Travel clothes for summer in Europe
April 8, 2013 10:54 AM Subscribe
I am a woman, live in the U.S., and I'm planning several trips to Europe over the next 3 years. They will be about 10 days to 2 weeks long, and will be in warmer months (spring, summer or fall). When I travel domestically, I always take just one bag (sometimes I take a second "personal item"). I need help thinking about what clothes I should take that will fit within these constraints. I am a plus-size woman, so that makes this more of a challenge.
I want to find a small number of clothing items that will work for warm-weather touristing in Europe. I am happy to do my own laundry in the sink while I'm there. Most "travel clothes" won't work for me because they either don't come in plus sizes or they are made from non-breathable fabrics, which I know from hard experience will cause me serious chafing and overheating.
The trips I'm planning are for pleasure, not business, and although I'm traveling light, I won't be "back packing" -- I will be staying in small hotels, not hostels.
Can you help me think about what sorts of clothes I should be looking for? What sorts of fabrics will dry fast and also be breathable? I'd also like to not look completely like a tourist all the time, but comfort and packing light is more important to me than looking fab. Recommendations for specific items, brands or fabrics are welcome. I want to spend some time getting the right pieces -- I don't want to buy a ton of stuff all at once.
To give you an idea of me: My usual style is pretty minimal -- a below-the-knee black skirt or blue jeans, a decent shirt (often one of these), a scarf or a piece of statement jewelry. I'll be going minimal with the jewelry on these trips.
I've already got a bag I like, and I'm not yet ready to think about shoes. For now I'm just trying to focus on clothes.
I want to find a small number of clothing items that will work for warm-weather touristing in Europe. I am happy to do my own laundry in the sink while I'm there. Most "travel clothes" won't work for me because they either don't come in plus sizes or they are made from non-breathable fabrics, which I know from hard experience will cause me serious chafing and overheating.
The trips I'm planning are for pleasure, not business, and although I'm traveling light, I won't be "back packing" -- I will be staying in small hotels, not hostels.
Can you help me think about what sorts of clothes I should be looking for? What sorts of fabrics will dry fast and also be breathable? I'd also like to not look completely like a tourist all the time, but comfort and packing light is more important to me than looking fab. Recommendations for specific items, brands or fabrics are welcome. I want to spend some time getting the right pieces -- I don't want to buy a ton of stuff all at once.
To give you an idea of me: My usual style is pretty minimal -- a below-the-knee black skirt or blue jeans, a decent shirt (often one of these), a scarf or a piece of statement jewelry. I'll be going minimal with the jewelry on these trips.
I've already got a bag I like, and I'm not yet ready to think about shoes. For now I'm just trying to focus on clothes.
Eddie Bauer has a great Travex skirt and also a Travex faux-wrap dress in their latest summer collection. They go up to XXL which is about 18-20.
posted by matildaben at 11:09 AM on April 8, 2013
posted by matildaben at 11:09 AM on April 8, 2013
Best answer: Hi, I'm going to Rome in a month and am also doing the keep-everything-to-a-carry-on thing.
I actually would abandon looking expressly at the "travel clothes" department in the first place. Sometimes they comes across as "This Is Obviously A Travel Garment" anyway. So forget "travel garments" and just go for clothes.
Once you've got that, then it's just a matter of picking a core wardrobe of a few pieces that fit your rules, and then going nuts with accessories. Here's what I'm packing:
* A pair of jeans
* A pair of white pants
* a white shirt
* a navy blue cardigan
* a blue and white striped top
* a red and white striped tee
* a plain red tank
* a plain white tank
* a red hoodie
* about three scarves that have navy, red, or white in them, and various navy/red/white necklaces.
And I'm wearing a pair of red pants, a navy blue longsleeve top and a jean jacket.
Every one of those things goes with everything else, and I can change it up even further with the necklaces and scarves and things. And yet - none of that came from anywhere especially fancy - it's all stuff I already had in my closet or got on ebay. None of it requires ironing, all of it washes easily and all of it is either cotton or cotton blend.
