Ladies! I Need Packing Help! :)

Great i will check out the travel smith pants
so you think that the keens will be fine with socks for hiking in the Alps? Others posted did not so that is why I am hesitating.. i never want to take my keens off.. I cannot recall a more comfortable pair of shoes!

I would be more inclined to also take the sneakers/hikers along in case you need them. The extra clothes I'd drop would be the extra outfits for dressier wear. You said you plan to go to tea (hotel tea) and out to one or two shows at night. If you have black knit pants, a top, and the Mary Janes to wear, you can wear it for both nights out at the theatre and to the tea. One dressy outfit is enough. As someone else said, add a scarf and accessories to change the look. I think no one expects you to have on a different outfit every day when you travel.

What trails in the Alps? If there is snow then no the sandals wouldn't be good. I will note I live in these sandals and have noticed they can slip when rocks are wet, i.e.. crossing a stream. I have found Keens to be the most comfortable brand of shoes I've ever worn. Have 3 different pairs. Since the sandals are so light and I imagine you Mary Janes aren't
weighty might you consider these lightweight pair, the Palisades. Doesn't cut down on what you pack but you will need stability if the trails are rocky.

Another source for packable clothes that are not expensive is Target--seriously. Last year I found a some pieces there that I took to Spain: a black slim skirt of some stretchy synthetic that looked like shantung silk, and a jersey dress that rolled up very small and the print disguised any wrinkles. I found some strappy heeled sandals with plastic soles that were very light and didn't take up much suitcase. Not good for extended walking on cobblestones but worked for the occasional night of getting kind of dressed up. If you're near an REI they have lots of travel clothes. I found a pair of gray rock climbing shorts that I wore all of the time--no cargo pockets, in a lightweight but substantial stretchy fabric that didn't wrinkle and dried quickly. Just above the knee so modest enough for city wear. Maybe you can find some in black trouser length? I found shoes to be a big dilemma too. I'm still looking for that perfect pair of shoes that works with most outfits and activities.

Thanks..I plan to take only one dress outfit to where whenever we go anyplace that requires it. I was not planning more than that.. it was the shoe thing that was getting me so if I pack the mary janes they really look much better with pants so settled black pants ,,, now just need to buy the perfect pair;) you have all given me some ideas so I will start exploring I will check out Paradise Keens as well I forget which i have but they are supposed to handle water..
We have not decided which hikes yet but will not do anything too grueling..

This is one of the reasons that I usually wear pants instead of skirts or dresses. I think a black leather walking shoe with black pants is not so obvious, but whatever shoe you wear with a skirt really stands out. So you might consider sticking with pants. This is acceptable for tea or a show; just dress it up with a nicer top, costume jewelry, or a scarf if you like.

I also travel with black pants(2 or 3) and black leather walking shoes. I wear mostly black and white tops, and one top an other color. Sometimes one pair of pants is slightly dressier, but not always. I generally stick with business casual. I dress up with accessories when needed; i.e., scarf or necklace, bracelet and earrings. I even managed my daughter's wedding in England, which included a dressy party the night before, the wedding breakfast and the wedding party at night, while also looking well dressed the rest of the week. I did bring an additional pair of shoes, which were dressier flats from Clarks, for the wedding as I usually only have the shoes I am wearing with me. I can not tolerate uncomfortable shoes or heels for many reasons. It's all about the slight changes and accessories. The measurements of my rolled carry-on totalled 40". I admit it was the heaviest I've ever packed at 20-22 lbs. I bought the wedding hat in the UK and wore it back on the plane for the US wedding. Is there a reason you need three completely different outfits for the tea and two shows? Wouldn't smaller changes work? I love the planning and packing! I hope you are having fun with it regardless of what you decide. W.

Hi Barbara, Shoes are always the most troublesome - I definitely envy the men in that regard! Do you need both the sneakers/hikers and the hiking sandals? If you don't, you could eliminate one of those and substitute it for a pair of flats that work with a skirt/black pants? A couple of years ago I had a similar issue - "city" events which required a more sophisticated look with excursions to the country for hiking. I wore my hikers on the plane and brought a pair of black walking shoes and a pair of dressier sandals (it was summer).
As the other posters said, nice black pants are fine for tea and shows, especially when paired with a nice top/sweater, jewelry and a scarf and I am sure would look fine with the mary janes!

oh I can do with one outfit for anything dressier than touring during the day.. I was thinking of black pants.. you are both right with that.. much easier than a dress.. The mary janes should look ok with the pants if i wear black stockings i have a really hard time with shoes problem feet:) I was looking for black pants that do not wrinkle though and I have a pair I love that are too short really got them at Ann taylor yrs ago... I saw some by Yala (dreamsacks) bought one of their robes for the trip, folds into nothing....
If you have any thoughts as to wrinkle free black pants let me know:) Thanks

nancy
In response to your question... I was told I needed more than the Keen hiking sandals for the alps. They are closed toe and if you know of them they are pretty covered.. I would love to not bring another pair but don't want to have a problem.. we are not going to do any heavy hiking but I don't know what we will run into and if there is any snow on the trail that could be a problem I guess.

