annhig

no, i would't take a toll coat to Paris in May either.

What I would take is t-shirts as a base layer, cotton shirts to wear over that, a cardigan or two, and a waterproof jacket which will also keep the wind out. That is my standard outfit for our variable climate and it stands me in good stead, No layer is so heavy that i can't take it off and put it in a bag/backpack so I know that if I get hot, I can easily get cool again.

with various combinations of the above, you're ready for anything. [though I would leave the combinations at home - who wears those any more, or even knows what they are?]

annhig

a "toll" coat? A wool coat, obviously, Why would my computer prefer "toll" to "wool"?

quokka

Anyone in a down coat in May would certainly stick out...

annhig

quokka - there have been days in May and June in the UK when I'd have been grateful for a down coat. but I don't think that that's a basis for packing one for a short holiday in Paris.

scigirl

I think a raincoat (water and windproof) and a warm layer underneath (sweater, sweatshirt, or fleece) makes more sense than a down coat.

As for avoiding Purdue wear - good sense at this moment not to advertize yourself as American. The Dutch don't care - but it is a general travel precaution that is being recommended right now due to ISIS. Consider it an opportunity for them to shop while in Europe.

apersuader65

Nukesafe: just to update our earlier scarf discussion, want to take a guess what one of my christmas gifts was this year?

Hint: Something 'special' for our trip to Paris in March.

nukesafe

Lucky you, Apersuader! And I am sure you will wear it with suave panache as you stroll the boulevards, making the locals jealous.

carlym

This shouldn't have come as a surprise given that the Netherlands is famous for windmills, but we found Amsterdam to be much colder than expected last year in the late spring (although it was normal to warm for them at that time) because of the near-constant wind. I was warm enough in a wind-resistant medium-weight parka, but we all wished we had brought hats, and my friends were cold quite a bit of the time. I would suggest one of those midweight coats that has a water resistant shell and a removable warmer liner.

flpab

Shoes, just bring a back up pair while the others are drying. I swear by smart wool socks, on sale at sierra trading right now. I have a Jack Wolfskin parka that has a zip out fleece and it is great. I can wear both or just the fleece or the jacket. Water resistant shell with nice hidden pockets.