Winter in Europe can be such a wonderful time! From festive Christmas markets to picturesque snowy landscapes, there are plenty of reasons to visit Europe this time of year. There's something so magical I can't quite put my finger on, and I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself at some point. Winter packing is all about balancing warmth, comfort, and style. All those layers, heavy sweaters, and boots tend to take up a lot of suitcase space so you’ll want to be cognizant of that when deciding what to pack for winter in Europe.
While cold weather may not be foreign to you, the European lifestyle causes you to be outdoors a bit more than you may be used to (walking is a much more common mode of transportation than in the States). Start with a good base layer to wick away moisture and keep your body heat sealed in. Consider thermal tops and leggings that can easily fit under your clothes if it’s below freezing and you’ll be outside a lot. Having the right base layers and outerwear is essential to staying warm and cozy. Pick clothes that can easily be layered so you can mix and match outfits. This not only saves space but also provides various outfit options.
Outerwear
The warmer the coat you pack, the better. I highly recommend a down or wool option If you're going somewhere really cold, I would opt for a longer parka. If you're going somewhere a bit more mild (which honestly, London usually is) you'll be fine with a wool blend.
Accessories make a huge difference in staying warm. It may sound obvious, but pack a good variety of scarves. This layer is always key in Europe no matter the season- but especially in winter. To be honest, I used to find gloves to be a bit annoying. Even if they keep my fingers toasty in the winter, I would rarely wear them- until I was in Europe. Now they’re part of my daily outfit. Even if it's not frigid, the seemingly constant state of being outdoors makes your fingers feel stiff, so gloves are a must! Add your favorite warm hat to trap in heat and you’ll be good to go!
Sweaters & Blouses
You’ll likely be wearing a sweater and/or blouse most days so I make sure to pack ones that can easily be mixed and matched. From the ever-popular lady jacket to a cozy roll-neck, these go with just about anything. Oftentimes I’ll layer a blouse that has a fun detail under a sweater. That pop of lace or ruffle peeking out from the collar or sleeves adds that little something extra to your outfit. A long sleeve tee and tissue turtlenecks are also great to layer underneath your sweaters for an added layer of warmth that don’t take up too much room in your suitcase.
Dresses & Pants
If you need a dressier outfit for dinners, high tea, or the theatre; a sweater dress is always a good option. Alternatively, tweed or boucle is a typical winter fabric as it’s a bit heavier material. Those long-sleeved tees and thin turtlenecks you packed can also be layered underneath dresses. Don’t forget to pack a few pairs of tights to go along with them!
A good pair of black pants and jeans are always in my suitcase no matter where I travel. I have a pair in a light stone wash that gets heavy rotation in my winter wardrobe as it pairs well with anything! You’ll want a pair that won’t drag on the ground and get wet but will fit over boots. Depending on where you’re traveling in Europe, you may want to pack some thermal leggings as a base to wear under jeans or pants if the temperatures are sub-zero.
Shoes
Comfortable and waterproof winter boots are essential. Ensure they have a good grip for slippery streets. Also, pack warm socks that will keep your feet dry. A sturdy pair of Chelsea boots are my go-to in the city. If you’re heading to a snowy locale, you’ll want to pack a pair of snow boots. I would recommend wearing these on the plane as these will be your heaviest shoes. Loafers are great if the weather is mild because they are dressier but more comfortable to walk in than heels. If you do want a heel, I’d recommend a block heel.
Figuring out what to pack for winter in Europe doesn’t have to be challenging! Packing warm layers that can be mixed and matched with each other will be your best bet. Be sure to check the weather in the days leading up to your trip! The list above is general guidance but it could be colder, warmer, or more wet so you may need to make adjustments once you have a better idea of the forecast. Pack to be prepared for any weather! There’s nothing worse than being caught without warm layers.
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