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Capsule - thinking about three weeks in Europe in April. (update at end)

Sal

Veteran

Hi

We are heading to Italy in about five weeks, for three weeks. We stop in Dubai on the way over for a couple of days.

We will be travelling around independantly, by train, bus and car some of the time. We are staying mostly in apartments and will have access to laundry facilities. Activities will include sightseeing, walking, family activities etc..

The temps will vary from 30C in Dubai down to 10 C overnight in Italy, but mostly be about 18 C during the day. Spring is variable temperature wise so I do need to cover a range.

I want to travel lightly because we are moving around. I will likely do laundry every five days or so.

This is what I definitely think I need:

Footwear - sneakers/trainers, cream Oxfords, Black EF Sandals, flip flops
Gear - two pairs leggings, two tops, one hoodie, one rain jacket (no finds), one swimsuit
Pants - black soft pants, jeans x 1, gap
Skirt - black floral
Tees/tops - striped tee, black floral cami, black tee, blush silky tee, gap
Jackets - gold bomber
Knitwear - navy sweater
Scarf - one large soft one
Dress - Gap

Finds in this post are the ones I think are definites. No finds for the gear including the sneakers and the flip flops.

In the next post are the ones I am considering.

I am looking for distractions today definitely.

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Eileen Fisher Eileen Fisher Sport Sandal (Women) | Nordstrom

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61 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

Gretchen

Veteran

I would add another sweater and/or a warmer jacket. Weather in Europe is typically great in April, but I’ve had trips where it’s much colder than I expected. Better to plan for layers then remove if not needed.

Sal

Veteran

I think I have the following gaps

Gaps -

I think I need a dress and another top and one more pants/shorts.

Dress - I think the black tee dress could be the most versatile as with a scarf it might work in Dubai. I don't find it the most flattering but it is comfortable and easy care. I was also considering the blue floral (which I adore but it is on it's way out and maybe too summery?)

Pants - I don't want to take white jeans or flares as I am not good at staying clean - I could take some old blue skinnies- no find? Or I could take my terracotta culottes.... (linen?) I don't love any of my current shorts but I could take the floral ones?

Top - maybe a long sleeve option. None of my long sleeve options work with the sweaters and jackets. I could just buy something along the way? Or something like a long sleeved Breton tee (would need to buy). One of my gear tees would work with jeans, black pants and under the blue sweater as a layer.

Footwear - I have new Asics runners that are comfy but very gear-like. Do I take these or buy some Allbirds or trainers that are a bit smarter? My current white leather sneakers have ripped lining and I suspect won't work for much longer.

Warmth - will one sweater, one hoodie and one bomberjacket be enough? I will also have a rain jacket and a scarf.

On top - underwear, socks, a cap, a scarf, small amount jewelry.

Also not sure on handbags and what to take - I am thinking a small Lululemon daypack plus an ageing crossbody - I hope to buy a bag over there.......

Thanks for being my distraction!

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Sal

Veteran

Thanks Gretchen - I am planning to get a new puffer this year - probably on the lighter weight side? If I got a dressier one do you think that would work?

Here is one that I quite like the look of:

https://www.kathmandu.co.nz/wo.....acket.html

My trench is too bulky I think.....hard to pack down.....

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Brooklyn

Veteran

Hi Sally, I went to Italy in April once and it was cold. Like Sydney winter cold. Tops of 13 to 18. Not like our Spring at all. Are you going South or North? If you are going North maybe take some more layers? Another sweater and long sleeve top.

Sal

Veteran

More North than South.....

Maybe a lightweight puffer addition and a long sleeve tee might be good additions? I want to have four-five days worth of clothes that I rotate around four times ideally:)

Runcarla

Veteran

A few years back I spent the month of April in Europe. Started out cool (my travel diary indicates 14-18degC that first week) but warmed up over the month to mid 20's at the end! I brought a leather moto and a short trench coat. When it was windy and cold, I layered. As it warmed up, I wore one or the other as a topper. I packed a jeans style jacket as well. 2 pair pants, plus the ones I wore travelling, one dress, but 8 tops (light weight sweaters, t-shirts, 1 silky sleeveless). Wore Chelsea boots on the plane, packed nice leather sneakers and dressy flats. Pants and dress could be worn more than once, but with all the activity, tops could not be worn more than one day. (Did laundry as well.). The dress was mesh and was brilliant - rolled small and did not wrinkle. Perfect for nice resto, theatre, and when the weather turned warm. Everything in a small rolling carry on and le Pliage tote. Used public transit - trains, bus, subway.

April is an iffy month so check the weather forecast of your destination leading up to your departure date.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Carla!! Definitely useful to hear that as that will be about the number of items I want to take. I will look at my trench - it might work.... Our spring is about those temperatures and it can come down to the wind sometimes - on a windy day 18 can feel pretty chilly!!

