Travel question: do I need a coat for Zurich in early october?

A small travel dilemma for you all:

So I'm going to Greece next week for a conference. I've been twice before and I know very well what to wear (casual) and what the weather will be like (hot, definitely don't need a real coat, just a light topper for AC and evenings is plenty.) However, I have a 9 hour layover in Zurich on the way back, so I thought I'd pop into town (it's a 15 minute ride on the train), eat some chocolate and cheese, see a couple of sights, and go back to the airport. So do I need to bring a coat for this part of my trip? If I did it would most likely be my black trench coat. Or could I get away with something like a mid-weight blazer (or maybe my plaid riding jacket) worn as outerwear? I would prefer to do the latter just because those things could also be worn as toppers for AC during the conference, and are smaller/easier to pack than my trench. Plus it just annoys me to have to spend suitcase space on something that will only get worn for a few hours. I'd rather have that space for more shoes, lol. I will also have a big wrap of some sort for the plane that I could wear for additional warmth.

I will only be in zurich during daylight hours if that matters. And I run warm, but not super warm.

6 years ago

Mirjana

Veteran

Absolutely you need trench coat for Zurich for that time.

Ornella

(website)

Definitely. Make sure you can wear layers.

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Inge

Moderator

I personally would bring the trench, Diana, but I hear you on not wanting it to take up precious suitcase space. Perhaps a warm blazer or other jacket that allows for several layers and a warm scarf might do the trick too?
(You could always bring along something like the Uniqlo lightweight puffer vest or puffer jacket. They don't take up any space at all, can be layered under blazers and jackets, and are surprisingly insulating).

UNIQLO

Women Ultra Light Down Parka

View Info

Top Pick

Women Ultra Light Down Vest

Stagiaire Fash

For me, an undershirt, light sweater and cardi or light jacket with pants, maybe tights or long johns, and closed-toe shoes with socks would be fine. But it really depends on you and on the forecast.

Diana

Thanks, ladies. Looks like I should probably bring the trench. Although I hadn't even considered the possibility that it might rain there, so maybe I should bring this anorak with a hood instead... on the other hand I could probably just buy an umbrella in the airport if I need one.

Inge, I don't have anything puffery! I'm not really a fan although I have considered getting the vest version for precisely this reason. No time to shop before my trip though.

Nordstrom

Lauren Ralph Lauren Soft Shell Anorak

$210.00

Ah, your beauitful anorak would work too, Diana. And yes, there's always a possibility it will rain this time of year in Northern Europe

And yes, I'm finding the puffy vest very, very useful for this kind of circumstances.

By the way, for the rest of the outfit I'd probably wear jeans, my teal sneakers, a knit top, and maybe a cardigan or lightweight sweater of some sort. Plus a large pashmina.

I will have to see what kind of layers I can fit under my plaid riding jacket, because that one might be warm enough to use as outerwear provided I can put a cardigan under it.

elpgal

Those Patagonia puffy things are great - not too puffy and very warm but I hear you on not liking the aesthetic.

Safe travels minus any passport problems

Scarlet

Oh my goodness yes. Maybe consider one of those slim packable down jackets meant to layer underneath other coats. I think Uniqlo sells them.

bella

It might rain in Greece as well, so I think anorak would come in handy.

Lynette

Active Member

I was in Greece a few weeks ago and it seems to be cooling down already. I think the anorak is your best bet.

I think I must run quite a bit warmer than most of you... I would definitely be too hot in either my anorak or my trench coat in Athens, except maybe if I was outdoors for a long time in the middle of the night. For rain, I usually just bring a very lightweight rain shell, which packs down to almost nothing. But I don't think it would be at all warm enough for Zurich.

This whole discussion has me thinking I might need to reassess my coat situation for the future. I guess here at home I would grab a leather jacket for this kind of weather but of the two I have that currently fit, one has no closure and the other one will get totally ruined if it rains. Plus I hate packing leather jackets because they weigh a lot and are bulky.

Hmm I just realized that this teal swing coat might work, as long as I layer long sleeves (or fingerless gloves) under the 3/4 sleeves. I can layer anything I want under it. And it would work over a thin top for Athens too.
Plus it matches my teal sneakers.

Your teal coat is awesome! Just wanted to follow up, here is a link to uniqlo and below is similar to what I actually have. The reason I suggested it is because it comes with a little nylon bag you can stuff it into, so good for traveling.

https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/w.....collection

http://www.comptoirdescotonnie.....3594.html#

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I would take a trench coat.

Cee

By all means do take a coat or jacket !

Some European friends of mine are already dressing in three layers of winter clothes !

anchie

It is already a trench coat weather, and as of middle of October it is time for wool coats.

Sisi

If you run warm, I think a jacket and a pashmina will be enough. Suggestion from an "anti-cold" expert like me: when cold, make sure your head, hands and feet stay warm.

RobinF

I love the teal sweater idea. It was low 60's last week when I was in Amsterdam and that would have been fine. But I would also include the rain shell if it would fit over this.

Right now the forecast for Zurich for the day I'll be there (which is a week out, so not all that accurate probably) is 60F/45F with only a 10% chance of rain. As I'll only be there during the day I doubt I'll experience the 45. It will also be warm (70s-80s) with little chance of rain in athens all week so definitely no need for a coat there.

Ack, I'm still waffling.I used to have a slightly lighter, shorter trench that would have been ideal but both of my current ones are longer and heavier. But oh well. The trench is probably still the safe choice. I guess I'll see what fits in my suitcase - although I will definitely check the suitcase on the way home (so I won't be lugging it around zurich) I prefer not to check my bags on the way to my destination so it's a carry-on compliant suitcase (e.g. not very big).On the other hand, the summery clothes I'll need for athens don't take up much room. =P

JAileen

I liked your idea of buying an umbrella at the airport if needed. I always have something warm with me because I get so cold on airplanes. A high of 60 really means temps in the 50s. Here I'd be fine with a long sleeve tee and a vest, but I'd probably be colder there due to higher humidity levels. Zurich is surprisingly low in elevation, only 1300 feet.

Sara L.

I run cold but for such a short amount of time, I'd be willing to suck it up rather than take an extra jacket. I'd just add some layers. Plus 60 isn't really that cold if you're moving or only out for short periods of time (from public transportation to museum/cafe). Maybe take a hat and scarf instead of the trench. I'm significantly warmer with my head and neck covered.

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