Today I’m sharing a fall packing list for Europe.
Each week, I choose a reader question to answer in my Friday morning newsletter. (If you’re not signed up already, please join us! And if you have a travel/packing/styling/parenting/beauty question for me, click here).
Last week, I walked through some packing ideas for a reader heading to Florence in October. Jealous!
I’m using that answer as the base for today’s fall packing list for Europe. This list is going to be geared towards an early fall trip, the glorious dresses/sweaters/skirts chapter of autumn. I will put together a cold weather/winter packing list in a couple of months.
Since the weather in September and October can be delightfully unpredictable in Europe, the key here will be packing lots of options and layers that all kind of go together.
I follow the same method for every season: a handful of comfortable pants/bottoms, tanks and tees that can all mix and match with said bottoms, and, especially in the fall, lots of options for layering. And remember: just because we are trying for a capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean we need to shy away from color.
Fall Packing List for Europe
Base layer: tees, tanks, and bodysuits
Let’s start with some basics. These will form the base for all of your sweaters and jackets. You’ll certainly want a fresh white tee. I’ve gone blue in the face over my favorite scoop tank that I wear constantly. It also comes in a long version. I would also pack a long sleeve bodysuit or two to layer under sweaters or jackets if it gets cold.
Sweaters
If we are talking about early fall, sweaters will be your best friend on this trip.
Of course, my knee-jerk reaction is to push Sézane’s Léontine Jumper on you (read my review here). This is my all-time favorite sweater, and I think it would be perfect for Europe in the fall. This looks cute layered over a tee or on its own, over the shoulders, with jeans, skirts, you get the idea.
Otherwise, you could achieve the same French striped look with Quince’s striped crewneck too. If you’re going with cotton for one of the crewnecks, consider packing one cashmere to give you the option on cooler days. I think every woman should have Quince’s Heather Grey oversized cashmere crewneck in their closet.
(BTW, I do not have a Quince code anymore, but if you are looking to make your first purchase, send me an email and I will forward you my referral link for $20 off. And check out my full Quince brand review here).
Moving on to cardigans, I would be remiss to not mention Sézane’s Gaspard cardigan. This comes in SO many gorgeous colors, and this could be your way of bringing some color into your looks. I shared a bunch of outfit ideas for this sweater on this blog post. The Emilie and Amiel are also both on my wishlist this winter.
Button Down Shirt
You knew this was coming, right? A white button down is such a useful closet staple in every season of the year. If I were heading to Europe this fall, I’d bring my white button up to wear as a standalone top with any of the bottoms options I’ll list below. This also works beautifully layered underneath a crewneck on colder days. Madewell’s version is on sale right now!
Jeans
Depending on the forecast and the length of your trip, you’ll want to pack a few comfortable pairs of jeans. My first vote is the Citizens of Humanity Paloma jeans (also available at Shopbop and Revolve). These feel like sweatpants and are meant to be baggy. Size down because they do stretch with wear.
My second vote is my favorite “statement” cuffed wide leg jeans. I seriously get compliments every time I wear these and feel like these would be so fun with a cozy sweater and sneakers for exploring a new city. These are also available at Shopbop and Revolve. And check out my blog post with outfit ideas here. (Sidenote: has anyone tried the Madewell version yet??).
Lastly, I also need to mention the Mother Rambler jean. These are the perfect jeans if you’re wanting to dip your toe into wide leg jeans but want a slightly less outrageous sillouette, lol. As a bonus, these are unbelievably soft and *hands down* the most comfortable pair of jeans I own. Also available at Anthro.
Flowy Pants + Trousers
There comes a point in a trip where you just need to wear flowy pants. I posted a reel last weekend in these drapey pull-on pants from Abercrombie. These reminded me of a pair I saw from Dôen a few weeks ago, and I love how they turned out. The print is perfect for fall.
I have nothing but good things to say about Sézane’s Loulou Trousers. I have them in black and have gotten SO much use out of them. Black trousers, in my opinion, make the perfect travel companion because you can wear them to dinner with a fancy blouse or bodysuit OR dress them down with a white tee, sneakers, and denim jacket. It looks like Madewell has a highly-reviewed similar version too.
Skirts
If the weather looks moderate, I would consider packing 1-2 skirts.
I have had my eye on this high rise denim skirt from Reformation, but this version from Gap looks just as good. This will go with anything and everything.
I’d also pack my black silk skirt from Quince. This weighs nothing and is so easy to style. You can wear it with a button down (I wore it like this here) or paired with a white tee, tank, or sweater. It’s such a great basic (note to self: do a blog post about this skirt). And if you’re not into the mini, they have a midi and maxi version too.
