one of those people that can't tolerate being cold). Is it VERY cold where you're going?

Nicole

Oh how exciting, Shana!

I've never been to Germany (or Europe--or anywhere for that matter)...but since you'll be staying with family, and not in a hotel, I'd say pack as light as possible. I'd go with 2 pairs of jeans, a pair of casual pants and either one pair of dress pants and one skirt, or two skirts, or one skirt and one dress. You should be able to mix and match these bottoms and wash and wear them as you go along. Once you have your bottoms picked out, it'll be easier to decide what tops to bring. Maybe two tops to go with each bottom. If you pack 2 skirts then try to find tops that will go with both skirts (since skirt tops are going to be shorter and that will limit your mix and matchability).

I'd pack basics on the under layers---black, white and red or green. If you bring skirts or dresses bring a few pair of warm knitted tights. It sounds like you have your shoes all in order. Maybe bring a few cardigans that will work with all your pants, and one that will work with the skirts.

I like Maya's reminder of bringing a scarf (or two). Accessories take up little room but make a big impact. Oh yeas, don't forget a warm hat and mittens/gloves.

Have a great trip--when do you leave?

Laura

(website)

How fun! I agree with both Maya and Nicole - take fewer pieces for bottoms and more for tops, and add button-downs if possible. They are such handy layering pieces. You are smart to make good use of time between jobs. Have a great visit and please, report back on the fashion in Germany!

Antje

How exciting! One tip I'd give you is to pack for wet weather. It might snow or not, but you're very likely to encounter some cold-ish rainy days in Northern Germany at this time of year. This could be a good argument against suede boots, as they are not the most practical in wet weather.
But that said, if you have another chance to buy skinnies, then I think those, together with (non-suede) boots, would be a great choice as a "city outfit" - chic and practical, and very "German"

shana

Thanks all for the replies - keep the ideas coming! I'm leaving on Thursday so I'll be spending the next few days doing laundry, packing and getting ready to go. Maya, I would say it is probably similar to NYC weather. Like Antje said, the weather will probably be wet & cold - I've gone every year for the last 10+ years but I usually try to go in the spring or fall! I just spent a month earlier this spring. I haven't been for Christmas since 2001 and it will be the first time to go at this time of the year for the children, so we are really looking forward to it. I do really love all the holiday traditions and my mother-in-law usually goes all out with the decorations & baking etc.

I'm all set with scarves - have a few pashmina types in a some different colors and I'm definitely bringing the knit tights. I actually wear these under my pants when I walk around to keep from getting cold!

Yes, I'm definitely not in the position to do much shopping although I still have some Marshalls credit so I can probably swing by there if I need to. I'm looking for some more ideas on tops. I looked through my sweater collection today and other than several unflattering, bulky turtlenecks, I seem to have lots of crewnecks. Not the best choices for my body type!!

I don't have many button downs (hard to fit for the larger busted) and unfortunately, the two that I have are snug in the chest area. I just recently stopped breast-feeding and to be honest, I've done alot of anxiety eating lately so my weight loss has probably reversed (last time I dropped the final 10 pounds within a couple of months of stopping nursing). Anyway, I'm going to try my two button downs with a couple of sweater knit tanks that I have and see if they will work so that's definitely a good idea. Most of my knit tops are sleeveless or short-sleeved - they might work O.K. with the cardigans but I'm still afraid of being too cold!

Antje, I would love to work the skinnies & boots look but unfortunately, I have yet to find skinnies or tops to go with them that look good on me!!!! Plus, my non-suede boots are all high-heeled. With circumstances what they are this year, I guess I'll have to wait until next winter to try this look again.

Oh I am so jealous. Holiday activities in Germany are the best. I miss that!! Have a great time Shana, it sounds like you're well covered style-wise with all the good advice from others and you'll have a fab time. Have a Gluehwein at the Christkindl Market for me, ok?

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I have nothing further to add because the lasses have you more than sorted. But I do want to wish you a fabulous time and am happy that you can get away. We want to hear all about it when you return! Have an extra piece of yummy stollen for us

Inge

Moderator

How exciting Shana! I see you've already received great advice.

A few more ideas:
- Can you maybe wear your crewnecks underneath a V-neck cardigan (in a different colour, or a lighter/darker shade of the same colour)? That would have an elongating effect and make them more flattering (since you say that it's not your best look).
- Wear the crewnecks with a round neck cardigan (first few buttons unbuttoned) or on their own and add a scarf (a long necklace might work too), this also has an elongating effect.
- Layer your short-sleeved and sleeveless tops underneath cardigans, V-neck sweaters or even a turtleneck (for warmth)
- For warmth: I often wear one (or even two) lightweight camis, and then add another top and a cardi or sweater. Then you have three or four layers and even though the camis are thin they do add warmth (and no bulk).

Enjoy all the Christmas festivities in Germany!!

Violet

Active Member

Hi Shana - you have already gotten some really good advice. I would echo what Maya says about buying flattering tops in heavier weights. Good luck at Marshalls! Sometimes you can find some real gems there.

Also, hope you have a wonderful trip and best of luck with the job search when you get back!

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