You know? It's not necessarily a matter of finding unique travel wear, you can also do this by taking a good look in your closet and playing around and discovering, "hey, wait, if I bring this shirt it can go with both these two pair of pants, and that takes care of two days' worth of outfits right there." That and accessorizing and you can look nice and pulled together, and may not even have to buy anything new in the first place (which is even better).
And hey - if you find you don't have an appropriate piece of clothing for some occasion, is it really going to be a problem to have to do an emergency shopping trip if you're in, say, Paris?
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:52 AM on April 8, 2013 [6 favorites]
I actually would abandon looking expressly at the "travel clothes" department in the first place. Sometimes they comes across as "This Is Obviously A Travel Garment" anyway. So forget "travel garments" and just go for clothes.
Once you've got that, then it's just a matter of picking a core wardrobe of a few pieces that fit your rules, and then going nuts with accessories. Here's what I'm packing:
* A pair of jeans
* A pair of white pants
* a white shirt
* a navy blue cardigan
* a blue and white striped top
* a red and white striped tee
* a plain red tank
* a plain white tank
* a red hoodie
* about three scarves that have navy, red, or white in them, and various navy/red/white necklaces.
And I'm wearing a pair of red pants, a navy blue longsleeve top and a jean jacket.
Every one of those things goes with everything else, and I can change it up even further with the necklaces and scarves and things. And yet - none of that came from anywhere especially fancy - it's all stuff I already had in my closet or got on ebay. None of it requires ironing, all of it washes easily and all of it is either cotton or cotton blend.
You know? It's not necessarily a matter of finding unique travel wear, you can also do this by taking a good look in your closet and playing around and discovering, "hey, wait, if I bring this shirt it can go with both these two pair of pants, and that takes care of two days' worth of outfits right there." That and accessorizing and you can look nice and pulled together, and may not even have to buy anything new in the first place (which is even better).
And hey - if you find you don't have an appropriate piece of clothing for some occasion, is it really going to be a problem to have to do an emergency shopping trip if you're in, say, Paris?
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:52 AM on April 8, 2013 [6 favorites]
Just wear your actual clothes that you already own. Assuming you don't exclusively wear sweat pants or tacky t-shirts, you should be fine.
For two weeks in Europe I packed:
2 bottom things. I think I went with a comfy knee-length skirt and a pair of jeans.
7 tops (with the assumption that I'd re-wear). I'm in the habit of wearing t-shirts, so I probably just grabbed a bunch of neutral t-shirt type objects as well as a cute distinctive one or two. Making sure that most of the tops matched the skirt, so that I would have lots of outfit options. You could easily just pack a top for every day of the trip if you're less comfortable rewearing or washing in sinks.
A scarf or two to match the skirt, since the skirt was the most distinctive item I was packing (everything else was jeans and neutral tops that go with everything). I like wearing scarves, and they do make it easy to mix and match and build outfits. They also feel a little European.
Maybe one other "accessory" type thing, just so I wasn't wearing a t-shirt and jeans every day with no adornment.
A jacket. (I last went to Europe in mid April; you may not need for a summer trip)
A cardigan. (Ditto)
2 pairs of shoes. Both comfortable for walking. One was a trendy pair of brogues, the other was probably converse chuck taylors or maybe some ballet flats. If you're not used to walking long distances on cobblestoned streets, this may be the place where you want to buy a special thing just for your travels.
lots of underwear, possibly enough for the whole trip without washing. 14 pair of panties, a couple bras, and 5-10 pairs of socks don't take up all that much room.
posted by Sara C. at 12:16 PM on April 8, 2013 [3 favorites]
For two weeks in Europe I packed:
2 bottom things. I think I went with a comfy knee-length skirt and a pair of jeans.
7 tops (with the assumption that I'd re-wear). I'm in the habit of wearing t-shirts, so I probably just grabbed a bunch of neutral t-shirt type objects as well as a cute distinctive one or two. Making sure that most of the tops matched the skirt, so that I would have lots of outfit options. You could easily just pack a top for every day of the trip if you're less comfortable rewearing or washing in sinks.
