It’s safe to say that over the last few years, I’ve become a bit of an expert at cold weather packing.
Whether I’ve been heading off on a Christmas market break, visiting a snowy locale or even just ticking a European city off my bucket list in the dead of winter, I’ve had to learn a thing or two about wrapping up warm.
Most of the European Christmas markets have come to a close already (although some do continue through to Twelfth Night and even a little longer), but with cheap flight and hotel deals, plus a distinct dislike for staying at home during Jan/Feb, I’m sure lots of you have got a winter city break on the cards.
Below I’ve outlined what I consider to be the basic clothing you’ll need if you’re heading somewhere that’s cold (or even snowy) in the next couple of months.
Footwear
You’re going to need something warm and comfortable, but also potentially rainproof (or snow worthy). Therefore I’d usually suggest a pair of rain boots. Hunter boots are by far the best quality – they also sit tall enough up your leg to keep out rain and snow and are much more comfortable to walk in than cheaper imitations.
But for dry, cold weather, a pair of lace-up sturdy boots are perfect (extra bonus points if they’re fleece- or wool-lined). Check out my post on walking boots and shoes for some great examples of this style of footwear.
To accompany these thick winter boots, you’ll need some thick woolly socks. If you don’t have proper boot/walking socks, then I’d suggest doubling – or tripling – up with thinner pairs of sports socks. If you’re standing outside for long periods of time, your feet are the first thing to get cold and no amount of gluhwein or hot chocolate will help, unfortunately.
(A great hack for ultra-thick socks is to buy a pair of slipper socks – the ones that don’t have the plastic rubber grip sole. These are great for wearing in cold weather and usually come in cuter designs than regular woolly socks, too.)
Clothing
You’re going to need at least two or three of your thickest sweaters. And if you’re heading somewhere snowy, or plan to stand outside at Christmas markets/outdoor events for a long time, you’ll also need an undershirt or a couple of t-shirts for layering.
I usually pack my thickest and comfiest pair of jeans to wear on the bottom, but even then, you’ll likely find that you also need to wear a pair of tights, leggings or thermals underneath them. This is particularly true if all of your jeans have stylish rips in them, as most of mine do (not the warmest thing to wear!)
I often also pack a pair of thin ski pants/waterproof trousers. This may seem a little odd, but they’re the perfect thing to slip over jeans or trousers and provide an extra layer of warmth. Plus, they’re the ideal material for snow. Outdoor clothing shops like Millets, Blacks and Decathlon usually sell trousers like this fairly cheap.
Outerwear
My usual suggestion would always be to go with a padded winter coat with a hood. Not only will they keep you warm, but can also provide a little extra protection for your head and ears.
However, if you’re visiting somewhere you know is going to be rainy and you’ve packed suitably thick clothing, then you may be able to get away with a lined rain jacket (check out my post for some suggestions).
Accessories
It should go without saying, really, but of course you’ll need a hat or earmuffs, a thick scarf and a pair of gloves. These are fairly non-negotiable in cold weather. My favourite hats are those from Barts. Several of their range have a fleece headband lining on the inside, making them warmer than most other bobble hats
One thing that I haven’t included in the photos, but which is always a must for me (no matter what time of year) is an umbrella. Don’t be a hero – you’ll be much happier and much less likely to get ill if you can stay dry during your trip.
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