2468mary

Most times I travel I have too much of everything. I want some tips on looking smart but dressing up a little at night without excess baggage. I am getting better but I still seem to pack too much. I am leaving Australia in winter, going to Europe July/Aug and can any one provide any suggestions on what they pack to look nice without overdoing it and allowing something for the more dressy occasions please.

huddoshols

Black pants, black and white tops and some nice jewellery . A light jacket from Aus and a few scarves/ pashminas. One pair of shoes for pm.

amer_can

huddoshols says it all!!! May want to add a little color since it will be summer in Europe and black will be hot, during the day..BUT not white pants, too hard to keep clean..You will feel naked without a scarf or 2.They are de riguer in Europe. A sundress sort of outfit or a light gauzey (sp??) skirt with tees would be appropriate also. Nice jewellery?? Only costume not good stuff!!. I find a skirt cooler than pants but that is a personal thing. Ballet flats take up no room and are easy to walk in. A pashima will keep off the chill of AC in any restuarants and allow you comfort on the plane as it can get cool, especially a window seat and they are elegant looking!!!

dreamon

I'd try and make sure that all your tops go with all your bottoms and that you can layer tops if needed. Those deliberately crinkled tops are great for travel. Scarves are fantastic. Include a larger one which can be used as a sarong over bathers, as sun protection or for warmth. I don't bother with jewellery except for one pair of earrings that go with everything.

Normally I'd say black pants for evening but they may be a bit wintry for Jul/Aug so maybe another colour or a dress/skirt instead.

Don't take anything which you feel you can't wear without ironing. I take a microfibre towel to dry clothes which I've rinsed out and a few pegs with hooks on the end to hang damp clothes.

Southam

Scarves/shawls, depending on the weather. The French, particularly, understand how such an accessory redefines a basic outfit. This advice applies to both men and women.

Pegontheroad

Good advice from the above posters. I don't worry about looking smart, but I do want to pack light, so I bring/wear black pants with coordinating tops. I wear my walking shoes on the plane and bring a pair of sandals for evening.

yorkshire

It does not necessarily have to be black, just pick some kind of color scheme (though of course white is risky) where most things can mix and match. Scarves are essential as mentioned above. I probably take more shoes than anything else--I need hiking shoes, city walking shoes, sandals, and I count on my sandal or a ballet-type shoe to get me through evenings out to dinner.

bardo1

For a 7-10 day trip: In addition to what I wear on the plane (including "dressy" walking shoes, like Ecco), I pack:

Underwear/socks for each day, one pair of pants (wrinkle free), one casual shirt (wrinkle free) and one dressier shirt (wrinkle free). Everything still looks great at the end of the trip. If we're in an apartment with washer/dryer, it's even less.

I might also wear a light, waterproof jacket (depending on time of year, latitude of destination).

Always bring a little less than you think you'll need. There's a 90% chance all will be fine. Worst case scenario, you'll have to buy one item (and wearing it back home will remind you of your trip).

I'm male, FWIW.

november_moon

I agree that the mix-and-match wardrobe is the key, plus scarves. I take jewelry too in order to mix things up - not the "good stuff" of course - which is easy since I don't own any expensive jewelry

I have a basic black tank that is silky and has a couple blingy bits on it - can be worn tucked into jeans or untucked tunic-style. With a scarf and/or jewelry, it looks great. I can wash it out in the sink if I spill on it and it dries in a matter of hours - and being black, no stains - plus it takes up almost no space in my luggage. It is a go-to top for evenings out while travelling - I probably wear it half the nights out.

I also have a short little jean jacket that works to throw over tanks and sun dresses - adds a layer for interest and warmth, and if I need extra warmth, I add a scarf. It is a little bit bulky for travel, but it is so versitile that I take it anyway. Another benefit is that it has a couple button pockets which are perfect for holding an ID, credit card, and some cash if I don't want to take a handbag out with me. So if I wear a sundress during the day, I can dress it up with the jacket and jewelry or scarf, maybe nicer shoes and I am ready for evening.

2468mary

Thank you all so much. I have scarves and pashminas which is good and will only take costume jewellery. I value your help so much.

annw

What they said. I take light (washable silk) slacks/pants - black - in summer, and a gauzy long skirt that rolls up into nothing. Sometimes a pair of cropped pants instead of skirt. Black/white tank; color short sleeve lightweight top, walking sandals, walking shoes (in summer I end up with the sandals for walking shoes and thus second pair of shoes is often flats instead). Pashmina and scarf. Undies and toiletries. I've done carry-on only for years. Never wished I brought more. If rain comes so do the 5 euro umbrella sellers.

annw

Should have added -- bring a silk or knit top or two that double as cardigans over the tanks.

StCirq

Linen pants, a couple of pairs of capris, lightweight sundresses, a couple of lightweight cotton skirts, 5-6 tops, at least one long-sleeved even in summer, cotton jacket, scarves, a tank top or two, undies, two pairs of shoes, toiletries and electronics (the last two weight the most - the rest is usually about 5 lbs). Never check a bag, ever.

I don't do black in summer...ever. I like color and use it liberally.

StCirq

Oh, forgot...I have a very chic lightweight little black dress that weighs next to nothing that I bring if I intend to do anything fancy, and a pair of funny sort of fold-up black sandals with heels that weigh a few ounces. With accessories I can look très chic with no fuss at all.

2468mary

St Circ. I adore linen pants but they have to be ironed. Unless you know something you are willing to tell me. Be a good woman and share!!!!Please

StCirq

I turn on the shower in the bathroom, hang up the pants, close the door, and let them de-wrinkle. Takes about 10 minutes. Then I lay them on the bed, use my hands to press them out, then hang them up and voilà!

amer_can

2468mary...linen pants can be lightly sponged with a damp towel and laid flat on the bed or over the back of a chair..Works wonders. Besides people who know linen know wrinkles and few will be critical!!!

cathies

2468mary, at a pinch I've used my hands tp flick water onto linen pants and that does the trick.

I know it will be cold when you are leaving Australia, but if you are driving to the airport then you don't need to wear your winter woollies.

We've been in Europe in the summer and I like to wear cargo pants which are also cool and have several pockets for spreading out daily cash and a credit card.

There is a shop I go to called metalicus that has lots of layered clothes, leggings, tops, lightweight jackets etc that might be worth considering. www.metalicus.com. Some myer stores also stock this range. They are very comfy for the plane.

Hope you have a great trip.

Ackislander

I have avoided commenting on this for years, but this post was particularly amusing. To people in the UK, and, I assume, Oz, "pants" means "underpants." What Americans call "pants" are "trousers."

Of course the OP knows what you mean, but it is hard not to think of you nice ladies tripping around Europe in silk blouses, scarves, and black underpants!

cathies

Men wear trousers, women wears pants. Undergarments are knickers or undies. Hope that helps.