Packing for Dummies--How do I pack light in Winter????
 

I know this topic has be discussed before--but I was wondering (asside from silk thermals!) how one packs for a cold/rainy January trip to London/Paris--Thanks everybody!!!!!!Ladybug

I don't :)
Actually, the best way is to try to wear the same thing often so you take less, wear the heaviest or bulkiest sweaters/coat on the plane.
If you can wear it, cashmere is great for travel, light, packs well and is so warm. A pair of water proof or water resistant boots that don't look too casual will be good for day and night sparing you the torture I go through of packing too many pairs of shoes.
The best coats are waterproof (raincoats) with linings that are very warm.

Hi ladybug,

It is hard, but I was in London last January, and I had 1 medium suitcase and small travel shoulder bag. I was there for 2 weeks. Here's what I did:

Stick to clothes that can mix and match - a color theme. (i.e. your shirts can go with all of your pants).

2 or 3 pairs of jeans - wear these a bunch of times, it won't kill you.

1 nice pair of black slacks for theatre or nicer dinners.

4 sweaters, and 3 turtlenecks or other shirts you can wear underneath in case you get a warmer day.

2 pairs of shoes - 1 for walking, 1 for your black slacks.

The silk thermals are a good idea. 4 pairs of socks and underwear (wash at night).

A scaled down version of your bathroom stuff - bring less makeup, one styling product, 1 brush etc. (I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to that stuff).

The shoulder bag had the "tourist" stuff - camera, maps, guide book, passport, etc, and my purse was in there too.

Wear your winter coat, gloves, scarf, and the comfortable shoes to the airport, then they don't have to go into a suitcase. Also, if you layer to the airport, it's one less sweater to fit in the suitcase.

My packing philosophy: Will it matter if the pictures I have from days 1, 4 and 7 all show me in the same clothes? Not to me. Pack accordingly.

Have a great time.

Karen

And if anyone know clothes it's Scarlett!

I have been wondering the same thing as a trip I was planning to make to Italy in May now maybe September. I had hoped to pack very light (as were going by train) but I am afraid September might offer the worst of all packing dilemnas - CHANGEABLE WEATHER! will it be cold, will it be warm . . . I have decided to pack light for warm and if it's cold - SHOP!!!!!!!!!

For those of us who truly travel light, 4 pairs of pants and 4 sweaters for a 2-week trip is double what you really need.

thanks Ladies!!!!!!! I am thinking of investing in a warm winter/rain coat--for me its always the comfort vs. fashion thing--i know that I dont want to be stopped by the fashion police in Paris--but then again, I dont want to be paralyzed by the cold and Blisters!!!no fun!!Ladybug

Except that these days Scarlett is having a bit of trouble picking out her underwear.

Ladybug- I'll be in London in January, too!!! I second Scarlett's suggestion of cashmere sweaters. I also travel with several basic long sleeve t-shirts, usually white (Old Navy is the place to buy these!) I also pack with Space Bags- they really do work! The silk underwear are the best, but be careful wearing them with jeans- they can be uncomfortable under jeans. Also, take a travel sized bottle of Febreeze to get the smokey smell out of your sweaters, etc. (bound to happen if you go to a pub). I pack only one pair of jeans, and the rest trousers (black, grey, etc.) They take up less space in your bag than jeans. Have fun!

JonJon: So true but we must be gentile when talking about a proper southern lady. I think under garments or better yet unmentionables would have been much more appropriate. Don't you agree? >:D<

You have been given good advice Ladybug. I'll be trying to do the same thing next month. Have a few things in mind to take, including my long black wool coat (which I will wear on the plane) and trying to decide between my two raincoats, one long trench coat type and the other a shorter black coat with a removable lining. Wish me luck!

I was raked over some lukewarm coals for suggesting this before about an umbrella, but I worry less about packing if I realize I can buy what I want and need at my destination. And after all, you are going to some major fashion capitals!

And Scarlett's suggestions are worthy too.