I do have a black Gap long sleeve boat neck tee that I forgot about - I think I will take this as it is quite warm. It works with the skirt, black pants and with the jeans and under the gold bomber. My travel wardrobe will be quite black but that is fine with me.

I then just need to decide on the dress .....

I think the blue floral dress is too summery and if it is hot I will wear the black floral cami with the skirt as a dress anyway. I could take the blue gingham check or the long sleeve spot wine coloured spot dress or the black tee dress....

I am tempted aside from the jacket to just make do - and hopefully find some lovely treasures along the way... My only concern is that as a tallish person (174cm - 5 foot 8) - US size 8-10 that Italian women will be smaller than me and there won't be lots of options?

I then just need to choose the scarf (only have a couple of options), a few pieces of jewelry, and my bags.

And stay strong not to keep adding more stuff!!

List

Footwear - Asics trainers, cream Oxfords, Black EF Sandals, flip flops
Gear - two pairs leggings, two tops, one hoodie, one rain jacket (no finds), one swimsuit
Pants - black soft pants, jeans x 1, rust culottes
Skirt - black floral
Tees/tops - striped tee, black floral cami, black tee, blush silky tee, black long sleeve tee
Jackets - gold bomber, light weight puffer
Knitwear - navy sweater
Scarf - one large soft one
Dress - Black, Blue Check or Wine Spot

Anonymous

Do you have a packable puffer? This one I have rolls up into its own little sack, and works to about 40F.

Michael by Michael Kors Hooded Packable Puffer Coat

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Sal

Veteran

Thanks Suntiger - I don't.....that is about the weight I am looking for. On the coldest days here I layer my puffer under a shell, but those cool spring or warmer winter days are when I need one.

I find them hard to fit funnily enough - I need a well shaped one!!

Anonymous

I can actually layer my blazer under this one-and the puffs are chevron so it looks streamlined This is how the front looks.
Eta-just discovered it layers under my wool coat too.

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rachylou

Veteran

This seems reasonable. My struggle always, when doing the all-day tourist walking thing, is how to carry my coat when I’m not wearing it. Is there a way to do this that isn’t annoying? What usually ends up happening is I take a lighter coat and end up freezing.

Joy

Veteran

I have travelled Italy about the same time of year that you are going. If you are going to Venice or Lake Como area, it can be cool. I wore a cashmere pullover everywhere and almost every day. It was tucked in as an afterthought. Wear footwear that will not slide on wet cobblestones. Wheeled luggage is useless in Venice because of all the steps up and over canals. A backpack would be best. I second a packable puffer jacket. I ended up wearing mine a lot under my trench coat. I always wore a coat did not take sneakers because they are a sign to pickpockets that you are a tourist ( or used to be. Not sure about now). If you take sneakers be sure they are not white, or better yet, buy them there

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Joy - we aren't going to Como but we are going to Venice and Garda- and we are taking backpacks as we will have space issue in our car as well.....

I don't know re sneakers anymore - I would be interested as they are so ubiquitous. My Asics are very much running shoes and not stylish attire - I think the sandals and oxfords will both work though and I would mostly wear them on city outings and the Asics on hiking/light runs etc.

I do find shoes the hardest part of packing by far - I don't worry too much re clothing as I am relaxed about buying a new sweater or pants if I need them....shoes are a different story aren't they as I like to swap every second day and I also like to look nice and I always hope I will exercise on holiday........ I could forgo the flip flops and take my tan flat sandals as they are very small and better for walking (I can't wear flip flops or slides or mules for walking long distances at all as my calves seize up).

Lucy

Veteran

I have travelled a lot in the last 12 months - overseas work trips, that I was able to tack on some extra time for sightseeing, which was great.

I would take more than one scarf. When you take photos, especially selfies, you often don't get a sense of the whole outfit - by my final trip, I took a lot of black and navy, because I realised how little I saw of the rest of my outfit and it was very practical, and weirdly, in real life I felt the dark colours looked slightly more dressy .
But a few different scarfs really do help to add colour to your face and they photograph well. That said, you might be able to buy something beautiful there!

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Lucy- good advice!!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Sounds like so much fun! Definitely bring or plan to buy light puffers - good for rain and chill. You are bringing several flat shoes and that is the most important thing when travelling in my opinion (next to warmth). Plan to buy new cross body bag during trip is excellent!

Joy

Veteran

Check to see if you can drive in Venice. I think you have to park outside the city. Even the taxies we used were water taxies. I was never so soaked as by the rain in Venice. I found out the hard way that my coat and hood were only rain resistant, not waterproof. Waterproof shoes would also be a good idea. Venice is sinking and it was hard not having to walk through standing water.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Shevia!! I will buy a puffer before we go but look for a bag there.....

