My Fall Travel Wardrobe: What Worked for 3 Weeks in Europe
One of the practices that’s most helped me refine my packing is to recap and review my travel wardrobe after returning home, while the details are still fresh. I’ll refer back to these recaps when planning my next (similar) trip. They’re a great reminder of what worked and what didn’t, and what I’d do differently next time.
So today I’m taking a look back at my fall travel wardrobe for three weeks in Europe. I’ll share how my packing choices worked out in practice, which pieces I reached for most, and what I’d change if I were packing again. If you’re planning a similar trip, I hope these notes will help you put together a wardrobe that works for your travels and feels like you.
Let’s start with what I packed, with a few last-minute changes noted below.
What I Packed for Three Weeks in Europe
Second row: ORANGE SWEATER | GREEN CARDIGAN (SIMILAR) | V-NECK (SIMILAR)
Third row: LEATHER JACKET (SIMILAR) | COLLARED CARDIGAN
Fourth row: MID-WASH JEANS |
Footwear: BOOTS (SIMILAR) | LOAFERS | SNEAKERS
(Or click on image to see all.)
I always allow myself to make a couple of last-minute swaps or additions, and this time was no different. Instead of the brown jeans, I packed these Eileen Fisher brown trousers. And instead of the lighter wash jeans, I packed a pair of (dressier) wool trousers. As my Wild Card, I added a dark brown wool tee (similar).
And here’s the outerwear I packed.
Again at the last minute, I decided to go with just one bag, the dark brown puzzle bag (similar).
And these scarves:
CASHMERE BANDANAS (SIMILAR, SIMILAR, also budget-friendly SIMILAR )
Right: LEOPARD CASHMERE WRAP | KNIT TRIANGLE (SIMILAR) | VINTAGE HERMES (SIMILAR) |
SILK BANDANA (c/o)
So how did it work? Here’s the breakdown:
Most Valuable Players
- Veronica Beard Jacquard Jacket. I wore this almost every single day! It was a perfect weight: not too heavy on milder days, and warm enough over a sweater on cooler days. This was absolutely the Hero Piece of the wardrobe!
- Eileen Fisher Utility Wide-Leg Pants. These were a last-minute swap-in, and I actually wore them more than my jeans.
- Veronica Beard Penrose Sneakers. I wore these most days and regularly logged 15-25K steps per day in total comfort.
Pinch-Hitters
These are the pieces that I didn’t wear as often, but was glad to have when I needed them.
- Varley raincoat. Once again, I was really lucky with the weather, and only had two days with any significant rain. This coat was perfect, not too heavy and completely waterproof.
- Sézane striped shirt. I wore this on its own underneath one of the jackets on milder days, and under sweaters a couple of times when it turned cool. I also wore the leopard print blouse underneath sweaters a couple of times, but didn’t get photos.
- Arma Leather Jacket. A nice alternative to the camel jacket, though I probably wouldn’t have missed it if I’d left it at home.
Benched
- Brown wool trousers. So often it’s the “just in case” pieces that don’t get worn. I’d included these thinking I might need a more polished outfit for London, but didn’t in the end.
- Uniqlo puffer vest. Never was cold enough that I needed it.
I wore both the loafers and the green cardigan (similar) a couple of times, but probably would not have missed either had I not packed them.
Wish I’d Brought
- A cotton shirt. The first few days of my trip were warmer than expected, and I wished I’d had something lighter.
- A different pair of boots. I’ve had this pair for a few years, and even with my cobbler’s “refresh,” they still looked a bit beat up. Plus, the wooden heel was noisy on hard surfaces (not a problem outside, but in a quiet museum, it was noticeable).
So there you have it! Overall, I’d give this fall travel wardrobe 8/10. The pieces I wore most kept me comfortable through long days of walking, and were easy to mix and match without much thought. Next time, I’d leave a few extras at home and make room for a lighter shirt. There’s always a little trial and error with packing but each trip helps me get a better sense of what I actually need. What’s one piece you’re always glad you packed, or something you’ve learned to leave behind?
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1. I bring old underwear and eventually leave it behind. It can’t be donated or recycled anyway.
2. I sleep in a soft tee shirt I could wear in a pinch (although I don’t usually).
3. I alternate two pairs of shoes every day to give my feet a change.
4. Uniqlo puffer always goes as a potential layer.
I Agree with all of this! Was just in the UK for 20 days and I left some tops behind to fit new finds.
We cruise a lot so I always bring either my EF linen or ponte fabric wide leg pants in black. They provide the basis of my more dressed up clothes. Table top dressing! I also bring an ivory cashmere shawl for chilly restaurants. Looks like the trip you had was successful in every way. Welcome home Susan!
