From the archives. Updated November 2021.
This previous post on packing for a week in Amsterdam continues to generate interest. With fall/winter travel in full swing, I thought I’d rerun it. It’s interesting to me that all of these pieces are still relevant and pretty much what I would pack if I were going on this trip today. And yes, everything really did fit in a carry-on.
I like to travel with a carry-on whenever possible. It’s usually pretty easy for a week’s travel, especially if going to warmer climates where the clothing is less bulky. Last week, I challenged myself to limit my packing for my trip to Amsterdam to a carry-on and tote. Surprisingly, it was pretty easy and I had more than enough to wear.
With temperatures hovering in the 40’s, and a chance of rain at any time, top priority was warmth. I kept my absolute MUSTS (coat, boots, scarf, gloves) with me just in case I needed to check my bag at the last minute. Editing was key so I decided on one coat…my black down puffer. It’s simple and works with everything. Wearing pull on boots are perfect for flying and kept precious space available in my suitcase. My AG Contour 360° jeans feel like soft leggings and keep their shape…love them for long flights. I packed two more in dark blue and black for rotating the rest of the week. A shirt, cashmere sweater and scarf had me prepared for the fluctuation in climate between LA and Amsterdam.
The rest of the packing centered around practical layers for keeping warm. Cashmere sweaters in camel, black and grey, patterned blouses, tissue thin turtlenecks and tee-shirts mixed with a variety of scarves gave me lots of options. The scarves, beanie and gloves were lifesavers and absolutely essential for after dinner bike rides back to the hotel. For evening, black slim trousers paired nicely with a long silk camisole layered under either a pale grey deep v-neck or shearling front vest or cardigan. That’s as dressy as I needed for this trip.
I kept my footwear options narrow to walking and bicycle friendly. Rotating between boots, sneakers and my Robert Clergerie suede booties, I was very comfortable. I threw in a pair of leggings, a thin down vest and extra tees for lounging or running down to breakfast. I limited myself to one cross-body bag in black.
What’s not pictured but still fit in the suitcase are pajamas, thick cozy socks, a couple of tank tops, jewelery and basic essentials. Toiletries, chargers, iPad, and other necessities all went into my carry-on tote.
I even had room for a collapsible folded duffel in case I needed extra space for purchases to bring home!
For more packing tips, you may also like the following post on what I packed (again in a carry-on) for a week in Switzerland.
PACKING A CARRY-ON FOR A WEEK IN COLD WEATHER
Vivian
Love this article! Now please do one for summer travel ☀️
Karima
I absolutely will! I did the carry on routine last spring for a wedding in Dallas followed by 5 nights in South Beach.
Mary Kay
This is excellent. These types of posts are so helpful. Love your choices.
Karima
Thank you…
Carol
Fantastic travel wardrobe! Comfortable, warm, and chic all at once! I love that you could go out for dinner and a bicycle ride, and be perfectly comfortable. I would also love to see a summer version, hopefully with some shopping links ( ;
I’m curious what brand of cashmere v neck you prefer, and who made the beautiful scarves?
Karima
Thanks! From top, the scarves are from ROBERTO CAVALLI (black/white/grey) from several years ago, ME & KASHMIERE (camel/brown) available here , SWASH (wild things print) available here , AND HERMES (navy/red link) available here .
My v-neck cashmere is from EQUIPMENT which you can find here and here.
Monix
So elegant and yet practical! Would love to know where that fabby oatmeal and denim scarf is from.
Karima
Thank you…see above reply for link to ME & KASHMERE scarf.
sarah
Karima,
This is the best ! I loved the photo at Easter; you all look so happy and rested. I am going on a four day anniversary trip /wed. Great tips for packing.
Gayle
Which of the AG Contour 360 jeans are you using? There are so many and they
mostly look low rise and pretty skinny/tight..
Thanks,
Gayle
Karima
Gayle…I have the PRIMA. It’s very slim and fitted but not like a legging. The ankle is not snug, which I like. As far as the rise, they are mid-rise not low. If you look at the washes on the AG website HERE they fit most like the second pair from the left in the top row, ATOLL wash, which is a very comfortable/forgiving rise.
Debbie Leary
One of the best travel capsules I have seen. It is classy, you can mix and match and everything fits in a carry on. Love your suggestions for shoes, and the idea of one coat. I will be using this an example for my upcoming trip to Europe.
Karima
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I stick with the basics and comfort is always the number one factor.
Ellen Shallman
Hi. I love this post. I’m going to use it for our upcoming trip to London and Paris. Where is the gray cardigan with the shearling trim on the front from? It’s wonderful.
Thank you again!
Karima
Thanks! London and Paris will be lovely this time of year. The cardigan you’re referring to is no longer available, but I think these options serve the same purpose: Cardigan ; Vest; and Reversible Vest.
Ellen Shallman
Thank you, Karima! xoxox