Reader Question - Trip to Germany

Hi Kimberly, I LOVE your blog! I log in every morning to see what you are wearing. You are a true inspiration on how you piece things together and always look classy regardless of the day. I need some of that classy to pack away for my trip to Germany in October. My husband seems to think all one needs is a couple pullovers, tennis shoes, and a tooth brush I want to represent America with a sense of style. We will be doing quite a bit of walking so I need to be comfy and I will probably layer since the Alps will be around 30 degrees.Do you have any suggestions that will help with packing mixing and matching and going day to night while not taking packing a ton? What would you wear on the plane? Thanks for being an inspiration for real women, with real bodies, and a real bank account! --Meredith

Meredith -
Have a fantastic time in Germany - what an awesome experience! My "answers" here are a bit different than most of the looks that I pull together in the fact that they pull from a darker color palette. Now, Europeans are notorious for wearing a large amount of black, but I utilized dark colors more for the fact that they are easy to mix and layer and they won't start looking dingy while away.

Outerwear:

I am such a huge fan of capes! I have a few but my fave is a black wool one much like the one shown here. It is great because it never feels bunchy or uncomfortable no matter how many layers you have on underneath, plus looks chic and gives a fun shilouette. As an added bonus you can put your cross body bag/purse on under it giving an extra bit of security to your belongings. Don't forget to pack a hat and gloves to keep you warm while walking around outside. Casual knit berets are everywhere and simple to wear even when inside. Lastly, pack a couple of reusable bags to use while shopping since plastic bags are usually only available for a fee in many European Countries.

Items:
Cable Crochet Beret - Forever 21, $6.80
Herringbone Cape - Chadwicks, $29.99
Performance Fleece Gloves - Old Navy, $6.50
The Sak "Gen" Cross-Body Bag - Dillards, $49.00
BAGGU Reusable Shopping Tote - 3-Pack - Amazon, $14.89

The Flight:

Let's face it the #1 most important thing in choosing a flight outfit (especially when flying international) is picking something comfortable!! Now, I'm not saying grab the throw back Juicy Couture Track Suit here! I find that jersey knit dresses and tights (no control top and be true to yourself when looking at the size grid on the back of the package) can be a good chic pj-alternative. Add the oversized wrap cardi that you can layer on and even use as blanket for your lap, and don't forget a scarf which you can wrap around yourself, hide your eyes with while catching some ZZZZs and more. Lastly, a pair of a chenille socks in your carry-on will be fantastic to slip your tootsies in after you kick off your shoes during the flight.

The Items:
Smocked Floral-Print Dress - Old Navy, $19.99
Chenille Socks - Old Navy, $5
Belted Shawl Cardi Coat - Old Navy, $44.50
Fringed Jacquard Scarf - Old Navy, $19.50
Closed–Back Leather Clogs - Chadwicks, $69.99
Solid Tights - Old Navy, $6.50

Day Outfits:

These outfit pull from the key items that I think you will want to pack - cardigans, layering tees, turtlenecks, scarves for extra flair and color, dark denim, black pants and comfortable walking shoes. Depending on what your evening plans are you can easily transition a great pair of black ponte knit pants from day to night by swapping your top to something a little dressier or going with an all black color palette which tends to look chic despite the pieces in the mix. As for shoes, I struggle with this myself, but vacation is no time to push it with shoes that are anything less than 110% comfortable!! Shown here is a pair of Dansko-esque clogs -now, if it were me I would buy the real deal so you are guaranteed the comfort Danskos are known for. Also a pair of comfy colorful suede flats will serve you well on your trip.

Top Outfit:
Cardi - Same as above
Watercolor-Graphic V-Neck Tee - Old Navy, $14.50
Boot-cut jeans in Black - Newport News, $49
Floral-Print Gauze Scarf - Old Navy, $12.50
Fringe Mocs - Newport News, $29.99

Bottom Outfit:
Cooper Cardigan - Chadwicks, $39.99
Rib-Knit Turtleneck - Old Navy, $19.50
Ponté-knit pants - Newport News, $29.00
Two-Tone Printed Scarf - Old Navy, $12.50