a style guide for london, paris, & amsterdam in the winter

wear this there: london, paris, & amsterdam in the winter

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a full style guide for europe in the winter

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yes, it is possible to dress for cold weather without looking like the michelin man. thinking of going to europe in the winter but worried it might be too cold? well, it’s actually a wonderful time of year to go. the most obvious reason is that there are much fewer tourists, plus flights and accommodations are cheaper. and since there’s no shortage of indoor activities in these iconic cities, you won’t have to brave the cold for long. however, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dress appropriately for the colder weather. i’ve prepared a full style guide for winter in london, paris, and amsterdam. read on for a look into my trip and tips on what to wear in europe in the winter and where to eat, drink, and stay when you’re in london, paris, and amsterdam in the winter.

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our first stop on our european winter holiday was london. on nicer days, we hunted for vintage treasures at portobello road market, explored the chic storefronts and restaurants in marylebone, and shopped at charming boutiques in covent garden and neal’s yard. of course oxford and regent streets can’t be missed. on rainier days, we planned to be inside touring westminster abbey, buckingham palace, and other london landmarks. cold nights were spent huddled up in cozy london pubs, warmed by guinness and mulled cider. we met different london locals and spent the night chatting away about everything from politics to puppies, because what is life without puppies?

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anytime we were feeling the chill outside, grabbing a drink and some bites at one of london’s fabulous restaurants (yes, it’s not all fish and chips and yorkshire pudding) or pubs was our favorite way to warm up. we found that there was no shortage of things to do and places to eat in london and wished we had more time. but paris was calling, so we headed to st. pancras station to catch our eurostar train to the city of light.

as we all know in the blogging world, picture perfect photos don’t always tell the whole story. while i could pretend our trip was perfection, the truth is, i left to europe with a bit of a cold which then developed into a pretty rough illness. i was able to (mostly) enjoy our first couple of days in paris. our first night was spent taking in views of the glittering eiffel tower (note: the sparkles only happen on the hour, every hour for 5 minutes) and indulging in an elaborate champagne tasting pinnacled by an incredible glass of 2009 cristal at one of paris’ oldest champagne bars, le dokhan. the next day, we went to the louvre and notre dame. stopped in shakespeare and co., where i picked up some books (my favorite souvenir!) and finished the day off in a small brasserie with amazing french onion soup. but halfway through the next day, i pretty much fell apart.

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i spent two precious vacation days with a fever holed up in our airbnb, drinking gatorade and eating apples; not quite the wine and cheese extravaganza i had been imagining. it was possibly the worst i have ever felt in my entire life. my boyfriend called a doctor who came to our airbnb (for only 99 euro) in le marais and prescribed me some very strong antibiotics. i felt a bit better on our last day, so we explored the former artist enclave of montmartre and dined at pink mamma, a trendy italian restaurant with a stunning interior. was i sad to have spent so much time in one of the most amazing cities in the world cloistered up in our airbnb (at least it was a dreamy airbnb)? of course, but we made the most of the time we did have in paris and by the time we had to leave for amsterdam, i was feeling quite a bit better.

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in amsterdam, we spent most of our time exploring the city on foot. we stumbled upon a lively farmers market, filled with stands selling artisan cheeses and bread (of which i proceeded to buy 3 loaves), fresh oysters, grains, and olives, plus handmade pottery and leather goods. we strolled along the canals, stroopwafel in hand, getting happily lost in the charming little city. we enjoyed coffee at the trendy hoxton hotel, went to de kas for lunch, and did some shopping at the trendy amsterdam boutiques. we went to the van gogh museum (definitely worth the visit) and did a boat tour through the canals (yes, even in winter). they have transparent flaps that enclose the boat plus little heaters and blankets on board. and, most importantly, wine, hot chocolate, and mulled cider. it was a lovely way to see the city and learn some of the history. we spent our last night at tales & spirits, a stylish bar with creative craft cocktails and delicious food.

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amsterdam was definitely quite cold and all the walking meant being outside more than the other cities, so a warm down coat was key for this leg of the trip. even with the brisk cold, amsterdam was still delightful to visit in the winter. the canals are charmingly lined with trees lit by sparkling white christmas lights and the narrow cobblestone streets aren’t crowded with thousands of tourists.

all in all europe in the winter is definitely a good idea, especially if you can still look good for your insta pics. so read on for a full guide of how to dress stylishly for europe in the winter and decidedly avoid looking like a frumpy marshmallow.

a style guide for london, paris, & amsterdam in the winter

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this is my complete packing list and it all fit in one checked bag. i normally only do carry-ons but since i wanted to take so many coats and i was going for two weeks, i had to check a bag. if you only take a couple of coats and wear all of your bulkiest items on the plane ( i guess this might be the one instance you do, in fact, look like the michelin man, but totally worth it), then you could probably manage with just a carry on. the key is to be able to mix and match different items, so i opted for mostly neutral colors that all go with each other, and a couple of pops of red with scarves and hats. plus neutrals are super chic and perfect for the understated glamour of old europe.

note: all shopping galleries are priced high to low. i have included options at every price point, so don’t be discouraged if the first item you click on is $700. i promise there will be another option like it for $75 or lower.