A scarf or two to match the skirt, since the skirt was the most distinctive item I was packing (everything else was jeans and neutral tops that go with everything). I like wearing scarves, and they do make it easy to mix and match and build outfits. They also feel a little European.
Maybe one other "accessory" type thing, just so I wasn't wearing a t-shirt and jeans every day with no adornment.
A jacket. (I last went to Europe in mid April; you may not need for a summer trip)
A cardigan. (Ditto)
2 pairs of shoes. Both comfortable for walking. One was a trendy pair of brogues, the other was probably converse chuck taylors or maybe some ballet flats. If you're not used to walking long distances on cobblestoned streets, this may be the place where you want to buy a special thing just for your travels.
lots of underwear, possibly enough for the whole trip without washing. 14 pair of panties, a couple bras, and 5-10 pairs of socks don't take up all that much room.
posted by Sara C. at 12:16 PM on April 8, 2013 [3 favorites]
Cotton, cotton, and cotton blends, definitely. I think a jersey wrap dress would be great, given what you've said, in a dark grey or black or other matchable color. (Or two!) A larger pashmina in case it gets cooler. A longer tunic, button-down, or otherwise airy shirt? The shirt you linked to is nice, but something that can be more easily layered and that would work well to keep you cool in the heat might be good as well.
Do you tend to wear pencil jean skirts? I might suggest skipping those, just because I often find them to be somewhat constraining and hot when walking, especially in places with loads of steps like Rome (or European churches!) An a-line cotton skirt could be more flexible for both sitting and walking, depending on your travel plans.
A light blazer or jacket would be a good idea, or a light jacket + rain-proof windbreaker. This is especially true if you are going near England, but also for traveling near water (river cruise?) or in the mountains. If in the fall, maybe also consider a cashmere-blend sweater that packs down well.
posted by jetlagaddict at 12:21 PM on April 8, 2013
Do you tend to wear pencil jean skirts? I might suggest skipping those, just because I often find them to be somewhat constraining and hot when walking, especially in places with loads of steps like Rome (or European churches!) An a-line cotton skirt could be more flexible for both sitting and walking, depending on your travel plans.
A light blazer or jacket would be a good idea, or a light jacket + rain-proof windbreaker. This is especially true if you are going near England, but also for traveling near water (river cruise?) or in the mountains. If in the fall, maybe also consider a cashmere-blend sweater that packs down well.
posted by jetlagaddict at 12:21 PM on April 8, 2013
anything from the Wearever line by JJill - would wash up nicely in the sink, they're all out of knits that would roll up tiny for your bag, the fabrics are very soft and breathable, and they layer well - I own several pieces and need to buy more this spring
I like looking at the Fashion for Nerds blog sometimes, she's really creative about putting things together and layering. She did a post about what she packed to travel to Europe last fall, and I was inspired by how she mixed and matched a variety of colors and patterns. Much more fun than getting everything in black (which is how I normally do things!).
Last but not least, I would invest in a light jacket that's parka-length with goretex (or other breathable waterproof coating). I have one by Eddie Bauer (this one is kind of like it), and it's fantastic for all sorts of weather. Nothing keeps you dryer in the rain, and I've gone through more than one Wisconsin/Michigan winter just layering the jacket over a fleece for warmth. It folds up and smushes into bags, too.
posted by hms71 at 12:59 PM on April 8, 2013
I like looking at the Fashion for Nerds blog sometimes, she's really creative about putting things together and layering. She did a post about what she packed to travel to Europe last fall, and I was inspired by how she mixed and matched a variety of colors and patterns. Much more fun than getting everything in black (which is how I normally do things!).
Last but not least, I would invest in a light jacket that's parka-length with goretex (or other breathable waterproof coating). I have one by Eddie Bauer (this one is kind of like it), and it's fantastic for all sorts of weather. Nothing keeps you dryer in the rain, and I've gone through more than one Wisconsin/Michigan winter just layering the jacket over a fleece for warmth. It folds up and smushes into bags, too.
posted by hms71 at 12:59 PM on April 8, 2013
I would invest in a light jacket that's parka-length with goretex (or other breathable waterproof coating).
