kybourbon

>>>No need for thermal underwear in May.<<<

The coldest I've ever been in Europe was one July in Amsterdam. We landed July 10(I think it might have been 2000 or 2001) and the high was in the 40's (F) and went down into the 30's at night. We were in Paris Bastille Day that trip and my sister said she wished she had brought fleece gloves.

YMMV

nytraveler

This trip is in May - and not to the Arctic. In Italy it will probably be well into the 70s during the day.

All of the layers you are talking about might be necessary for northern Scotland - or Lapland.

And I don;t know what your sweaters are made out of or how big they are - but a light cotton sweater weighs very little - and I take it on the plane in my carry-on since it can get cold overnight.

immimi

In the interest of science - ha! - I weighed my cashmere cardie. Exactly 8 oz. and it's a woman's
Large. Roomy enough so layering underneath is easy, attractive enough to be dressed up and
taken out to dinner, fine enough to roll into a small ball or to throw over your shoulders. IOW, great
for carry-on.

I also put my down vest on the scale. - it also weighed in at 8 oz. IMO, the sweater is the better
option unless you want to be mistaken for a Sherpa in Paris!

And yay for pashminas too!

janisj

immimi: Don't feed the beast

immimi

Hey, Janis, thanks for trying to help with my sign-in problems; now I can't even reply on most
Forums!

...chomp chomp.

ahiddenbird

I admit that there are SOME styles of Birks that are rather icky...the three-strap style doesn't appeal to me, nor does the "gladiator" style.

BUT. The Gizeh's are gorgeous, in my opinion, and I really like the simple, single strap version in white, too.

https://www.birkenstockusa.com/produ...-leather/34528

https://www.birkenstockusa.com/produ...rko-flor/94015

I used to hate Birkenstocks. I was a fool!

sylvia3

"the maitre'd (who know what they're looking at) looks at the make of watch on her wrist and couldn't care less what shoes she has on or whether her shirt is a Ralph Lauren or a Walmart knock-off."

And who the hell cares what he thinks?!
So, if we're not bleached blondes with too much eye makeup and an expensive watch, we might as well give it up, because we're not going to look good in anything.
wow.

sandralist

Just checked back into this thread. Oy vey.

My comment about Merrill's wasn't a comment about other people wearing them or any opinion about their stylishness. If I liked Merrill's shoes I would wear them. Ditto Birkenstocks.

My comment was to underscore that snowgirl's list of recommended items to pack are useful to snowgirl but not many other people (certainly not me). I don't own a pashmina. I wear leggings in winter (not May in Tuscany), but even in winter they look terrible on many people who are otherwise incredibly attractive people with a great sense of style.

I don't think it matters if you like to wear Birkenstocks (which are very popular with men and women in Italy) or don't like to wear Birkenstocks. The original poster (who has sanely gone elsewhere) wasn't asking dedicated Fodorites opinions about sandals.

e.

ahiddenbird

I think in a thread about what to wear/pack on a trip to Europe, it's not completely unreasonable to discuss the merits of various types and styles of clothing and shoes, be they pashminas, down jackets, Birkenstocks, or Merrills

We're discussing different ways to pack light and also be stylish and comfortable on a trip. Maybe not 100% on topic, I grant you, but pretty close.

The OP is naturally welcome to dismiss any opinions he/she does not find relevant to his/her travel needs, and to act on those that are.

dulciusexasperis

Here we go with more nonsense.

Just where sylvia3 did you read anything about 'bleach blondes with too much eye makeup'? Where in anything I wrote did you read that?

Of course you didn't, you just made it up for yourself. Yet another, 'I can't mount a logical, coherent and intelligent argument, so I'll throw in some crap that I can then rant about'.

Link a picture of yourself on your travels sylvia3. Let's see just how great you look.

ahiddenbird

I really think the most important thing is to keep it simple. Layers in solid, coordinating colours (I find dark colours, especially black, are best for travel), and a couple of colourful, patterned pieces to break up any monotony.

Breathable, comfortable fabrics over all are key! I know a lot of people prefer synthetics for their anti-wrinkling properties, but I say you can't got wrong with cotton and linen! Sure, you might look a little creased and crumpled, but they just feel so good on the skin! You can really eliminated a lot of wrinkles by rolling your clothes up in your suitcase rather than folding them. And who really minds a few wrinkles anyway, as long as you're not going anywhere fancy?

I don't think most people look as put together and chic when they travel, as they normally do. If you can find a balance between comfort and looking passably presentable, you're gold. If you can manage to look a bit stylish too, go for it!

sylvia3

"Just where sylvia3 did you read anything about 'bleach blondes with too much eye makeup'? Where in anything I wrote did you read that?"

Calm down, dul: I referred to the photo you posted.

sylvia3

By the way, what on earth does it matter what I look like? That seems to be very important to you. By your description of watches and wine, and how the waiters perceive you, I suspect that you are very shallow indeed.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RFL08JGiot...ece-joanna.jpg

janisj

sylvia: Yep -- he illustrates his lecture w/ a photo of Joanna Lumley (who IS a dye blond and DOES wear too much eye make up - though good looking for her age) - and can't see the connection between what he posted and your response. Maybe dul_sex just isn't happy unless he's picking a fight w/ someone . . .

sylvia3

I thought it might be her! (Sweetie-dahling! Of course, maybe those ciggies kept her thin...)

Peter_S_Aus

I pack tailored trousers, a well cut jacket and a spare pair of shoes. In other words, my wardrobe when travelling is the same as what I wear at home. Padded sleeveless jackets, yes, I wear one when fly fishing in winter.

Peter_S_Aus

Remember that Dulcie wears zipp-off pants.

I rest my case, yer Honour.

dulciusexasperis

LOL, more nonsense. My guess is it takes most of you 2 hours to watch the tv show, '60 Minutes'.

sylvia3

You finally figured out why I mentioned the hair and makeup, then, DUL?
(Still wondering why you thirst for the good opinions of waiters.)

aliced

All I know is that I sure wouldnt want to be out to dinner w/ Dulciusexasperis when I have my gorgeous cashmere shawl wrapped around me and he's sporting his dorky down jacket (yes, have one that packs into its pocket, but it's used as my pillow w/ my shawl as my blanket for travels). The problem now with this forum is Fodorites cease to answer the question(s) asked, but forever try to exert their opinions and/or influence on other responders. By the way Ralph Lauren is an American designer and Sophia Loren is an Italian actress... just so you know. Ralph's clothes are not exactly travel oriented, remember the opening ceremony in Sochi?!