Packing List for Europe for Women
By far the question I get asked most is, how did you land Mark?! Okay, that should be it but, it’s not. In reality women are always asking, what do you pack? It seems like a daunting task, packing everything you’ll need for 2 weeks into one (hopefully) small suitcase. It isn’t. It is actually pretty simple. Below you’ll find my clothing packing list for a summer trip to Europe, this is the list I give my girlfriends when they ask my advice. And while I know you can do all of this in one carry-on size suitcase the answer isn’t take 3 outfits and wash them over and over. But it does take a little thoughtful planning on your part. I’ll also add a pdf checklist for you to use to make it easier.
The key to packing for any trip is to make everything match everything else (or at least most everything else). People call it a Capsule Wardrobe; I call it good sense. Your personal style will almost definitely vary from mine (fashion is an expression of one’s self is it not?) so think of this as guidelines not hard and fast rules. With that said, I like a pretty classic wardrobe with some bits of funk thrown in, I went to art school after all. Think Audrey Hepburn with a dash of Patricia Field. I aspire to that anyway…
Click Below for Jocelyn’s Packing List PDF
So, how to build this beautiful, fashion forward, all-encompassing capsule? Start with the basics. You’ll need some layers because though it can be hot during the day, evenings sipping champagne along the Seine can get chilly. Add in some great accessories and be thoughtful about what works for you and what doesn’t and you’ll be both comfortable and well dressed.
I’ll start from the skin up; sunscreen. Save yourself some misery; all that sun glinting off the marble streets of Athens will fry you like an egg on asphalt in July. I will post my Toiletry and Makeup Guides soon so you can see how to save space and prioritize all of that also.
Underwear and Bras
Next up, underwear. Wear your favorite bra on the plane (even if it’s your sports bra) because no one needs to have that discomfort on a 10hr flight. Pack your second favorite bra. You’ll rotate them daily (if you wore a sports bra pack 2 regular bras). You can easily wash one at the end of a day and hang it to dry and it will be ready for its next day in the rotation. Wear your favorite won’t-ride-up-comfy-like-a-cloud panties on the plane, grab 6 more of your favorites. Pack and wear 5 of them, washing them in the sink by hand or find a laundromat and do a load of all your stuff once every few days—you’ll be amazed at the people you can meet while washing clothes. That 6th pair I keep in my carry-on along with my makeup just in case my suitcase gets lost. Pack a couple, three pairs of socks, they too can be washed in the sink just like your underwear. Wow, that was a lotta words just to say, pack 5pr of underwear and some socks, 1 bra plus, a backup. My Yiayia always said I would use 20 words where 5 would do.
On top of those comfy underthings, I am never without 3 tank tops. I often have a tank under whatever I am wearing so I can peel layers off as the day warms up. Usually, I take 2 black and 1 either white or nude tank because those fit my capsule best. These things also double as my night shirt so sometimes I pack 4. Choose tanks that are predominately cotton, (maybe with a little stretch to help smooth those squishier bits) silk, or linen. Yes, those fabrics wrinkle more but natural fabrics are breathable and hold on to stink less than manufactured fabrics. And trust me, the Eurofunk will come no matter how good you are at washing your clothes in a sink if you are there long enough. With that, pack a pair of shorts or whatever you like to sleep in, or don’t, that is your call. I have friends who pack a nightgown or lounge pants and a cami, whatever you are comfortable in.
Packing Your Clothes
Now to the meat and potatoes of your suitcase. I pack dresses, usually 3 for every trip. Mini, midi, maxi, whatever floats your boat. My closet is full of dresses. Dresses are terribly flattering on a wide range of body types. You can dress them up or down, you can change the look of them with a belt or a scarf, toss a jacket on top, or add some funky jewelry you found at a local market while traveling. But, the best part of dresses is that they are a whole outfit in one so you don’t have to think at all when getting dressed. Again, I choose dresses that are mostly cotton, linen, or raw silk.
Shorts. I don’t pack them. Well, I haven’t packed them since I was in my 20s. I wear them at home I just don’t wear them in Europe. While living in Lisbon I noticed women of a certain age just don’t wear them often if at all. Whether they are French, Italian, Portuguese, Greek, or German my European girlfriends rarely wear shorts…they agree, there comes a time when a dress or skirt will do what shorts just can’t on our post-baby bodies. Plus dresses and skirts are breezy and allow for a lot more air movement.
Another thing I don’t pack are rompers or any one-piece pants/shorts/shirt combos. But Jocelyn, they are so cute and a whole outfit in one! Well ladies, the first time you have to pee or God forbid get traveler’s diarrhea in one of those super cute outfits and the only toilet is a public one near the Coliseum that looks like something out of a horror movie you’ll understand why. You try taking that whole thing down when your insides are about to breech the confines of your body and there is someone else’s bodily God-only-knows-what on the floor, walls, and toilet. TMI? Maybe, but I have been in that situation and I do not want you to have to go through that!
