If you’re planning a holiday in a cold climate this season and don’t want to be weighed down by bulky clothes, the trick is to start with a plan. Stylist Eve Roth Lindsay, managing director of Savvy Style, says the most important thing is to do your research before you pack – check the weather forecast and list the activities you might be doing.
“If you are going somewhere that is likely to be very cold, I would suggest bring along a down-filled, lightweight jacket,” Lindsay says. “They keep you warm, protect from the rain and are very light. “Work around clothing colours and avoid prints and patterns.
If you can’t get at least three wears out of an item, don’t pack it. Keep to a basic colour scheme and use scarves or accessories to make outfits look different. Pack mostly separates so you can mix and match.
“As a starting point, you should aim to pick a main neutral, such as autumn 2010’s hot colours aubergine or deep purple, olive green or camel, and use other tones as accents. Whatever colour you go with as your neutral, this is the colour your shoes and handbag should work with. “Choose easy care, non-wrinkle fabrics as much as possible but look for hi-tech fabrics, such as microfibers – these keep you warm, yet are so thin and soft, and they are warm, washable and easy to layer.”
You can fit your whole wardrobe into a hand-carry. Wear the heavy items and pack the rest. Pack items that can be converted from a day outfit to a night out on the town outfit by changing shoes or accessories.
Jeans or trousers are probably the most important necessity for women and men for daytime sightseeing, shopping or relaxing. “For women, a dark pair is better as they can be worn during the day for a casual outfit and dressed up for more formal occasions at night.” Lindsay says.
For men, an alternative to dark jeans or trousers would be camel, olive or charcoal chinos. Men can team these with fleece shirts. A tweed sports, aviator or short trench coat are perfect for the daytime. Team these with a pair of dark brown loafers or calf boots. If you are looking for something for dinner or a special occasion, women can add a cashmere or silk blouse with their dark jeans or trousers.
“Chunky knits are the look for this autumn and a cashmere one looks chunky without actually being bulky. If you want to dress this up, wear a lacy top, big statement necklace and red lipstick. Chandelier earrings are lightweight and turn any simple top into something chic. Pack simple heels in your neutral and you are set to go,” Lindsay says.
Men could dress up their chinos or dark coloured jeans with a darker long-sleeved shirt and blazer. For women, a pair of simple black high heels, a pair of comfy flats and knee-high boots will cover all needs. For men, a good pair of leather rubber-soled shoes can make the transition from day to night.