Packing for trip to Europe in late October

Debbie

I thought I would use Shiny's strategy and begin by figuring out my footwear and going from there.

It looks like temps will be in the mid 50s.

I will be gone 10 days to Ireland, Scotland and one overnight and partial day in Paris. All for DH's business. The 3 days in Scotland is for our 25 year anniversary.

I can expect rain in Ireland at that time of year so what about my:

Aerosoles Ride Line boots
Converse
sneakers (I run in the morning for exercise or can I bag it because I will be walking all day?!?*) LOL
dress shoes for dinner out with bz assoc.
black puma mostros (can only wear with bootcuts,right?)

My DH is in meetings almost everyday so I walk all over by myself sightseeing and need comfortable but good looking shoes.

skinnies/matchsticks/bootcuts
tote
trench
Black cashmere cardigan
microcheck pants
button down
new fab BP camisoles

How does this look so far?

My trench is not warm. That may be a problem.

Also, what fun little things could I look for in drugstores etc to buy that are things maybe I can't buy here? I realize prices will be very high but it is always fun to explore.

Is there something you always buy when you are in europe?

17 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from Antje

Kyle

Veteran

We were in Ireland in May and it was amazing. Just loved it. Layering is key, because the weather can change quickly and although it may be cold, you can warm up when you are walking and the sun comes out. Your packing list looks right on to me. Can't offer any tips on the drugstores. I remember searching for some feminine products and everything was so much more expensive...but there was nothing that was must-have for me. Should be a wonderful trip. Take lots of photos!

17 years ago

ImogenL

(website)

Active Member

It'll be cold - so a warm coat is necessary. But they tend to overheat everything inside, so you will need to be able to take off layers too!

Remember if you're sightseeing and walking lots, there are lots of old cobblestone streets which are darn uncomfortable on the feet, so very comfy walking shoes is a must.

Boots is the name of the 'drugstore' that is most commonly found in the UK, though there are Superdrug stores too. They have a big range of stuff, but it would just be English brands of the same kind of stuff you could get in the US.

It's really only trying foodstuffs such as Jaffa Cakes, Twiglets, Hula Hoops and other english foods that is probably much different (plus drinking pints in the pub).

17 years ago

Alecia

Veteran

I echo the others. Warm coat is a must but so is layering. But it sounds like you're on the right track.

17 years ago

Dawn

(website)

Active Member

For Ireland, warm and preferably waterproof jacket and a pair of waterproof shoes are necessary. It's cold here already (10C) and it doesn't just rain here, it's either torrential for half the day or it's a soft misty miserable rain that gets everywhere. Either way, it's going to be wet. Converse probably aren't going to be a good idea due to all the rain. Layers are a very good idea in terms of clothes because the temperature can be freezing outside and then a restaurant/ shop/ museum will be overheated. Ireland is a very very expensive country. Going out, eating out and shopping will be very expensive.

Where in Ireland are you going the week? Make sure to drink a couple of pints of Guinness- Guinness Brewery in Dublin or a really old dusty pub are the best places for a pint in the country.

17 years ago

celia

Veteran

Hi,

In Paris is already raining so a trench is a very good idea. Do you have a nice and warm jacket you can wear underneath it or just by itself?

I would also add black pencil skirt.

Have a nice trip.

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You need a scarf!

17 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Three years ago we were in Vienna for 10 days. While climate is different all over europe, perhaps you will find this helpful.

First, I was freezing cold most days. There was a lot of wind I didn't anticipate. I wished I'd brought a heavier, long wool coat. I had only brought a lightweight brocade easily-packable coat, a leather jacket, and a hip-length tweed jacket. I skipped my long wool coat, because it is too heavy and bulky.

Then again, this was also back in my phase when I didn't own a single pair of jeans. Jeans would've been warmer, so maybe I'd have managed okay with a cami, blouse, sweater, jacket, and scarf layering approach.