Blouses, pants and skirts are where that capsule thing really happens. I pack a variety of 3-4 Tops, 1pair of jeans and 1 pair of pants, and 1-2 skirts. Here again I pack mostly natural fabrics (take some wrinkle release with you, I like Cold Iron or Downey). The key here is building several outfits out of only a few well-chosen pieces. If each top matches each bottom that is 12-16 outfits plus the dresses you packed! See, you don’t have to wear the same 3 outfits for two weeks.
When you are laying out your possible clothing options each shirt should match at least 3 of your 4 bottoms…brownie points if they match all 4 and can also be used on top of any of your dresses. Double brownie points if you pack any shirtdresses, caftans, or tunics that can be used as both tops and stand-alone dresses.
As you decide on those jeans, pants and skirts choose pieces you love to wear and that won’t stifle you when it is hot. Those jeans? Make sure they are lightweight if you plan to wear them during the day. My favorite pants for travel are black linen capri pants; maybe not the best color for summer but I love them and they match just about everything. The skirts I take are generally basic black or neutral tones.
A lightweight jacket is a must. I have been taking the same structured, off-white jacket on trips with me for a decade. It has had red wine, baby barf and gazpacho on it. (Did I mention you should have a stain remover in your bag?) It matches everything and is one of those perfectly timeless cuts that both flatters and never goes out of style. A denim jacket can do the same. The only drawback is that denim can be a bit heavy and if you plan on doing anything ‘fancy’ it might not be the best choice.
Accessories: The little things that tie it all together.
Accessories. These tie all those outfits together. They make a bland outfit interesting and can totally change the look of almost anything you put them with. Pick 1 to 2 colors as your accent. If your capsule is mainly black like mine, any color will do. If your capsule has a lot of teal maybe you opt for a coral accent (my MIL usually fits that capsule/accent example and she always looks wonderful). Mostly navy clothes? Yellow, orange or red are lovely as accents—you see my point, yes? Here are my usual accessories; 2 light scarves one large and one small, a couple cheap colorful beaded necklaces or cheap gold or silver tone necklaces and bracelets. Why cheap? Because bling makes you stand out to pickpockets and other unsavoury ne’er-do-wells. And should I be a victim of said, ne’er-do-wells, lose, or break any of them I don’t want to lose anything of value.
Scarves are great for dressing up and changing the look of any outfit. The small ones I tie on my neck, wrist, or bag for a bit of color. The large scarf I shove in my bag to use as a sunshield or to cover my head, shoulders or knees when visiting churches or other places that may have dress codes. The colors in a scarf should obviously match your capsule.
On the subject of jewelry, Americans tend to have large wedding sets compared to the rest of the world. In most European countries women only wear a wedding band. I remember feeling ostentatious when we moved to Portugal—and my wedding set is understated by American standards. So now when I travel, I only wear a silicone band or a simple gold tone band I bought at Target. I also really, really don’t want to lose my wedding set or God forbid have it stolen! I leave mine in a safe deposit box at home when I travel.
Some of you will ask about hats. I have friends who are never without one. I find them to be a giant pain in the butt. You can find packable broad brimmed sun hats that would be amazing while traversing the Alhambra in all that Spanish sun but, I can’t wear them while filming because they reduce the light on my face, and hat hair sucks so I don’t pack one. Don’t forget to throw a pair of sunglasses in your purse for those beautiful sunny days!
A swimsuit. Pack one you are comfortable wearing, 2-piece, one piece, tankini, whatever. Oh, and that large scarf you packed? It makes a great cover-up or sarong if you want one.
What Shoes to Pack & Wear in Europe
Shoes. Ah, the shoes. My, What Shoes to Take to Europe video got so much hate it almost kept me from making another video. I have a shoe thing, a big one. Some people collect dolls or coins or comic books. I collect shoes. I’ve also lived in Europe and I spend (at the very least) 7 or 8 weeks there every year. I watch what people are wearing on their feet. I also know what it’s like to walk 10 miles a day in Berlin or hoof it around St. Petersburg for 8 hours straight. So, I understand the conundrum, function, comfort, fashion.
No shoe is going to be perfect. Your feet will hurt if you aren’t used to walking that much in one day. What I personally find best for me may not be best for you. But what I can tell you is that you should make all those lovely outfits you’ve just created match just 2 pairs of shoes. Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane to save space in your suitcase. The ones you pack can be stuffed with underwear or socks or other little things. I like to take fun colored shoes. (If you are a mom traveling with small kids remember your kids may not see your face in a crowd but they can see everyone’s feet. Brightly colored shoes can be an easy way for them to spot you.) My shoes always fit that capsule accent color.
