Packing for the European Winter

Since our Ultimate Guide to Packing for Conservative Countries and hotter climes was such a hit with you guys, I thought I would put together something similar on packing for the chilly European winter.

If you thought it was challenging to pack for conservative countries, wait till you start packing for the European winter. It can be potentially arduous to look half-decent while your body is weighed by dozens of woollens. I don’t know about you, but I’ve had enough of looking bedraggled during winter.

Swathing your body in black might be the easiest way to look put together during  winter, but it’s no fun 🙂 So without further ado, here are 1o items you could incorporate in your winter wardrobe this year. These items are essential if you are packing for the European winter or braving chilly weather in any other part of the world.

#1 A Pair of Bright Shorts

Shorts are perfect for layering with tights, and add a pop of colour while keeping you warm.

#2 Colour-pop socks

A lot of us gravitate towards blacks and greys during winter. Bright socks are the perfect way to brighten up an otherwise dull ensemble. Come winter, I love wearing bright socks with my summer sandals and wedges.

#3 Your Summer Clothes

Don’t pack your summer clothes away just because the weather’s turned. It’s such fun to pair summer neons with winter greys and blacks to lend a bit of colour to the proceedings. Here’s some inspiration –

You can find the details of this outfit in our post on Bratislava, Slovakia

#4 A Warm Hat

Cossacks, beanies, bobble-hats – the possibilities are endless. Choose a snuggly hat that reflects your individual style while keeping your head and ears warm.

#5 A Blanket, seriously!

When all else fails take your favourite shawl or fleecy throw and wrap it around yourself. Fasten it in place with a belt and voila, you have the warmest poncho ever!  That’s how you get snug as a bug in a rug 😉

#6 Prints

A relatively monochromatic colour-scheme gives you the freedom to play with prints. Florals, stripes, polka-dots – there is no dearth of options.

 #7 Bright Tights

Bright tights are the perfect way to infuse some colour into bland winter outfits. Make sure you opt for thick tights instead of flimsy ones. I wore this pair to Greenwich Park on a frosty fall morning.

#8 A Bright Coat

The best way to cope with dreary weather? Fish out your bright coat :-). Hop over to our post on packing for Prague for outfit details.

A Bright Coat

#9 A Boyfriend Blazer

Blazers are perfect for Autumnal days when there is a slight nip in the air. I bought this one online at Zalando. I combined it with boots and tights to stay warm.

#10 Oversize knits and sweatshirts

There’s nothing better than a cozy, oversized jumper is there? It’s perfect for holidays where you will be walking or hiking a lot. I love rummaging the men’s section at stores or (better still) Vid’s wardrobe for snug knits 🙂

That’s it – your cheat guide to staying warm yet fashionable while dressing up for colder climes 🙂

I have tons of other ideas I would love to share with you. Leave me a comment if you would like to read Part II of this Guide to packing for the European winter 🙂