After 23 years of carry-on-only travel, I cracked the code for winter packing. I’ll show you how to fit 10 stylish, warm, and non-bulky outfits for cold-weather trips (Christmas Markets, Europe, Iceland) into just one suitcase.
Today, I’m showing you my capsule wardrobe for a Christmas Market: two pairs of pants, lightweight layers, and tops that mix and match with everything.
THE PROBLEM & THE SOLUTION
The biggest mistake for cold-weather travel? Overpacking bulky items. It leads to checked bag fees, heavy lifting, and outfit stress.
My solution? A strategic color palette – think classic neutrals with a pop of festive color – and pieces that do double (or triple!) duty. You’ll be warm, stylish, and have room for souvenirs.
Here are two anchor pieces that make this all possible…
ANCHOR PIECE 1: The Black Denim
Why these? They look chic, are warm, and can be easily dressed up or down.
I found this amazing pair from Nordstrom. They’re lightweight and great for walking.
TOPS FOR BLACK DENIM
Now for the magic! Every single top I’m about to show you works perfectly with these black jeans, and spoiler alert: they’ll also go with our next pair of pants!
Note: You will not see any turtlenecks from me because I get too hot in trains and hotel rooms in Europe.
Outfits 1 and 2: Fair Isle sweaters
These can be worn with black denim or with blue jeans for 2 winter outfits. But if you do not like denim, swap them out for trousers. I do not like fleece-lined jeans. Here are three options for you:
Tip from an avid traveler here: always check the forecast a week prior to your Christmas Market trip.
Outfits 3 and 4: Striped Long-Sleeve Tee
Easy to wear, perfect for daytime tours and here is the tip: hanging out for coffee in the lobby or having a night cap after your magical day. This blouse drapes your tummy. It is long enough to wear straight or tucked in.
I am size 10, 5’8”, and the large is roomy but tailored.
This shirt gives me outfits 3 and 4 because it can be worn with both anchor pieces.
Outfits 5 and 6: Cashmere that is not itchy. And I am a cashmere snob.
Wear a festive color that gives a pop, especially if it’s Christmas time!
I have traveled with cashmere so many years for 3 reasons:
- Lightweight
- Retain your body heat while regulating your body temperature #menopause
- Can wear them by themselves or over a tee. Not itchy.
Red could be worn with black denim, hiking pants, or blue jeans when traveling.
Travel tip for planning outfits: If you are worried about rain, pack hiking pants that are fleece-lined. I wore leggings under my regular water-resistant pants, and it was too warm in the 40s.
Travel Tip: If you sweat or smell after one day of wearing a shirt, consider merino wool. Quince has one, and Amazon has several that are short-sleeved! It does not stay wet when you sweat. Magical for a winter outfit or in the summer heat here in Houston.
Winter Outfits 7 and 8: Cardigans
This festive cardigan will be worn with jeans; I just love the red and this green one. Here is where you think of what your travel style is.
Do you usually pack a couple of t-shirts? I always pack short-sleeve shirts especially if traveling to Europe because of air flow differences.
So for me, I pack a gray shirt – for you, choose short sleeve or long sleeve.
Then I will wear this cardigan over it.
Since I have this creamy cardigan, my packing tip strategy is to choose one base t-shirt that can be worn under this dressy cardigan and this red one. So I will put the gray shirt back in my closet, and choose a white shirt that is versatile for each travel outfit.
ANCHOR PIECE 2: Dark Blue Denim
I could pack fleece-lined leggings that taper like regular leggings, but these limit how often I can wear them. They are water-resistant. But my water-resistant fleece-lined hiking pants would be a better choice since I can wear them with sweaters. If you are a leggings person, I like these. Very high-waisted.
Choose wide-leg fleece-lined pants that are water-resistant. They a flattering width. They do NOT swallow you whole.
Or choose hiking-type pants that are fleece-lined.
I hope to pack dark blue denim and wear my water-resistant regular hiking pants in the airplane and for morning coffee or hanging out.
Packable Vest (Black/Dark Neutral)
I do not like vests because I cannot tie them around my waist if I get hot like you can with cardigans.
However, many of you store valuables in the hidden pockets and have peace of mind.
It is thin enough to wear under a winter coat so you may want a black one.
A helpful outfit choice for you is a fleece pullover. The fleece is high quality, and you can trust me because it retained my body heat in NYC in the low 30-degree temperatures. Or notice how the fabric is tightly produced. And you can choose the color that will go with black or blue.
Shoes for 10 Days
Don’t forget your feet! You’ll be doing a lot of walking. This is another part of packing where you have to be strategic.
Comfortable Waterproof Boots/Ankle Boots
The travel outfits will make choosing your shoes easier.
A non-negotiable for warmth and protection on those cobblestone streets is a shoe with solid footing. These sneakers are waterproof and can be worn with daytime outfits and if it is raining.
Travel tip: Pack at least one pair of water-resistant shoes.
If you need something dressier, you could pack Waterproof Boots.
Coat
If you need a water-resistant coat, this packable puffer jacket is warm and long for winter outfits. It also has backpack straps.
Watch how I pack my coat here.
Recap
Let’s look at our 10 outfits again, but it really depends on your weather and your travel style.
With just two pairs of pants and eight versatile tops/layers, you have a capsule wardrobe for your Christmas Market trip because it all fits in carry-on only.