Off Season Layering – Any Time But Summer in Europe

Going back to England to see relatives required two things as a kid. Dealing with cigarette smoke literally everywhere, especially the plane, and lugging a winter coat that we rarely needed back home in Houston.

Even a few years ago I brought a big, heavy, stylish wool coat on a memorable February trip to Paris. I wanted to be warm and fashionable. (Yes, we have a white dog).

Well I looked nice. And it was heavy and once you go in a warm place you have to wrestle your way out of the coat and are almost immediately boiling and… you know the feeling.

Fashionistas have made a new light and comfy style “in” and on a recent trip to London, Paris and Bordeaux, I was grateful I got on board with the in crowd.

The above little bag that can smoosh into a small backpack contained my winter coat. Warm. With a hood, rain proof. Game changer!

Treat yourself to this!

Meanwhile I wear a cotton turtleneck (not wool), a light sweater on top, and The Coat. Gloves zip into a pocket. A double wrapped scarf blocks the wind. You can find Youtube tutorials on French scarf wrapping (yes, seriously). Just make sure it’s long enough to double but not so long you trip over it when you take it off in some tiny cafe. Or whip it onto a stranger as you try a stylish move. (No video exists of this, don’t search.)

You’re welcome. (Oh and I found one at Marshall’s.)