what to wear, what to pack
 

I posted this earlier but the text was not posted for some reasons. So, here it is again I am trying. <BR> <BR>When you are a sort of a budget traveler in Europe and traveling light, what do you wear to go to a nice restraurant or a theater? If you want to wear a dress, then you need to bring a matching shoes, right? How about men? A jacket and trouser? <BR> <BR>My husband and I plan to travel in Spain for two weeks in December. We each bring a 22" carry-on and a backpack. After packing an extra pants/jean, a few T-shirts, sweaters, and other necessities, there's no way I can pack a dress and shoes. How do you handle? Do you think a nice sweater and corduroy will do in a nice restraurant but not a super upscale place? I was still a college student on a super budget the last time I traveled Europe. But this time I want to go to nice places with acceptable outfits. <BR> <BR>What do you suggest to pack in a 22 inch carry on? <BR>

We travel light (the 22" or smaller rollaboards), and I've found it works well in fall and winter to take a couple of pairs of slacks with coordinating silk turtlenecks, and a sweater to layer. I take one short black skirt which can be worn with the silk tops and sweater and is elegant and wearable to restaurants and concerts in the evening. I have been really happy with aerosole shoes, which come in styles that are comfortable and great for walking as well as dressy. <BR>A few times my husband has taken a jacket, but has found that a nice sweater often works just as well. We usually wear our bulkier shoes and any heavier jackets or coats on the plane so we don't have to fill up the little cases with them! <BR>

<BR>Tomi - if you ROLL your clothes up tightly, (and individually) you'll get more in your bag. When in doubt, wear black. I bring along black flat Aerosoles (they have a criss cross strap, no buckle and are suede, have seen them in regular leather too). They can also double as comfortable walking shoes. Altho we don't go to Europe in the winter (we head for the sun and ocean!) I think you'd be ok with what I bring in spring/fall trips with perhaps a camisole and tights to keep warm. I always bring black slacks, different tops that could be dressed up, and a favorite near- wrinkle-proof long black dress with flower print that can go anywhere. Your husband can bring a dark sports coat and khaki pants and loafers. You can hang these in the shower when not in use to help get the wrinkles out. In Europe, dark colors are favored. If you check out some travel clothing catalogs and catalogs like Eddie Bauer and Lands End, you'll see long t-shrt or turtle neck dresses that are appropriate for what you want. But trust me on the packing! ROLL it. Have a wonderful time. <BR>

Anne and Cherly, thanks for your advice. I bought my first pair of aerosoles yesterday. My girlfriend often wear them, but I never bothered myself to buy one. When I tried a pair myself along with other similar kinds, yes, I knew what you mean. <BR> <BR>Also, black skirt is a good idea! I did think I would bring a skirt. But I could see myself now wearing a black cashimer with a colorful skirf, black skirt, and aerosoles. <BR> <BR>Thanks again, you inspired me! <BR>

I'm also a fan of the most comfortable black shoes you can find and a black skirt. A black skirt with a nice blouse or camisole (or even a white or ivory tee-shirt) and pretty sweater or blazer in your favorite color will take you anywhere. I also wear pearl studs and a strand of pearls (which I keep tucked inside wherever appropriate, such as the metro). If you have a silk scarf, all the better.

I'm in agreement to the above posts. I take dark mix & match knits (cotton or wool depending on season), because they "roll" easily and I can get more packed in a small space. I wear my bulky hiking shoes on plane and pack a pair of shoes for nice restaurants & theater. Inside the shoes I pack extra socks, etc. I don't waste any space in my one piece of luggage. <BR>

Forget the dress! Instead, pack a black skirt that will coordinate with the other tops that you'll be bringing. You might consider taking a colorful scarf (or inexpensive jewelry) to dress up your look. Also, rather than jeans, choose dockers or cords or other type of casual pants. Jeans are heavy - don't wash & dry quickly. Also, I have a personal bugaboo about traveling with the "sloppy American T-shirts & jean look". You certainly can dress casually & comfortably, but leave the T-shirts w/messages on the front at home. Also, for simplicity in mixing/matching & to look like a "native", choose dark colors. Went to Rome last year & just got back from London on Monday (11/9) - everyone is wearing black!

<BR>All this advice is excellent. We have traveled all over the world and never take more than one carry on each - they fit under the seat in front of us. Life is so much simpler. <BR>Remember layering and making as many items as possible do double duty - tights for lounging and for extra warmth under slacks. <BR>Dress things up or down and then when you get home put them away for awhile. <BR>With the airlines tightening up on luggage we'll find we can get along with very little.

<BR>All this advice is excellent. We have traveled all over the world and never take more than one carry on each - they fit under the seat in front of us. Life is so much simpler. <BR>Remember layering and making as many items as possible do double duty - tights for lounging and for extra warmth under slacks. <BR>Dress things up or down and then when you get home put them away for awhile. <BR>With the airlines tightening up on luggage we'll find we can get along with very little.