Layers, Layers, Laters. Packing a warm wardrobe is really no harder than a summer one.

Silk long underwear is the single best tip - very light and very warm and you can wear it under anything.

Last Dec I was in London during a real cold snap and had everything I needed in my 21 inch rollaboard. Two pairs of wool blend slacks (plus a casual pair I wore on the plane, one long velvet skirt for dressy evenings, six tops (sweaters mostly but also a couple of long sleeved blouses), wool blazer, a glittery camisole, a sweater coat (worn on the plane) gloves, wool scarves, a pashmina, a knit hat, socks, and three pairs of shoes - one on my feet and 2 in the suitcase. I carried on my raincoat w/ heavy zip out liner.

I ended up not even wearing everything during the 10 days.

Perfect timing... I'm off to London in January also. I'm traveling with an 18" rollaboard (which I hope British Air will allow me to carry on even though it will weigh more than 6 kilos). We'll be staying at an apartment with access to a washer and dryer plus I hope to benefit from the allegedy fabulous January sales in London. Perhaps we should all meet for tea somewhere.

Might I suggest a fleece sweater? They are very light to pack, very warm and dry quickly if you must wash. I love synthetic fiber stuff, especially when it's so snuggly like fleece (no more welts from wool :)).

WHEW! Someone else (Giovanna) will take more than one coat! All the bruhaha about packing light! To others' horror...I'm taking my good camel coat and a raincoat. I'll be in Paris the week of Thanksgiving! Otherwise, black and camel are my colors! and lots of combo's in there...and I'll check my duffel on the plane! I agree ... if I were doing a lot of trains/planes/automobiles, I would pack lighter...but I'm just going to stay put for a week... I want my prettiest "stuff" and great shoes! (Of course...I bought some comfortable but god-awful ugly, walk-abouts...)

Add me also to the 'more than one coat' list. I'll be bringing a full length cashmere overcoat plus a shorter raincoat. And it has been agonizing just to edit down to 4 pairs of shoes! :)

For the people who have made fun in the past of Americans wearing black all the time, it looked like black was going to be THE color according to the French mall window displays in October.

Swear by the silk underwear, layering, and mix/matching.

It's the darn shoes, theyre sooo bulky and in cold, weather one pair just won't make it! My French friend had gorgeous "bottines" (sharp, high-heeled boots that are just above the ankles), but not very practical for sightseeing. Wish I knew of a happy medium...

I was thinking about my full=length winter coat (cashmere, therefore very light but warm) and a leather jacket for Christmas in Paris. I don't have a really warm raincoat, just a light one, and if it's pouring in the city I'd just as soon have an umbrella and not be walking around that much. I thought if it was mild I'd wear the leather jacket a lot, maybe with a thin cashmere sweater underneath. Opinions?

Hi Ladybug: Tights, tights, tights. Silk T's. Seriously warm big sweater (alpaca is VERY warm) over lighter weight sweaters. Hooded (because I look so ridiculous in ear pops) cape so I can pull my arms in; sometiimes a problem with cameras or shopping bags but can be used as a blanket on the plane/train. Jeans don't seem that warm to me; wool slacks, black and tan. I've done France, Germany and Italy in Dec/Jan and take the silvery fabric socks (heat retention)- very thin and make for toasty toes. I also have a pair of black ankle boots that have a furry lining and 2" chunky heels (waterproofed) - good for dressy and casual, dresses and trousers. Fabric gloves, not leather. Scarlett is right about wearing the same thing over and over - you won't be sweating so you could probably take very little and just air it out overnight (I know - so-o-o-o- boring). Cold weather presents the opportunity to duck into cafes and eat lots of hot soup and good bread!! Have fun!!

What do you mean by the silvery fabric socks Shanna?

