10 European Fall Fashion Mistakes to Avoid

Home to 44 countries, each with its own culture, geography, language, traditions, and cuisine, Europe is one of the world’s most popular continents to visit and a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many. Fall is a lovely time to visit the continent for fewer crowds, better temperatures, and lower prices.

As a travel writer from Rome, I’m used to seeing tourists make the same mistakes over and over again while visiting Italy and other European hotspots. Think: packing heels, not wearing layers, or dressing too casually. To help you prepare for your next European adventure, I’ve compiled a list of the 10 things not to pack—and what to bring instead. Don’t worry, all items are incredibly versatile, like sleek sneakers, cozy cardigans, and matching sets—plus, prices start at a budget-friendly $12.

Pack These Style Essentials for Europe

Mistake: Packing a heavy puffer jacket

Pack instead: A trench coat

Puffer jackets aren’t always the most stylish jacket option, and they may also be too heavy to wear in some European cities like Rome, where temperatures in the fall and winter rarely go below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. A stylish trench coat, like this budget-friendly option from Amazon, is great for layering, and it also takes up much less space in your carry-on than a bulky puffer jacket would.

Mistake: Bringing too many heavy sweaters

Pack instead: Layers to mix and match

Unless you’re planning on going north to the cooler Scandinavian countries, packing too many heavy sweaters will not only eat up precious luggage real estate, but also make you sweat when sightseeing. That’s where layers come into play. This option from Amazon is not only sleek and buttery-soft, but also available in several neutral colors, so you can mix and match your outfits for just $18.

Mistake: Packing heels

Pack instead: Leather booties

Most European streets are simply not conducive to wearing heels, but if you’re looking for a shoe that’s a little more elevated while ensuring that your ankles don’t twist on historic cobblestone streets, a pair of leather booties should do just the trick. I love this pair from Italian brand Franco Sarto—they have just over a 2-inch heel and a stylish square toe that can easily transition from day to night. Featuring a slip-on fit with a back pull tab and stretch gore panels for extra flexibility, they’re chic and comfortable in equal measure.

Mistake: Forgetting to layer

Pack instead: A cozy cardigan

Layering is important when visiting Europe in the fall and winter, and cardigans are one easy way to fix if you get too warm or too cold. This cotton knit option from Amazon is available in several eye-catching hues and is a great item to have on hand. Not only is it stylish enough to wear on its own, but when paired with a simple long-sleeve T-shirt, you can easily remove it if you get too hot and put it back on if you start getting chilly. It’s soft, comfortable, and only $32.

Mistake: Bringing running shoes

Pack instead: Comfy, versatile sneakers

Running shoes may be comfortable, but they’re not exactly the most fashion-forward footwear.  As a replacement, consider a comfy pair of sneakers, like these podiatrist-approved and TikTok-famous Dr. Scholl’s. Not only are they sleek, but they’re also very supportive and perfect for walking 10,000+ steps a day. The lightweight shoes feature anti-odor insole technology and a plush algae-infused sole for extra support and cushioning. 

Mistake: Packing only athleisure

Pack instead: A stylish matching set

For the most part, athleisure is still a relatively new concept in Europe, so if you want to blend in with the locals, consider investing in a matching set like this one from Amazon. The comfy travel outfit is effortlessly stylish and available in a whopping 24 colors. Oh, and it’s currently 45 percent off and just $33—practically a steal.

Mistake: Bringing only pants

Pack instead: A corduroy skirt

Corduroy is a great fabric for the fall and winter, and this corduroy skirt from Amazon is a smart way to dress up while still being comfortable. Pair it with a fun pair of patterned tights and leather boots, and voila—you have an effortlessly chic outfit ready to go. The skirt is available in several neutral hues for a budget-friendly $24.

Mistake: Packing leggings

Pack instead: Patterned tights

Leggings might be comfortable, but they’re not often worn in Europe, especially in Italy, outside of athletic situations. Instead, consider packing a pair of stylish patterned tights that are great for layering beneath skirts and dresses for an extra bit of flair. This four-pack from Amazon comes in several patterns that will lend even the most basic of outfits an extra pop.

Mistake: Sporting a backpack for sightseeing

Pack instead: A sleek tote bag

Unfortunately, pickpocketing happens quite frequently in major European cities such as Paris and Barcelona, and wearing a large backpack around will automatically mark you as a target. Also, many monuments don’t allow you to enter with bags that are too large. That’s why a secure but stylish alternative, like this leather tote bag, is a versatile item to have on hand. It’s available in several lush shades, features a slew of internal organizational features, and is compact while still spacious enough to hold all your essentials, including larger items like water bottles.

Mistake: Forgetting certain parts of Europe get very cold

Pack instead: Warm leather gloves

Certain parts of Europe can get very cold, especially in the fall and winter, so don’t forget to pack accordingly—or your holiday will end on a sour note. One simple way to stay warm (and still look chic) is with a simple pair of leather gloves. This option from Amazon is not only lined with warm and cozy fleece, but the gloves are also touchscreen-compatible, so you don’t need to keep removing them to use your phone.

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