Capsule Wardrobe Tips for chilly nights and mornings

I never wear shorts for travel. They are less commonly worn in the UK/Europe and I kind of get the icks sitting on public transport and such in shorts. I take mid-calf or ankle length, light weight cotton or "travel" style pant for warmer weather. For the in-between temps like you'll be facing, I'd definitely stick with pants and a t-shirt, fleece plus a jacket (water resistant). I'd rather have too many layers and lose a few than be too chilly.

I would probably pack shorts for the kids for Italy as it may be hot. I don't wear shorts for travel but I'm pretty old, lol. I'd expect temps in Italy to be in the high 70's or 80's in June. Paris may also be high 70's.

I'd go with my standard capsule wardrobe:

4 short sleeve tee shirts
1 Long Sleeve tee shirt
2 Long sleeve drift quarter zip shirts to wear over everything
1 sun shirt
3 pr long pants
1 pr of capris for Italy (knees need to be covered for churches)
1 waterproof rain jacket with a hood
2 pr of shoes - no need for these to be waterproof as you will not be spending a lot of time in the country side, Switzerland is the exception.

Depending on the weather forecast I might have a puffy vest stashed away for Switzerland, especially if you are cold-natured. You will not need this anywhere but Switzerland! I like the 32 degree puffy vests. They are inexpensive and squish down pretty well. They don't do well down in very cold temps in winter except for me to wear around the house or outside on a warmer, sunnier day.

editing to add: Here is a link to actual Accuweather temps for Rome for June 2024. There were lots of 80+ days and some 90+ days and nearly to 100 by the month's end!

https://www.accuweather.com/en/it/rome/213490/june-weather/213490?year=2024

If you are not familiar with that website, go to any city you want. Choose monthly from the bar, then change the date to June 2024 to see actual temps.

No one knows today what temperatures you'll have in June along that tour itinerary. It is almost certain the lows will not always be between 45 and 50 F (a very narrow range), and highs always in the 70s would be unlikely.

You can find actual, day-by-day, historical temperatures at your planned destinations for the last 10 or so years on the timeanddate.com website.

London weather -- June 2024

Lauterbrunnen weather -- June 2024

Florence weather -- June 2024

Weather varies a great deal from year to year, so you should look at the data for June in other recent years.

Note how hot it might be in Florence, and consider that it you go to higher elevations while you're staying in Lauterbrunnen, they could be much colder than the Lauterbrunnen statistics suggest. Lauterbrunnen's elevation is only 2600 feet.

Take layers. It would be good if someone has a backpack where you can stash a warm layer and/or a rain jacket for each person when they are not needed. No wallets, cellphones, cameras or passports in the backpack, though!

I would pack my lightest weight version of tops and bottoms in a mostly neutral color scheme with one or two pops of color and have super lightweight base layers to provide extra warmth when it's needed. I am very happy with Uniqlo's inner layer line Heattech, for the camisoles, tanks, long sleeve crew neck and turtle neck Ts and footless leggings that weigh very little, are super warm and not too spendy. I also bring inexpensive tights to wear beneath light cotton pants. For warmer weather travel I would bring capris or skirts and if I did bring shorts they would be of the Bermuda length variety. The waterproof jacket I pack is unlined and meant to layer over my regular jacket/coat. I shop Costco for 32º brand items, inexpensive and lightweight. Have a great trip!!

Where do you live now? Northeast US v. Phx for example, can make a huge difference.

"Where do you live now? Northeast US v. Phx for example, can make a huge difference."

@Skunklet, the same thing ran thru my mind! Right now, looking at a high here in North Idaho of 45 next week seems like a tropical heat wave, hahaha!

lol, we were just in NJ over the weekend and it was 45 there and I took my jacket off walking to the car!

I live in central IL now so used to varying temps but I run quite cold. Its a big stretch for me to attempt a capsule wardrobe in a carry on but I’m committed to the challenge!

I agree with the earlier poster that you should expect highs well in excess of 70F in Italy in June and maybe in the other countries, as well. Layers are the key to keeping warm. An unlined rain jacket that packs into its own pocket, plus either a fleece or a packable puffer jacket should be plenty. I used to have a draw-string bag that sheets came in, and I would stuff my puffer into that to use as a pillow on the plane or train. Stupidly, I gave it away. Merino liner gloves are warm but lightweight and take up almost no space, easy to tuck in your pocket or day bag for the mountains. Similarly, a merino gaiter (e.g., those made by Buff) can work as a scarf or hat or even a balaclava. They also make non-merino gaiters that have UPF that might not be as warm but are multi-function. Rather than long underwear or tights, I would suggest leggings that you can also wear as PJ pants or with a dress or a long top (if that's your style).
As far as your day-to-day wardrobe, weigh each garment and only take the lightest ones. And use compression packing cubes to make them fit better. I assume you're traveling with your kids. They can certainly wear shorts. If they are able to roll a carry-on bag, chances are they aren't filling it with their child-sized clothes, so you may be able to sneak a little space in their bag(s).

You’ll want to bring a rain jacket, so you really just need a layer for warmth underneath. A fleece jacket, a cardigan, a sweatshirt, even a thermal shirt if you want something super easy to pack. What would you wear at home in those temps?

And we’ve had June temps well into the 80s in the UK too as well as cool and/or rainy, so layers that include a lightweight packable rain jacket are the best bet

I'm laughing to myself as I read skunklet's 45 degree comment! I live in LA and at 45 degrees, I'd have my down parka on!

Bring a swimsuit, just in case! One usually can't find what you like on short notice. Turns out we ended up staying at a friend's Time-Share Spa Resort and couldn't use the pools. Or you could go to a nude beach LOL!