I always bring a Uniqlo puffer – usually that collarless vest in black. If you need it, you’ve got it. If you don’t need it, it didn’t take much space (and no weight.) Sometimes it’s just what you need to bridge the gap when the weather changes.
Thanks for the update. I found exactly the same with a white puffer vest I took to Seattle in late Sept. Also a just in case casual knit dress that I took to Vancouver and never wore.
I look forward to the travel wardrobe recaps. I find I hardly use the “dressier” pieces I bring so I’m trying to eliminate them altogether and substituting with improved accessories, (I bought the cashmere scarf before I finished your post). Dressing for the weather is tricky, this past weekend it was 93 when I arrivwed and 37 when I left on Sunday.
I always take one piece for warmer wear then and one for colder weather than expected. I haven’t always needed them of course but always so glad to have them when needed.
Lately I’ve been packing some collared dickies to change up my travel capsule. I have these in classic button-down or standup ruffle collar. I have these in solid and pinstripe colors. I wear them under cardigans or pullover sweaters. I’d find then my sweaters appear less bulky on me. I then wear light tanks or l long sleeve tech fabric T-shirts underneath as needed, depending on the weather. These dickies allow me to change things up without taking much luggage space much like scarves.
What a great idea. Would you share where you purchase them? Thank you!
I get them off Amazon. I found I needed to trim the edges of the bib part with pinking shears so the hems don’t show through thinner sweaters. I am very happy with the result. The collars frame my face (which at my age is more flattering than a crew neck) and add interest. I also stay cooler and the sweater fits sleeker than with a cotton button down underneath.
Love this idea. I, too, pack uniglo airism tees and long sleeves for under sweaters. Will try the dickies to go with my scarves!
Beautiful and happy photos
Great review Susan! I think it’s difficult to second guess the weather! I took my lightweight JCrew Trench coat AND my REI waterproof raincoat with hood back east and used both! We didn’t anticipate a nor’easter so that REI coat was the champ (I wore it in St Paul and in RI/MA. I wish I could find a pair of urban sneakers but the lasts seem to be too straight–slips at the heel and too narrow over my bunions. I took my Paul Green sneakers (perfect) but mostly wore my Brooks. I also took the EF knit jeans in the dark wash and they were wonderful for our flights–except in the lavatory (!). A jogger pant would have worked better (haha). Anyway, I love your recaps. It looks like you had a really good time!
I love wider leg pants, but they are a little tricky for travel because of airplane and train bathrooms! Definitely don’t want them dragging on the bathroom floor!
I think you did so well. You look really terrific in all outfits. Hard to choose a favourite one. Of the second and third 3-outfits-in-a-row, the right one withe the striped shirt.
Greetje
I enjoy following you, and I have learned so much about quality clothing and planning/packing. Here’s part of what did and didn’t work for me on my recent 3-week trip in a small carry-on bag in Eastern Europe (my first trip like this). I found myself reaching for a J Jill black-and-cream print T-shirt so often that when I got home, I tried to repurchase it, but it was no longer available!! I also wore my dark brown lightweight merino wool long-sleeved polo a lot! I wore a lovely white short-sleeved jean jacket and Merino Wool wide-leg pants only 1x-2x. They could have stayed home. I could have used another nice print T-shirt. I loved the bright cotton eyelet pullover top I purchased and tossed in at the last minute. When it got hot, it was great, and the 2 lightweight, no-wrinkle dresses were also workhorses. I ended up leaving the jeans behind and taking 2 lightweight travel pants, mainly because of the size/weight of my carry-on only. The black looked dressier than the blue. I do find it challenging with a wide range of weather. We had rain, cold, and extreme heat! PS: I love the trip! Did not want to come home!
Thanks for sharing – I love this! Does that first picture include what you wore on the plane?
Hi Christine, yes, that’s what I wore on the flight.
Loving the ensembles! I don’t have any plans to travel to Europe this year, but if we’re going, I would definitely take your tips for what to pack and how the outfits work together! You’re so inspiring!
After a month in Edinburgh…this October…I didn’t wear or need the jeans I brought. They are heavy for the suitcase and not particularly comfortable while sitting for long periods on trains or planes. Will leave them behind. Also brought 4 sweaters and could have been fine with just two. Always refining!
Having just returned from Chicago and walking 20,000 steps one day in the rain, I can say my Vivivia waterproof low heel black boots were a winner. I wore thin knee high stockings. I always bring a small travel size of Gold Bond foot powder as it seems to help prevent blisters on my feet and very helpful when weather is hot.
Great looks!
Thanks!