Barbara, I have actually been wardrobe cruising lately...looking but not buying. I saw some nice looking black travel knit type pants at K-Mart! I didn't try them on, so have no idea how they fit, but they are similar to the fabric used by higher priced retailers for travel collections (ie Chico's, sometimes TravelSmith and Magellan's).

ok will check out K Mart....I was even considering some yoga or jazz pants... they are wrinkle free

I hike in my Keen sandals daily, the Venice Sports ones. Leave the sneakers at home. The Keens will be great for the light hiking you plan to do. One pair of the ultra light micro SmartWool socks in case of cold weather. Mary Janes look fine with black slacks. The Travel Smith, the Jet Set Knit slacks are worth a look. Practical, comfortable, stylish.

I am in the throes of packing, too, for an Apr. to June UK/France trip, and I have the same shoe dilemma. I wear my goretex hiking boots on the plane and that leaves another pair of shoes. It will have to be the black leather SAS walking shoes since the maryjanes are not quite as comfortable for lots of walking, and I can't allow myself both. I have bad feet and cannot compromise comfort. I recently discovered Smartwool socks and love them. Fortunately, i am 67 so nobody is expecting fashionable footwear! I am doing the black thing this trip and I just bought the RoyalRobbins Cardiff traveler pants. They are nylon with a silky feel and breathable and non-wrinkle. I test washed and they dried overnight (in AZ). For cool UK I shall take silk long johns as well, but I plan these slacks and 1 gray Macabi trekking skirt only for bottoms. I am trying to pack lighter every trip.

Way to go Arlene! I agree pack light my 59 yr old body is not very strong and cannot handle heavy bags anyway so all I am packing has to be very light and very little__so far so good the shoes always get me though.. so now I am down to my keens, my orthoheel mary janes which btw are extremely comfortable and you could walk all day in them designed by a podiatrist.. they have amazing support and they are really cute.. will look good with the black pants.. i will check the brand you got.. Looked at the travel smith and they might work
I am now looking at the palisades keen hikers they look like they might work - I so did not want to bring more shoes but may need to.

Eliz REI has some black pants that might work too.. yoga pants and cinque terre city pants lightweight that might be able to be be dressed up.. I think I have a bunch of options now Thanks all for your suggestions!

@ Arlene...I love the look of the Macabi skirt! Does it wash and dry well? Is it weird when you snap it up into the pants mode?

Barbara, I've been traveling with black Chico Travelers for almost ten years, buying at least one pair a year. As they wear out they are relegated to the gym, yoga, etc. I also have a black Travelers jacket which makes an opera or tea outfit with the pants. Just add scarf, necklace, etc. One warning-don't wear the dark pants hiking, which I did last year in Burgundy. Got Lyme disease. Never saw the little bugger that bit me. Had been unaware of its presence in Europe, until then.

Hi barbara,
you can't go wrong with a couple of pashmina's for color and to keep arms etc.. comfortable.

@Pam, Yes, the Macabi skirt washes and dries very well because it is supplex nylon. I hadn't used the "bloomer" mode until we started taking a lot of tropical cruises. I find I prefer the skirt to shorts for shore excursions. It's cooler than pants and just as cool as shorts and gives sun protection. Anyhow, getting on and off the boat, usually by tender on small islands in the S. Pacific, it was often windy, so I just used the pant clip. Once when wading in the surf I also used the snap up the sides mode along with the pant clip. This skirt is billowy so that is very useful if there is a stiff breeze. For cool in England I can wear knee socks and my silk below-the-knee short johns (from WinterSilks.com) or tights or leggings. (macabiskirt.com)

Ah, the shoe dilemma. I have a really hard time packing less than 3 pairs of shoes, because on almost any trip we have at least one "dress up" moment which seems to necessitate a pair of heels. I got around this during my summer trip to France, I took only a pair of comfortable but stylish sketcher sneakers, and a pair of surprisingly comfortable somewhat heeled/platform open-toe sandals from Jambu - the Touring line. They aren't super fancy, but they look fine with a casual skirt or sundress, but also function as casual shoes with capris or shorts. I walked miles and miles in them and was very comfortable.

If you insist on wearing a skirt a smart pair of ballet flats maybe the solution. I have a pair that pack smaller than my flip flops.

