Here is my Packing List For Autumn in Europe. This week, we will be flying to Paris, Burgundy and London for almost three weeks. Normally, for 10 days or less, I like to pack in a carryon suitcase. However, this is a longer trip but not with many connections (where luggage can get lost) so I am packing in a medium checked bag.
My wardrobe selection is inspired by a Burberry scarf that I inherited from my cousin that includes black, tan, white and a bit of red (popular this year) for a pop of color and a lot of layering.
The last time I published this list was five years ago…so it was time to redo the whole thing but with keeping the basic tips.
Europe Packing List For Autumn Goals:
- pack relatively lightly. Limit accessories and expensive jewelry.
- pack for the weather forecast (still warmer in September in France high in the low 70’s, 50’s/60’s at night), rain. Bring a small umbrella.
- comfortable shoes for cobblestones
- stick to a color scheme involving neutrals, as mentioned above for a capsule wardrobe
- pack with minimal wrinkling in packing cubes
- bring travel adapter, portable charger, see-through toiletry bag, reusable water bottle
- limit the number of credit cards you bring and take a photo of your passport to keep in your phone
All the travel wardrobe outfits are mixable. If you use my links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.
Paris and On The Way There
I really like the weight and feel of the Athleta trench (comes in extended sizes).
Burberry plaid wool scarf Less expensive option here and here • Longchamp Zippered Lightweight Tote (instead of a backpack)• ribbed t-shirt (size up for comfort) • light pullover sweater (size up) • crossbody from Quince• Trench coat with attached belt tie • lightweight pants • Hoka sneakers • Bomba no show socks
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The tee shirt and sweater (size up) will be comfortable on the way over. Since the trench coat is bulky to pack, I will put it in the overhead compartment. For carryon, I take the smaller purse and the classic tote that I’ve had for years (with my laptop in a case) and pills, toothbrush, sample toothpaste and other essentials.
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Paris/Beaune Casual
The wide leg jeans, navy top and red ballet flats are new and they are making my whole wardrobe feel fresh!
denim shirt that can be layered as a jacket • sunglasses • mock turtleneck tee (size up) • floral embossed wide leg jeans • red Chanel lipstick • Quince crossbody bag • red Birdies ballet flats I usually wear a size 7 but in this design I bought a 7.5
Out To Dinner In Paris Or London
Eileen Fisher washable blazer and matching washable flex pants* (these are new…but mine still look great from two years ago) • white long sleeve shirt • fresh water black pearls • Burberry plaid wool scarf • waterproof ankle boots •
*I know Eileen Fisher products are expensive but they really last. Try to buy it on sale! This material is really comfortable, too.
You may be able to get by with just three pairs of shoes…but pairing it down to four is an accomplishment for me! I wear the sneakers on the plane.
Packing List For Autumn in Europe
If you are staying longer into November, I would cut back on the long sleeve shirts and bring two or three wool cardigans and sweaters to layer over the tee-shirts.
Also, this time we are renting a couple of AirBnB’s with washer/dryers so I will be able to do some laundry. Follow me on Instagram to keep up with our travels! I’m excited!
Great post! I keep checking your instagram to see what you’re wearing, eating and doing 😋 I’m packing for our trip to Tuscany in a couple weeks. Unfortunately temps are unseasonably high 80’s-90’s still so I’m stressing over what to pack. Praying the temps will drop closer to our departure. Hope the two of you have a fantastic trip!
Have a wonderful trip!! You’re going to look so stylish!!
Love your new Anthro finds, Mary Ann — very cute! Thank you for the inspo to pack LIGHTER! We visited Burgundy in 2006 (gah — so long ago!), and enjoyed it. I can’t believe I have one more bottle of wine from that trip (when we could legally bring a couple of cases home with us!).
Have a wonderful time!
Thanks, Joan!! Enjoy that last bottle!