You will look like a tourist if you wear this.
Now, there's a whole other conversation about whether it's a big deal to "look like a tourist", whether you will look like a tourist no matter what you wear because you are a tourist wandering around doing tourist things, etc.
But I think if your goal is to blend in, a parka/raincoat in a techy fabric is like a sign that says THIS PERSON IS A TOURIST. Unless it's actually raining, or you are in the act of hiking, perhaps.
posted by Sara C. at 1:18 PM on April 8, 2013 [3 favorites]
You will look like a tourist if you wear this.
Now, there's a whole other conversation about whether it's a big deal to "look like a tourist", whether you will look like a tourist no matter what you wear because you are a tourist wandering around doing tourist things, etc.
But I think if your goal is to blend in, a parka/raincoat in a techy fabric is like a sign that says THIS PERSON IS A TOURIST. Unless it's actually raining, or you are in the act of hiking, perhaps.
posted by Sara C. at 1:18 PM on April 8, 2013 [3 favorites]
Best answer: If you like wearing skirts, I would suggest packing several neutral colored, lightweight skirts--one ankle length and a couple at or just above knee length--along with a couple pairs of leggings. You'll be able to layer when it's cool (Paris in the early summer, for example, can be frustratingly cool and wet), go bare-legged when it's warm, have length if you're visiting religious sites that require covering up, and have a selection of quick-wash and quick-dry bottoms on hand for sink-laundry. In all the times I've traveled to Europe, I've never packed jeans. They're heavy, take up a lot of space in your bag and take way too long to dry. Plus, chafing if the day turns suddenly warm and you're walking a lot.
Pack several lightweight tunics and long shirts to go over your leggings. Have at least one or two of them long enough to be worn alone as a dress. Include two cardigans, a dark solid color and a basic pattern, like stripes, and a few t-shirts and/or tank tops in draping, breathable and wrinkle free fabrics to wear alone and under your cardigans.
Add a pair of well-made flats made for walking and a pair of pretty but comfy sandals.
Do your best to coordinate your colors along neutral lines so that everything is mix and match. Red, white and navy works, but my last trip's palette was black, gray, plum and white, so play to your personality. Bring (or plan to buy) some fun scarves and necklaces or bracelets for an extra punch of color.
posted by weeyin at 1:51 PM on April 8, 2013
Pack several lightweight tunics and long shirts to go over your leggings. Have at least one or two of them long enough to be worn alone as a dress. Include two cardigans, a dark solid color and a basic pattern, like stripes, and a few t-shirts and/or tank tops in draping, breathable and wrinkle free fabrics to wear alone and under your cardigans.
Add a pair of well-made flats made for walking and a pair of pretty but comfy sandals.
Do your best to coordinate your colors along neutral lines so that everything is mix and match. Red, white and navy works, but my last trip's palette was black, gray, plum and white, so play to your personality. Bring (or plan to buy) some fun scarves and necklaces or bracelets for an extra punch of color.
posted by weeyin at 1:51 PM on April 8, 2013
linen if you are going anywhere in the high 70's and humid...and don't make assumptions. When I went to Switzerland in the summer five years ago I was expecting 60/70f weather...half of the time was in the low 80's!
posted by brujita at 2:21 PM on April 8, 2013
posted by brujita at 2:21 PM on April 8, 2013
I think a black skirt or jeans and a simple top with a scarf are perfect clothes for Europe in the summer; wear the skirt and ditch the scarf if it's really hot. You are right that that stuff won't dry fast, but you could experiment by washing one of your tops in the sink at home right now and timing how long it takes to dry. You can also get some very lightweight, short-sleeved tops to wear as undershirts; they'll absorb sweat and dry faster and then you can wear another shirt on top for a few days. And a colorful scarf has the bonus of being a good collector of spills!
This is the kind of shirt I have in mind as a slightly more fitted undershirt. You could always buy one and see if you like and see how how long it takes to dry when you wash it in the sink.
