Winter Coat

I would bring a warm coat that you look good in and just keep a light weight rain coat and/or a windbreaker type of coat rolled up in your day pack "just in case". Who knows, you might get lucky and never have rain?!?!? Also, might want to consider keeping an umbrella in your day pack. We always do and end up using it at some point.

Since this is a uniquely Texas post I would say go for the coat and dont worry about the rain. Beyond that I know nothing of fashion.

I just bought a very nice and stylish Icebreaker wool coat at Sierra Trading Post. It is slightly fitted, trim silhouette, just above the knee in length, and very tightly woven of fine merino wool so should shed rain ( but not a downpour). It is lined for warmth and windproof, comes in Black or gray. Originally $400, reduced to $279 and you might find a coupon for 20% off that. Google Icebreaker Coat Sierra TradingPost to find it. As of right now it is available in all sizes.

Go for warmth (but not overly warm) and don't worry about rain. Just use an umbrella, which you can easily buy over here. Allow me to speculate. I notice that most of the posts that inquire about water resistant clothes come from drier regions on the US. Perhaps this is because you are more accustomed to rain coming in the form of quick but intense cloud bursts? In much of Europe, however, rain usually falls much more softly and without the howling wind. Unless you plan to spend hours at a time outdoors in wet weather, an umbrella will work fine.

Here is an option I have used on some trips: I wear a slightly longer than mid-thigh length wool coat that looks somewhat like a pea-coat. It is warm and stylish; it's not too dressy or too casual and looks good with just about anything and in any situation. It can handle a light misty rain. But in my purse I pack one of those inexpensive thin plastic ponchos that folds up into a small package, just in case I'm in heavier rain. I can easily throw it on over the coat. The poncho weighs next to nothing and doesn't take up much room in my bag. I also have one of those 6 inch folding umbrellas, but the poncho protects more thoroughly when I'm wearing a wool coat rather than another type of jacket, especially in a windy rain.

Wow, that was incredibly helpful! Thank you all. So it seems like I should be prepared more for misty dampness than actual rainstorms? Also, when I lived in Colorado, we often had some really wet snow for which "rain" gear was also needed. I'm not sure if I need to expect that in Europe as well? It sounds like most of you are recommending I go for heavy wool warmth and light rain poncho/coat/umbrella on top of that.

"So it seems like I should be prepared more for misty dampness than actual rainstorms?" Mmm... not quite. There is actual rain fall, although it usually comes down as a light, gradual sprinkle. We do sometimes get heavier storms, but these usually occur in the summer or late spring. Unless you're headed to the Alps, I wouldn't worry too much about encountering a snow storm. It could happen, but probably won't.

Thanks for the note on the weather. If it helps, I'll be in London, Geneva, Amsterdam, Munich, Berlin, and Prague.

Considering where you are going, I think you should definitely prepare for both cold and rain. The answers you have received here may have gone a little too far in implying that you shouldn't expect rain. I often encounter rain when traveling in the winter and I always bring something for that, whether umbrella, poncho, or Gortex coat. But if you don't want a parka type coat that is waterproof, the wool coat with additional rain protection such as poncho or umbrella is a good choice. In the colder climates, I think that you are right that a trench style raincoat would not be warm enough.

Having lived in DFW and now living in brr cold MN and having traveled in Europe during winter months, I recommend a London Fog type trench with zip out wool lining. I also take a fleece vest to keep the core warm if I need more heat (and also for those chilly hotel rooms) and take a large wool shawl I can use as another extra layer or in the room, on the plane or when dining out....Dont forget your hat and gloves and maybe sock liners to keep the feet warm and you will be warm and toasty.

I also take a shawl, I find it much better than a hat for keeping head and neck warm. Suggest layers for best way to keep warm.

I have a very warm wool coat (hits at mid-thigh) that keeps me toasty in almost any kind of weather. It has a hood, which is good, but the coat isn't water repellent, so if the rain/snow is heavy, I just bring an umbrella. I bought it here in Germany though so I can't help you out with brands/where to buy one.

