How to Plan a Fall Travel Wardrobe for Europe (2024)

Capsule Wardrobe

Aug 25

Featured

Welcome to Travel More Pack Less—your go-to spot for planning and packing fun! Whether you're off on a solo adventure or a family trip, you'll find everything you need to make the journey a breeze.

Planning your next trip or wondering what to pack? Just returned with great tips on what to bring or skip? Share your travel wisdom with our community—we'd love to hear from you!

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

How to Plan a Fall Travel Wardrobe for Europe (2024)

A collection of fall travel experiences in Europe, featuring scenic train rides, picturesque landscapes, and charming castles.

Fall Travel Wardrobe for Europe: Chic, Cozy & Adventure Ready

Fall in Europe is pure magic—crisp air, colorful leaves, and endless adventures.

But before you dive into those picturesque streets of Paris or the trails of Tuscany, you need to pack the perfect fall Europe travel wardrobe.

The secret? Start with the right shoes, then build your fall travel wardrobe for Europe around them. Let’s create a capsule wardrobe that’s stylish, comfortable, and ready for anything!

1. Start with the Shoes: The Foundation of Your Wardrobe

Shoes are the foundation of any great travel wardrobe, especially when you're planning a fall trip to Europe. You need footwear that’s stylish, comfortable, and versatile enough to take you from morning markets to evening dinners—all while handling the unpredictable autumn weather. Here are my top picks for shoes that will keep you exploring in style:

Vessi Waterproof Market Flat:
These chic flats are a traveler’s best friend, perfect for sunny days or light rain. They’re great for exploring museums and cathedrals or indulging in shopping. Plus, they easily transition from day adventures to a nice dinner out.
Their waterproof design keeps your feet dry and comfortable on cobblestones in Rome or the streets of Florence. These flats have all the features I recommend for traveling in Europe. If you're not purchasing Vessi, look for similar features when choosing a flat to pack.
Vessi Weekend Waterproof Sneaker:
These sneakers are your go-to for rain or shine. They keep your feet comfortable and dry, whether it’s pouring or sunny. The Vessi Weekend Sneaker has a lightweight, cushioning midsole and is machine washable. These are the features I look for in footwear for rainy days. Perfect for city tours and casual cafe hopping. It can be tricky to find sneakers with similar qualities that are also cute and lightweight, and that is why I specifically wanted to include Vessi.
Stylish Waterproof Ankle Boots:
For cooler days, ankle boots are a warmer option that still keeps your feet dry and cozy. Ideal for wandering through charming European streets or enjoying a leisurely coffee in Vienna, these boots offer the perfect blend of comfort and style. They pair effortlessly with everything from jeans to a sweater dress, making them a versatile choice for any fall day.

Pro Tip: Make sure your shoes are broken in before your trip. There’s nothing worse than dealing with blisters when you’ve got Europe to explore! Not sure which shoes to bring? Check out our guide on how to pick the best travel shoes to ensure you’re choosing the perfect pair for your journey.

2. Build Your Capsule Wardrobe

Now that your shoes are sorted, it’s time to build a fall capsule wardrobe for Europe that’s versatile, layered, and easy to mix and match. This ensures you’re prepared for Europe’s varied fall weather. If you are only traveling for a short period of time, you will want to remove some items and adjust accordingly.

Layering Basics:
Start with two long sleeve shirts, two t-shirts, and thermal leggings. These essentials can be worn on their own or layered for extra warmth.
Cozy Layers:
Bring three sweaters in varying thicknesses, a cardigan, and a dark denim jacket. These pieces will keep you comfortable from chilly mornings to cooler evenings.
Outerwear Essentials:
Pack a fleece jacket and a raincoat. The fleece jacket is perfect for warmth, while the raincoat is a must-have for unexpected showers.
Versatile Bottoms:
Two pairs of jeans (one blue, one black), lightweight linen pants, and a pair of joggers or leggings cover all your bases, whether you’re exploring city streets, hanging around the airport, or lounging at your hotel.
Day-to-Night Dress:
A dress that’s easy to dress up or down is a versatile addition, perfect for those impromptu dinners.
Comfort Items:
Don’t forget socks, thermal socks, underwear, bras and pajamas. These essentials keep you comfortable day and night.

Pro Tips: Single-fold large bulky sweaters and lay them flat instead of rolling them. Socks can go into a bag and get tucked in shoes. Wear your bulkiest clothing and shoes on the plane. Anything you don’t mind getting wrinkled can go into a compression cube or sack.

3. European Capsule Wardrobe Breakdown: Packing List Considerations

Fall travel capsule wardrobe example:

Shoes:
Waterproof ankle boots
Vessi Waterproof Market Flat
Vessi Waterproof Weekender
Tops:
Two long sleeve shirts
Three t-shirts
Two cardigans
Two seaters sweater
Bottoms:
Two pairs of jeans (blue and black)
Casual pair of linen pants
One pair of joggers, leggings or thermals
Outerwear:
Fleece jacket
Waterproof coat
Denim jacket
Dress:
Pick a dress that can be worn with layers and avoid bulky sleeaves

A versatile fall capsule wardrobe featuring cozy layers, casual tops, and comfortable pants.

Extras: Depending on your destination in Europe and if it’s early or late fall, the weather and temperatures can vary significantly. Be sure to pack essentials like a big scarf that doubles as a blanket, a hat, sunglasses, hiking boots, a coordinating day bag, an umbrella, pajamas, socks, thermal or hiking socks.

4. Mix + Match = Photo Ready

Now that you know what to include in your travel wardrobe, it is time to style. Mixing and matching is easy. You’ll have stylish outfits ready for anything Europe throws at you—from casual daytime explorations to elegant evening outings.

Stick to a Theme:
Choose a base color—black, navy, or beige—and build your outfits around it. This makes coordinating easy and keeps your packing light. I like to pick one color that pops but still coordinates. In the example above, I chose red. You will want to pick a color that suits you best.
Accessorize Thoughtfully:
Scarves, hats, and jewelry add personality to your outfits without taking up much space.
Stay Photo-Ready:
Neutrals with a few bright accessories will ensure you look great in all your travel photos, no matter the backdrop.

Extra Tip: Use packing cubes and compression cubes to organize your suitcase. They’re a game-changer for keeping everything organized.

For more travel tips and packing advice, check out these articles:

Ready to Step Into Your European Adventure?

With your carefully curated fall travel wardrobe, you’ll be ready to embrace it all—from exploring charming city streets to soaking in the breathtaking views of the countryside.

By starting with the right shoes and building a versatile capsule wardrobe around them, you’re not just packing for a trip—you’re preparing for an experience.

Whether you’re sipping coffee in a Parisian café, wandering through the colorful markets of Barcelona, or enjoying the crisp air in the Swiss Alps, your wardrobe will keep you stylish, comfortable, and photo-ready every step of the way.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get packing and make this fall in Europe your most stylish and memorable adventure yet!

Join Our Travel Tribe!

Still wondering what to pack for autumn in Europe? Join our Facebook Group for women who love to travel! Together, we’ll make packing a breeze and ensure you’re ready for any adventure!

✨ Pin a post & start planning a fall wardrobe for your European adventure! ✨