I'm usually VERY good at packing and only taking a carry-on rolling luggage. However, with my trip to London and Paris (leaving Friday) I am having a difficult time with every day's forecast being rainy and cold (mid 30s-50s).
Since I am traveling with my grandma and we will be taking the Eurostar twice - I'd like to keep everything as light as possible and easy to maneuver in case she needs any help.
My major dilemma is how to stay warm and still chic in these fashion capitols, while staying light, compact, and dry.
So far I am planning to bring the following:
Black J Brand skinny jeans
Black stirrup ponte legging pants
Joe's blue skinny jeans
Black buttoned UO cardigan (w/ruffles)
Red Anthro tunic sweater w/hood
A few tanks
A couple of scarves
New Coach flat boots
Black flat boots- not sure - it leaked last time I was in the rain.
Small umbrella
That's it. Can you believe it? I'm stuck! Everything I think of either looks "too Cali" or "Not Warm Enough" or "Too much to carry".
Any suggestions for what I should pack? I have a pretty well-stocked closet, just not sure what to pack.
Also would like your opinions on whether to pack this puffer jacket (I kinda hate/love it) and these Tretorn rubber rain boots wedges (kinda heavy if I end up not wearing them).
ugh, that's always tough. I would dress toward the colder temps because rainy london/paris cold is bone-chilling.
what about a jacket that you can layer with and dress up and down?
how about taking your boots to shoe repair and have them glue/waterproof/clean them up before the trip?
I would also bring light weight long sleeve and short sleeve tees to layer with...
and as bulky as that coat is you have pictured, it can be smooshed down pretty well. I think you're going to want it...
on my recent trip to Peru/Ecuador, I took a hooded, microfiber, thinsulate lined coat and that worked out pretty well for me since I could fold it down pretty small.
I see you have scarves on your list - I wear pashminas as scarves (loop-through style) they are so great for layering as well as using as a blanket on the plane.
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"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." ~ Edna Woolman Chase
It is still pretty cold here, so I definitely think you need a coat/warm jacket and gloves. I would bring a warm jumpers and cardigans to wear over vest-tops. I checked the bbc forecast for london and it doesn't look like it will be heavy rain - more cloudy and occasional drizzle so your black boots will probably be ok. Hope you have fun!
I think the puffer jacket is adorable! I'd pack that and some black/grey thin sweaters for layering. I'd also throw in a shock of color just for fun -something neon yellow? I also like the plaid shirt you have on in that pic.
How about a cute mini skirt or shorts that you can wear with thick tights and your boots, under that jacket
I think you have the right idea of taking layering pieces with you. I'd take a cashmere cardigan or two also, if you have any. They'll help keep you warm when layering, but not too warm when you are on the train.
I would also bring a pair of gloves (there's nothing worse than cold hands trying to hold an umbrella in chilly rain.)
Great reminders on gloves ladies! I totally forgot about those! And pashminas - will pack those too!
gossipgirl - I DID just buy a neon yellow cardi at F21~ Will bring those!
Glad you guys think my boots and jacket are acceptable for London/Paris!
D - the boots I bring for travel are cheap and not worth repairing. And my nice Burberry flat boots are too nice to expose it to whatever elements it may encounter.
I wonder if you need three pairs of boots but I think the rain boots are awfully cute. If they're comfortable to walk in I think they'd be great instead of the leaky black boots.
I don't know if you're planning on doing anything like this, but if you need an out-to-dinner outfit, a lightweight jersey skirt you could wear over the leggings might be good.
you have received pretty thorough advice so i won't add anything except to say that you look adorable in that pic and it sounds like you've got some great basics that are good for travel in your wardrobe. i would second the idea of warm gloves and a couple of pashminas for layering - that has worked well for me in the past. maybe one black and one that is a color??
oh also, just wanted to post this pic for inspiration on the gloves:
not sure if fingerless is your thing - but i think these are so cute (and practical if you use your ipod or text a lot).