in bruges // how to pack for europe

Sweater: LOFT (old, but similar here) // Leggings: Zara (similar here and here) // Purse: Chanel // Boots: Forever 21 // Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Super Duper' // Hat: Forever 21 (also love this one) // Jewelry: David Yurman, Michele // Lips: NARS 'Scarlet Empress'

This is my last outfit post from my whirlwind EuroTrip this past Christmas. These photos were taken during a quick lunch stop in Bruges, Belgium where we enjoyed mussels and fries, local beer and of course.. chocolate covered waffles. Packing for this trip was a bit of a challenge as I have never traveled to any of these countries before. Luckily, the weather was very similar to rainy days in NYC. Below is a packing guide and travel tips from what I learned when prepping for a EuroTrip in December. Hope this helps for your future travels!

How to Pack for Europe in the Winter

Outerwear:

Black winter coat (that can be dressed up or down)

Down jacket to layer under coat (Uniqlo has the best/warmest ones)

Tops:

Sweaters (jumpers and cardigan)

Blouse (dressy for going out to drinks/dinner)

Tshirts (to work out/sleep in)

Dresses:

Bring two at most (one black and one with color)

*These can double as a skirt when topped with a chunky sweater*

Bottoms:

Jeans (one dark, one light colored)

Black (faux) leather leggings

Sweatpants/Tights

Shoes:

Ankle booties (these saved me when walking around the city and still looked fashionable)

Tall boots

Sneakers/Flats

Heels

Bags:

Medium-sized 4-wheel luggage

Carry-on luggage (with 1 outfit/underwear and toiletries in case check-in is lost)

Purse (big enough to carry camera, wallet etc. and rain-proof)

Accessories/Miscellaneous:

Beanie (one black, one colored)

Fedora (easy to throw on undone hair and instantly look chic)

Gloves

Scarves (can double as a blanket on the airplane/bus)

Jewelry (statement earrings/necklaces, simple studs, watch)

Umbrella (it rains a lot!)

Sunglasses

Underwear

Bras (one black one nude)

Socks (lots of them!)

Technology:

European power adapter/plug converter

Camera (with charger, extra batteries and SD cards)

iPad/LapTop with headphones

Cell phone (with charger)

Hair straightener/Curling iron

Tips:

1. Email yourself copies of your passport/driver's license, addresses of hotels you're staying at, in case of emergency

2. Shopping is more expensive due to the exchange rate as well as an additional 3% transaction fee with most credit card companies. Shop duty-free and if using a credit card, pay in the local currency to avoid additional exchange transactions. London-Heathrow airport has the BEST shopping at the Virgin Atlantic terminal. Most of my purchases were made there (Chanel, Gucci, Harrod's and more).. tax-free! 

3. Call your credit card companies to let them know you are traveling overseas, as well as your cell phone company if you will need international data plans

4. Always keep cash on you

5. Smile, have fun, attempt to speak in the local language by learning common phrases, and take lots of photos! 

Photos by: Jen Arcebido