Clothes

In addition to the Vivienne Files which I love, this is a great youtube video for scarf tying. If the link gets deleted, search 25 ways to wear a scarf in 4.5 minutes on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYAEz777AU

As for looking sloppy, I'm not sure your jean would be a problem. You could look quite stylish in jeans. As for comfort, do you regularly wear jeans at home, and are comfortable for the most part? If so, then I think you would be okay. Not sure there is much you can do about the weather. Maybe check the weather before you leave and adjust, but at least in London and Paris, you should be okay for the most part. I rather enjoy wearing jeans on my trips (non-summer), and if you are going in the latter part of September, then it should be okay. I think jeans can be very comfortable and stylish. Do you have anything else you could consider just in case (e.g., khakis, etc.).

I almost always wear jeans so that was my first choice of clothing. I was just told that I may want to reconsider, so I thought I would get some different opinions. Thank you for your help! Ill take some skirts too, just for a change, but I'm glad I'm not alone in my love for a good pair of jeans :)

Jeans are heavy as luggage and also dry slowly as laundry. If I want denim, I wear the pants on the plane (not too tight, though) and pack a couple of lightweight blends. The weather will likely be pleasant in September. Jeans are common everywhere except extremely formal restaurants (or so I have been told.) It's how you wear your scarf that counts.

Uh oh, fill me in on the scarf info. I have a ton of those I can take!

Two suggestions. How to tie a scarf from Eileen Fisher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pzCjFxr8sXU. And a visit to the Vivienne Files: http://theviviennefiles.blogspot.com/?view=classic. I pasted in the urls in case the links don't work. Be sure to browse back in time on the Vivienne Files. She rarely has a combination without a scarf and you will see them everywhere you go. You will also see jeans, but typically dark wash blue or very bright colors.

Hi Courtney. As far as weather is concerned, I start monitoring it on a daily basis a few weeks before the start of my trip. I use weather.com but others have their own preferred sites. I don't go by the monthly average alone. The actual weather can be warmer, cooler, wetter, etc. than the average. I wear jeans all the time at home and they're my preferred pants choice on trips. I bring 2 pairs for 2 weeks. I only bring shorts if it's going to be very hot, and I never bring dresses or skirts because I don't like wearing them outside of work. Bring what you wear at home, modified for weather of course. You'll be most comfortable that way.

I think jeans are fine, but they are hot, and heavy and it can still be quite warm in Barcelona at that time , so I would definately pack other stuff, skirt, sundress or lightweight cotton pants/capris.

I was just in Barcelona and had it not been 90 degrees, I would have worn jeans (or at least capri jeans). You can look pulled together in jeans. I'd second the scarf recommendation - dresses up an outfit and looks European. :)

I can't speak to Barcelona (looks like you have lots of comments about that city) but I know in Paris & London jeans will be fine and you won't look sloppy unless you wear ratty old jeans & a holey t-shirt (although you could say it's the new style & you could restart that trend again! LOL) I plan on bringing 2 pairs of jeans (dark wash, one skinny & one boot cut) and one pair of black chinos. I'll wear a pair of jeans on the plane and pack the other 2 pants. I will also bring 2 sweaters, a couple of t-shirts and a couple of button down shirts to wear under the sweaters. We will be there for 2 weeks as well, but we are only going to Munich & Paris & will have a washer & dryer. :)

Main thing for me Courtney would be the weather - I was in Paris and Southern France (so closer to Barcelona) 2 year ago for though the first week of September. Paris was cold and rainy and the South was VERY hot. I was glad I had my "nice jeans" for Paris and glad I had summer dresses and sandals for the South.

My husband always rolls our jeans, in our hotel bath towels, after our showers. The towels absorb a lot of water and the jean dry quicker. We use "Forever New" powdered soap. We buy it at Macy's, in the lingerie dept. The soap can be used in warm or cold water and doesn't cause a lot of suds. We do a load of colors and whites in the hotel tub or shower. We also bring along a rubber drain cover. A lot of hotels, don't have sufficient drain stoppers.

For city travel, I pretty much wear what I wear at home. I agree with the advice of not bringing too many jeans due to weight, but I will wear one, and maybe pack one of the weather is cool. Not being able to dry them fast is a good point, but jeans don't need much washing. If you bring a dark wash, that can take you from day to evening in most situations. You can dress it down with sneakers or walking shoes and up with ballet flats. Depending on your age, you may find these websites useful: herpackinglist.com and travelfashiongirl.com

Oh, this post reminds me of something. If any of you live near a Gap Outlet/Factory store, they now carry an item called the "jeano," which is a cross between a jean and a chino. I think it's a very lightweight denim but in chino colors (khaki and black, but also some brights), and it'a slim cut. This may be a good option for someone who wants jeans but not the weight. The black pair I got can be dressed up or down very easily.

I'm all about wearing jeans, but you will probably find that Barcelona will still be pretty warm. I do always bring at least one pair, as you just never know... :-)

A little clarification of my original scarf suggestion: This essential French accessory is vital to men in jeans too. Think of the word "elan". Sorry I can't put the correct accent on the letter 'e' (and hence lack elan, although my own accent in French is tragic.)

Courtney, jeans are fine but can be hot. Since you posted on August 7, you are probably on your trip. Hope your choice worked out well and that you enjoyed your trip. I always like to take one or two pair of lighter cargo pants from Chico's. they are a good weight, comfortable
and come in several colors.