europe packing guide

What to Pack for Fall in Europe

The transition from summer to fall in Europe can be such a magical time. Those early fall days have such an energetic feeling to them. September to October is such an under-appreciated time to visit. Most of the influx of summer tourists are gone and it’s an ideal time to visit as there are still plenty of festivals and events happening. 

fall Weather in Europe

As with the typical fall season, there are a range of temperatures every day. It is typically still warm during the daytime but you’ll have cooler mornings and evenings. You never know how the weather will change from day to day so it’s best to be prepared for anything. You may get a trip full of warm, sunny days or you may get gray, rainy days. Always check the forecast before you leave so you have an idea of what to expect while you’re there.

What to pack for fall in Europe

You’ll want to pack plenty of layers to accommodate the flux in temperatures. The mornings can be crisp and chilly before warming up in the afternoon. Bring lightweight sweaters, cardigans, and jackets that you can easily add or remove. Rain is always a possibility, regardless of the season. Waterproof shoes and a compact, travel-size umbrella that can easily fit in your day bag will be essential. 

Pack versatile clothing items that can be easily mixed and matched to create different looks. Think neutral colors and classic pieces that can adapt to various weather conditions. That way you’ll be prepared for any situation.

Jackets & Outerwear

You’ll want to have a few options for outerwear during the fall season in Europe. I would pack my lightest one and then wear the heavier one on the plane to save as much suitcase space as possible. A trench coat is a must for fall and is a classic wardrobe staple for a reason. Worn open to showcase your outfit or cinched at the waist with a chic scarf, you can’t go wrong. A denim jacket is also a good idea for the day and I love a chic, leather jacket for the evenings. These are all the perfect third pieces to elevate any outfit. A lightweight wool coat would be ideal if you’re coming towards the later months of fall and need a bit more warmth.


Lightweight Sweaters & blouses

Europe in the fall calls for lightweight sweaters to stay warm during the cooler days and evenings. Pack a few of your favorite sweaters in classic neutral tones that can be paired with different bottoms for various looks. It also looks chic draped over your shoulders if you get too warm. Thinner sweaters will keep you from overheating while walking around all day.  

A classic button-up is always an easy outfit winner. Tucked into jeans and pants or worn open over a dress or skirt, there are multiple ways to style a button-up without feeling dated. I recommend layering your favorite tees, tanks, or bodysuits underneath any top or sweater so that you can easily shed this layer if needed. Lightweight long-sleeve blouses are a staple in my closet and can be worn in almost any season.

Dresses, Skirts & Pants

I always recommend packing at least one easy dress or skirt that you can wear around town during the day but also works for a nicer dinner out or a trip to the theatre. Skirts and dresses can easily be dressed up or down to suit your day and for chilly evenings, you can add a pair of tights. However, a nice pair of trousers can easily work in this situation as well if you prefer pants over dresses and skirts.

A few pairs of jeans and trousers will see you through most weather situations. Pair your jeans with a favorite tee or button-up for a casual day exploring. Or combine them with a lightweight sweater and loafers. Trousers are a great alternative to jeans and an easy way to dress up an outfit. 

Shoes & Accessories

With so much to see and explore in Europe, comfortable walking shoes are a necessity. You’ll want shoes that can withstand long days of sightseeing during the day. A comfortable sneaker is essential with all the walking you’ll likely be doing. Waterproof shoes such as Chelsea boots can easily be paired with any outfit, even if rain isn’t in the forecast. I have a post dedicated to the three shoes you need for Europe that has several of my favorites.

I always travel with a scarf of some sort. Whether a silk one to accessorize an outfit or a warmer one I can use for chilly mornings and evenings, you won’t regret packing one. A small backpack, shoulder, or tote bag can be handy for carrying your essentials, along with a water bottle and umbrella. It’s also great to keep one of your extra layers.

Packing for Fall in Europe requires a bit of planning to ensure that you're equipped to enjoy the beauty and charm of your destination. My biggest takeaways are packing easy layers and rain gear so you’re prepared for any situation.

