Minimalist wardrobe for Europe
Dec 18th, 2014, 02:53 PM
#41
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Good advice above, here is mine:
- In June don't think you'll need the packable down, yes, we took it to Switzerland in September, but not your countries in June.
- Take 3d pair of shoes; if you like Supergas & Converse, you will not like/wear most of 'comfort' lines listed above (of which I am a fan) except for the Sketchers Go Walk, they are extremely lightweight and summery; but their sole is not firm enough to cover you on cobblestones. You need something with a firmer sole. When you say sandals, thinking you are planning other than a flipflop and something w cushioned outer & inner sole.
- Take 2 sleeveless tanks, no more; definitely take a 3/4 or longsleeve shirt plus a sweater/hoodie with longsleeves (thin for layering).
- Take another pair of thin, thin cropped pants or perhaps a long skirt which will work will all shoes. Jeans are heavyweight and take forever to dry, as well as being hot. When we were in Amsterdam one June, it was over 90 (Farenheit)!
- Bring the pashmina/shawl/scarf
- Sounds like your packing list can go in a rolling backpack; I admire your austerity! But I would get so sick of wearing the same thing over and over and over. A 21-22" carryon lets me pack 29# of lots of changes. I did regret taking a 45# upright/duffel for a 3 wk trip to Spain and we never travelled with more than a carry-on after. But do know carry-on requirements vary by airline.
- In June don't think you'll need the packable down, yes, we took it to Switzerland in September, but not your countries in June.
- Take 3d pair of shoes; if you like Supergas & Converse, you will not like/wear most of 'comfort' lines listed above (of which I am a fan) except for the Sketchers Go Walk, they are extremely lightweight and summery; but their sole is not firm enough to cover you on cobblestones. You need something with a firmer sole. When you say sandals, thinking you are planning other than a flipflop and something w cushioned outer & inner sole.
- Take 2 sleeveless tanks, no more; definitely take a 3/4 or longsleeve shirt plus a sweater/hoodie with longsleeves (thin for layering).
- Take another pair of thin, thin cropped pants or perhaps a long skirt which will work will all shoes. Jeans are heavyweight and take forever to dry, as well as being hot. When we were in Amsterdam one June, it was over 90 (Farenheit)!
- Bring the pashmina/shawl/scarf
- Sounds like your packing list can go in a rolling backpack; I admire your austerity! But I would get so sick of wearing the same thing over and over and over. A 21-22" carryon lets me pack 29# of lots of changes. I did regret taking a 45# upright/duffel for a 3 wk trip to Spain and we never travelled with more than a carry-on after. But do know carry-on requirements vary by airline.
Dec 18th, 2014, 03:05 PM
#42
Now, to belabor the subject, the machines I've used haven't been in rentals, but in friends' houses. I have yet to use one that's anywhere near as large & speedy as mine at home, also front-loaders. It could be that I have cheap friends with cheap machines, in one case, certainly.
The machines I've used in the UK, with rare exception, are in the kitchens, rather than a separate laundry room, as is usual here (US) and it may be the small sizes are simply the ones that fit in the kitchen spaces available for them, with no place for the addition of a dryer. And maybe the washer/dryer combos are intrinsically less able than a machine that only has 1 job to do. Having heard complaints about them needing fixing regularly, i think it may be true, price tag aside.
The machines I've used in the UK, with rare exception, are in the kitchens, rather than a separate laundry room, as is usual here (US) and it may be the small sizes are simply the ones that fit in the kitchen spaces available for them, with no place for the addition of a dryer. And maybe the washer/dryer combos are intrinsically less able than a machine that only has 1 job to do. Having heard complaints about them needing fixing regularly, i think it may be true, price tag aside.
Dec 18th, 2014, 04:17 PM
#43
I've used the washer/dryer combo in four different apartments in France in the last few years.
The issue was tees or delicates don't take as long to dry as, say socks or maybe a towel. Unless I want the lighter weight clothes to come out with the wrinkles dried right in, the socks come out damp, and have to be air dried overnight. It's not a big deal, but just takes a bit of planning.
The issue was tees or delicates don't take as long to dry as, say socks or maybe a towel. Unless I want the lighter weight clothes to come out with the wrinkles dried right in, the socks come out damp, and have to be air dried overnight. It's not a big deal, but just takes a bit of planning.
Dec 18th, 2014, 04:50 PM
#44
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Just out of curiosity have any of you tried Uniglo clothing? My god daughter-late 20's swears by them-says they are much better and cheaper than most "travel" clothing. She took their down jacket to Mongolia in the winter (!) and adores their blouses and the whole line in general. I see they just opened stores here in Los Angeles so just wondered if any of you have had any experience with the line? www.uniqlo.com/us/
Dec 18th, 2014, 07:00 PM
#46
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Jennifer,
The Sketchers were very similar to this pair:
http://www.zappos.com/skechers-bikers-step-up-black
The Sketchers were very similar to this pair:
http://www.zappos.com/skechers-bikers-step-up-black
Dec 19th, 2014, 02:37 PM
#49
Mme P - I think that you may indeed have friends with cheap machines. ours [in a separate laundry room but standard sizes ] last ages.
