5 Europe Outfit Packing Tips for Month-long Trips

When my landlord informed me that she’d be doubling my rent, I didn’t run to Streeteasy or other apartment rental apps like most New Yorkers would. With a job as a travel editor that has allowed (and encouraged) me to work remotely from all around the world and three months left on my eligibility to be in the European Union, I decided to put all my belongings in storage and set off for a three-month-long trip, starting in France’s Champagne region and Paris, followed by the chilly Faroe Islands and Italy. 

From where to stay to how to fund the journey, there were a lot of logistics to sort out. But the biggest challenge came down to packing just one suitcase for three months and changing seasons. When I arrived in Paris, it was still summertime. By the time I left Rome, holiday lights were hanging over every street, and there was a decidedly crisp bite to the air. I needed clothes that would keep me cool and layers that I could tack on during the trip—and I wanted to look good while doing it. Here are the five staple items I packed that carried me through an entire fall in Europe, seamlessly helping keep my travel wardrobe looking and feeling fresh for months.  

A cardigan

Sezane Gaspard Cardigan

I reached for this lightweight cardigan from Sezane more often than any other item in my suitcase. When the weather was still warm but evenings got a little chilly, I’d drape it over my shoulders for a stylish outfit addition. Europe is not known for cranking the AC, but it came in handy for chilly indoor venues as all. By the end of my trip, it was a reliable warm layer that could be worn on its own or doubled up with a long-sleeve shirt for extra cold nights. Another winning factor: It’s styled on the website buttoned up, unbuttoned, and turned around so the buttons go up your back, and the front is a chic scoopneck, offering stylish versatility as well as function.

PrettyGarden Chunky Cardigan 

J.Crew Cable-knit Crewneck Cardigan

A versatile skirt

Quince 100% Washable Silk Skirt

Another chic basic that carried me through the season changes is this silk mini skirt from Quince. Warm days allowed me to wear it with a T-shirt and sneakers or even a tank top and heels for dinner or drinks in The Marais. But when it got cooler, it could easily be worn with tights and loafers for a chic, preppy look that is a bit warmer, as I explored winding Roman streets and drank aperitivo outside for a little longer than I should have. 

Zeagoo Silk Maxi Skirt

Lululemon Nulu Slim-fit High-rise Maxi Skirt

A baselayer 

Uniqlo HeatTech T-shirt

Uniqlo’s line of HeatTech apparel is beloved by Travel + Leisure editors, and I quickly learned why. I actually purchased this top in Paris before I headed up to the Faroe Islands because the weather report revealed it’d be experiencing a 20-degree temperature drop. The ultra-lightweight, long-sleeve shirt has special technology that locks in your body heat to keep you warm without any bulky fabrics. The black long-sleeve top was a staple for me, providing a warming base layer that no one knew was there under the right sweater or top. The ultra-fine knit fibers hug your body, so the top also looks chic and a bit sexy tucked into jeans for a night out.

Anrabess Long-sleeve Rib-knit Top

Athleta Momentum Seamless Top

A packable trench coat

Everlane The Modern Trench

Suitcase space is your most valuable asset when traveling for three months at a time. So no room for bulky coats will take up valuable real estate. At home in NYC, behind heading out of town, I rolled up my trusty Everlane trench coat and hoped for the best. When I was packing, I thought the coat would be great for September and October, but I figured I might need to buy something heavier during my travels for the final month. With some strategic layering and a couple of extra scarves, I never needed to purchase another coat. This classic trench coat carried me through to December and kept me warm for the entire trip.

SaphiRose Waterproof Trench Coat

Steve Madden Flared Short Trench Coat

A silk bandana 

Madewell Medium Silk Bandana

When taking off for three months, you don’t have room for every accessory; however, you definitely have room for a silk scarf or two. After the first few weeks of leaning into a capsule wardrobe, my outfits were feeling pretty stale. I was happy I tossed in a couple of my scarves to mix things up. Whether I folded it in a narrow line to use as a headband, wore it around my neck, or even just tied it on the strap of my purse, my scarves helped add a touch of interest to even the most basic outfit.

Fonyve Silk Scarf

Vismaya Embroidered Cotton Scarf 

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