I live in FL and my problem is comprehending how cold cold can be, when I'm living with 80 degrees and still walking around in shorts. You <i>know</i> the rest of the world isn't like yours, but knowing that and fully understanding the depths of it are two different matters. It always surprises me to look at the audiences outside now at the Today show, despite the fact that I know it's cold there! (To say nothing of the wind)

I had decided to bring only my long black lined (but not in the sleeves and a light wool lining at that) raincoat but reading this am rethinking that, wondering if I should bring my long cashmere coat as well? I just hate the idea of lugging it through museums but hate even more the idea of freezing in Paris when we should happily be taking long walks instead.

One of my major concerns now is my feet and finding something practical and waterproof to walk in but still stylish. Looking at weatherunderground.com, Christmas weather is more often than not rainy.

I don't own a hat or scarf, but have some gloves somewhere (leather) from long ago. I've got mostly light wool slacks and finding other than that here is next to impossible. Did find a heavier pair today--one which I'll only be able to wear here in the evening in Jan and Feb...if then...so should be covered in that dept. 'Course..it's not like there aren't shops there, but I would love to have most of this done so we don't waste precious time picking up incidentals that we might have done with online shopping here.

I'm playing sponge now, soaking up any and all suggestions. I must add, my husband who is kind in all matters, gets decidedly grumpy with my tendency to overpack....

Plenty of online shopping venues, from venerable companies like LL Bean and Land's End to various sellers on eBay (be sure to check their feedback). Get your silk undies, polarfleece gloves, etc. in advance.

As an eBay seller, I once sold a pair of snow pants, that my kids had already worn for two years, to a famliy from Florida that was going on a one-week ski vacation. At the $10 sale price, we were both pleased with the deal!

I remember standing at Schiphol Airport the first time I went to Amsterdam, waiting for a shuttle, feeling that COLD wind, and knowing in the very marrow of my bones that I hadn't packed warm enough clothing. This was in early April, but the Low Countries that year had just had three weeks of spring warmth, and then suddenly reverted back to winter temps. If I had just brought a couple more cardigans, light enough to fit under my leather jacket, I would have been fine. So, I coped - by layering just about every item of clothing I'd brought, in various creative ways!

I agree with Matrexx. I would take a fleece jacket, that can be layered under a rain jacket. I would take 3 or 4 turtlenecks, and would take the fleece jacket instead of adding 3 or 4 sweaters. It will save a lot of room and the fleece is warm and isn't too heavy.
So, what I would take is.... rain jacket with hood, fleece jacket, turtlenecks, 2 pairs of jeans and a pair of dress pants. But then, I'd hope to just go with a carry on.
Does LOndon and/or Paris get cold enough to worry about silk underwear? I didn't think it got that cold. Maybe I should think about gettng some.

LOL, JonJon, a lady has enough trouble picking out undies without some strange man wanting to help!
I like the idea of the very thin very light coats/jackets that have some kind of lining that makes them only slightly puffy..no quilting, just kind of filled.
I got mine in Galleries Lafayette and I am seeing them in magazines and stores in NYC. Long coats end up being heavy to carry when you end up in an overheated store,museum,bus. If it is raining hard, your coat will weigh even more.
I like knee length the best. I also wear boots..knee length, nothing warmer on the legs than a pair of knee socks under my boots under my trousers.
Last trip to Paris-I managed to buy a jacket so I was able to change according to whim, ladybug, remember this!
Also remember, whatever the temps that day, Paris restaurants can be steamy hot at night, crowded and overheated, so be able to peel off the layers! Or if you are sitting by the door, you can drape something around your shoulders for that draft that slips in.

Hi Olive - the socks were purchased, along with gloves, from some catalogue quite a few years ago so I don't remember where, but they are a shiny, sort of metallic woven fabric that holds heat in. I've never used the gloves, but the socks are great because they are so light - not bulky like wool. I get every catalogue in the world and haven't seen them lately, but then I'm not looking either.