Your ideas are really practical as well as attractive in your clothing choices. I still have a packing list for travel on our pc. We don’t travel anymore due to my health issues. But your choices are perfect for comfort, mix and match and being packable. Have a wonderful trip! My son and DIL have headed for Ireland for a bucket list trip with his MIL. My stepson and DIL are headed for a cruise in Japan. My oldest son just completed his long 3 week road trip with his wife from California to here in Colorado, then to Iowa and then to Michigan. He ended their journey stopping for a couple of days at my son’s house in Arizona on their way home. They did some wash while here for 3 days. They stayed at hotels all the way which is nice for all of us elderly hosts in the family. Laundry can be a real problem when traveling.
I know, Sydney…fortunately we have a washer and dryer in our AirBnb here!
Dear Mary Ann,
We’re leaving for France for 3 weeks in 10 days, so your post is so timely. Thanks to you, I’ll be able to pare down my wardrobe and finish packing with confidence.
I love the Athleta trench. What size did you choose? If you reply right away, I will make sure to order through your site.
Enjoy your adventures. I’m going to keep my eye out for you in France.
Love, Diney on Mercer Island
I got a petite small (at first I ordered a medium). I had the sleeves shortened and inch but they would have been ok longer I guess. Anyway, I’m so glad I brought it. Great for layering sweaters under it.
Thank you. I’m on my way to order. Maybe we’ll be twinning in France!
Bon Voyage!
Have a gorgeous time Mary Anne! Love the outfits!
Thanks Francesca!!
Great post, Mary Ann!
You have all the fashion bases covered perfectly. I’ve got my eye on your black trench coat.
I love the coat!! Doesn’t wrinkle.
Great post Mary Ann! I only wish I were joining you! Have a wonderful time!
We have to do it again, Cindy!!
Hi Mary Anne.I am so late to the part on this post but wanted to let you know, thanks to you, I found the perfect black flat on this post. I have toe issues and have tried on SO many pairs. The Frye Kenzie flat is just right for me. Perfect out of the box. Thanks!!
That’s so great. Thanks for telling me.
Great…there are other colors on sale now.
Thank you!
Enjoy your trip
I love the quilted coat you are wearing in your Instagram Lisbon photo – it isn’t the one you referenced from Macy’s though. Would you mind sharing where it is from. It is perfect!
Thanks, Frances. I got it on sale at Macy’s and it’s by Ralph Lauren.
Can’t wait to see you in all of these fabulous outfits. You really know how to travel well and look fabulous!
You are so sweet, Annie!!
Love how you managed to mix and match to achieve lots of different outfits. You will look adorable and fit right in with all the chic Parisian women. Have a wonderful, safe trip!
Your looks are great, Mary Ann. Think travellers now can do even better with less! I am going to Europe next week for 3 weeks – Warsaw/Berlin/Lisbon. I checked into laundry in Berlin and Lisbon – hotel will do one day service which is helpful. I travel with books which adds to weight of luggage – although have an IPAD too. Shoes and purses are an issue – I too used to travel with the wonderful Longchamps but this year switching to one smaller X bag and a backback for day trips. Find as we go to Europe every Fall that dragging a suitcase around, even in airports gets more difficult every year, hence I am probably packing what you suggest for one week, staying three. The weather changes definitely play a part. Enjoy your travels.
I just have some events that I need different looks for. I brought a heavier carryon down to San Diego and I regret it. It’s hard to beat that Longchamp tote with the zipper and it’s water resistant. I find getting your laundry done in hotels is so expensive. That’s why I like having some things like undergarments and tshirts that can be laundered by hand.
Hi Mary Ann! I love your fashion picks, and I just knew that J. Crew wool scarf would sell out – I linked to it last week and waited too long to order! Boo! Wish I was traveling to Paris in October – what a wonderful time that will be. Peace to you right where you are.
This post is jampacked with good information!! I agree the three shoe thing is hard to pull off. You never know what the weather will be like this time of year! You look so adorable in that tunic!!
Thanks Mary Ann! Love the tips. Am headed to Amsterdam, Scotland, Ireland and London soon! Never been to Ireland or Scotland. Taking rain boots!
Bon voyage!!!
Lucky you, off to Europe again! Your travel wardrobe is perfect and you’ll look uber chic as you sightsee and shop. Have a fabulous time!
Those are all great looks. Your trip sounds fantastic and you’ll look good enjoying it – have fun!