https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 23:23:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1453228 Sun, 08 Mar 2015 20:15:22 +0000 min 1453228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd go with one coat, either pair of boots (wear on plane) and maybe one other pair of shoes if you're feet won't last the full time in one pair of shoes.&nbsp; I'd also not bring a dress but a skirt.&nbsp; You can reuse a top with pants and a skirt that way.</p> <p>I spent two weeks (14 days) in Scotland a few years ago with only a carry-on (not with wheels, they add weight and take up room).&nbsp; I brought:&nbsp; one coat (wore on plane, had zip out liner for warmer days), one pair of comfy shoes (worn on plane), two pants, four tops, few pair panties and socks (washed at night and hung to dry), 2 bras.&nbsp; Plus basic toiletries.&nbsp; I did hit some very warm weather so picked up two cheap tops while there.&nbsp; I prefer to pack super light and not worry about repeating outfits or pieces.&nbsp; No one I know is there, I move around so no one will know that I'm wearing the exact same outfit that I wore 3 or 4 days ago and I don't worry about fashion on these types of trips. </p> <p>Now, when I travel here in the US and for work it's different story!!!&nbsp; I take a lot more and worry about appearance.&nbsp;&nbsp;For me, it's a totally different&nbsp;kind of traveling.&nbsp;</p> <p>Take what you will feel comfortable in, not just in fit but in appearance.&nbsp; Some will take more and some (me!) will take less.&nbsp; Take what works for you and enjoy the trip.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1453210 Sun, 08 Mar 2015 18:53:58 +0000 WitchyD 1453210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recently got back from a Europe trip in winter. I don't think you need both coats. Take the lighter one and layer up under it. I'm not sure you need the hat either, I used a scarf if it got windy. I actually fell in love with scarves in Paris, and I bought 2 when I was there! LOL!&nbsp;So maybe you only pack one or two.&nbsp;I had a very light silver trench and was fine from Berlin to London. Shoes: tall boots, sneakers/athletic shoe, and I like a black ballet flat that can be dressed up or down since it's still too cold for sandals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1452643 Sat, 07 Mar 2015 11:28:02 +0000 Mander 1452643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like you've got it figured out but I was going to suggest just taking the non-wool trench, especially if you have layers of fleece, silk, cashmere, etc. to wear under it.</p> <p>Also, those packable down jackets are the best thing ever. I have one and I love it because I can squish it down to fit into a smallish handbag, which is nice when you're going out and don't want to have a big coat to lug around. But it's also super warm and it's easy to layer things over it.</p> <p>Have a good time on your trip! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1452612 Sat, 07 Mar 2015 07:14:49 +0000 fuzzylogic 1452612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny! I empathise with your dilemma! Currently touring Europe (temps ranging from icy/sludgy -10C to 20C) for three weeks out of one carry-on! Holy smokes, my cosmetics could easily weigh 7kg (limit for carry-on).....</p> <p>I have one coat, one pair of boots, five longsleeve Ts, four pairs of pants, two scarves, one hat/beanie.</p> <p>Sounds as though you have thought things through! Let us know what you decided &amp; how it worked! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1452445 Fri, 06 Mar 2015 22:47:21 +0000 Anonymous 1452445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so glad you figured this all out, and I hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1452433 Fri, 06 Mar 2015 22:33:38 +0000 Caro in Oz 1452433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like you are set Have a great trip!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1452430 Fri, 06 Mar 2015 22:27:14 +0000 shiny 1452430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, I am just not a skirt person. I am bringing the EF leggings, which are sort of a skirt look. My other option is the VC midi tube skirt but it just doesn't work with tights underneath it.&nbsp;</p> <p>DD is in Italy at the moment and messaged me yesterday to say she picked up a clutch for me there, but says it's for my birthday this summer. Maybe I can talk her into letting me use it earlier.&nbsp;</p> <p>Astrid - yes snowing in Iceland BUT still 10 degrees warmer than here! Which is good because I'm freezing today. :-(</p> <p>I'm all packed. It all fit in the spinner + laptop bag. The non-wool trench is in the laptop bag. Since it fit in there, I was able to pack what will probably be too many tops (mostly long sleeves, and one extra sweater - cashmere - which travels well), but it all fits without the expander!!&nbsp;However I have this suspicion it may be over weight, so I may wind up checking it anyway. That is okay. I just didn't want to lug a bigger bag all around and this one is so easy to maneuver. DH is checking his bag so he'll carry on the laptop bag and I'll carry on my Minkoff backpack. He's tucked an empty duffel into his bag so we can bring back goodies, so on the trip back we'll be re-&nbsp;juggling. </p> <p>I think we're in good shape!