The issue was tees or delicates don't take as long to dry as, say socks or maybe a towel. Unless I want the lighter weight clothes to come out with the wrinkles dried right in, the socks come out damp, and have to be air dried overnight>>
S/Maple - I think that part of the problem is that you are asking the machine to do something that you probably wouldn't want it to do at home, where you would be doing bigger loads of similar garments and therefore not trying to dry thin t-shirts with socks and towels. I suspect that if you'd done smaller loads for shorter times, you'd actually have achieved a better result.
The issue was tees or delicates don't take as long to dry as, say socks or maybe a towel. Unless I want the lighter weight clothes to come out with the wrinkles dried right in, the socks come out damp, and have to be air dried overnight>>
S/Maple - I think that part of the problem is that you are asking the machine to do something that you probably wouldn't want it to do at home, where you would be doing bigger loads of similar garments and therefore not trying to dry thin t-shirts with socks and towels. I suspect that if you'd done smaller loads for shorter times, you'd actually have achieved a better result.
Dec 19th, 2014, 05:14 PM
#50
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Uniquo is awesome; we agree that their underwear is fab for travelling at less than half the price of those other travel underwear; we have their tanks and tees as well. They have couple stores in NYC and metropolitan Jersey malls.
We wash our clothing in the sinks or while in the shower and use our silicone twisted clothesline to hang. Finding machines would waste too much precious time. We buy the Purex detergents sheets (like a dryer sheet), cutting it in half for the small sized load. They travel weightlessly.
We wash our clothing in the sinks or while in the shower and use our silicone twisted clothesline to hang. Finding machines would waste too much precious time. We buy the Purex detergents sheets (like a dryer sheet), cutting it in half for the small sized load. They travel weightlessly.
Dec 19th, 2014, 07:51 PM
#51
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Every clothing item I take - except one pair of jeans - is over-night drip-dry so I don't have to worry about machines. If the jeans need washing I either find a self laundry or drop them at a commercial laundry.
Dec 19th, 2014, 07:57 PM
#52
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Well I just want to say that whatever the country, basing your happiness on laundry is a bad move. Make sure your stuff can be hand washed and hung to dry. I book places with washer/dryer but I also pack all my stuff knowing I will never iron anything (even at home!) and washers might break. I always have powdered laundry detergent on me (because the liquids are limited in carry-ons) and I just assume things will have to hang to dry. To risk the success of a trip on laundry is quite stupid. To me laundry facilities in any apartment is a perk that I hope is real but if it isnt it wont ruin my trip.
Dec 19th, 2014, 09:50 PM
#53
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I think all anyone, including me, was trying to do is give a heads up that IF you are packing light (or minimalist) just be sure to understand the the realities of laundering on the go. No more, no less.
Annhig, I don't think anyone is questioning "your" machines in your home, but rather noting that ones in a strictly "rental unit" tend to be smaller/not high end given the potential for (accidental) misuse.
The attempt in providing helpful information should be viewed as just that and not meant to absolute.
Annhig, I don't think anyone is questioning "your" machines in your home, but rather noting that ones in a strictly "rental unit" tend to be smaller/not high end given the potential for (accidental) misuse.
The attempt in providing helpful information should be viewed as just that and not meant to absolute.
Dec 19th, 2014, 10:56 PM
#55
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scigirl-- just sayin'-- i wore my down 'sweater' in puglia in may/june on many, many occasions... and also used it as my flight pillow and on so many other occasions. summer or winter, i find it essential. maybe i'm a wuss about a cool, windy evening...
Dec 20th, 2014, 03:55 AM
#56
The important part of the sentence is that I have friends.<<
Indeed - i wasn't casting any doubt on that!
<<Even IF an apartment rental says it has a dryer, it is not the kind we have in US, but most likely a combo washer/dryer which really doesn't dry clothes, they are still damp. >>
it was this statement of Debits that got my goat - a bit like saying that the only food you can get in the US is McDonalds. and if you try to dry thin T-shirts and thick socks/towels together in ANY machine, the T shirts are either going to be too dry and creased or the socks too damp.
Indeed - i wasn't casting any doubt on that!
<<Even IF an apartment rental says it has a dryer, it is not the kind we have in US, but most likely a combo washer/dryer which really doesn't dry clothes, they are still damp. >>
it was this statement of Debits that got my goat - a bit like saying that the only food you can get in the US is McDonalds. and if you try to dry thin T-shirts and thick socks/towels together in ANY machine, the T shirts are either going to be too dry and creased or the socks too damp.
