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What to Pack for Traveling in Europe in the Winter

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Think that Europe is only awesome during the summer? Think again.

With its festive Christmas markets, snowy forests, and general lack of tourists, Europe in the winter is more enjoyable than you might think. I was pretty scared of the cold at first, but realized that with one simple tactic, there’s no such thing as bad weather.

What’s my secret? Layering!

Even my clothes from California worked perfectly in the European winter, much to my surprise. I was so happy that I could retain my fashion from home yet still keep warm despite the sub-zero temperatures.

Here’s my ideal packing list for Europe in the Winter:

europe winter packing list
Traipsing down my street in Berlin in winter layers

Start off with some basic cotton undershirts. I happen to have 2 long-sleeve ones and 2 tank tops that I layer underneath heavier clothing. These are just cheapies I’ve had for years from the likes of Target and Forever 21.

Next I rely pretty heavily on leggings. I layer two pairs on particularly cold days. Pictured here is a pair I bought for €2 at the Turkish market near my place in Berlin. I couple these with other pairs I’ve acquired in China and back home in California, rotating each day to create a new look.

I also carry three sweater dresses with me at any given time. Here are a few suggestions.

I also always have a toggle-clasp wool jacket on-hand. It’s not lined, but since I’m layering, it keeps me plenty warm.

Perhaps most importantly, proper footwear is the key to staying warm. This is something I put a decent amount of cash into. Believe it or not these are Ugg brand! I was a bit afraid to wear them nonstop without breaking them in first, but they remained warm and comfortable, perfect for any weather and never a problem for my (semi-wide) feet. They have two styles that match this one pretty closely on sale now: The Adirondack and Elsa boots.

I’m also a big fan of my lace-up black boots, which you can find me in year-round. I find they’re the perfect accompaniment to almost every outfit (at least that I own). I got mine from Get the Label (this pair is now sold out, but you can get a similar pair here!).

_DSC0320 Next we have to talk about the accessories, which are essential for warmth. Ever since I started posting my winter photos, the same comment keeps coming up over and over: “I love those rainbow gloves!” I love them too! I purchased mine from a woman in Nepal before my Annapurna trek, but if you want a similar pair, you can buy them on Amazon.

In this photo I’ve done something similar – layered cheapie leggings under more funky ones (I’m wearing my beloved Black Milk Galaxy ones here), along with a super warm cashmere sweater dress and a thin, long-sleeved shirt underneath.

_DSC0431

On my wrist are some white Tibetan prayer beads and around my neck I’m wearing a bronze Buddha amulet from Thailand. It’s also a good idea to always have several pairs of nice warm socks on hand, a thermal shirt or two (which are usually pretty thin and easy to pack), loose jeans that you can wear leggings under, and a thermal jacket in case it’s particularly cold.

Love this coat!

I also have a heavier winter coat for when it’s mega-cold outside. It’s puffy, and has insulated me well even in temperatures under 30 degrees!

travel carry on only
Pin me! How to travel carry on only in the winter

I thought winter would be super scary, but it turns out it’s absolutely beautiful and enjoyable, as long as you’re wearing the right stuff. If you need any additional motivation, I promise these 15 photos will make you want to visit Germany right now! I hope you liked this fashion-oriented post. Be sure to stay tuned for my next post on how to pack carry-on only even in the winter, with all of the aforementioned in tow!

*Thanks to Get the Label for providing me with these awesome black boots after my last pair finally succumbed to the dust at Burning Man! I can’t be without my black boots!



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Comments

  1. I love the leggings, so cute! And I definitely agree with you on footwear, it’s never fun trying to explore a city when you can’t feel your feet!

    Reply

    • Thanks! I’m obsessed with them. Definitely not fun exploring when your feet are hurting or frozen. No such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!

      Reply

  2. This was so helpful! I live in Canada where it’s obviously cold, but I’m hopefully headed to Belgium and Prague in a few weeks and will be using these tips 🙂 Can’t wait for the carry-on post as that’s what I’ll have to do!

    Reply

  6. I’m in Portugal right now and it’s chilly, chilly, chilly! Only managed to go carry-on only a couple of times, but never in winter. I blame my giant feet and giant shoes for taking up so much space. 🙂

    Reply

    • I just wear my boots in transit and put the smaller pair in the carry-on bag. You do give up variety but whatever. It’s worth it when considering the ease and savings on checked baggage.

      Reply

  9. So cute! I really need to add some sweater dresses to my wardrobe… but I have the toughest time finding cute ones that fit my (rather curvy) body right! Totally agree with the fun leggings, though – I got some really cute leg warmers this year, which also work great to layer over leggings.

    Reply

  10. You look so cute! I’ve always had fun with cold weather traveling. You’re not so sweaty and feel very clean all the time. Plus, you get to wear cute hats and scarves.