My husband &amp; I are leaving next week for Paris (10 days) and I am determined to pack only ONE 18&quot; rollover. I am only taking three black dockers (TM) (jeans are bulky, heavy and don't dry well), two long-sleeve black shirts and two (color) cardigans. I never travel with white or light color shirts; they tend to pick and show (street) dirt. To accent my dark clothes I am taking a couple of scarfs and a couple of cute necklaces. If we need something we'll buy it at the destination. There's nothing like traveling light.

We were in Paris/France last December and would recommend that the the most important thing is to have good protection from the rain.
So take a good waterproof coat and wear a couple of layers underneath.
Most public buildings have a cloak room if you don't want to carry a bulky coat around museums/art galleries. You will be warm inside because just about every building is well heated.

hi you guys,

Okay we have to have the alternate opinion in here somewhere!

Scarlett, I love your suggestions, true southern ladies always know what to do in any situation.

Oliveoyl, you needed to be in london with me last month...Cold was an understatement. We had just left North Carolina 75-80 degree weather. Our 1st day in london was breezy but nice, then whammm...winter hit. it went from nice 65-70 degree weather to 40-50 degrees in just 2-3 days. I was not prepared for this, I only brought two lightweight sweaters. The last two visits had also been in october and it mimiced our weather in the states for the most part. they say london had an early cold snap.

Ladybug, from experience, clothes are too expensive in london or paris. I would rather be spending my money on other things. Try this list on for size(grin);

<b>Basic outerwear: </b> 5 pants, 2 skirts, 3 sweaters, 3 tees, 1 dress blouse, 2-3 shirts, 1 coat

<b>Shoes:</b> 1 nice black flats, 1 walking shoes, 1 dress shoes in black, small black evening purse

<b>Foundations: </b> 1 black slip, 2-3 bras, black tights, sheer black &amp; taupe hose, 7 prs socks, 7 underwear, silk thermals not ribbed, Pajama's

Roll all outerwear , then Pack in suitcase as follows (think of this as looking down into the suitcase, the top of the list is the end that your handle bar is on):

bras/slips/underwear
thermals/dress blouse/scarves
tshirt/tshirt/tshirt
shirt/black knit pants/shirt
skirt/skirt/small evening purse
other pants/wool pants
jeans/sweater
jeans/sweater
umbrella/sweater
shoe/shoe
dress shoe/dress shoe

The lighter weight items are on top of the grid with the heavy weights at the bottom (this will be the bottom when you are pulling the suitcase).

Pack your hose,socks, and tights around these items on the side and pack a large lightweight duffle bag on top around eveyrthing to hold in place. Remember that all sharps (scissors, tweezers, clippers etc) should be packed in suitcase. Buckle or clip suitcase straps tight around everything if you have them.

In a carryon/ cloth big purse/ or shopping bag purse pack the following:

Makeup/jewelry bag
emergency kit(bandages,neosporan,medicines,alchol wipes etc)
wash kit(travel size febrezze, wisk or tide tablets, woolite travel pks, dryer sheets for static)
small travel purse with IDS, cards, passport,money, metro cards, tickets, trip plans etc
Camera and film
PJ'S, one pair of underwear, Shirt or tee.
Several books to read

One of the sweaters recommendations is a long black thigh length cardigan. If you have room pack it flat on top everything under the duffle bag. If not I recommend wearing that on the plane and carrying on your coat. . One can be worn or the other can be folded over your carryon. You can pick the clothes you plan to travel in from the list above or include as an extra outfit. You should pack two of the pair of shoes and wear the 3rd. Do not bring a fourth, you won't really need them.

