When I first started packing for my trip I felt so lost and confused. Do I need to be fancy? How can you backpack and be fancy? Does Europe have clothing norms I should know about? What kind of shoes do I bring?
Even now I look at my packing decisions and I’m a little baffled (how on earth did I bring six pairs of shoes in my backpack!) I’m not claiming to be a “fashionista” or a packing expert. But, this is what I brought for my trip:
Bottoms
1 pair dark skinny jeans- this is a European staple. They look good on just about anyone and they can be dressed up or down.
1 pair of black leggings- a great option because some places require your knees to be covered. In these cases leggings can easily be thrown on under a skirt or a dress.
1 pair of black capris
1 pair of jean capris
1 pair khaki shorts- great for roughing it while backpacking or hiking.
1 black skirt
1 black maxi dress
1 black above the knee dress
1 blue belted dress with sleeves- be sure to pack one dress with sleeves for more conservative destinations.
8 pairs of underwear- I packed half the amount of underwear I needed because I knew I would be doing laundry somewhere along the trip. Unfortunately, one very small load of laundry cost me $15!
Tops
5 T-shirts
1 button up shirt
2 tank tops
1 long sleeved pink cardigan- to be dressed up or dressed down
1 short sleeved tan cardigan
1 white shawl
1 rain jacket
2 day time bras
1 sports bra
Accessories
2 scarfs and 2 belts- quick and simple ways to change up an outfit.
1 swim suit- if you plan on going to the beach a lot bring an extra suit so you can always have a dry one.
1 statement necklace- nothing too expensive but glam enough to dress up an outfit.
2 earrings
1 cross-body bag- I chose a cross body so I could keep my belongings close to me for safe keeping!
2 sunglasses- one pair would have sufficed!
1 watch- you’re going to need a device to tell you the time when your phone is not accessible. Get nostalgic and bring yourself a watch.
1 umbrella
Shoes
4 pairs of socks
1 pair black rubber flip flops-beaches and showers are about the only appropriate places to wear flip-flops. But you’ll be glad you brought them when you hop into a hostel shower stall.
1 pair Birkenstocks- I love my Birks! They are so comfy. They were perfect for trekking around town.
1 pair Tevas- great for hiking to beaches or exploring rocky territory.
1 pair tan flats- easy to wear for daytime and nighttime.
1 pair grey van’s
1 pair of hiking shoes- Good support for when my feet were dog tired.
I also found TravelFashionGirl.com and StylishGirlsTravelToo.com to be helpful blogs for my packing woes.