I love jambu shoes I have a pair and they are super comfortable but for me not really good for a full day of sightseeing also, they are kind of clunky to pack so if I was using them just for a dress up event then I am better off with a pair of heels but that was why I bought the orthoheel mary janes.. they are extremely comfortable and fine for a day of walking..and are cute in a quirky sort of way but I don't think they look good with dresses so I guess I will stick with pants.. Pants either Chicos or travel Smith or possibly jazz or yoga pants as they are made out of that same lycra fabric that does not wrinkle and you are all correct about dressing it up on top.. We are going in mid may to early June and so the weather will be more spring like.. Will need a warm jacket for evening so pashima may not be enough for then (I love them)
Thanks all for your help and suggestions

Barbara, you could always do the pashmina over your jacket for some pop, especially if the jacket is black. I'll be interested to know what pants you decide on.

So I may be the only one, but I wear my mary jane Naot and Keen shoes with a black skirt and I think they look fine. Paired with a nicer shirt and scarf you can get by, especially if they're black. Most people aren't going to look closely at your shoes, and honestly, they'll never see you again! :-) By the way, I hiked the entire Cinque Terre trail in Italy in my Keen mary janes and had no problems. I also take black and khaki Royal Robbins cardiff pants (easy care and very light weight). Aside from REI, try Lucy.com - they have workout wear, but several of their pants are quick dry and don't look like yoga pants (walkabout pants in particular).

I always pack a pashima.. its so useful. I use it as a blanket on trains, planes etc,, and a pillow scrunched up, and it helps when its gets cool and you didn't wear a sweater out( and when it gets hot I loop it around my purse straps instead of wearing it) , caught in a rainstorm I can cover my head, , and mine is dark, so I can sit on it if need be for a picnic. Mine is not silk so I can hand wash it and its dry usually next day. It is a lifesaver so many times.

Pam since you asked I decided on the chicos travelers they are really nice

Several posters said they wear comfortable sandals or Mary Janes with skirts. How do you solve the "socks" problem when you do that? Shoes without socks give me blisters, particularly if it is hot. But adding socks looks weird with a skirt IMHO and nylons aren't very pleasant on a hot day.

@ Cynthia, give Hue perfectly bare shoe liners a try: http://www.hue.com/Socks/Shoe-Liners/Liners/HUE-Perfectly-Bare-Hidden-Liner.aspx
They come in a padded version as well, but these help keep my feet dry when walking all day in a humid climate.

With walking sandals I often wear tan short-cuff socks by Fox River. I figure if I wear sort of skin-color socks they won't stand out too glaringly. That actually is the most comfortable thing I can wear on my feet because they are padded but get plenty of fresh air.

Several years ago I "gave up" and relented to wearing ugly orthopedic shoes. It is more important to me that I have healthy feet, that will allow me to hike mountains into my golden years, than to deform my feet like so many women do with pointy toed shoes. When photos are taken of me, I either sit with my legs crossed at the ankle and tucked under the chair, or find someone or something to stand behind that is just big enough to obscure my feet. Or I tell the photographer to step closer and shoot me "from the waist up, please." I agree with previous posters that black ballet flats can be a great choice for dressing up. They are lightweight and flexible for packing, and can also double as house slippers. I'd wear them for going out for a meal or show, when I'm likely to spend most of my time sitting. I would not wear them for shopping or walking around town, because they wouldn't provide me enough arch support and I'd be in pain pretty quickly. Bon Voyage!

@Barbara...thanks for the update on your purchase! I hope they work well for you.

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions i love this board!

So excited for my trip to Paris beginning 4/6....I have started my packing list. For this trip, I bought a new pair of Clarks, Mary Janes that have a small (1") heel. I will wear them with my skirt or dress pants mostly for short walks. Very comfy; I have a month to totally break them in. I also wanted to share that Walmart has quite an assortment of footies/partial socks that work with flats and even sandals. In my store they are on an "endcap". Since I will be in Paris before it really warms up, I will wear full stockings with my Mary Janes. I like the warmth and the tummy control ;)

Try to find out footwear that well with most of the dresses and at max try to keep only two sets of footwear.

Definitely chico's black traveler pants. Also try their Zenergy line -- pants etc., as well. Super for more casual wear, light weight, easy wash/dry too.

I am in that "slightly over 60 group" & require comfort on our trips to Europe & I pack really light. I take one expandable 22" rolling case which we check & a small rolling carryon (with my must-haves & a change of clothes in case the luggage is delayed or lost!) plus a day bag/purse. For Dressy evenings: I LOVE Chico's traveler pants in black for our evenings out to dinner, a concert, the opera etc. Paired with a pretty top, pashmina, scarf, jewelry, you can dress them up or down. For more casual/daily wear: Really super & very light weight items are the Zenergy slacks, crops & longer shorts, tops/jackets also at Chico's. They're super light, don't wrinkle, come primarily in black but also have brown, light tan & light grey. They are my go-to casual pants for all my trips, spring, summer & fall (we normally don't travel in winter). I usually wear a pair & bring 2 pair for 3 weeks and wash them out every couple of days.
Daily walking shoes: I swear by my Black Merrel Spiral Stretch shoes (I think they're great with long pants), super comfortable and good support; I also bring a pair of good walking sneakers (black or white depending on fall/spring /summer) & really good cushioned socks (ankle as well as crew, white or black to match my shoes of course!) I have also brought along a pair of NAOT black sandles - they're really light and take up very little space. At my age I don't wear shorts anymore so sticking to long pants is my rule. Especially after I saw some pictures of myself in shorts a couple years ago. Bon Voyage!