10 Travel Essentials for Europe

I’m often asked what to pack for a trip to Europe and I’d like to think I’m somewhat of a pro considering I travel SO often for work. At one point, I lived out of a single suitcase for four months while traveling in Europe several years ago. So far this summer I’ve traveled to Sweden, Greece, Italy, and France. I never leave home without these 10 essentials every traveler needs in Europe.

1. LUGGAGE TAG

Traveling in Europe means your suitcase is likely to be dragged around even more than it is domestically (consider planes, trains, taxis, ferries- you name it). Those flimsy airline tags are bound to rip off, so invest in a chic + sturdy leather luggage tag like this monogrammed one from Paravel or this one from Aspinal of London.

 

2. DURABLE LUGGAGE

I'm asked about luggage a lot. And rightfully so- it's the most necessary item for any traveler. I've learned that the cheaper the luggage, the shorter the lifespan. I invested in a Rimowa suitcase a few years ago and have not regretted it. They have various sizes to suit your needs. Always check the measurements against airline regulations. I love that Rimowa has a chart you can reference to ensure you have the appropriate size. Your best bet for luggage that will last (the case, the zipper, the wheels, etc.) even in the harshest conditions on trains, planes, and automobiles, will be brands like Rimowa, Victorinox, or Tumi. Away luggage is also a great option at a lower price point. I always recommend brands that offer a lifetime warranty as we all know how much our luggage gets knocked about when traveling.

 

3. CASHMERE SCARF

Temperatures while traveling are constantly changing-- especially in Europe. Light layers are key, and you can't go wrong with a cashmere scarf (especially this birch color that goes with everything). If you’re looking for a silk cashmere scarf, this one is beautiful as well.  Wear it like a traditional scarf or wrap it around you like a blanket on the plane/train. Either way, you'll be so glad you have it. 

 

4. DePuffing Mask

Travel is so hard on your skin: the dehydration from airplane altitude, the ever-changing climates, the list goes on. To help with the puffiness, I use these under-eye gels and the Clairins depuffing mask. I swear by these to help my skin bounce back. The SK-II mask is a great option if you’d rather pack a sheet mask to save on packing space. To protect from sun damage, I use 35 Thousand sunscreen here in the UK, but Elta MD is also a great option for those stateside. It can be easy to let our skincare routine slip while we’re traveling but I’ve become more vigilant as I get older.

 

5. CREDIT CARD CASE

Over the last few years, I found that instead of a larger wallet, I prefer a thin card case to keep my ID and cards handy. Between that and being able to tap to pay for the tube with my phone, I don’t really need anything bigger. Plus, I try not to carry much with me when I’m out for the day other than the essentials. My Celine case is no longer available but the Alfred card case from Sezane and the Monogram Ziptop case from YSL are similar.

 

6. PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER

We all know the struggle to keep an iPhone battery charged, but this pain point seems to be amplified even more while I'm in Europe. When one device serves as your camera, map, and means of communication (among many other things), it's naturally going to be in your hands almost non-stop. So instead of having heart palpitations when your "10% battery remaining" notification comes on the moment you're about to see the Mona Lisa, just pull out a handy portable iPhone charger for an additional battery to save the day. I like this one from Anker for a fuller charge and they also have a wireless version if you don’t have the connector cords. For a smaller option, this one plugs right into your phone. I’ve had friends use this for concerts and sporting events where there are bag size restrictions.

 

7. LIFESTYLE WALKING SHOES

Europeans know a thing (or 20) about stylish footwear. One reason why? They do TONS of walking.  While heels may look cute, they're not the most practical option. To fit in like a local, pick up a pair of stylish lifestyle shoes like these Jack trainers from Sezane, Court sneakers from Everlane, or the  Adidas Sambas you can wear with just about any everyday outfit. I’ve seen these all over London and Paris lately.