Here's a slightly different Lands' End version that's a cotton-rayon blend.
An LLBean cotton skirt that would work. Another one in faster-drying Tencel.
Add in a cotton cardigan and you're set.
I know you said you don't want to worry about shoes, and I have no idea what kind you like, but I'd look for flat Clarks or Borns on sale. These are pretty cute for walking shoes. A Mary Jane style would be good because you could wear them with or without socks.
Have fun!
posted by bluedaisy at 3:37 PM on April 8, 2013 [1 favorite]
This is the kind of shirt I have in mind as a slightly more fitted undershirt. You could always buy one and see if you like and see how how long it takes to dry when you wash it in the sink.
Here's a slightly different Lands' End version that's a cotton-rayon blend.
An LLBean cotton skirt that would work. Another one in faster-drying Tencel.
Add in a cotton cardigan and you're set.
I know you said you don't want to worry about shoes, and I have no idea what kind you like, but I'd look for flat Clarks or Borns on sale. These are pretty cute for walking shoes. A Mary Jane style would be good because you could wear them with or without socks.
Have fun!
posted by bluedaisy at 3:37 PM on April 8, 2013 [1 favorite]
I've found jeans to be generally a bad idea when traveling--they take up a lot of room in your suitcase and they take FOREVER to dry after you wash them. When we went to the UK and France in the summer of 2010, I took 2 or 3 pairs of lightweight capris and a pair of black knit pants and that worked out well. I brought mostly simple knit tops and they were great--they take up no room in your bag and wash and dry quickly. One particular favorite was a tee from Coldwater Creek; it was a comfortable tee, but looked a little dressier than a standard one and dried really quickly after I washed it in the sink.
brujita's advice to be flexible is good--I expected mild temps and rain in London, but we had a heat wave and only one day of rain. Layers are a good idea.
I'm a woman who wears size 18-20 also and I buy my basic capris from Blair.com and basic knit tops from Coldwater Creek and Fashion Bug.
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 3:42 PM on April 8, 2013 [1 favorite]
brujita's advice to be flexible is good--I expected mild temps and rain in London, but we had a heat wave and only one day of rain. Layers are a good idea.
I'm a woman who wears size 18-20 also and I buy my basic capris from Blair.com and basic knit tops from Coldwater Creek and Fashion Bug.
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 3:42 PM on April 8, 2013 [1 favorite]
Oh, and Eddie Bauer as well. I've had better luck with their outlet stores or online than in the EB store in the mall. Nice lightweight cotton blend knits that will dry fast. I wear XXL.
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 3:44 PM on April 8, 2013
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 3:44 PM on April 8, 2013
they take FOREVER to dry after you wash them
Assuming the person is going on a week or ten day trip, there's no reason to wash jeans.
posted by Sara C. at 4:37 PM on April 8, 2013 [1 favorite]
Assuming the person is going on a week or ten day trip, there's no reason to wash jeans.
posted by Sara C. at 4:37 PM on April 8, 2013 [1 favorite]
This sounds like a great plan - good luck with it.
One thing you might want to be aware of is that most Europeans are much more formal than most Americans, specially urban Europeans. A male friend of mine was wearing shorts on a trip we made recently with a larger group of friends, and the shorts were commented upon, both by our friends and random strangers.
You didn't mention your age, and if you are a student, this doesn't apply, but for anyone over 30, your look seems a bit casual at first glance. Obviously, it depends on your accessories and not least shoes.
People will be as friendly and polite as Europeans can be (not much by US standards), and I'm sure all restaurants would welcome you, but after a while, you might feel more comfortable if you had brought something slightly more dressy for visiting churches or going to some (not all) restaurants and cafés. It could be a not too short shirt dress or a blouse to go with your jeans and skirt.