    Reply

    • Haha thank you and I’m open except for I can’t part with the boots nor the rainbow gloves!

      Reply

  12. Um, YOU’RE ADORABLE. I overpack for summer on the beach in Central America… I shudder to think of the damage I could do with packing a winter wardrobe.

    Reply

  13. Hi Kristin! Europe is awesome both winter and summer seasons, you are right. I love your look and the idea with leggins! As well I appreciate searching your posts on this blog. happy blogging! Daria

    Reply

  15. I love this post! It’s really helpful! What do you think the average weather should be to pack what you have packed? I’ll be visiting New York and Chicago in March which I know won’t be as cold as a Europe winter….but I’m wondering what I could leave out of this list (such as snow boots) if temperatures won’t be below freezing.

    Thanks for another great post!

    Elle

    Reply

    • You should be able to pack what I did and have it work out. If there’s no snow then the boots are still helpful in rain and they’re cute and warm.

      Reply

  16. I love your blog and my sister like your dresses you wore in first photo. Not only that but all. 🙂

    Reply

  17. Hi Kristin,

    This is very useful for me, a big preparation before going to Europe during winter because it is very different here in Asia, I guess i will enjoy for the first couple of days of winter there since I never experience before. 🙂 But i’m surely there are major adjustment for me especially the weather,time difference, and the culture there. Oh I need to do some shopping then for my winter cloths and of course I love the boots you were in the first picture. 🙂

    Reply

  18. I agree, winter in Europe can be absolutely beautiful, but if you aren’t warm it’s just not worth it. I’m spending the winter at Bornholm, a beautiful Danish island, and after having spent the last two winters in the tropics I’m struggling with the cold (though the snow is so beautiful, it’s quite photogenic).

    Reply

  20. I agree, it’s all about the layers! When Tom and I were traveling in Europe in the winter we found that our carry on bags were even lighter and emptier than usual, becuase we were basically wearing almost everything we owned at all times!

    Reply

  21. Hi Kristin,

    You’ve really provide a great and deep list of things we need to keep with while travelling in Europe. I like this stuff to much.

    Reply

  22. Love the gloves…Leggings and scarf are the sure stuff in winters.I just love your 1st look, so comfy and cool.

    Reply

  23. Hey Kristin, You really did a great task by describing the post in very understandable manner. I like your way of writing too much.

    Reply

  24. I’m from England so you’d think I would know how to cope with Winter easily….wrong! This post has taught me stacks and I can’t believe I’ve never thought of just layering cheaper leggings under jazzier ones. Thanks for sorting out my Winter wardrobe:)

    Reply

  30. Everybody must appreciate your work. Its really a great post and you’ve shared every point very clearly.

    Reply

  32. This is exactly the info I needed for my up coming trip to Europe! Do you know the name of your uggs? I know they’re not in stock but they’re just so awesome I might try looking elsewhere!

    Reply

  35. Kristin, what bag do you use to travel with, I’m looking for a good bag but not a suitcase since I’m not sure I want to take a lot when I go to Europe. Thanks!!!

    Reply

  36. You are so cute! Love your style. I’m going to Europe for a three month trip, starting in Armenia to visit my sister, then November in Copenhagen/Berlin, December through southern Germany and Venice/Florence/Rome, and January headed from South France to Paris then London to finish up. Your blog has been super useful in visualizing how these layers can look and a good reminder that I should plan to pick up some things over there.

    I’m currently working on my website, where I will be writing about the food, health + nutrition (and maybe ag) policies of the countries I visit. I’m a dietitian and am hoping to make this kind of a career move. I love looking at your page and the useful advice you have about starting blogs and such.

    My website is not current at the moment but should be by 11/1… So excited!

    Thanks for all the help!

    Reply

  37. I love that you imbue so much color and personality into your travel clothes! Typically when I travel, I bring basics and muted colors so it all matches so it doesn’t look like a cluster…

    You have totally figured out the magic equation. I’m down for the challenge for my next trip! 🙂

    Reply

  38. Hi,

    Thanks for the tips. We are going to Norway and Sweden this winter. Many call us crazy because in winter they go South and we are going North :)) We are from Lithuania.

    I am looking for good skiing pants for my husband. I want it to be a Christmas present for him. I’ve looked online and found these Mammut Bormio HS Pants .

    I am not a very frequent skier myself wear same pants 5 years in a row already :))

    Could you tell your opinion on the pants mentioned above? Is the price worth it?

    Thanks

    Reply

    • My Ski pants were like 15€ and they’ve worked super well for me even in -30, so I actually don’t think that’s an area where you need to spend big. It’s all about warm ski underwear!

      Reply

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