Second, Angie is completely right: you need a scarf or two or three! A warm one to wrap around your neck euro-style. I ended up buying a few while I was there, to keep the chill away. That is one fun thing you can shop for - but bring along one to wear while you go scout out the shops for new ones.

I ended up living in my BR cashmere sweaters and Jcrew cable knit wool T-necks most of the time. This was before I learned the YLF layering rules. But, I would still highly recommend you take along a t-neck sweater or two, in cashmere or wool. Something warm but not too thick you can't easily layer.

Footwear: I think you're going to want socks - for the warmth. Flat boots or booties are probably smart. Something that is at least an 8 hour walking shoe.

As for the running shoes - that's up to you. They do take up a lot of space in your luggage. Will you really run? Or likely not? I am either/or... sometimes (like on business trips) it's a lot of fun to go running in a new place. Most of the time, I end up walking so much all day long (like on site-seeing vacations) going for a run is the *last* thing I want to do.

This may not be Angie-approved BUT if I know for sure I plan to run during my trip, and I'm not traveling with colleagues, I wear my running sneaks - with comfy sweatsuit - on the plane. And as a bonus, if I get stuck in an airport with a delayed flight, I walk all around the airport and get in some exercise.

17 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

How exciting HL, I've only been to Dublin (and Paris) myself, but I really loved it!

I just got back from a weekend at the Belgian seaside, Saturday was a nice day, and today, when we left, the sun was shining and the temperature was lovely. Yesterday however, it was about 46°F and it rained (heavily!) all day, and there was a strong wind as well.
So I think you have to come prepared;-)

I would definitely not be warm enough in a trench coat in Europe in October. Would it be possible to bring a Winter coat (wool or down maybe). Preferably water-resistant (shoes as well). Or if a water-resistant coat is not an option, at least bring a sturdy umbrella (lots of broken umbrellas yesterday, due to the wind;-)

The other ladies have made excellent suggestions already. You'll definitely need a scarf or two (I brought my long pashmina, and wore it in a Euro loop, and it was quite cozy), but gloves as well. And if you are planning coastal walks: maybe a hat too (I always get an earache when a strong wind blows).

The boots sound like a great idea. Maybe some comfortable, closed flats as well? I think Converse could work on non-rainy days, but add some thick socks then.
Layering with your cashmere cardigan will work too (I would also bring a turtleneck sweater and/or maybe a more heavy-weight sweater to wear on its own, with a cami underneath).
And how about a winter dress with tights (you could wear them with your boots) or to go over your skinnies?

About your drugstore question: I remember Tanya once mentioning that she always stocks up on Labello's (a European brand of lip balm) whenever she's in Europe. I'm not sure they are available in Ireland and Scotland, but you should be able to find them in Paris. Over here, everyone has at least a few of those lying around, but try one first before you buy in bulk though, not everybody likes the same kind of lip balms;-)
http://www.labello.com/siteChooser.html

I'm going to think about this a little bit more, and will get back to you if something else comes to mind (my first thought was chocolate - Belgian chocolate is the best though;-) - and other edibles that you can't buy in the USA).

17 years ago

Debbie

Active Member

what type of flat walking boots would be good?

I have Aerosole tall black ride line boots but don't think they are 8 hour comfort.

what type footwear would you suggest?

17 years ago

Debbie

Active Member

I have Dr. Martens that look kind of like this

http://www.zappos.com/images/7.....0480-d.jpg

Is this what 8 hour weather proof boots are like----with bootcut pants?

17 years ago

Antje

Veteran

How fun! Do pack for rain and cold weather. A few items I recommend:
- trench
- rain jacket (it's gonna rain)
- warm layers, e.g. sweaters
- scarves (for warmth and cause it's chic :-))
- skinnies and boots! that could be your daily "uniform": comfortable, stylish, very "Euro" looking
- cardis for layering
- nice skirt for going out (pair with the boots...)

17 years ago

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