What to Pack & Wear for Europe Trip

WitchyD

Hello All,
I'm looking for some packing and fashion advice and tips for an upcoming business and vacation trip to Europe next month-about 12 days. This is a combination of both work and pleasure, and in addition two days will be spent at a large trade show (black pants and logo shirt). I am spending a few days at our office in France, and then taking some vacation time in both Paris and London. I may also need something somewhat dressier for a dinner or show night.
Naturally, I'd like to pack light... but with the combo of both business/casual attire I'm having some trouble in deciding what to take, plus it will be cold walking around! Any suggestions on what works? Should I stick to mostly black for ease in spanning both?

11 years ago

Dressing

7 replies

Latest reply was from WitchyD

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I usually plan for packing from the shoes up - deciding on what shoes to take first, and then making outfits from there. You will probably need comfortable but professional shoes for the trade show, and then something comfy for touristy things. Keeping everything mix and match and in the same color scheme certainly simplifies things, even if it feels a little boring after a while (at least for me).

11 years ago

Meredith

Veteran

Sounds like quite the trip! You might want to look back on some of forum member Shiny's packing threads. She's a pro.

11 years ago

ClaraT

Veteran

Laura's advice is spot on. Traveling/sightseeing is miserable if your feet aren't happy. It will be *cold* so I advise some tall comfy waterproof black boots that you can wear comfortably with warm socks/tights to start with. Or booties would work too, I think...keep the bottom simple with black skinny pants (maybe ponte?) or a skirt then dress it up or down with tops. The difficult part about winter travel is being warm outside but wearing layers so you can peel them off on the metro or inside. It's France – – think simple design in luxury fabrics to dress up on top. One great but not too expensive accessory (scarf?). Don't forget a compact umbrella. Sounds like a wonderful trip. Have fun!

11 years ago

SandyG

Veteran

Comfortable walkable shoes for the cold weather, a great coat with scarf and gloves, and warm (merino) underwear -- take it from someone who froze in Italy over Easter, travel and sightseeing and business are NO FUN when you are chilled and uncomfortable. It's awful and you can't escape that day. You're wise to plan ahead. Good luck and have fun!

11 years ago

Jen W

Active Member

My uniform last winter in Paris was tall boots, straight dark jeans, a silk undershirt, turtleneck sweater in navy, and a dark puffer jacket with a scarf. I was warm and comfortable for wandering around the city for 12-15 hour days and fit right in with the dark clothed masses. I wore some variation on this for all 6 days of my trip. Since your work requires black, I'd use that as the basis for a capsule. Dark clothes wear well while traveling, and the winter is easier on clothing, so I think you can get away with packing lightly. And if you invest in silk thermals they dry quickly over night if rinsed in the sink. A dark jersey dress packs well, a few sweaters and under-layers, 4-5 varied bottoms, at least 2 pairs of shoes to switch off for your feet, a coat, and a handful of accessories to change up your outfits, and you will be well dressed for most occasions. Winter is my favorite time to visit Europe and I think you will have a fabulous time!

11 years ago

Louise

Veteran

I'm a notorious over packer but I will say pack layers it's quite cold here in the UK around this time of year and a cosy scarf is a must. I went to London in October a few years ago and was so cold I had to buy a pashmina scarf. I've got it on today and it's a lovely memory of a wonderful trip but I was really cold till I gave in and bought it!! X

11 years ago

WitchyD

Active Member

Thanks so much everyone for the replies. I hadn't thought about the silk underwear at all, but given that I want to walk around a lot I think this is a good idea as they can be layered under lighter weight clothes.

I tend to be a notorious over packer, but I'm trying hard not to do that on this trip as I'll be rolling my luggage around with me on the train to London.

Plus, I want to leave a little space for what I might find shopping!

11 years ago

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