Dresses
I LOVE this polka dot dress from Madewell. I feel like this is screaming “Autumn in Italy.” Throw a cardigan over your shoulders, and you’re ready to explore! This easy black dress from J. Crew is on sale and would be perfect too. If you’re open to a splurge, I love this red floral moment from Reformation. And this brown checked situation. Just dreamy.
Outerwear
I would pack a denim jacket, leather jacket, and maybe one more fun outer layer like a trench coat, quilted floral jacket, or my favorite Free People packable puffer (review here). Depending on the length of the trip, I would probably throw in my beloved Mango coatigan because it’s so cozy and goes with everything.
You can go any direction with the denim: classic oversized, more tailored, or go bold with a denim trench (I just bought this and love it so much).
A leather jacket will be great to layer over sweaters or out to dinner. I like this oversized brown faux leather bomber from Free People, and I can’t believe the price of Quince’s Madewell leather jacket lookalike! (size up for a more relaxed look and for easier layering).
Shoes: Sneakers, Boots, and Loafers
You’ll want to pack at least one pair of sneakers that you can walk all day in, and you’ve gotta be brutally honest with yourself here. (This is why in every travel photo you’ve ever seen of me, I’m wearing white Birkenstocks, lol). Sneakers are the perfect choice for fall. I love these sporty looking Golas, these Vejas with the pop of color, or these Adidas. SO cute, and any of these would work with all of the above. I like these socks a lot right now.
I also love the idea of a comfortable (flat) knee high boot for this trip, ideally one that you can wear with your skirts and dresses. I don’t make the rules: there is nothing quite as fun as a tall boot with a dress or skirt. Reformation’s are, of course, stunning, but I also love these sleek riding boots from Madewell.
Finally, if you feel like you want to pack something slightly dressier to go with your pants, I’d throw in a lightweight pair of flats or mules that won’t take up too much room in your suitcase. These won’t work for a long day of walking but might be nice to have on hand for dinners and such. I love these Madewell red ballet flats, these velvet “slipper” flats, and, of course, you can’t go wrong with my go-to Gucci mule dupes from Amazon. (I can’t explain it: flats don’t really work on my feet, but I LOVE a mule).
Crossbody Purse
You’ll want to bring a small crossbody purse to carry your daily essentials in when you are out and about. I recommend a purse that closes completely so your belongings stay secure. I love Sézane’s Mini Milo for travel because the buckle is super secure and you can adjust the strap to carry it closer to your body.
I am also eyeing Quince’s line of leather bags. This woven crossbody is a dead ringer for my Clare V Midi Sac, and I love the dark brown color for fall. And I also love this slouchy sling bag for travel too.
Accessories + jewelry
Don’t overthink your accessories or jewelry for a trip like this. Pick a few fun items and keep it at that. I will often wear the same stack of necklaces/bracelets/rings for an entire trip just to keep things streamlined, except for an extra pair of earrings or two. Otherwise, I would bring a belt that goes with everything you’re packing, a claw clip in a fun color, and maybe a baseball cap for greasy hair days.
Packing list for a 10 day Europe trip: how I plan my outfits
This is going to sound sociopathic, and it probably is, but I always write out my outfits before a trip. This helps me pack the right amount (not too much and not too little) and keep everything organized while we’re there.
I thought it would be fun to write a sort of vague list based on the items I’ve listed above so you can idea of how I would pair everything together. Let’s say you’re going on a 10 day Europe trip in early fall. Here’s how I’d plan out a little capsule wardrobe:
Day 1: Cuffed jeans + crewneck sweater #1 + sneakers (jacket option: puffer)
Day 2: Denim skirt + crewneck sweater #2 + knee high boots (jacket option: denim)
Day 3: Light denim + white tee + cardigan #1 + sneakers (jacket option: leather)
Day 4: Dress + cardigan #2 + sneakers (jacket option: denim)
Day 5: Black skirt + white button down + knee high boots (jacket option: leather)
Day 6: Trousers + white t-shirt + cardigan #1 + sneakers (jacket option: denim)
Day 7: Cuffed jeans + bodysuit + sneakers or flats (jacket option: leather)
Day 8: Light wash jeans + crewneck sweater #1 + sneakers or flats (jacket option: puffer)
Day 9: Black Skirt + crewneck sweater #2 + knee high boots (jacket option: denim)
Day 10: Denim skirt + cardigan #2 + sneakers or flats (jacket option: leather)
And remember: you always want to make sure to have a couple of super comfortable cozy outfit options for the plane or for in-between travel days. The above outfit planning doesn’t account for that.
I hope that makes sense! Thanks for checking out my fall packing list for Europe. If you are heading somewhere juicy this fall, have the best time and please let me know how it goes!!
On that note…
Spring and summer packing list
Everything I wore in Spain and Portugal
Looking for city guides, itinerary inspo, and more planning/packing tips? Click here.
