I can’t believe that our Christmas trip is already here! We leave for London in just a few short days and I am finally all packed and have created my London packing list . I have spent weeks creating a winter capsule wardrobe for London and am happy with how it turned out! With so many things to do during winter in London(and a lot of walking), I had to make sure that I packed all of the right things to wear everyday. Going through my closet and packing the right things has also helped me not spend so much on new things to take on our trip. I have curated not only my packing list, but outfit ideas too! Sharing all of the items that I think you should pack when traveling to London during winter. Also, a pdf is below for easy download! This post contains affiliate links.
London packing List
P.S.- If you are bringing a little one like us, I have also shared previously travel essentials for a one year old! Although bringing small children on a trip abroad can be more challenging, I think it is so rewarding for parents to do so! Being able to see things through children’s eyes is so magical, especially during Christmas time.
What to pack for London
Coats
The winter season is all about “the coat making the outfit”, so I always like to pack more than one if I am going somewhere cold for longer than a few days. For this trip, I am packing my mango wool coat in a neutral camel color and a long coat in a grey color! These are both very versitle and can be worn daily different ways, dressed up or down. I also packed a medium length fuzzy coat- these are currently on trend and look so chic with an all-black outfit!
1 pair of sweats
I packed a pair of neutral sweats to wear on the plane. I brought neutral ones so I can wear the top with another outfit or even around the hotel.
Wide Leg Leather pants
Packing leather pants is always something that I do when going to Europe, no matter the season. I love how they can be dressed down and paired with sneakers during the day or paired with boots and a blouse at night for dinner. This time, I pack a pair of wide leg leather pants since London is known to be a little casual, but I can dress them up very easily with a fancy sweater or shirt.
Trousers
I packed one pair of grey trousers, which can be worn in multiple ways. I can wear them with a grey sweater and sneakers with a grey coat for a casual day of shopping, or pair them with a long sweater and boots for dinner. I’m also bringing a pair of fleece leggings to wear under them in case it’s windy and too cold to wear them by themselves. For shoes, these can be paired with sneakers or boots, depending on the top.
Jeans
I packed two pair of jeans for winter in London- one pair of straight leg agolde jeans in a medium wash and a pair of wide leg black jeans. Both of these are great for casual days to wear with a sweater. I love the agolde jeans since they can be worn with boots and a black coat for a chic look! Since a trip to London includes a lot of walking, being comfortable but feeling put together is ideal and a pair of jeans is a great way to achieve this.
Sweaters
I packed sweaters in neutral colors that I can mix or match: grey. beige, black, maroon and a white cardigan. This is 100% where I overpacked but I still brought them all since sweaters can be worn with anything and may ways.
Layering tops & 1 pair of leggings
Layering tops are great to be worn by themselves or under a sweater! For layering pieces I brought a black turtleneck bodysuit, a brown sweater and some fleece lined leggings. The shirts can be worn under sweaters or even by themselves, and the fleece leggings I plan on wearing under the grey trousers I brought, or with a long sweater around the hotel.
Two pair of boots
I told myself no overpacking boots, so I only brought two: a pair of Chelsea boots and a pair of black heel booties! The heel booties I took with me to Paris last year, so I know they are comfortable to wear all day. The Chelsea boots are waterproof and perfect to wear on a rainy day.
Two pair of sneakers
My new balances are what I am wearing on the plane and I brought my Gucci sneakers to wear also. These are both also very comfortable and can be worn with all of the things that I packed.
Warm Accessories
I packed minimal accessories: a black leather ball cap (for the rain), a grey scarf, a Louis Vuitton scarf and a crossbody. I get cold easily, so I brought the scarfs to wear at the Christmas markets which we go to typically at night time.
How to pack for a trip abroad
Packing for a trip abroad can be a stressful & overwhelming. It’s a little daunting to feel like you can’t forget anything since you will be so far from home. The tips below have helped me when packing for abroad:
Pack ahead
There is nothing worst than packing for a trip last minute, especially a trip overseas! Taking time to plan what you pack and doing it sooner than later has always eliminated a lot of stress for me when packing for a trip overseas.
Bring comfortable walking shoes
If you are traveling overseas, you will probably be doing a lot of walking. Packing comfortable walking shoes is essential for an overseas trip especially if you plan on sightseeing or doing some shopping. Depending on where you are going, water resistant boots might also be a necessity.
Pack your essential toiletries
Going on a trip overseas (in my opinion) is not the time to be trying new products, so I always pack my go-to toiletries which includes my normal facial care, body wash etc. Doing this removes the stress of needing anything while I am out of town. And also the stress of putting anything new on my skin that I might have a reaction to!
Bring essentials on the plane with you
On long flights, I like to have my essentials with me: toothbrush, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, lotion, an extra pair of socks, and even sometimes a change of clothes!
Check the weather the week before you go
I tend to check the weather multiple times before I go on a trip. But also do so the week before we leave. Weather can be unpredictable, so I like to be prepared and make sure that I packed appropriately.
Wear your heaviest thing on the plane
If you are traveling overseas during winter season, I always recommend to wear (or at least bring) your heaviest thing on the plane: your coat. Doing this will give you back some room in your bag and also will help keep your bag weight lower, so you are able to pack more.
Whether you are going on a trip to London during Christmas or somewhere else, I hope the above helps you when packing for a trip overseas!
XO,
B