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chic jackets for winter in europe

first things first – jackets will be the key to looking good as you explore europe in the winter. let’s face it, you’re going to be in your jacket a lot of the time, so one coat simply will not do. you need options for different occasions and temperatures. plus, you need some variety for all of the instas you’ll be taking. i recommend taking 2-4, especially if you’re going for over ten days. wear the bulkiest one on the plane to save some space in your suitcase.

a teddy coat

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teddy coats are not only stylish, appearing on the fall/winter 2019 runways, but they have the bonus appeal of feeling like you’re getting away with wearing a cozy, fleece blanket while you’re out and about. it’s the closest you can come to staying in bed all day, without, well, actually staying in bed all day. here are some of my favorite teddy coats to wear in the winter while you’re exploring london, paris, and amsterdam.

a chic ivory wool coat

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the overall style of london and paris is much more sophisticated than much of american style. so you absolutely should to take a chic coat with you. showing up to a nice dinner or high tea in your patagonia, is kinda like going hiking in sandals.

i love the look of a classic ivory wool coat. camel is also an elegant option, but i opted for white, since most teddy coats are camel/tan colored. bonus, these colors are also great for transitioning into spring.

a quilted jacket  

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if you read my post on maine, then you’ll know how much i love my burberry quilted jacket. and, well, what better place to wear burberry than london and paris! in general, i think a classic quilted coat is the perfect fit for european style and great to wear during warmer parts of the day. note: i don’t recommend wearing this jacket on colder evenings.

a blue down jacket  

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there are going to be some pretty cold days and nights, so you need to be prepared. a good down jacket is your best weapon against the cold. you could incorporate the super trendy puffer or go with a classic longer a line jacket. i, personally, think navy is the perfect color for this type of coat, especially for europe. plus it goes exquisitely well with camel accessories, such as hats and scarves. here are some of my favorites to keep you warm during the winter in london, paris, and amsterdam.

a sweater dress

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well, it is winter after all. a sweater dress is the fashionable girl’s best friend in the winter. it’s the best way to stay warm while also looking like you’ve dressed up. i think a camel sweater dress with a pair of eye catching red boots is the perfect glamorous yet cozy ensemble for a night out in paris.

stylish leggings

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leggings are your best travel friend. they take up very little space, are comfortable, super versatile, and easily pair with the many sweater options i outline below. i recommend taking at least two pairs. one leather pair for dressier outfits and one regular pair for daily wear. i’ve rounded up some of my favorites, plus some pairs that are fleece lined, which is so key to have when you’re traveling in europe in the winter.

a leather skirt

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gone are the days that a leather skirt meant you were more julia roberts in pretty woman than sjp in sex and the city. the leather skirt has become a classic staple in every woman’s closet. it’s such a versatile item which can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, making it the perfect item to pack for a trip to europe in the winter. it looks fabulous with tights, short booties, and a sweater or over the knee boots and pretty blouse.

a feminine dress

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you’ll need to take at least one nice dress with you. i love these feminine and flouncy floral styles for winter. they all would look super chic with over the knee or slouchy boots. a pretty dress is the perfect option to wear out to high tea or a nice dinner.

a black blouse

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always take a black blouse with you, almost everywhere you go. but especially for europe. and that’s all i have to say about that. well, also, it is super versatile. you can pair it with a leather skirt and booties, black leggings, or leopard trousers and layer it with a sweater on those colder days.

leopard print trousers

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because animal print is still trending and a sophisticated pair of trousers with a punch of fun print is perfect for europe.

if i’m being honest, i did bring a pair of leopard trousers with me to europe, but never wore them. but that’s probably because of my two sick days when i was out of commision. i think they’d be perfect to wear in paris with a pair of loafers or mules and a chic black blouse or a cashmere turtleneck.

a chunky knit sweater – cream/neutral

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sweaters are your best friend for a trip to europe in the winter. you’ll need a few to wear for your more casual activities, like strolling through westminster abbey and drinking late into the night at the quirky and popular pub, churchill arms. these chunky options are perfect for keeping you warm no matter what the temperature is.

a cardigan

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yes, the cardigan is having a moment, and yes, you should embrace it. whether, you opt for the super feminine cropped style or the chunkier grandpa chic look, it’s a perfect way to add an extra layer to your outfit in order to stay warm.  

a gray sweater

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i brought one with me and i wore it more than any other item i packed. but then again, it was also the softest/coziest thing i brought. so i guess just bring something super soft and cozy, even if it’s not a gray sweater per se.

a turtleneck sweater

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turtlenecks! not just for steve jobs anymore. i love them. and a camel cashmere turtleneck sweater is the epitome of winter chic. also, you can mix and match it so easily and therefore, pack less.

a black sweater

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are you tired of sweaters yet? well, i’m sorry, but you’ll need them. and when in doubt, wear black.

