What I'm Wearing in Europe
In 2 short days I'll be leaving on a jet plane.
I am getting so excited. You are probably tired of hearing me talk about it, but that is what's going on with me. No food, just travel plans. I haven't even cooked anything in like a week since we are trying to eat up whatever we have in the kitchen in advance of being away for 7 days. Meanwhile, I wanted to share how I'm choosing what to wear on the trip and some other tips for getting ready for travel!
Get your list on. My inner nerd is sooooo happy right now. Not only did I make a full packing list, but I also made a list of what types of clothing I would want/need for each day of the trip. For example, I will be sightseeing everyday but Shaun made some fancy dinner reservations for a few nights. Of course, I will want to change into something a little nicer. This then informed the packing list.
Get shopping. I'm not advocating breaking the bank, but chances are that you might not have exactly what you want, clothing-wise. This is where the packing list comes in. Especially if you are going for a certain 'look' on the trip. My plan was to be comfortable yet fashionable, and definitely able to mix and match my clothing so that I have lots of options on the trip. I went to Nordstrom Rack and made out like a bandit. I combined a few pairs of shorts with 5 or 6 tops. I love to be a minimalist while traveling, while still getting to have options. My motto was comfy yet effortlessly fab.
My mom also picked up a couple of skirts and tops for me at the J. Crew outlet.
I also plan to bring jeans in case it's cooler. As for 'dressy' items, I always go with black. It always looks good, can be layered in different ways and doesn't show too many wrinkles. My favorite item? The romper!
I got a similar-looking (but extremely less expensive) romper at the Rack. I can wear this with my red flats (the only fancy shoes I'm bringing), a cardigan and a pretty necklace and I'm set for a night on the town. I also plan to pick up a black jersey dress that can be worn belted.
Plan your footwear. I'm only bringing 3 pairs of very versatile shoes. For everyday walking and sightseeing, I purchased a brand new pair of TOMS that will go with all of my outfits (actually, I picked these out first, which I highly recommend!) and are super comfortable to boot!
For a fancier shoe, I'm bringing my comfortable red flats. They will pack easily and make all of my black dresses and rompers 'pop' in the evening hours.
Lastly, I am bringing my running shoes since I do still plan to exercise while I'm away! Especially since I'll be on my own for a lot of the trip. I have no excuses :)
Accessorize. I picked up a couple of new necklaces at Forever 21 which can be easily worn with most of my outfits to dress them up a bit. Oh and did I mention that I hardly broke the bank with these purchases?
Layer. The last item for dressing in Europe is to layer! I'm bringing a few cardigans, my circle scarves and perhaps one or two long sleeve shirts that I can wear in a pinch if it's chilly in the evening.
So there you have it. How I'm getting my dress on while I'm traveling. How do you plan your clothing for travel? Are you a minimalist? Or do you like to have options?
10 Comments | May 11, 2011 | Share Article | Email Article | tagged europe travel, packing | in Travel, What About Me Wednesday Print Article | Permalink
Reader Comments (10)
Oh Love the black romper! Where did you find that pic on the internet? I need one bad for our summer vaca! So excited for you and your trip!
You really are so organized! I need to get myself some TOMS!
I would also recommend a light jacket if you've got one. When we went to Europe last year we hit a chilly spell and even our long-sleeve shirts weren't warm enough when we were walking around all day. The hubs and I both ended up buying cheap ones at H&M while we were there! Have so much fun!!!
Great call Katie! I will definitely add that to my list!
Lauren, I appreciate you saying organized and not 'complete lunatic' which is how I think of myself :)
Jessica, that romper is from Nordstrom.com but is super expensive. I suggest trying Nordstrom Rack (I got a great, dressy-looking one there for $19.97!), TJ Maxx, Marshall's, or Last Call by Neiman Marcus!
Great picks Rachel! I have a similar style..simple and effortless. I love TOMS too! They match with anything and are great space savers. When I plan for a trip, I just pick basic colors to mix and match. I try not to go crazy and have to really hold myself back from packing "options." Looks like you got everything under control. Just some cardigans and a jacket and you'll be good to go. I would wear those on the plane to save luggage space. Try to wear your heaviest pieces.
Looks like you are ready to go! I haven't tried TOMS before but they are growing on me.
I always make a packing list! :) In fact I have one started right now for a trip to LA. I always pack a little too much, but better prepared than sorry. :) (I just like to leave a little room for things I might want to bring home....)
those are so euro-chic. ;) especially the cute white blouse! AND.. I just purchased those toms! I'm in love.
I'm a consummate over-packer! You sound WAY more organized and "in-control" than I usually am! I try to pack for every potential outfit need! I always pack my workout stuff first - it is the complusive exerciser in me!
Love the black romper! I definitely over pack, even when I tell myself I'm not going to. My head is always full of "what if" situations!