packing for europe in winter

What to Pack for Winter in Europe

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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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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