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For Americans, traveling to Europe is a real surprise. While we marvel at New England buildings and landmarks dating back to the early 1600s, Europe’s architecture and history transport us to another world. And in many ways, that’s true. When I was planning my two-week carry-on list for a trip to Paris and London last month, one reason I expected differences was fashion.
Having lived in Paris for a year, I expected many of the clothing choices that are immediately recognizable as American: in Chicago, it’s comfortable (one might even say stylish) to wear a sweatsuit to the local coffee shop, whereas in Europe, loungewear is what you wear at home.
However, having recently entered the *maximalist* era of color and pattern, I was a bit of a stranger when it came to dressing like Europeans. Thankfully, I had time to strategize and knew exactly what to pack in my one carry-on bag and what to leave behind.
Featured image from our interview with Janessa Leoné.
Prioritize light layers, a monochromatic color palette, and most importantly, comfort, because you’ll be doing a lot of walking when you’re in Europe.
strategy
Having lived in Europe for seven years, a lot depended on this return trip. Would I be able to navigate the city’s crowded, winding streets with the same ease as before? Would I be able to navigate the subway with the same ease as before? Had too much time passed to feel any of this at all? Of course, expectations were high, and I hoped that the things I packed would be sources of comfort, inspiration, and enjoyment.
Here’s the truth about dressing in Europe: Neutrals and dark colors may be the go-to choices, but style is also a source of personal expression. Sure, uniforms are a sea of navy, black, and white, but even within this template, the wearer’s own personal touches can be found: a pin adorning the lapel, a bright scarf wrapped around a bag, a pair of glasses that makes contact lenses irrelevant.
After all, if you are yourself and your style reflects that, you will fit right in. Why aren’t sweatpants popular in Europe? It’s because there is no intention behind the choice.
Packaging parameters
In addition to exploring my own style and tailoring it to the European landscape, there were a few parameters that dictated my packing.
I was planning to travel to London and Paris for about two weeks, from March 13-26. The weather forecast predicted rain and temperatures would drop to the upper 40s to low 50s. I planned to spend most of the trip visiting museums, shopping, eating out, and of course, lots of walking.
With these constraints in mind, my top three priorities when planning my two-week carry-on packing list were:
Prioritize light, easy-to-pack items. I chose lots of silk tank tops, skirts, and dresses that can be layered under sweaters during the day and paired with wraps for dinner. Pack shoes that can be worn for various occasions. I brought a pair of comfortable Chelsea-style boots, sneakers, and comfortable clogs. Minimize bulky items. I packed a light down jacket that I could tuck into my suitcase, two sweaters, and a cashmere wrap that could double as a scarf.
The suitcase that changed my life
I prefer to travel with less. Not only do I not have to worry about extra baggage fees, but it also makes navigating from plane to train to city a breeze. This suitcase has been raved about all over the internet, but I’m here to say it: my Away suitcase has changed the way I travel. I bought it two years ago and have been carrying it everywhere since.
Pros:
On one side, there is an internal compression system. This is where we typically pack bulky items like jackets and shoes. Clip it in, tighten the straps, and you can pack a lot more than you’d think. For longer trips, I always pack it full. But no matter how much I pack, the suitcase always feels lighter because the weight is evenly distributed. When you’re rushing through the airport to catch a connecting flight, you’ll love the 360° wheels that never jam. Trust me, this was a real lifesaver when I had to get through Reykjavik airport in 10 minutes.
What it isn’t:
Your suitcase will fit in the overhead bins on most airlines, but you may have to check it in on smaller or full flights.
2 week carry-on list
So without further ado, here are 10 essentials that will make packing your carry-on for two weeks in Europe easy and efficient: Trust us, this is everything you need for the best European spring break ever!
A spacious tote bag (make the most of your belongings!)
Let’s start with a bang. No matter how much you prepare in advance, the unexpected can always happen. For me, that happened when I was on an overcrowded flight from Chicago to London and had to check my luggage. And… it went missing for three days. Thankfully, I was able to steal it from my fashionable best friend’s closet. But this is a sign to make the most of your personal items. For years, I’ve carried my trusty Everlane canvas tote bag that fits my laptop, books, toiletries, and extra clothes/pyjamas, and I feel a little more prepared if the worst happens.
Travel Tip: When we say make the most of it, we mean be careful not to hurt yourself by carrying your bag on one shoulder. Go light with extra clothes and pack only the essential toiletries like toothbrush, hairbrush, cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, etc. If you want to add a little makeup, keep it simple with this glow set and mascara.
Lightweight puffer
As I was packing, I asked myself a lot of questions: Why didn’t I book my trip for late spring/early summer? That way I wouldn’t have to pack heavier clothes like a coat. I’d booked my tickets months in advance, so there was no going back. And I knew I needed something to keep me warm during the windy, blustery days that were inevitable in London and Paris. Enter a lightweight down jacket that packs up into a tiny bin, keeping me warm without feeling like I was gearing up for the tundra.