 

8. PASSPORT CASE

I used to think a passport case was unnecessary and that it just looked cute. But it does extend your passport life when it inevitably ends up in the bottom of your carry-on bag. This one can be monogrammed and it would make a perfect gift for a fellow travel lover. I also love this stone-colored case from Cuyana. Overall, I've found it to be a form of expression (similar to a lot of things we carry) for one of my most prized possessions- so why wouldn't I want one?

 

9. WEEKENDER OR OVERNIGHT TOTE

In addition to durable luggage, be sure to have a solid carry-on tote. I have both this weekender bag and overnight tote from Cuyana and both are wonderful. I also use this monogrammed duffel from Leatherology a lot. On a recent girls' trip to Provence, we all gushed over my friend’s weekender from Mark & Graham. Sadly, this brand is currently only available in the States. Different airlines have different allowances for carry-on baggage, but these are allowed (and if you don't get a personal item, they'll also fit your purse). Additional perk? I'm using them for shorter trips when I can leave my big suitcase behind.

 

10. AIRPODS

I use my AirPods every. single. day. On a plane or a train. Working on my laptop in a café or while walking and exploring the city streets. They have active noise cancellation, which is essential to me. They're in my ears more often than not some days and I don’t know what I would do without them. I have my eye on this Airpod case from Cuyana to keep them in when not in use. 

WHAT TO PACK FOR EUROPE IN THE WINTER

what to pack for a trip to europe in winter

Hey friends! Hope everyone is having a great week thus far. I've been bundling up more than usual lately as the temps keep dropping here in London. Winter is always pretty brutal, but I've found it to be even more true here in Europe for some reason (depending where you go). While I plan to do a proper packing guide for a long term trip abroad, I thought I'd zoom in a bit and speak to those of you traveling to Europe in the winter. 

 

For starters, I LOVE being in Europe during the winter for several reasons, but mainly because of the Christmas markets and the significant drop in tourists compared to the summer months. But those things aside, there's something so magical I can't quite put my finger on, and I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself at some point. 

 

When you do, be sure you pack appropriately. While cold weather may not be foreign to you, 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). So wherever you're going in Europe this winter, here's what you need to pack: 

 

GLOVES

To be honest, I find gloves to be a bit annoying. Even if they keep my fingers toasty in the winter, I usually never wear them- until I'm in Europe. Even if it's not frigid, the seemingly constant state of being outdoors makes your fingers feel like they're going to fall off, so gloves are a must. Opt for something chic like these Ugg tech leather gloves with shearling lining or these "Jenny" leather tech gloves by Burberry. 

 

 

 

BEANIES

Beanies are pretty much my best friend in the winter here in Europe. They can make an outfit look more pulled together, they keep your head + ears warm, they hide unwashed hair AND they're easy to pack.  Be sure to bring neutral options (like this and this) as well as a fun color (like this or this) to mix things up a bit. 

 

 

 

PARKA

The warmer the coat you pack, the better. I highly recommend a down option (and if you have a fur/ faux fur lining- even better!) If you're going somewhere really cold, opt for a longer parka (like this or this). If you're going somewhere a bit more mild (which honestly, London usually is) you'll be fine with a wool blend like this or this

 

TURTLENECKS

Turtlenecks are a great base layer to wear under those parkas and scarves. You can opt for a more lightweight option like this, or you can go for a thicker knit like this or this

 

 

THERMAL LEGGINGS

No matter what pants you wear, be sure to pack some thermal leggings as a base. I love these fleece lined leggings and also these. You can wear them on their own or underneath jeans if you want to stay extra toasty. 

 

 

SCARVES

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. I love this chic cashmere oversize wrap in grey (I wear it with everything it seems!) for a good neutral. I also like having some printed options like this or this

Hope this helps inspire your packing for a magical winter in Europe (or any cold-weather destination for that matter.) Hope you have a great Wednesday, and stay tuned later this week for a giveaway I'm excited to announce!

xo, 

Whitney

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