Now as to the exact recommendations for the outerwear:

2 nice jeans
1 black casual knit slim pants
1 black wool dress pants
1 other color pants medium weight such as dark brown or dark taupe

1 black long (mid thigh) cardigan
1 taupe long sweater-v neck
1 other sweater ie pullover in a vibrant color such as cranberry, burnt copper or rich winter red( all of which go with black or taupe, but use your own best colors for winter)

1 black and 1 cream light weight pullover tee, long enough to wear over pants by itself on warmer days. they can be mock turtlenecks or just scooped necks. mix them.
1 light weight tee in one of the vibrant colors
these can be long sleeved or short sleeved depending on whether you need extra warmth

1 cream colored dressy silk shirt
3 long sleeved shirts/blouses with either cream or black backgrounds with co-ordinating color schemes patterns.(ie if you choose cranberry as your rich color mix that in)

1 long slim dark black, wool or heavy knit, slim skirt. The best lenght is 3/4 length. it can be made to be dressy with a dressy silk shirt or more casual with another shirt and/or any of the sweaters.

1 long slim taupe or dark brown knit skirt, same as above


The reason for these recommendations. Black and Taupe can be worn with almost every color and pattern and are neutral colors. The tshirts are lighter weight, not heavy and can be worn under any of the sweaters, it's your preference for long or short sleeves, or scoop or mock turtleneck. I am hot natured so I prefer short sleeves under my sweaters. Your sweaters should be longer than the tshirts or blouses and nice enough that they could be worn with your skirts. I love the ? length slim wool skirts. They can be dressed up and dressed down depending on the tops and shoes. I personally take two pair of jeans. They are hard to wash and dry and one pair is not enough to wear over a two week period.

The key to your 3 other shirts is to match them with your basic color scheme and with that one sweater that is a more vibrant color. As long as the shirts have both the black or taupe and that vibrant color, you can mix and match it all. I do recommend one really nice cream or black long silk shirt. This one shirt dresses up those skirts for evening. A cream long silk shirt, a black wool ? skirt, sheer black hose and velvet black shoes with 2 inch heels can be really dressy. Wear the cream thermal silk camisole underneath instead of a full slip.

If you are spending one week in one city and another week in a 2nd city, I do recommend that the day before you are scheduled to leave for the 2nd city, find a local laudromat, pack up all your dirty clothes in that large foldable duffle and head to the laudromat. I am not of school that you should spend wasted time washing stuff out each night in your hotel room. This list will get you thru a full week without washing and can be stretched to two with washing only underwear and basics, however, I would rather just spend 2 hours in a laudromat and get them dry and soft and wrinkle free. I also do not believe you should only take a couple of pair of underwear, washing each pair you use each night. Ladies underwear takes up so little room. You can lay 7 pair flat on the bottom of your suitcase and not miss the space.

Whatever you decide, stick with the plan?..DO NOT ADD STUFF AT THE LAST MINUTE. Even as much as I have said this to myself, this last trip, I paniced and added 6 or 7 items at the last minute. I didn't use them. Without those items, I could have gone down another size in suitcase. They just took up space.

Thanks, Erin, for the detailed packing list. I have printed it and will try to adapt it for a June trip to London/Paris. I am determined to pack light (something I have yet to achieve).
Does anyone have a similar list for my husband for that season?

If a packing list with 5 pairs of pants and 2 skirts is your idea of packing light, I'd hate to see what packing heavy entails!!

More fabulous advice from Erinb!

Here's another recommendation for silk long underwear and cashmere sweaters - I favor twin sets for layering (in your most flattering colors, one a black cardigan), along with a pair of lined black wool slacks and a lined black wool skirt.

Silk long underwear is elegant, comfortable, lightweight, the perfect extra layer for warmth (but not too warm when you go indoors), and it dries overnight. Also doubles as sleepwear.

I find a polartec (in matching color) jacket under a raincoat much warmer than the zip out liners.

All the major museums have coat check rooms. A fold-up tote that comes in a pocket pouch is handy for extra layers you may find yourself removing during the day, or bringing along in case you need them.

