Friday, March 27, 2015

Packing for Europe (Part I): 7 days - 7 pieces - 7 outfits

I am super stoked to be traveling to Europe with my family for Spring break. It's my absolute dream vacation. We talked about this trip years ago and I can't believe it's finally happening. For a week long trip, we decided that we will be traveling with carry-ons only. By doing so, not only will we be saving a ton of time but also able to avoid checked bags fees and lost luggage incidents. In order to fit everything in a carry on, you must plan ahead. Below is how I use 7 pieces to put together 7 different outfits.
7 pieces 7 outfits, packing light_SydneysFashionDiary
1. Chambray shirt *old* (many options available here)
2. Black distressed denim (another identical version here)
3. Neon skirt (I picked this skirt up last week and I L.O.V.E it! It's available in 4 colors and I am wearing a size 00 here)
4. Boyfriend jeans (non-distressed version)
5. Burberry trench coat
6. Graphic tee - This tee is another item that I picked up last week and love! I got it in a size small and it has the perfect "oversize" fit.
7. c/o ASOS green skater dress - Since most of my outfits are more on the casual side , I decided to bring something a little dressier to wear to dinner. We booked a dinner cruise for one of the nights in Paris and I am planning to wear this dress.

Planned outfits:
Outfit # 1: 1 + 4
Outfit # 2: 4 + 6
Outfit # 3: 1 + 3
Outfit # 4: 3 + 6
Outfit # 5: 1 + 2 - Travel day outfit
Outfit # 6: 2 + 6 - Travel day outfit
Outfit #7: 5 + 7
7 pieces 7 outfits_ packing light_SydneysFashionDiary


Footwear:
I am bringing with me one pair of boots (to wear on travel days), one pair of slip-on sneakers and one pair of high heels (to wear on a riverboat dinner cruise only). I originally planned to bring my Tieks flats but am afraid they don't provide enough support for walking around the city all day. The boots I plan to wear with outfit #5 and #6 on travel days are with the cobbler at the moment (hence why I am barefoot in both photos). I also picked up these slip-on sneakers from Target and they're like heaven for my feet (currently buy one get one 50% off).

Collage

I hope you find this post helpful. Next, I will talk about how I fit everything pictured here plus the rest of my stuff into one carry on. Stay tuned!


12 comments:

Doused In Pink said...

How exciting! It would be so hard to pack with just a carry-on! All of these outfits are so cute and perfect for your trip! I love your citron skirt!

Jill
Doused In Pink

Darcy said...

Love it! I always try to only pack in a carry on.. it takes more effort but it is always worth it!
www.amemoryofus.com

Designer Deal Today said...

Great tips and outfit ideas!
Kate
www.DesignerDealToday.com

Designer Deal Today said...

Great tips and outfit ideas!
Kate
www.DesignerDealToday.com

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited for you! (And jealous lol) I've never been to Europe so I hope you'll share lots of pictures! I always travel with just a carry on because I really hate checking in luggage. It's not easy but I make it work. I just came back from Mexico and heading to Aruba in a few weeks so I'm looking forward to any tips you might have! :)

jolecole said...

My friend just came back from Paris...I heard it's quite chilly there right now...

soupdragon said...

I don't know about Paris but I'm in the UK and it can be chilly and wet in northern Europe in Spring. I would suggest another layering piece like a light jacket or cardigan that you could wear over your tops or your dress and under your trench. Maybe also a scarf or two .. and socks or tights. These pieces could also be worn on the 'plane as flights can be cold. Have a fab trip anyway!

Anonymous said...

I will definitely bring along a sweater/sweatshirt of some sort for layering and traveling. Instead of the short-sleeved tee, I will bring along a couple of long sleeves (one to wear for travel days; and one as backup).

Sydney's Fashion Diary said...

@Anonymous Thank you =) Aruba sounds really wonderful. I'll post lots of photos after the trip. Have a great time in Aruba!

Sydney's Fashion Diary said...

@Anonymous, @soupdragon, @jolecole Thank you so much for the tips. I definitely will pack a few more warmer pieces with me.

Anonymous said...

Your outfit choices would be better for late spring/early summer. I highly suggest packing a few warmer pieces. The windchill can make a 60 degree day feel like 45. Also, I would wear short wedges or flats (both boots and regular shoes) for walking around the city. The streets are not well-paved like those in the U.S. There are also lots of stairs/steps to climb.

Anonymous said...

I just got back from a week in Europe and would love to know how you get by with so little! I packed things that would mix and match so I could adjust to the weather (and found that the temperature was much cooler than expected overall but fluctuated quite a bit during the day - I was constantly adding and subtracting a layer). Do you wash your tops out at night or send them to the hotel laundry? After traipsing around all day, getting rained on a few times, and the inevitable spills that I'm too good at lol, I never felt like my shirts were fresh enough to wear a second time. I took 3 pairs of pants, 3 pairs of shoes and a different shirt/sweater to wear each day (sometimes with repeated cardigans). I wore every single thing I took except a couple extra pairs of socks and undies. When you get back, I'd love to hear how it went and how you made it all work! Have fun!