Hi Ladies!
We just returned from this tour and I was very happy with what I brought. I learned a lot from the ladies on this forum while trying to pack for our 2015 My Way Europe tour and used those tips plus a few new things I've learned on my own. I knew the weather would be cooler on this tour in general, but having spent several years in my early 20s living in Breckenridge, CO I also knew that it could be unpredictable. I took a 20 inch carry on and this is what I packed:
Two pair of black J. Jill leggings - I like the Pure Jill tall version
Two identical Eileen Fischer elbow length sleeve mid thigh length tunics
Eileen Fischer black crepe pants
Black jeans
Black Lysse short military style knit blazer
Black and army green striped long sleeve Free People knit tee with peplum
Long (almost to the knee) plaid flannel shirtdress in blackwatch plaid - burgundy, black and cream
Large black cashmere wrap & three scarves- black with sequins, army green, and black, burgundy, cream and turquoise print.
One black tank
One white tank
Two belts - one black studded and one silver wrap-a-round
Seven pair undies - Jockey supersoft
Three bras
Five pair very light Smartwool socks
One short knit nightie
One raincoat - FootJoy
Black knit cap, gloves and umbrella
Teva de la Vina knee length black waterproof boots
Black Aravon walking shoes and, as an afterthought:
Black gauze summer weight Cottonseed Casual beach pants
Black silk overlay tie front topper to wear over a tank if very warm with said beach pants
Black Aravon sandals that had seen better days and didn't come home with us
To some this will sound like a lot, to others it will sound like not much. The monochromatic basics of the tunics, leggings, belt and tall boots served as a springboard - I wore the plaid flannel shirt dress open over this on the plane and bus days - it was like wearing pajamas, but still looked nice. I wore the black blazer most nights for dinner, swapping the leggings for the crepe pants and changing scarves and belts. I wore the black jeans, peplum top and army green scarf when I got tired of the other things, and at times the tanks with the jeans and blazer - it was enough of a rotation to prevent outfit burnout. I wore everything I brought but I did miss having one thing - a light silk shirt to wear with the jeans over a tank when it was too warm for the blazer - something you could comfortably wear to a restaurant - the little black silk topper I threw in at the last minute didn't qualify. One of our tour members approached me in Salzburg and said "How can you possibly look so nice with that little tiny carry on? Do you roll?" I thanked her and told her that yes, I rolled but really, if she looked closely, it was all the same crap, just rearranged and with a different scarf. The most important thing I've learned from packing for these tours is to wear what YOU feel good in - pick a few pieces that you love, are comfortable in and build around them - you're going to be spending a lot of time in them. Scarves work wonders and provide a pop of color, which can change that same old outfit in an instant. I do want to give a shout out to the Teva de la Vina line of boots which I learned about here on the forum. I planned on taking my Aravon walking shoes for hiking (they worked just fine - no hiking boots required,) but being from Minnesota I'm used to wearing boots 8 months of the year and I wanted some suitable for miles and miles of city walking - waterproof and nice looking. These boots fit the bill and more - I gave myself 5 weeks to break them in while wearing moleskin strips on the areas of my feet most vulnerable to blistering - they broke in beautifully, they are so comfortable that I am now the proud owner of 4 pair. I know, I know, but it has been my experience that if you really love something (boots, jeans, lipstick) they will be discontinued soon for some mysterious reason. Cheers, ladies!