[Salamander293]

I have the opportunity to live in Europe for an entire year. What would you recommend as a complete clothing packing list for traditional/classic/preppy style. I will not have any work/professional situations to attend to as I am remote working from a computer so any and all dressing will be for pleasure but I really like to dress well. I am trying to keep it to under 2 bags worth of clothes. Should I take a suit? I do enjoy attending theatre evens such as opera and symphony. I plan on visiting many cities in Europe from England to France to Italy to Switzerland in all seasons. Thank you for any advice.

 

[Andy]

Salamander293:
You are one lucky AskAndy Member!!! 🛫
Here are a list of Travel articles I've written over the years, but doesn't really give you specifics. But while others will have plenty of ideas, I'll think about it.

Search results for query: travel tips

www.askandyaboutclothes.com

 

[Dhaller]

Unless you're a weird size, I would pack less rather than more, because you can always shop local. That's also the best way to nail a non-tourist-y look. Bear in mind, the European style is more tailored/fitted, so preppy probably works better than trad. Sack suits need not apply.

But I wouldn't worry about the suit; a versatile blazer or sports coat, plus trousers, can handle the theater outings.

For variety, layering is your friend. Europeans* layer. Button-down, v-neck, sport coat can handle a lot of scenarios.

If you're going Euro-Urban (Paris, Geneva, etc), make sure these shoes are made for walkin': Vibram/commando soles more than leather. Also, nothing too chunky. I like Cheaney myself... English sturdiness, but elegant.

Travel Tip for long stays: Take two suitcases, one of which fits in the other. Pack the smaller one, and place it in the larger. Use the larger to bring back your plunder.

*"European" is of course a spectrum: Paris is not Croatia. Better to aim high. Of course it's always worth having something for a country ramble, but you can always buy some rain boots as needed.

DH

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

I once spent the cooler six months in the UK, living out of a rucksack. I rolled a blazer, turtleneck, corduroys, grey slacks, an OCBD and a tie, and two pairs of shoes plus some sox, a belt, U-Trou, a down parka, and a rain shell. There was still room for my journal, a glow in the dark Frisbee, and a single malt plus my toilet kit. In Europe dark grey worsted or microfiber will be far more useful than khakis. If I had it extend it to a full year, I'd add the warm weather equivalents and a pair of swimming trunks. Wool dries faster than cotton. Leave the athletic shoes stateside and get something like Alden Walkers.

 

[Andy]

I like Dahaller's recommendation to buy more when you get there.

And PS: NO white shoes, American sports team logos, and go easy on the shorts. Every American tourist friend who wears white shoes and USA sports team ensembles gets mugged! Shorts do not have the universality enjoyed in the US!

 

[vonSuess]

Well, this is when it's good to be a suit guy. If I'm away from home for a period of time, I just take a bunch of suits...

Hans

 

[Zarruman]

How exciting that you get to spend a whole year in Europe! As for your clothing packing list, I would suggest bringing classic and versatile pieces that can easily be mixed and matched. You could consider bringing a blazer instead of a full suit to have a more casual but still put-together look for theater events. Since you won't have any work/professional situations, you have the flexibility to pack what you feel most comfortable and confident in. As for traveling, I'm sure those business class flights will make the long haul more comfortable. Have an amazing time exploring Europe!