I am soooo happy!!!!!!!! so many great tips from every one--Thankyou one and all!!! I too have the same problem with boots/shoes/etc.. as for warm, I found this nice wool sweater made in Ireland (the cream colored wool) at one of those discount stores--only 40$!!I think that will be my staple &quot;oversweater&quot; and I will wear it on the plane, while I am layering long sleeve cotton and turtlenecks underneath. I am also a big fan of the fleece--- I plan on bringing my camel hair coat--hits just above the knees and very warm--problem is I also need to bring a raincoat--thanks for all of these wonderful tips--has anyone ever used scotch-guard??? if so does it work?????Ladybug:)

erinb
Brilliant list!!!
I am moving. Would you please come help me pack for that? :)

Since one of you asked for a suggested packing list for men, here's the URL for the &quot;Tips&quot; page on Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door site: www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/home.htm. Under the heading &quot;Packing Tips&quot; you'll find several articles pertaining to both men and women.

Since our average February temperature in NY is in the 20's, I am looking forward to the 40's we expect to find in Paris.

I must say that my wardrobe doesn't include many of the lovely things that the ladies seem to be packing. I will take 2 or 3 jeans, a pair of dockers (black), a few sweaters and turtlenecks, one sort of dressy blouse and slacks. I have a fleece jacket that can be worn over a sweater, and a windbreaker that can go over all of that if it is windy. I have a knee-length London Fog rain coat that I will probably take since I wouldn't wear a windbreaker into a nice restaurant. I will take as many undies as required since they take so little space (I pack them in a ziplock bag, keeps them clean and organized, you can always find the clean ones; why bother washing them? I also used space bags, but only on the way home to make room for any purchases. We also took an empty duffel last trip (Ireland) to fill with the overflow. It folded very flat so took little space going over, and we were allowed to each check 2 bags.

(Notice I don't mention shoes: I can't decide which to take so take too many.)

I would, however, caution anyone against taking brand new shoes for walking; if you get some nice walking shoes for the trip, be sure you break them in ahead of time! My heels were bleeding in London...but then again, we walked absolutely everywhere for the first 3 days we were there!

hi all,

anonymous, you know me...I am not of &quot;the less is better camp&quot; (grin).

You would be surprised, but you can actually fit this in a 21-22 inch pullman. (shoes are placed on the outside in pockets or around the sides of the clothes rather than at the bottom)

Seriously, I do not think 5 pants (2 jeans and 3 knits) are too much for 14 days. I am hard on my clothes and this gets me through that first week. More importantly, it will also get me thru a second week if I am careful, with only washing undies. my heavy knit or wool pants can be worn many times without washing, the jeans the same as long as I have two pair, but the others usually need washing after a 2nd wearing, therefore they are usually lighter weight).

And finally, wearing something more than twice is usually a &quot;yuk&quot; for me. London and paris streets and metro are hard on clothes. A black film from the exhaust builds up on shoes, so I can imagine it on your outerwear.

Two different skirts gives you the versatility for a two week period. (if it was only one week, I would suggest 1 skirt and only 1 pair of jeans). Also, having a dark skirt and a lighter one, gives you more options for day/night dress. The lighter color one is more casual for day.(afternoon tea etc) Black can be worn, but is best at night.

Look at it this way: write down what you wear at home for one week. I am serious. Take a journal and write it down. Do not wash anything to wear twice. When you are done, substitute a casual outfit, such as pants and shirt, for each business outfit you wore at work. Most of us would wear 7 outfits for 7 days. The 5 pants and 2 skirts fits the bill. They take up the most room in suitcase, so with the exception of the 2 jeans and the wool pants, I always make the rest of them knits, which can be rolled to take up very little room.

In this group, the jeans and the sweaters will take up the most room.

I used to take a nice velvet dress, but after this last trip, realized that I didn't need it. the black slim skirt paired with a nice shirt was easier and they take up less room than the dress and gave me more options. If you were going for a 3 or 4 week stay, I would recommend taking a dress also.


djkbooks, you said:

&quot;Silk long underwear is elegant, comfortable, lightweight, the perfect extra layer for warmth (but not too warm when you go indoors), and it dries overnight. Also doubles as sleepwear.&quot;

For winter, I so totally agree. The camisole can also function as a top slip under blouses or as a tshirt under sweaters. It is important that the set is made of a lighter weight, not the heavy ribbed thermal. You can wear them under your knits without cling or bulk. the top camisole works great under sweaters and v-necks. I actually have 2 pair, one black and one cream.

