Destination Thursday // How to pack for winter?

It can be quite a challenge for those living in the tropics, to pack for winter. During our coldest days in Singapore, all we need is one cardigan (!) So for me, I learnt it the hard way.

My very first winter holiday was in New York where I layered like crazy and looked like a dumpling in every photograph. I also wore high heeled boots (bad idea!). When you have sub-zero temperatures, you will be more concerned with keeping warm. Additional leg aches and blisters ... not necessary.

Last year we went to Europe for 2 weeks. We were anticipating cool, comfortable weather as it was the beginning of Spring but we were welcomed with winter weather. So it was quite a disaster as you can expect. I was better prepared for the last trip I went with my husband to Europe in Dec 2013.

There were some learning points I gathered from all these trips and I am more than happy to share them with you.

+ Try to be comfortable and avoid heels especially in cobblestoned streets in Europe. Your feet will thank you.
+ Always cover your hands and head - the extremities. You'll feel better instantly. Match your beanie/headgear with your glove.
+ The base layer should always be a thermal wear or something in wool. Never cotton.
+ If you know its going to be a cold day or temperatures might dip, wear a thermal top, wool sweater and an outerwear. Pair your outfit with a pashmina shawl and keep another neutral colored one in your bag (Just in case you desperately need to stay warmer or someone needs it).
+ Drink lots and lots of water. You can easily be dehydrated and you would not even know until headache strikes.
+ When you travel, always always keep an umbrella in your bag. Winter weather is mostly rainy. You wouldn't want to be wet AND cold.

//image by yours truly

I have prepared 10 different outfit combinations for you with just 5 tops. Bring along neutral colored accessories/scarfs for easy mix-match. The accessories will instantly polish your look.

Wanderlust Series :: Travelling from the tropics to freezing Europe (Points to note)

Recently I put together a few outfit posts for my trip to Europe. I under-estimated the weather because for the first time in FIFTY years (or so they say), the temperature dipped to freezer temperature in April - 0 degrees celcius or hovering ard a single digit in every country/city we went to. It was quite mad considering my parents were not used to the cold at all. But it was a nice trip and I wouldn't complain because it was snowing in Switzerland and it was just so beautiful. If we were to do it all over again, we would not go in between seasons since the weather gets increasingly unpredictable.

via

"There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing." ~ Alfred Wainwright Photo Seymour Sheer. There’s a Girl Under There, 1967.
Some lessons learnt (if you are unsure ....) :

• Stick to trench coats. It is waterproof, stylish and versatile.
• Ditch heavy, fashionable coats.
• Bring gloves (I realised that once my hands were covered, I instantly felt warmer/cozier)
• Bring an umbrella (I took a chance and it backfired)
• Silk scarves are life-savers
• Forget heat-packs/thermal wears (I didn't think they were necessary. The heat-packs bulked up my pockets)
• Loved my new slightly wedged black leather boots.
• Bring thicker strapped slim cross body bags. My thin strapped bulky bag almost gave way.

Wanderlust Series :: From day to nIght

      Check out my previous post on gathering the basics.

Wanderlust Series :: Layering

Dealing with temperature changes throughout the day - Cool to cold

Check out my previous post on gathering the basics.

Wanderlust series :: Long flight outfit

All you need to do on a long flight to another continent is to be comfortable, VERY comfortable. Never wear dark porous materials on a flight as the flight blankets come with lint. I made this mistake a million times. This sweater I got from H&M is very thin so I'll be layering with the black camisole.

Try to wear comfy leggings or jeggings. If you are a germ-a-phobe like me, you wouldn't want your jeans to touch the floor of the (sometimes wet!) aircraft toilet - this happens if you wear long jeans/bootcut.

Day/Night :: Cool by anyta4 featuring jersey pants

      For more tips on long haul travel, check out one of my older posts here!

      Check out my previous post on gathering the basics.