Travel Tip: Whether I’m in Europe or America, I always choose black or navy outerwear so that the top always matches perfectly with whatever outfit I’m wearing.
Versatile Skirt
Washable silk is all the rage right now, and I’m so happy about that. Not only does silk look and feel so luxurious, it takes up very little space in your suitcase. It’s a transitional fabric that can seamlessly transition from winter to spring. This is the skirt I packed for myself, and I’m so grateful for this thoughtful touch. I’m also loving this draped midi skirt from Love, Bonito below; it’s the perfect mix of comfort and incredibly flattering style.
Travel Tip: Pair it with a silk camisole, a simple white t-shirt, or an oversized button-down for the perfect look.
Comfortable and stylish pants
Disclaimer: I’m not a hard-pants guy. I wear jeans maybe 10 days a year, and even then, they’re oversized mom jeans. Bottom line, when it comes to pants, comfort is key, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing style or fit. I got these pants (elastic waist!) from a vintage store in Portland five years ago for $70. If we’ve been out together more than once, you’ve seen me wearing them. No matter what cut is in, I think cropped, wide-leg pants are flattering on everyone.
Travel Tip: Because I’m petite, I like to pair these pants with smaller heels so they don’t overwhelm my figure. Whether you choose clogs, sandals, or boots, height is key.
Reusable bags (like Parisians do)
No matter how trends come and go, BAGGU bags will always be timeless. At home, I love using them for grocery shopping and always have at least one in my bag for when something cute catches my eye. When traveling, I carried one of these bags in my waist pack to carry my shopping and any clothes I needed to take off. I’m not kidding, I got more than 10 compliments on my bag from Parisians. That’s when it hit me: even though the French often gravitate towards darker colors in the city, their love and passion for color definitely exists. For proof, check out the traveling exhibition at the famous department store Merci’s.
Travel tip: If you’re checking luggage, pack one or two of these in your carry-on or personal items so that if you go over the baggage weight limit, you’ll have room to grab a few things.
Versatile Cashmere Wrap
My mom gave me a cashmere wrap for Christmas a few years ago, and I’ve barely taken it off since. It’s not as trendy in the U.S., but many European women wear scarves or shawls wrapped around themselves to layer their outfits. My travel companion and I in Paris had to rush to make multiple dinner reservations and didn’t have time to get changed, so we just took off our jackets and wrapped ourselves in cashmere. It’s easy, and so elegant.
Travel tip: Use a wrap as a blanket to stay warm on the plane.
A dress you can wear from day to night
I wear dresses year-round. In the winter, I layer my spring dresses over tights and under my coziest sweaters. They’re feminine and stylish, but also super comfortable. It’s just one of my ways of romanticizing work-from-home life. Like silk skirts, these dresses pack down easily (so I didn’t have to make tough decisions about which of my favorites to wear), and of course, if I planned my layers ahead of time, I could seamlessly transition from day to night.
Travel tip: Pair it with tights, a sweater and dressed-down boots for the perfect daytime fit.
Structured blazer
A fitted blazer exudes timeless appeal. If you want something a little more elegant than a loose sweater, a black blazer is a simple layer that’s both functional and stylish. The goal here is to go for a slightly oversized look, so if you need to add an extra layer underneath, you’re ready.
Travel Tip: This will quickly become one of the key items in your wardrobe, so you want something soft but sturdy. It may be on the pricey side, but when you consider the cost per wear, it’s absolutely worth it.
Silk tank top
Here are some things I love about this camisole: FYI, the skirt in the photo above belongs to my friend, and this was day 2 of a trip that started without a suitcase, but with a black camisole, she can pair it with pretty much anything in her closet. Whether paired with pants or a skirt, silk tanks and camisoles are universally elegant choices.
Travel Tip: Like everything on this list, comfort is key. A camisole should rival your softest, favorite t-shirt. If it’s even the slightest bit uncomfortable, it shouldn’t belong in your suitcase (or even in your closet).
Hands-free bag
I first bought this bag in the summer of 2020, when all I had time for was walks and hikes. It was perfect for my wallet, phone, sunglasses, and another standard bag just in case. Since then, it has become my daily bag for the simple reason that it’s comfortable and I hate having to carry anything in my hands when I’m out (except for a Bertillon ice cream cone, of course). Bonus: if I want to take my backpack into a museum, I have to turn it inside out and wear it in front of me, but with this bag, I don’t have to.
Travel Tip: Whatever you do in London, I learned the hard way not to call it a fanny pack. A “bag” or “satchel” will suffice. Read Merriam-Webster’s take on the term for more information.