Though tennis shoes are becoming more popular in Europe what I see most are not running type shoes. They are what I call urban street shoes, think Adidas Superstars, Vans or Converse. And I really like Vans and Superstars for walking as they have fairly stiff soles with a bit of cushion too. Lately I’ve been taking some inserts that I shuffle between shoes. I have some that work in my Vans as easily as they do in a pair of ballet flats. And remember you can buy inserts or gel pads and cushions for your poor battered tootsies anywhere in Europe; just look for a green cross, it is the symbol for a pharmacy and most every one will carry foot care items.
Typically, I take a pair of sandals, usually some cute Birkenstocks. Birks are actually my favorite shoe for travel, they have a great footbed, a solid, fairly stiff sole but still have some give. I really wish they would make some for winter that don’t make my feet look like some kind of overgrown fungi.
I have several pairs of ballet flats that pack really, really flat. They are NOT awesome for walking all day because they have absolutely no cushion and thin soles so I put some (Old Lady) orthotics in them. They still are only good for short excursions but sometimes I just need something a bit more dressy than Vans and Birks. I also like my Weejuns for travel as they dress up or down well and have a hard (but not slick) sole but soft insole which is my favorite sole/insole combo for Europe.
I only recommend taking a 3rd pair of shoes if you absolutely must. Shoes take up so much space in your suitcase! So, pack up your suitcase and then see how much room you have. If there is space and you really feel like you need them throw them in.
Bags & Purses
On to the purse. What bag to take is tough and also very personal. Occasionally I take a backpack type purse, less often a cross-body. Mostly, I take a shoulder bag that fits nicely under my arm and is roomy enough for my kits and my scarf (I’ll have a blog on my kits in my purse soon too) I often take a belt bag in addition to my purse.
Most women like cross-body bags. I don’t because they make me feel all lopsided and TBH they kinda hurt my back. Maybe I’d take them if my chiropractor travelled with us more often? But I do understand the appeal especially from a safety standpoint. And the few times I have taken a cross-body bag it has been nice to have something that never slips from my shoulder.
Backpacks are good but I don’t always like not being able to see my stuff. I feel like anyone could walk up behind me and, zzzzip, my stuff is gone. But they are great when you are carrying a lot of stuff like a photog set.
Very often I take a black shoulder bag or satchel because it matches everything. Other times, I take a similar but brightly colored bag because I have this idea that if someone grabs it, I’ll be able to spot it better—maybe I am crazy. I tend to carry shoulder bags or satchels at home so I do the same on trips. Sometimes that ‘muscle memory’ is what keeps me aware of my bag. It is like an extension of my arm so it is easy to be aware of it.
Belt Bags, I like them because I can fit my phone, a few Euros, and cards (in an RFID case) inside. In places where you are uncertain of safety, untuck your shirt and no one even knows you are wearing it. It is nice to have as an extra bag especially if you plan on doing any hiking, amusement parks or other activities where you need to be hands free.
I’ve never owned an Anti-theft bag. Some people swear by them. I’ve only known 2 people whose bags were slashed, or rather, had an attempt on them. If you feel you need that, do it! Anything that makes you feel more confident will show on your face and confidence will help thwart pickpockets.
In the end choose a bag that is practical and fits your capsule wardrobe. Please, for the love of Pete make sure your bag zips shut!! Several times Mark or I have shouted to help prevent a person from sticking their hand into a woman’s purse that had one little button or was just wide open. And if you see someone sticking their hand into someone else’s bag, don’t just stand there, holler!
Speaking of bags, you’ll often find me roaming the streets of Vicenza or Paris with a shopping bag from a local grocery store. Funny, no? I stuff some sunscreen, my water bottle, my watercolor set and the like in there because we often take a day to settle in a park and relax. Carrying a local bag makes me look more like a local, right? Anyway, they are a good way to tote around unimportant stuff and they are fun to use when doing mundane grocery shopping at home.
Bonus packing item:
A foldable bag. I have a large Longchamp Le Pliage XL travel bag in my suitcase at all times just in case we find some larger items we need to bring home. Those grocery bags can do that too but in case you need to check that bag you may want to have one with a zipper.
So, this is my list for 10 days or 2 weeks or 2 months of summer in Europe. The great thing about it is it fits in a carry-on with room to spare so I can shop a bit and not have to worry about things not fitting in my suitcase. I hope this helps you pack light too because in all my travels I have found that packing less makes for a more relaxing trip—and remember you can always purchase something if you need to.
Travel well,
Jocelyn