Dallas Sarah, I have a London Fog with the zip in lining and it was not warm enough in December in Italy; I have worn my Eddie Bauer down "chateau" or "3/4 length" coat happily in Munich and Amsterdam in Artic winds and snow. Was very cold in Paris in September in a nice Bloomingdale's wool coat years ago, before I learned to layer. Ditto on the fleece vest, add a cashmere sweater and silk longjohns if you're going to be outside any. Lands End and LLBean have nice long wool or down coats,just saw the Ultralight down for $199 ( water resistant)and a wool coat for $249. I saw more ultrathin down coats in Milan than leather or wool, as far as fashion is concerned.
and- don't forget some nice thicksoled shoes/boots for walking outside. Whatever you used to use in CO ought to keep your feet warm abroad.

Thanks you all! It's nice to hear from so many Texas as we come from the same climate: ) I really love the look of a trench coat, but I think I'd just be too cold. Sounds like wool is the way to go with lots of layers underneath. Still shopping for long underwear-jeez that stuff is expensive!

I haven't owned either brand but have looked at Canada Goose and 66 Degrees North recently. Both are super expensive, but either may be the last coat you'll ever need to buy. These are designed for serious warmth...the former can be found in top end department stores, good travel stores, and online. The second may be found online (unless you're in Reykjavik). Maybe an early Christmas gift for yourself?

I would be cautious about wearing long underwear, unless you plan to be outdoors in the countryside all day. It sounds like you are planning to be primarily in cities, which probably means you will be in and out of museums and other buildings, public transport and so on. Many public buildings are kept pretty warm. I am the type who tends to get very cold, but I find that with long underwear I become overheated and feel as if I'm stewing in my own juices. I prefer to layer on the outside rather the inside of my clothing. You can always take off a jacket or sweater, but you are stuck with the long underwear.

d.d. good advice. I am still on the fence about it. We will be mostly in cities and a lot of the time inside I suppose, but I do really love just walking around outside. I figure I'll bring a pair and just see how it goes. I imagine we will be outside a lot on Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Sarah, on the topic of long winter underwear: have you looked at Cuddle Dudds. Kohls carries them. They come in several weights and sleeve lengths and some of the tops have lace and could be used as a tank under a long sleeve shirt. They are super comfy and can double as pj's. Just another tip from a former Southerner being held captive in MN.

Laurie, thanks I will definitely look into those! I was in Minnesota in the summer.... mosquitoes out the wazoo! The trickiest think I'm running into is that I am only packing in a backpack because I don't want to check any luggage and winter clothes are bulky and heavy! I guess I'll be wearing my coat and boots most of the time though so I won't have to worry about those fitting.

I have an older London Fog raincoat that has a wool zip out liner. Check on the London Fogs.

I looked on the London Fog website. Was concerned they wouldn't be warm enough, but perhaps I'm wrong. Hate buying coats online since you can't try them on!

I live in Dallas but am originally from Michigan. This year will be my 3rd winter trip to Europe - I always pack my cuddleduds - I use them for PJ's, plus they wash/dry quickly! I have yet to need the pant portion as my coat goes below my knees but I have used the tops. I always take my down coat but use my london fog "type" with liner on trips in spring and fall.

"I looked on the London Fog website. Was concerned they wouldn't be warm enough..." They won't be...not for the cities you're visiting in January. You're really going to need a good coat...forget the trench style with liner. I'm not suggesting you really need to buy a Canada Goose parka for $700, but you sure wouldn't be cold in one. Listen to the folks from the Upper Midwest on this topic...they all know you'll succumb to the elements without a good coat (up here anyway...we'll find you in April after the thaw). :)

Okay, so no trench with liner. I have a pea coat type wool coat that goes to my knees. With layering, do you suppose that would be good? I just really hate the swishy ski jacket type coats

Layering will work. You may need a poncho to keep out the rain. Best of luck.

