Suz, I suspect you’re right about that getting toned down. But here’s one little encouraging tidbit: I got my black lace-up boots here in Berlin (on Mehringdamm) in the 90s, took them with me when I moved, but never felt comfortable wearing them there. When I showed them to my friend earlier this year, he said something like “oh, women here wear those all the time”.

I agree with others that your style has become more tough and urban — but juxtaposed with that new femininity that you mention. More playful, less proper. More feminine, less ladylike.

Of course it’s tempting to ascribe the urban toughness to Berlin, but only you can say whether the city is causal or if your style might have evolved in that direction wherever you were. Not being there, I can’t really notice similarities between local street style looks and what you wear!

Stag how exciting! I moved from Africa to Europe permanently. I had a massive wardrobe and I moved about half of it. I chose to bring with pieces that were made from pure cotton, linen, quality materials, including some that did not fit, which turned out to be a good thing as I dropped 10kgs here. If I were to do it again I would probably do it differently. I would pay more attention to climates and seasons. The clothes I wore in a Johannesburg winter are only wearable here for a very short Spring and Autumn. Also I would take into consideration items I can obtain easily where I am going. For example, leather is expensive in South Africa and I have thrifted some really fabulous leather and suede jackets and boots here, so I would definitely take them with if I were to return. I realise you are asking more for packing tips of which I don't have. I hauled mine across the world on two separate flights one year apart and I had a large amount of Kgs available with that particular airline. The first trip I took what I needed immediately on that particular trip and left it there, and the second and final haul I chose what to take with up to the weight allowed.