Generally, I read your question more as about what you need, than how to fit in, and that depends a lot on where and when you go. I'm in Northern Italy right now, and it is cold and wet. I wore a woolen coat today, going to work. (And a scarf, naturally ;-)) In a couple of months, the temperature here will be very high, and I'd look for something very loose and airy if I were here, but then I'll be in Northern Europe, where the temperature will swing unpredictably, and I'll need layers to take on and off over the day. In France, you can go summer-skiing and swimming on the same day. Also, the weather is very different from year to year. Some years, there is snow April; other years, there is a heatwave. So you have to plan specifically for each trip.
posted by mumimor at 4:46 PM on April 8, 2013
One thing you might want to be aware of is that most Europeans are much more formal than most Americans, specially urban Europeans. A male friend of mine was wearing shorts on a trip we made recently with a larger group of friends, and the shorts were commented upon, both by our friends and random strangers.
You didn't mention your age, and if you are a student, this doesn't apply, but for anyone over 30, your look seems a bit casual at first glance. Obviously, it depends on your accessories and not least shoes.
People will be as friendly and polite as Europeans can be (not much by US standards), and I'm sure all restaurants would welcome you, but after a while, you might feel more comfortable if you had brought something slightly more dressy for visiting churches or going to some (not all) restaurants and cafés. It could be a not too short shirt dress or a blouse to go with your jeans and skirt.
Generally, I read your question more as about what you need, than how to fit in, and that depends a lot on where and when you go. I'm in Northern Italy right now, and it is cold and wet. I wore a woolen coat today, going to work. (And a scarf, naturally ;-)) In a couple of months, the temperature here will be very high, and I'd look for something very loose and airy if I were here, but then I'll be in Northern Europe, where the temperature will swing unpredictably, and I'll need layers to take on and off over the day. In France, you can go summer-skiing and swimming on the same day. Also, the weather is very different from year to year. Some years, there is snow April; other years, there is a heatwave. So you have to plan specifically for each trip.
posted by mumimor at 4:46 PM on April 8, 2013
I think the jeans issue is personal and it depends a lot on a) your jeans, b) precipitation, c) how comfortable you are moving in jeans and d) exactly what the temperature is. Thinner jeans will dry easily if you get caught in the rain. Longer jeans/bootcuts that absorb water while walking in puddles are not a good idea on the flexible side. If you did go with jeans, I would suggest either a deeper color or a black or gray-- slightly easier to dress up than some of the lighter/more obviously denim blues, if that makes sense? You'll probably want something slightly warmer in the pants department for the plane anyway, so a nice pair of loose knit pants?
I should also add onto to the emphasis about seasonal variability. If it is trending on the cooler side, maybe a lightweight leather jacket, in a shorter hip-length or bomber style? Slightly more fashionable than an emergency polar fleece or hoodie, usually have lots of useful zippered pockets, really nice on colder planes. I have a lambskin one that folds down surprisingly small and is good for the range of 40's-60's, when the nights are cooler.
posted by jetlagaddict at 6:27 PM on April 8, 2013
I should also add onto to the emphasis about seasonal variability. If it is trending on the cooler side, maybe a lightweight leather jacket, in a shorter hip-length or bomber style? Slightly more fashionable than an emergency polar fleece or hoodie, usually have lots of useful zippered pockets, really nice on colder planes. I have a lambskin one that folds down surprisingly small and is good for the range of 40's-60's, when the nights are cooler.
posted by jetlagaddict at 6:27 PM on April 8, 2013
One thing you might want to be aware of is that most Europeans are much more formal than most Americans, specially urban Europeans. A male friend of mine was wearing shorts on a trip we made recently with a larger group of friends, and the shorts were commented upon, both by our friends and random strangers.
I don't think this is about being formal. I suspect that, if went to a busy part of New York City in the summer, you wouldn't see many actual New Yorkers wearing shorts, either (unless they're exercising). Shorts and sneakers tend to be something worn primarily be Americans, and not often those in cities (well, white sneakers anyway).
So, yeah, stay away from white Reeboks and shorts!
posted by bluedaisy at 7:04 PM on April 8, 2013
I don't think this is about being formal. I suspect that, if went to a busy part of New York City in the summer, you wouldn't see many actual New Yorkers wearing shorts, either (unless they're exercising). Shorts and sneakers tend to be something worn primarily be Americans, and not often those in cities (well, white sneakers anyway).