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1452036 Fri, 06 Mar 2015 06:08:08 +0000 Astrid 1452036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah yes gloves, good idea Joy! The skirt would be fab if you have one that can work for dressy and casual and have tops that work with that skirt AND pants. Otherwise I'd take the dress, I think. I had a look and the next few days there's still supposed to be snow in Iceland, even in the city. I don't know, I think I personally would want that wool trench. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1452031 Fri, 06 Mar 2015 05:11:31 +0000 Anonymous 1452031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Could you just take the non-wool trench and add the cardigan and/or silk long underwear under it it you need warmth? When we went to Ireland I took a light weight coat but sometimes layered a down jacket under it (the kind that can be shoved into a tiny nylon bag) and sometimes layered a lux sweatshirt under the down jacket with a turtleneck under that. I stayed warm on those windy cliffs in the rain. Take gloves.<br /> Take a hat that will not blow off your head. I'd take a cashmere scarf and a lightweight non- wool scarf, the sneakers, and a skirt instead of a dress.<br /> Can your DD loan you a clutch and possibly other accessories to use if needed in London? This sounds like a wonderful trip and lots of fun and variety. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1451498 Thu, 05 Mar 2015 10:41:51 +0000 Astrid 1451498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds good! Take the other trench then and go easy with the scarves and the tops to make room for it. I guess if you run that hot then the wool trench might really be too warm, depending on the weather. I think settling on the dark wash skinnies and Naot sneakers is a good idea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1451135 Wed, 04 Mar 2015 19:29:59 +0000 Anonymous 1451135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You could always do like I do. Pack what you know you'll need, and then see if there's still room to pack the additional items. Also, if three pairs of shoes are needed for the entire trip, one pair will be on your feet when you travel, so you'll only need to pack 2 pairs. Go easy on the scarves, too. I agree with you about making sure you have appropriate outerwear, esp. if you're not sure what the weather is going to do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1451125 Wed, 04 Mar 2015 18:58:49 +0000 shiny 1451125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Betty crocker - it's more about making sure I have proper shoe rotation than anything else. For 11 days, I need more than 2 pairs of shoes for sure, but no more than 3. I think I'm now leaning towards the sneakers - will be good for the countryside / Iceland, plus if my feet get sore they will be just the ticket for emergency TLC.&nbsp;</p> <p>Gaylene - I wasn't planning on hiking in Iceland, but now that you mention it, my hubby did say he wanted to rent a car one day&nbsp;and explore some places we didn't hit last time,&nbsp;so thanks for reminding me. We are going to the theater with my DD (she's taking a theater class so goes once a week) but she has assured me that I don't need to dress up too much for it. I figure the midi dress will be just right, and would also work if we go out to any place nice for dinner.&nbsp;</p> <p>Okay I went out to run errands and it's mid-40s here, with snow on the ground. I was sweltering in my wool trench. Did I mention it's super warm? And has been saving me from freezing in these below zero temps?&nbsp;</p> <p>Eventually I peeled off the cardigan and was just wearing a short sleeve linen tee + EF skirted leggings with no fleece underneath them and the coat worn open. Yeah, I run hot!</p> <p>So I think I'm going to need to pack the lighter trench as well, as the weather forecast is showing 50-60 degree weather in London this week. I know that can change dramatically by the time I leave and while I'm there, but I'm going to guess that it's a safe bet to plan for 40 degree weather, give or take. I will just have to make it all fit somehow. I'd rather bring the right outerwear and wear the same basic&nbsp;outfit underneath it several times. Also, I can do laundry in London at my DD's place, so I don't need that much clothes but I do need the right outerwear and shoes.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also I did a try-on and have settled on the dark wash skinny jeans, as they will be right for any occasion.&nbsp;</p> <p>Usually I don't shop much when I go on vacation, but we will be hitting North 66 in Iceland and also my DD wants to go shopping to refresh her wardrobe for Spring. I'd prefer to focus on shops in London&nbsp;that we don't have here, so if anyone has any suggestions, please pass them along! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1451100 Wed, 04 Mar 2015 18:28:28 +0000 Gaylene 1451100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My trick at this stage of the packing game is to quit thinking of individual pieces and start assembling my base outfits for each situation--for example, walking around London, traveling day, hiking in Iceland, dinner/theatre, and the like. I actually try on each outfit to make sure everything works as well in reality as it did in my head--right down to the scarf, shoe, undies, and hat. I also try to figure how I could tweak the outfit if the temp was cold, warm, or rainy. I add and subtract until I'm satisfied with each outfit. For most trips, I'm covered if I have a city walking outfit, a dressier outfit, a casual/active outfit, and a travel day outfit.</p> <p>As I make my final choices, I try to select items that work across multiple base outfits. A pair of pants or a jacket which can be worn for traveling, city walking, and casual times is a slam-dunk. My rule for an item which works for only a specific base outfit, like a dressy top or pair of shoes, is it has to take up very little space to be included, unless I know said outfit will be worn at least 50% of the time. Thinking of outfits for specific scenerios keeps me from inadvertently duplicating items with similar functions--like bringing multiple sets of city walking clothes and forgetting I needed a pair of casual walking shoes and rain slicker for walking around in the countryside. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1451094 Wed, 04 Mar 2015 18:22:07 +0000 Anonymous 1451094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd go with one coat and only one or two pairs of shoes. Surely people will know you're on vacation and couldn't pack your entire wardrobe for the trip. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1451017 Wed, 04 Mar 2015 15:01:39 +0000 shiny 1451017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Astrid! I was hoping you'd weigh in here. It's difficult to wrap my head around slightly warmer temperatures right now, when it's so flipping arctic cold here. I suspect the temps will be very similar to my recent NC trip - weather ranged from just around freezing to 47 degrees &amp; sunny. I didn't need a bulky sweater + fleece leggings for the freezing temps; the wool trench with scarf, hat, gloves was just fine. At 47 degrees, I could get away with just a thin blouse, no hat, no scarf, and the coat unbuttoned. Those temps did not last all that long/ I was not outside in them that long -- but if I was, I would have preferred the spring trench instead. </p> <p>But you're probably right, the wool trench is likely going to be just fine and all purpose.&nbsp;</p> <p>For scarves, I'm now leaning towards light blue pashmina, and a b&amp;w scarf that's somewhat lighter. If there's room, I may toss in a third scarf in raspberry.&nbsp;</p> <p>The R&amp;B jeans have the advantage of being warmer and also could be quite cozy for the airplane. Heck, I could even sleep in them. I just worry they are too casual. Fine for Iceland, not sure for London. Then again, we'll probably get outside of London, rent a car. As for making outfits, I like that they read as a lighter denim blue, so bring a taste of Spring into the color scheme which is otherwise black, gray, white.&nbsp;I suppose the alternative is my light blue jeans - guess I'll do a try-on.</p> <p>I think I'll go with the white hat as it coordinates with the white backpack. Also, practically speaking, it's getting a tad grimy/pilly, so I would not cry if I was to accidentally lose it somewhere. I've been losing hats this season!</p> <p>I'm still on the fence about the 3rd pair of&nbsp;shoes - Naot's or loafers. Both are super comfy, though the Naot's do have more arch support.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1450977 Wed, 04 Mar 2015 12:08:21 +0000 unfrumped 1450977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your packing post! I mostly learn things.<br /> What Astrid said!<br /> One coat.<br /> Most comfy shoes. Think of them as lifesavers/ trip savers.<br /> 2 fun/ bright/ happy scarves . Maybe tops and scarves will sort out to which combos give you several outfit options.<br /> Jeans sounds like just could go with your preference. Are you happy with the versatility and comfort of each? Have fashion fun but default to practicality.<br /> Tops- I wouldn't need short sleeves! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1450940 Wed, 04 Mar 2015 07:18:28 +0000 Astrid 1450940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd go with just the wool trench. I was comfortable in my wool trench coat in Italy when it was 12ºC and sunny, I just left it unbuttoned. Last year I wore my wool peacoat in London in April. I really don't think it will get so warm you will overheat. That's so great when it comes to wool, it's breathable. I would also take the Naot sneakers. I think you need one pair of super comfortable practical shoes just in case. I'd take short and long sleeves, but more long sleeves. I can't imagine it will be that warm and if the long sleeves are thinner and go with the cardigan... For bottoms, I'd go with the dressy skinnies - I like to stay on the safe side when travelling. I wouldn't take more than two scarves, pick ones that are truly different in look and even might work for slightly different temperatures. And with a black trench and white backpack I vote grey hat. </p> <p>ETA<br /> Forgot to say, take the midi dress (and take an umbrella). And if the hem gets a bit wet it will dry again... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1450931 Wed, 04 Mar 2015 05:49:12 +0000 rachylou 1450931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Metallic loafers (socks important in winter), white hat (cute with your blond hair in pictures), midi dress (versatile and my knees personally don't like drafts in winter), just the one coat, and I lead toward the R&amp;B jeans for the cool factor... but I don't know if any of these choices make for good outfits that go together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1450928 Wed, 04 Mar 2015 05:22:25 +0000 Adelfa 1450928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, this is a huge challenge! I packed for 3 weeks in Costa Rica in a carry-on bag, the difference being that packing for the tropics is super different from packing for winter in Northern Europe! Wow!</p> <p>To me it sounds like you've thought all of this through really well and the remaining decisions are ones that mostly could go either way. Good luck!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-second-guessing#post-1450911 Wed, 04 Mar 2015 04:08:46 +0000 shiny 1450911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This trip is for vacation -- 11 days, including 4 day stopover in Iceland and the rest in London visiting my DD who's doing a semester abroad. I've been watching the weather and I know it's going to be highly changeable for London.&nbsp;</p> <p>I really really really want to limit myself to my 22 inch carry-on spinner for this. It's just easier to lug around, and also DH and I plan to buy a lot of stuff in Iceland at the North66 store as we need to refresh from our last trip;&nbsp;he'll bring a second bag for this. To make this work I've been plotting and planning how to save space, such as only bringing silk long johns to sleep in (wash out overnight and take up zero room) and only 3 or 4 pairs of undies that wash &amp; dry overnight.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think I can do this in a 22 inch carryon but I'm finding I'm second guessing a few things and could use some help here.</p> <p>1. Coat!&nbsp;</p> <p>I recently added a black wool Burberry trench which is totally awesome, and will completely work for Iceland, and probably for London -- unless it heats up. So I'm tempted to try to squeeze in my regular Burberry trench too... just in case. Remember I run warm. I've taken the trench along on several business trips and it does pack relatively small -- but still takes up valuable room, so I'm unsure here if it's worth dragging along? Dilemma!</p> <p>2. Dress!</p> <p>Most of the trip will be casual but I always like to bring just one dress, in case we go out to dinner or whatnot. I'm thinking the midi dress which works with booties and reads casual or dressy, but I got to thinking that if it rains heavily, I might appreciate a knee length dress I can wear with flat boots, because what if the part of the&nbsp;midi dress that isn't covered by a knee-length trench coat (either one)&nbsp;gets all wet because it's raining? If so then my other alternative is a black jersey knee length dress which actually takes up a bit more room... and reads a bit more dressy.&nbsp;Dilemma.&nbsp;</p> <p>3. Third pair of shoes!</p> <p>I'll be wearing tall flat boots on the plane and packing black flat super walkable booties. I want to bring one other pair of shoes, for rotating purposes. I'm stuck here. I don't want to waste space for heels I may only wear once or twice, so it needs to be flat pair. I am debating between: 1) cognac monk straps; 2) metallic loafers; 3) Trouve pointy toed slip ons. #1 I can wear with or without socks but without socks I can't walk in them all day because blisters. #2 I can wear with or without socks and can walk all day. # 3 seem to be without socks only (would just look goofy with socks) but also seem so far to be the most walkable. Alternatively, I could bring #4, black Naot sneakers which aren't all that fashion forward but if my feet get sore, I'll be so thankful I brought them along. Oooh dilemma!</p> <p>4. Tops!</p> <p>I've pared down to just two cardigans, but it's the under layer tops I'm stressing over. How many long sleeve, how many short sleeve?&nbsp;</p> <p>5. Bottoms!</p> <p>Black 5-pocket ponte knits are a given. Can wash out &amp; dry&nbsp;overnight. My travel-go to. Will also bring skirted leggings + fleece leggings to layer as needed. Question is about jeans. Debating between dark wash AG skinnies OR R&amp;B printed sweatpant jeans. The AG's are dressier but the way I look at it, the black ponte knits can play exact same role, so maybe the R&amp;B's are just more interesting? Alternatively I could pack a wild card like white &amp; black windowpane BR Sloans -- just not sure they go with enough stuff.&nbsp;</p> <p>6. How many scarves?</p> <p>I tend to go overboard on this one. Most of what I'm packing is black, grey, white, so I need interest or I'll get bored. Definitely bringing light blue scarf. I could go crazy and pack 5 scarves, but they take up as much room as tops, so do I pack more tops and less scarves, or the other way around?</p> <p>7. Hat!</p> <p>So if I take the black wool trench, and / or&nbsp;the stone classic trench ... do I bring the grey hat or the white one?</p> <p>For bag I'm bringing white R. Minkoff leather backpack, and if room, I may bring cognac clutch, but I fully expect to be using the white backpack 90% of the time.&nbsp; </p>