Dec 20th, 2014, 10:21 AM
#57
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We were in London in July (towards the end). It was cold at night! I wore a light jacket and I wished I had a warm sweater instead. Skip the capri and take one pair of jeans (can be light) and one pair of pants which you can roll up to capri length. Skirt is fine for warm weather (or with nylons for the chill). Bring a small umbrella that you can carry in your daily bag. This is a must! Rained in Paris in the summer. I never wore sandals in London (been 3 times June/July). I could understand bringing sandals in July and August - sometimes there are terrible heat waves but June? You can check the temperatures for the last couples of years (in June) on the internet. Sports shoes and some kind of flat will get you through everything and of course as someone mentioned, flipflops or similar for the rentals.
Don't worry - you can always go to Primark and the equivalent in the other cities to pick up any items you need. I'd take T shirts that aren't 100% cotton. They dry quickly. No sleeveless unless you want to layer.
I bought a stylish raincoat that scrunches up into a little bag. Fantastic. That way I could bring 2 sweaters - one light and one heavier. Or you could bring a light sweatshirt jacket and a sweater.
Whatever shoes you bring, make sure that you have broken them in thoroughly (including sports shoes) before the trip!
Don't worry - you can always go to Primark and the equivalent in the other cities to pick up any items you need. I'd take T shirts that aren't 100% cotton. They dry quickly. No sleeveless unless you want to layer.
I bought a stylish raincoat that scrunches up into a little bag. Fantastic. That way I could bring 2 sweaters - one light and one heavier. Or you could bring a light sweatshirt jacket and a sweater.
Whatever shoes you bring, make sure that you have broken them in thoroughly (including sports shoes) before the trip!
Dec 20th, 2014, 01:32 PM
#58
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I wouldn't take a shawl, you can't wear shawls around during the day, and they are a pretty old look. You aren't taking the kind of clothes you would even wear shawls with.
Take a sweater, that is much more versatile. I agree that I would take some long sleeved T, not 3 sleeveless tops in June to northern Europe. YOu could take zero sleeveless tops and probably be okay, actually, but one at most. I don't travel without jeans myself, but suit yourself. A nice pair of black jeans can go anywhere, but I have a dark brown, gray or olive jeans I may take (not all, but one). Don't take shorts, take another pair of lightweight cotton pants instead. YOu already have one pair of capris which will be okay if it's hot.
You aren't going anywhere you have to look even moderately dressy I gather. Maybe that's an oldfashioned word but your wardrobe is only good for casual cafes, etc., which may be fine with you. If you take a skirt and a sleeveless top that works with that, plus your sweater, it could work but it douns like you won't have any footwear that will go with a skirt, anyway. What exactly are you planning for footwear? Some sandals could go with a casual skirt, but not super heavy duty walking ones.
Take a sweater, that is much more versatile. I agree that I would take some long sleeved T, not 3 sleeveless tops in June to northern Europe. YOu could take zero sleeveless tops and probably be okay, actually, but one at most. I don't travel without jeans myself, but suit yourself. A nice pair of black jeans can go anywhere, but I have a dark brown, gray or olive jeans I may take (not all, but one). Don't take shorts, take another pair of lightweight cotton pants instead. YOu already have one pair of capris which will be okay if it's hot.
You aren't going anywhere you have to look even moderately dressy I gather. Maybe that's an oldfashioned word but your wardrobe is only good for casual cafes, etc., which may be fine with you. If you take a skirt and a sleeveless top that works with that, plus your sweater, it could work but it douns like you won't have any footwear that will go with a skirt, anyway. What exactly are you planning for footwear? Some sandals could go with a casual skirt, but not super heavy duty walking ones.
Dec 20th, 2014, 08:29 PM
#59
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We were in Paris, London, and the areas around Warwick and Cheshire for 3-1/2 weeks during June last year.
My wardrobe was similar to what you're proposing to take, and it worked out fine. I had two lightweight (gauze) long sleeve shirts, two tanks, two mid-sleeve tops, two pairs of capris, and a skirt that could be dressed up or down. I also had two light scarves, a pashmina, and a rain poncho.
I did bring 2 pairs of shoes, but I wore the walking sandals (leather Tevas) almost all the time. It did rain - my feet got wet, then they dried out
No biggie.
It was chilly in the evenings but we mostly stayed in, plus I tend to run hot - I wasn't ever freezing.
Have a fun trip!
My wardrobe was similar to what you're proposing to take, and it worked out fine. I had two lightweight (gauze) long sleeve shirts, two tanks, two mid-sleeve tops, two pairs of capris, and a skirt that could be dressed up or down. I also had two light scarves, a pashmina, and a rain poncho.
I did bring 2 pairs of shoes, but I wore the walking sandals (leather Tevas) almost all the time. It did rain - my feet got wet, then they dried out
No biggie.It was chilly in the evenings but we mostly stayed in, plus I tend to run hot - I wasn't ever freezing.
Have a fun trip!