So, yeah, stay away from white Reeboks and shorts!
posted by bluedaisy at 7:04 PM on April 8, 2013
Hm, I specifically wrote the OPs usual personal style would be informal in a European context. The shorts were a recent extreme example from my own life. But again - very few Americans "blend in" in Europe, and no Europeans are going to be less polite or friendly for that reason. It's all about one's own comfort-level.
posted by mumimor at 11:02 PM on April 8, 2013
posted by mumimor at 11:02 PM on April 8, 2013
Hey! I'm a fat chick and I travel all the time!
So for me, depending on the walking required, jeans, flats (if I'm walking around a whole lot, some Converse or my Adidas Stan Smiths), a tee (I like patterns like black and white stripes or polka dots), and a black or white or any color you want blazer. Scarf in appropriate contrasting color/pattern if you want. This or a variation (along with a trench coat, my god, how useful and versatile a garment, and I preferred to wear it open, with it tied in back, sort of like this) of this outfit, I wear basically all the time and I never feel like a weirdo or too touristy.
I will say that when I go to a place that's really hot (I'm planning Spain this June), I tend to shirk the jackets/outerwear and go with something more summery. This is why linen capris, gladiator sandals, and gauzy tee shirts were invented.
posted by mckenney at 8:22 AM on April 9, 2013 [1 favorite]
So for me, depending on the walking required, jeans, flats (if I'm walking around a whole lot, some Converse or my Adidas Stan Smiths), a tee (I like patterns like black and white stripes or polka dots), and a black or white or any color you want blazer. Scarf in appropriate contrasting color/pattern if you want. This or a variation (along with a trench coat, my god, how useful and versatile a garment, and I preferred to wear it open, with it tied in back, sort of like this) of this outfit, I wear basically all the time and I never feel like a weirdo or too touristy.
I will say that when I go to a place that's really hot (I'm planning Spain this June), I tend to shirk the jackets/outerwear and go with something more summery. This is why linen capris, gladiator sandals, and gauzy tee shirts were invented.
posted by mckenney at 8:22 AM on April 9, 2013 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I went on a 9=day trip across Scandinavia last year, albeit in the springtime. I packed one pair of jeans and comfy walking shoes (mine were Hush Puppies, red leather flats) and one skirt with brown leather boots and some tights, and wore these with various jumpers, cardigans and tops. It wasn't warm enough to wear the dress I packed, but I'd pack one anyway in case you want to go out in something dressier in the evening. I don't like the feel of artificial fibres next to my skin so I can't tell you about breathability or washability in particular.
You don't say where in Europe you are going - the climate is very different between, say, Amsterdam and Seville. In London for the past couple of weeks it's been December weather, so yes, it depends on when you're going.
posted by mippy at 8:31 AM on April 9, 2013
You don't say where in Europe you are going - the climate is very different between, say, Amsterdam and Seville. In London for the past couple of weeks it's been December weather, so yes, it depends on when you're going.
posted by mippy at 8:31 AM on April 9, 2013
« Older Need some help with break-up closure! | Job prospects for a software developer in Halifax... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
Plus, it will look good in your regular wardrobe. It's a big spendy, but get coupons and shop the sales. You can keep this stuff for YEARS!
I'm typically a size 18-20 and Chicos has my size (I have better luck on the website than in the store.) I think 4 is their largest size and in some things 3.5 works for me.
I like the fabric blends that are "sproingy" they wash easily, don't wrinkle and are breezy, lightweight and cool.
I'm very much about taking just a few key pieces (skirts, slacks, a couple of shirts) and then changing up with scarves. It's European to do that, and it's pretty elegant.
Another fun, cool fabric is that lightweight stuff that broomstick skirts are made of. You can ALWAYS find it at Wal-Mart in the spring. (hard to make it look sophisticated though.)
But a lot of on-line realtors have traveling lines, Eddie Bauer, Jjill, etc.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 11:08 AM on April 8, 2013 [2 favorites]