It's always best to work with what you have, especially if you live in Dallas where you may not need a really warm coat. That said, my preference is for down rather than wool. It's so much lighter, and I think much more comfortable. Wool can be stiff and constricting, depending on the fit and fabric quality. I am taking a knee-length down coat to Germany at the end of November. Unfortunately it's not waterproof. I have a lightweight rain coat I love. It has a great hood, which is essential (I hate umbrellas), but zero warmth. I found a super-light down jacket on sale at Macy's (40% off plus 20% coupon)that works perfectly under the raincoat. I can also wear it alone if it's dry and the temperature is in the 40s or 50s. So now, I'm set. I actually think the perfect solution would be a long goretex raincoat with a removable down lining. They usually carry them at places like Eddie Bauer and LL Bean. But they tend to be expensive. Since I didn't really need one, I ruled that option out.

I too have a peat coat that goes down to my knees that I got at L.L. Bean. It works great for me. I don't like umbrellas so I found a rain poncho with a hood that folds away to nothing, that along with a shawl like I said earlier works for me. I don't like hats either so that is why my personal preference for the shawl.

If it was me, and since you will be in London first, I think I would spend an hour or two in a 2nd hand store there, and get a fabulous coat that will fit you, as well as not costing an arm and a leg. Knee length is best, and there are coats available that are waterproof, warm but that aren't wool, nor down, nor ones that make noise when you move. A decent scarf, a hat, and an umbrella should be all you need. Layering is fine for some people, but if you are going in and out of buildings, a coat you can easily take off, is the better choice in my opinion. I swelter when I have on long-johns, etc. unless I am spending my entire day outside. Even the trains and buses can be turned to a high heat, making even short rides very uncomfortable unless you can take off your coat.

I totally agree with Jo. I did the layering thing during a winter trip and it was horribly hot every time I went indoors. I would have to take off multiple layers every time I went into a museum or restaurant. Imagine having to carry around all that stuff. In the metro you can't very well disrobe and it was very hot on the trains. I swore that if I ever do another winter trip I would get a down coat that would hit above the knee, and only have maybe a sweater or fleece vest underneath. Taking off one layer is much easier. Warm (not ski) gloves, scarf, hat and warm socks are also key. If your opposition to a down coat is that it makes that swishy sound, I saw one in a catalog (either Eddie Bauer or L.L. Bean) that is microfiber.

LL Bean, Eddie Bauer, or Lands End. They all have down coats and jackets for warmth but are not too heavy. I also highly recommend a scarf or two. As many people have said, once inside buildings, it can be hot due to the heat being on. Always layer and carry an umbrella and you should be fine. Happy Travels!!

I don't really want to buy a new coat, I was just not sure if the one I had would work as it is not waterproof nor does it have a hood and, never having been to Europe, I really had no idea what I'd need!
Thanks for all the help so far! Right now, I'm trying to pick out my boots too--Timberlands that are a bit more rugged, or Land's End that are nicer looking...who knows...

Go for comfort over style for boots and wear them a few times here to break them in. Do you have consignment shops near you that might have winter coats? If so, check them out for a coat. Of course here in the northeast we do and my new coat with the original tags was only seven dollars!

Sarah, I know you said you weren't necessarily shopping for a new coat but take a look at the Ex Officio Storm Logic coat. It is a puffy thigh length coat that transforms into a neck pillow and it is water-resistant. It also has 7 pockets, some of which are hidden. It also has a removable hood. It looks like the perfect coat for cold, wet conditions. This may be just the excuse you need to do a little shopping.

Water proofing is NOT necessary. Unless you plan to do a lot of hiking (which is probably not likely at that time of year), it doesn't rain hard enough, and you won't be outside along enough to need it. Just use an umbrella.

Thanks for the advice! I'll take the advice that says waterproof coat is not necessary. Still a bit hung up on the boots only because I keep hearing that Europeans dress nicer than Americans and I didn't want to look even more out of place and disrespectful.