Joy - I can imagine it could be cold and soggy. We leave our car behind when we get to Venice - we will train there and walk around the city. Good thought re shoes - none of mine are very waterproof...... I will do some investigation!!

jussie

Veteran

I dunno about the capsule but my oh my what a wonderful trip you have planned!! Super envious

Cardiff girl

Veteran

All good advice,I went to Venice end of March one year and it snowed!I was frozen all day in just a lightweight trench.l would support the need for layers and waterproof footwear.l see that you have already included a waterproof coat.Have a great trip,l love Italy.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I was going to say to take the blue dress, as it's on it's way out and you could just leave it there at the end, but then you posted several other good options. Does posting the black dress twice mean you like it, or that you think you "should" take it, even though it's not your favorite?

I like those floral shorts, but the terracotta culottes are good. If you don't love the shorts, why wear them in Italy or Dubai? Can you wear the culottes with the blush/yellow top? The black ls top sounds good too. But if you want 4-5 days worth of clothes, you already have that without these additions (2 pr pants, dress, skirt). Is the skirt significantly different than the dress? If not, maybe swap it out for the culottes.

Scarves will definitely be available, a fun thing to bring back, and much easier to fit in Mediterranean countries than pants. Walking into a store and having them scramble to find the biggest things in their inventory is not an uplifting experience.

Joy is absolutely right about the rain in Venice--see news stories from recent years about flooding in San Marcos Square. Unless you're planning to wear the flip flops in the shower, don't take them. Idk if you have time to get them and break them in, but you could maybe get some real athletic shoes that look good enough to wear in town too. (Fashion trainers are a buggaboo of mine--if they have the look, I want the performance too!)

I hear you on fitted puffers--think I got lucky with mine. A substitute could be an unlined rain shell + fleece.

Have a wonderful trip! I'd love to be going too, really hope to get my kid to Venice so he can enjoy just walking and walking, until he's entirely lost, as I did at his age.

by Stagiaire Fash

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Anonymous

I am so excited for you! I will watch your capsule develop with great interest.

When you say "light," what does that translate to in your mind? One bag plus a tote?

Are the Allbirds off the table? I own a pair and am quite happy with them, but have never tried to walk long distances. Still a part of thinks they could go the distance.

Bijou

Veteran

I don't think you have enough warm clothing. I would add another jacket and sweater, unless you were planning to buy some additional items on the trip. I once went to Paris for 2 weeks in May and took one blazer with a number of knits - I ended up buying a trench because it rained almost continually for the 2 weeks.

anchie

Veteran

For what is worth, because I run cold and weather in April can be very unpredictable, I would not bring sandals or anything summery, but you probably need those for Dubai. I was in Rome in April few years ago, and it was freezing. I wore all layers that I had with me - cami, long sleeve tee, denim jacket, heavy leather jacket and scarf and was still cold. It would warm up for a bit in the middle of the day, when leather jacket was too much, and then it was difficult to carry it arround. I still remember this trip as major fail in regards to packing.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

How exciting!

Sal, I've been to Italy in the Spring. It's not warm! You need warmer clothes - and no sandals. Trench coat, pullovers, socks, closed shoes. LAYERS.

Christina F.

Veteran

I agree on the packable puffer - that saved my life in Spain in November. Italy really won't be warm yet, though due to climate change, who knows? Check the extended forecast right before you leave.

I also tend to be colder on trips to Europe in the shoulder season, because I'm outside much of the day, going from place to place, taking walking tours, etc. So consider that, too.

Can you layer one of those dresses over your jeans? It's a fun look and would keep you warm. If so, that might be the one I'd take, since it adds temperature versatility.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I haven't read the other replies, but I really question taking the EF sandals. I also was in Europe at this time of year and I don't think you'll need them... nor possibly even want them. Swap them out for a pair of closed shoes. Maybe something like the Ecco sneakers?

You will have SO MUCH FUN.

Ecco 'Soft 7' Cap Toe Sneaker

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Sal

Veteran

Thanks all. Interesting feedback - I will rethink one or two things. When we are there Rome and Tuscany look warm and sandal weather to me based on the temperature range...

https://www.romewise.com/rome-in-april.html

but Venice definitely a lot more marginal. I could swap out the perforated oxfords for ankle boots or maybe leather sneakers. Maybe a long sleeve dress is the best option....

Dubai will be hot and I will want a pair of sandals there for two days....

When I say light I mean a pack and a carry on bag....happy to check the bag on the international flights as we have paid for it...but I will be walking from train station to hotel with it... We have a car for five days and space will be limited.

Maybe the flipflops are unnecessary - I was thinking around the villa in Tuscany or at the campground in Garda.... The pool is open there so I suspect my sons and niece will swim but it is early season. Sneakers would be fine in this instance. And it sounds like shorts won't be ideal - my skirt and a tee would work well on hot days.

So I need to plan for one pair of waterproof shoes - I was thinking of taking my raincoat but maybe a trench and puffer is a better combination.

Cee

Veteran

You may consider leaving the sandals at home and take at least one winter strength sweater... even a cowlneck !

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