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onto shoes! shoes are one of those items that take up a lot of space in your suitcase, so pack appropriately and wear your chunkiest pair on the plane. whenever you travel, you really only need 3-4 pairs of shoes. definitely take a comfortable pair for everyday, a statement pair, and a versatile evening pair. i’ve outlined my top picks below.

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red over the knee slouch boots

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this is my one stand out item that is, decidedly, not versatile. when you’re in paris, you want at least one glamorous outfit and these boots are just that. as stated above, i paired them with a camel sweater dress, which helped balance the look and keep it sophisticated yet fabulous. finish the look with a bold red lip and a camel colored beret and you’re ready to take on the city of light.

also these otn boots pack down pretty small, just lay them out flat length-wise in your suitcase with the heels butted up against opposite corners and they’ll barely even take up any space at all!

over the knee black boots

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thank god for over the knee boots. they are the answer to every fashion girl’s prayers for a chic pair of shoes that can be worn in the winter. they pretty much work with everything from dresses and skirts to leggings and skinny jeans. plus, that extra otn fabric helps keep you warm. (also easy to pack, see above paragraph on red boots for packing tip!)

rain boots

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you should probably take a pair of rain boots (or at least water resistant boots) with you. on our trip, it actually didn’t rain much at all, but it was nice to have a pair of boots that i could wear and know that if it rained, i could forge on, stomping through puddles to reach that world renowned fromagerie. and rainboots do not have to be those big clunky galoshes you may be picturing in your head. here are a number of trendy options that will keep you looking chic even in the middle of a downpour. note: some of these aren’t actual rain boots, but have material that is generally water resistant and you can also use waterproofing spray to help protect them.

stylish loafers and mules

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for the winter in europe, trade in your usual sneakers, for a pair of loafers or mules and it will immediately elevate your look. they’re the perfect way to add a splash of color or pattern to your ensemble as well. just make sure to break them in before your trip.

sunglasses

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even though it’s winter, you still need a cute pair of sunglasses. these are the two styles i think are best for europe in the winter. psa: slim cat eye sunglasses do not look good on a puffy, hungover face. trust me, i fell victim to that fashion disaster. which is why you should also take a pair of shield sunglasses with you when you’re feeling more like struggle city and not so much city of light.

tights

you’ll need them.

travel safe tote bag

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definitely bring a larger tote bag to take with you during the day. you’ll need a bag large enough to hold an umbrella plus your hat, gloves, and scarf when you take them off once inside. make sure it has a zipper closure as well, because nothing ruins a vacation quite like being pickpocketed. here are my top picks (pun intended, i think).

berets

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you basically can’t go to paris and not wear a beret. and bonus, berets are seriously having a moment. they are the perfect cold weather accessory to instantly make your winter outfit look more chic. i would take a couple in different shades.

a cozy hat

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in addition to your berets you should also bring a cozy hat to keep your head warm on those extra cold days.

chic scarves

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they are the perfect accessory to tie your whole outfit together, plus they’re so practical for winter in order to stay warm. a large blanket scarf is great to have for those colder days (and on the plane), while a slimmer elegant scarf is perfect to pair with your dressier outfits.

leather gloves

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leather gloves are a practical and elegant way to keep you even warmer while sightseeing in the middle of winter.

cozy pajamas

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last, but definitely not least, you need a cozy pair of pajamas to keep you warm during the cold winter nights. might as well pick a cute pair in case you want to insta a cozy morning in sipping on english tea.

and that’s my full style guide on what to pack for europe in the winter. michelin man be damned! now onto the good stuff: food and sleep.