Another question for you guys on the boots...how important is waterproofing there? I have a pair of boots that are water resistant, but they do let in water if I walk through giant puddles. I'll mostly be in the city, but I'm just not sure how much wet to expect. You've said that a waterproof coat is not necessary...how about boots?

ScotEVests, search their site.
ive been traveling with one during the winter months for years and they are light, but warm. and have outrageous amount of inner pockets. I dont even carry a purse when I travel.

Sarah, I spent about $120 at the Eddie Bauer outlet in San Marcos for an almost perfect knee length down coat, which has been used for winter Euro travel and those few freaky snow days we get. I have the London fog only for fall or spring travel but there is no way it would be warm enough with even 4 layers. The Eddie Bauer outlet is also online; my coat was sized for layering and had a couple of inside pockets so I could keep my day's worth of money and tram passes at hand. However ebay has some good looking coats..... Sierra Trading has silk longjohns for cheap- order online now so you can get them, try them on, return and reorder if needed. The colors may be funky but the price is right, and the silk takes up no room in your suitcase. The days I was planned on museums I usually only needed the top silk shirt plus the layers, but the days I scheduled wandering or Christmas markets I wore tops and bottoms of longjohns. The silk ones do not add bulk, so your other clothes fit fine. I also bought a large wool scarf once in Europe and it was much warmer than my other ones. We Texans have thin blood and are not used to cold- it's in the 80's here today, folks; our summers are longer than most winters.

About the boots: You could go by your local shoe repair shop and ask them if the boots can be waterproofed, possibly with their approval buy silicone spray for the boots IF it will not damage the finish. Thick soles are beneficial for warm feet as well. I pack a pair of short Merrell boots, and wear a pair of black Ecco mayjane shoes (which have been waterproofed)on the plane & for city walking.

I wear my Sketcher Shape-ups all year round and have never had wet nor cold feet, and believe me, it rains a lot here in Germany. They have been great in snow and in the rain. The only time I have switched to some boots is when it has snowed over 6". Boots are stylish and if you like them, wear them. There is no such thing as being disrespectful as concerns what the heck you are wearing on your feet. Frankly, no one cares or will even give you a 2nd glance. It truly does not matter. Where did the idea come from that your footwear could possibly be disrespectful? Who ever told you that, please go back to them and tell them they are mistaken.

If your boots have schwastikas on them, that would be offensive. If you walk around in bare feet, that would would seem either odd or disrespectful, depending on the context. If you walk into a store with your shoes caked in mud, that would be offensive. Otherwise, nobody will look twice of care what you wear on your feet. Bring boots if that's what you want to wear and you find them comfortable. Like Jo, I wear basically the same shoes (depending on the activity) in the summer as I wear in the winter, in all weather conditions. The only thing I may adjust is wearing warmer socks if I'll be outside for a long time in the winter. No waterproofing necessary. If you see a puddle... don't walk in it! I only wear snow boots in the very rare occasions when I know I will be walking through deep, unpacked snow.

Thanks you all, that was great! I'm not sure I can make it without boots as my feet get FREEZING in the winter, but I think I'm going to take my old, somewhat flexible boots and hopefully they will work. I know I sound crazy, I'm just a first-time traveler, and I want to make sure I'm doing it right and I definitely don't want to be freezing the whole time!

Sarah, I sent you a PM- click on "my profile" next to your name, top right corner, when you sign in.

I probably shouldn't be answering this, since I just walked down the street in a 30 degree morning with a t-shirt and a hoodie, but here goes: How much are you planning on being outside? If you are planning on being outside more than just walking to the Metro or next door, you may not want to get such a heavy coat. I have a tendency to sweat (a lot!) when I'm doing a lot of walking and a coat with a heavy lining and sweat are not friends. Really.
Remember, you will be most likely wearing sweaters under your coat and getting those drenched and sitting in them are NOT fun. I tend to like my head covered and my hands covered more than my body, so I usually opt for a hat, gloves, and either wool pea coat or short fleece. That's just me, a Midwestern gal near the Arctic wasteland of Lake Michigan. You might be entirely different.