Although I doubt they are silk, Wal-mart has two brand made of just such a lighter weight that has worked wonders for me. Hanes makes them. (they also come in 1-3x which is important for us plus size ladies). Not a lot of lace or detail, but just plain.

Scarlett, moving is hectic! I have only had to move twice in the last 15 years. My secret? I use my mothers method. Place two large boxes in each room. With the exception of your books, clothes, kitchen and garage/attic, if you can't fit the what nots in two boxes, you have too, too much in that room. It's time for a yard sale! And I pack by room, never mixing stuff from room to room. This advice comes from my mother, who has moved 10 times over the last 20 years.

A week or two before moving, she actually starts packing. she goes thru the house and moves stuff back in &quot;their proper place&quot; so to speak. I.E. books up on shelves. She makes sure all papers are in the filing cabinet or boxed and marked by year.

The week of moving, she starts by packing a room a day, leaving her bedroom, bath and kitchen for last. She washes all the nicnac's and wall hangings and packs them. The day before the movers get there, she packs her bed room &amp; bath.

If she is using a professinal mover, she lets them pack the kitchen. (she says they break less than she does). If she was on a shoestring and had to use just a couple of guys and a uhaul, she packs it.

By the time moving day gets there, all she had to do is supervise the move. Since she has always moved within the same area, she waits to clean the place she is moving from after the move, its just easier with all the stuff out.

On the end she has moved to, she waits to unpack kitchen, garage stuff, and books last. She basically takes a room at a time and unpacks and places stuff back. I have seen her set house back up in two days with this method. I have seen her set up living room and den before the movers have even left.

hope this helps!

ps... djkbooks, I sent you an email at your aol email and it kicked back...did you get my last one?

ladybug
A big YES to Scotchguard. It does work! I've never used it on clothes, but Scotchguard all of my placemats--can wipe those gravy and jelly stains right off. Also, for the shoes you'll be bringing, clean and polish them, then apply a layer of water repellant. It comes in a spray can and you can get it at most shoe stores (not the waterproofing, as this might stain your good shoes, but you could use it for boots) I do this every year before winter starts (which reminds me--it's time to do it for this year!) Might help your good shoes in the damp.

Thank you erinb..some good tips that I will try to use!

DH and I are doing a trip to Italy (Roma, Firenze, Venezia e Milano) in late Feb/early March.

I like the idea of silk thermals just in case...

Is there a particular brand anyone would recommend?

The wardrobe needs match the trip function. A 5 star hotel or a B&amp;B? Walking or motoring? Social functions or tourist options? Skiing or museums?
Comfort is most important. Shoes need thermal insoles. Patagonia is good source for very practical travel gear. It comes in 3 grades..light, medium and heavy. X-C skiers have layering system for you to try. Cotton conducts cold. Jeans are cotton. No one mentions head gear..a wool knit cap can also serve as night wear in cold rooms. Look at TV showing pictures of your destination. What are people wearing? Wool soaks up water. A plastic throw-away rain coat will protect it. Tote rain boots will use little space. Carry them in zip-lock bag. Mittens are warmer than gloves! Long before the era of insulated boots and walking shoes Wisconsin farmers solved the footwear problem. Rubber galoshes over felt boots. Wool socks..at least one pair. Warm sleepwear...

Long cashmere camel coat...it makes me feel really nice!! As my colors are black and camel in &quot;real life&quot; not just during my wanderlust - its all a go! I prepacked on Saturday just to see... easy and lightweight - camel suede trousers, just black trousers...5 tops...; Meteo weather's forecast indicates rain next week..but that's next week! So proably another pair of shoes in which to walk walk walk...I REFUSE to look like granny-grunt just because I'm a tourist.