Ask Angie: New mom in need of a simple capsule for trip to Scotland - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie: New mom in need of a simple capsule for trip to Scotland

Sarah

(website)

I'm a new mom and will be traveling to Scotland for 2 weeks in late March/early April.

I stay home with my son, and after over a year of wearing maternity clothes and thrown-together postpartum outfits, I'm out of practice when it comes to dressing smartly.

Before having my baby, I would have spent these last few weeks before the trip trawling the shops, planning and acquiring the perfect ensemble, but I currently don't have the time or focus.

Angie, I desperately need guidance on putting together a simple, fab capsule wardrobe for my trip. I love the idea of a few key pieces that I adore, that I can mix and match.

(The climate in Scotland in early spring is still a bit on the chilly/rainy side, probably reaching the lower 50s at the most.)

Dressing

17 replies

Latest reply was from Mander

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This is easy! It can still be very cold at that time of year, so watch the weather report like a hawk a few days before you leave.

You need to spend time making sure you have the right footwear. That is VERY important. Europe and the UK is ALL about walking on cobbled streets and if your feet aren't happy, your trip will be miserable. It can also be wet and cold, so great jeans and stretchy pants with a few pairs of fab walking booties, boots or something else that you can wear with socks is ideal. Sweaters, short wool coat, a few more jackets/blazers or a trench, scarves and layers.

Don't know if you will need smart wear with a baby if you go out somewhere posh. You'll let me know about that

Sarah

(website)

Angie, I appreciate the quick reply! Thank you so much.

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I live in northern England, and in the spring (well, all year round, really!) I would definitely make sure you have a rain coat of some sort. A water resistant trench is fine and probably more stylish and versatile than your standard gear-type jacket, and is what I usually wear around town. Umbrellas are also standard fare, of course, but I often find that a hat, or even one of those goofy plastic rain bonnets, is more effective and easier to hold onto if it is windy.

Isabel

Veteran

Sarah, I just want to throw out there that you might want to consider one SmartWool or Icebreaker T shirt or cami. They are merino wool, super soft, wash easily, hang to dry and warm without overheating. Maybe a long sleeve one and a cami. You can find them on the web.

Have fun and CONGRATULATIONS on your baby !

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My pleasure, Sarah :). And congrats!

I forgot to mention a cross body bag might be best so that you are hands-free. And a topper with a hood is easy when you push a pram.

sarah

Veteran

Hi Sarah, another Sarah here planning a trip to the UK/France that time of year, with kids in tow (not quite as young as yours). Here's what I'm beginning to think:

2 pairs of skinny/straight jeans

one pair comfie boots, one pair comfie booties
one pair running shoes (for running and for hiking)
I just ordered these for fun and comfort
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....urope-trip

several sweaters - turtlenecks, boxy sweaters
camis and layering tees to add warmth
scarves
patterned belts
black or ink blue blazer
denim jacket
trench coat

cross-body bag

That's about as far as I've gotten...

MsMary

Veteran

I have a Pinterest board with travel wardrobe ideas, including some that would probably be good for what you are planning: http://pinterest.com/mrskpasad.....obe-ideas/

Hope it helps!

Sarah

(website)

Thank you so much for your suggestions, everyone! This has been a HUGE help.

Does anyone have any suggestions for where I can find:

- A smart parka or spring jacket that can stand up to Scottish wind and rain without sacrificing style? (Hopefully well under $100)

- Comfy walking booties that won't break the bank?
(I'm assuming ballet flats on bare feet are to be avoided in early April in Scotland?)

sarah

Veteran

I would look at the anoraks and trench coats at Nordstrom's - they are mostly water-resistant, so you'd want an umbrella.

And check Clark's for comfortable booties.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Not sure your preference for style, but these floral Dr. Martens are cute!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/dr.....ot/3457065

Nordies is usually my default for shoes. When we took a trip to Europe (we live in Seattle) I bought Naot's because I knew we would be walking a lot and I didn't want foot pain to ruin my trip. But they are very pricey. If you can afford it it might be worth to splurge on some high quality comfort booties.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Hello from Scotland!

May I ask where you are heading, the advice for a fortnight in the city is very different to a fortnight exploring the lochs and hills?

Sarah

(website)

Hi RoseandJoan, we'll be spending the first week on the Isle of Arran and the second week in Glasgow. So a bit of both!

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Oh that makes a difference, the west coast and Aaran ca be very wet n wild!

I would take;
1 pair of boots suitable for hill walking
1 pair of boots which can be worn daytime into evening
2 pairs of skinny jeans which can be tucked into the boots
4 layering t-shirts
4 sweaters or cardigans
1 raincoat
1 blazer which you can add to jeans, tee, sweater for city wear
1 casual skirt
1 pair of smarter trousers for evening wear
1 smarter top/ blouse

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Julie, what a brilliant packing list! You are ORGANIZED!!!

This sounds excellent to me. I would add a couple of colourful scarves to vary your outfits and add warmth where required.

Gloves

Maybe a hat or umbrella - depending on type of coat.

If you have room, given the varied nature of your trip, I might be tempted to take two coats -- one trench type (for the city) and one weather proof anorak (for the hiking). The anorak will not take up much packing space at all and might be very handy. I took both types of coat on a long trip to China and Vancouver in the autumn and was grateful for the variety and function of each.

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I'd have gloves and a stocking hat if you are going to be out hiking near the coast at all, even if you do have a hood on your jacket. Or maybe earmuffs. The wind off the sea can be very cold!

MsMary

Veteran

I just got back from Japan, where it was pretty cold and rainy, and EVERYONE was wearing Uniqlo lightweight down jackets. They're super thin but very warm, not too expensive, and come in every color: http://www.uniqlo.com/us/#wome.....collection

Mander

(website)

Veteran

Ah, yes, those down jackets are awesome. I have one made by a Danish company which is amazingly lightweight and packs down into a little stuff sack, great for using as a neck pillow. It is super warm and not too bulky, which makes it easy to layer under a trench coat or another jacket. My sister got a similar one at Penny's last year, so you should be able to find something similar even if you don't have a Uniqlo near you.