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final tips: a travel guide for london, paris, & amsterdam

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these iconic cities have some of the best restaurants and hotels in the world. i’ve rounded up my top picks below.

eat this there: best restaurants in london, paris, & amsterdam

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here are, in my humble opinion, the top restaurants to dine at in london, paris, and amsterdam. these places have not only good food but also beautiful decor, because instagram.

best restaurants in london:

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chiltern firehouse (marylebone) $$$$

see and be seen. can’t score a table for dinner? try brunch

the ledbury (notting hill) $$$$

one of the world’s 50 best restaurants, fine dining

sketch (mayfair) $$$ – pictured above

instagrammer’s paradise with afternoon high-tea

brat (shoreditch) $$$

casual cool, without trying to be cool

dalloway terrace (bloomsbury) $$$

a classic brunch spot with the dreamiest seasonal decor

lina stores (soho) $$

casual italian, quick lunch with small plates

brawn (shoreditch) $$

modern european/italian with food you’ll want to keep coming back for

farm girl cafe (notting hill) $

trendy aussie breakfast spot with healthy/fresh eats

borough market (southwark) $

oldest food market in london, touristy but worth it

roti king (euston) $

cheap eats with lots of flavor and byob

(get there early, or be prepared for a queue)

poppies fish & chips (soho) $

classic, no frills fish and chips

responsibly sourced and caught that day

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best restaurants paris:

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le cinq (8th arr.) $$$$

three michelin star fine dining, considered the apex of french cuisine

benoit paris (4th arr.) $$$

classic french bistro dating back to 1912

septime (11th arr.) $$$

considered by many to be the hottest and best restaurant in paris so make reservations far in advance

le brebant (2nd arr.) $$$

one of the oldest brasseries in the city with a stunning, insta-famous interior, but a bit overpriced for what you get

pink mamma (9th arr.) $$ – pictured above

trendy italian spot with beautiful, instagrammable decor

les philosophes (4th arr.) $$

casual brasserie with the best french onion soup in paris

barthélemy (7th arr.) $$

not exactly a restaurant, but the most divine fromagerie

breizh cafe (3rd arr.) $

famous for their buckwheat crepes

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best restaurants in amsterdam:

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de kas (oost) $$$$ – pictured above

organic, locally sourced ingredients served in a chic greenhouse

tales & spirits (red light district) $$-$$$

one of the world’s 50 best bars, with creative cocktails and good food

teds (west) $$

best bloody marys, always packed for sunday brunch but open everyday

happyhappyjoyjoy (da costabuurt) $$

upscale asian street food in a trendy space

bar fisk (de pijp) $$

lively mediterranean seafood restaurant with craft cocktails

de foodhallen (west) $

best food hall in amsterdam with an assortment of dining options

dream this there: where to stay in london, paris, & amsterdam

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below i’ve listed some of the best hotels to stay in london, paris, and amsterdam. but i also highly recommend checking out airbnb for beautiful and unique properties.

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the best hotels in london:

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claridge’s: (mayfair) $$$$

quintessential london hotel, with opulent suites and posh dining

the goring hotel: (belgravia) $$$-$$$$

upscale hotel favored by royals with sumptuous rooms

haymarket hotel: (piccadilly) $$$

boutique hotel in a georgian townhouse with chic rooms

the laslett: (notting hill) $$

elegant rooms in sophisticated lodging

batty langley’s hotel: (shoreditch) $$

boutique hotel with classic rooms and plush suites

nadler soho: (soho) $

a hotel with modern rooms at the center of london’s most vibrant district

the hoxton hotel – london: (shoreditch) $

trendy hotel in a hip neighborhood

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the best hotels in paris:

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hôtel plaza athénée: (8th arr.) $$$$

luxury hotel with opulent rooms and views of the eiffel tower

four season hotel george v, paris: (8th arr.) $$$$

ornate, high end hotel with elegant rooms, just off the champs elysees

relais christine: (6th arr.) $$$

luxe quarters in a 16th c. mansion with a posh lounge

hotel bowmann paris: (8th arr.) $$$

chic and sophisticated boutique hotel with city views

hôtel d’aubusson: (6th arr.) $$

grand hotel with luxe rooms and upscale amenities

the hoxton hotel – paris: (2nd arr.) $-$$

a trendy hotel with chic decor in an 18th c. residence

hotel amastan paris: (8th arr.) $

chic rooms with thoughtful design details in upscale area

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the best hotels in amsterdam:

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waldorf astoria amsterdam: (herengracht – city center) $$$$

collection of 17th century canal palaces with upscale and refined rooms

the dylan: (keizersgracht – 9 streets area) $$$

stunning waterfront hotel with luxe rooms and sophisticated decor

hotel sofitel legend the grand amsterdam: (city center on the edge of the red light district) $$-$$$

luxe hotel in 17th c. building with unique furnishings

art’otel amsterdam: (city center) $$

hip, modern hotel with stylish rooms

the hoxton amsterdam: (herengracht – city center) $-$$

trendy hotel in former canal houses with stylish decor

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and that’s a wrap! hope you enjoyed my travel guide on london, paris, & amsterdam in the winter! please let me know if you have any questions or need any other recommendations (comment below or message me on instagram)! i’m basically a hermit when i’m not traveling, so have all the time. xoxo