Barbara, I agree with all those who bring Chico's clothing. I only bring carry-on and most of my things are from Chico's. Love the black Zenergy line...mix it with their tops etc. Add jewelry, scarves and you are set for 2-3 weeks. I bring 3 pair of black dressy pants. No skirt so most shoes look fine. Europe can be casual. I usually bring a couple older, worn items to leave to make room for things I buy. Only bring 2 pair of shoes. Keens and Merriel maryjanes Wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane. Enjoy all those great places!

Thanks yes I have Chico's traveler pants in black
I have two pair of ahleta travel pants and two pair of capris all lightweight--so I think I am set although I will check the Zenergy line by Chicos I still need a jacket to go with the travelers pants to dress it up a bit for evening.. I have mostly long sleeve tops and one or two short sleeve as we will be there mid may through first week in June and some cold (switzerand and warmer --Italy) so need to think about layers all this was very helpful though

My favorite travel pants are from Eileen Fisher. I don't like all items in that line but they always have at least 1 type of pants for both winter & summer that I like & that travel well. They'e well made and of good material. For shoes, I only wear Naots. My favorite style is the Mauri which is part of the Koru collection. They are a mary jane clog (backless) style. I've worn them on my last 4-5 trips to Europe. I do travel only to cities though, no mountain hiking as yet.

the mary janes look cute almost exactly like the orthoheel mary janes i have and plan to bring i love eileen fisher but its quite expensive

Hi Barbara, I too am working through the shoe thing for my trip in May. I have found some light weight, yet very stylish ankle length jeans at JCP and I am a big believer that jeans go everywhere! If you go with a darker rinse they really can be dressed up when necessary. I love the long flowing, light weight scarves (Vera Wang) and a silky, long sleeved black t shirt. Pretty, light weight flats are very "current" and are easy to pack. Other than that... I take one pair of black yoga pants, and one pair of black yoga capris, several white and black t's, running shoes and Merrill Sandals.
Your trip sounds wonderful!

Are you going in the summer? The problem with the spring is the weather can go either way and i tend to be cold even in 70 degrees so I think I am sticking to pants and long sleeves yes i think I am bringing my jeans as you say they go just about everywhere and are a bit warmer than other pants I am taking.. I light the yoga type pants which are pretty much the same as the Chicos and others in fabric.. the Chicos travelers however I have found to be a somewhat dressier fabric so I think they will be fine for anything we do that requires to dress up .. we tend to be earlly risers and early to bed and not sure how much that will change in europe so not looking to be out at night much..
Hope your trip is wonderful

I am going in May and like you said, weather can be unpredictable. I find the lighter weight,dark rinse, straight leg jeans to be more versatile then the bootcut jeans which look better with a heel, and I do not travel with heels. I will say that my absolute go to, favorite clothing item, that I never leave home without is a wool blend, stretch black shawl/wrap, 24"x90". It acts as a blanket on the plane (and easy to get off when i have a hot flash!) a pillow, a seat softner, and a stlyish wrap that goes with everything. I have yet to find a jacket that can do all this! I did purchase a french terry anorak (?) jacket to wear on our bike tours...cant quite see the wrap working in that situation!

Thanks for that... a wrap would not be enough warmth for meI am wearing flannel in 75 degree weather when everyone around me is in shorts and tee shirts unless of course I am dealing with a hot flash:) I have been searching for the"perfect item" which I think has been in my closet all along. I have a fairly lightweight waterproof 3/4 length jacket that has a fake fur lining (not alot of fur just a fleecy amount if that makes sense) its black and not too heavy if I have to carry it around.. that was my biggest concern because compared to just a fleece jacket it is a bit bulky .. but it would be a lifesaver should the weather get cold at night and particularly in switerland. we are doing layers but if i was going out at night more dressed up a shawl is just not going to do it for me but fleece is not very dressy.. this would go find with my Chicos black pants and it also has a hood should it be cold and rainy.. I am still on the fence with it but use it all the time here in NY in the spring so if I can deal with having to carry it I might just to it.
i did buy a velour jacket as one poster suggested and its cute but I don't think it will be warm enough for me:(