Winter Gear

Clothing in London would surely be more expensive. Consider REI, an outdoor sporting goods firm, which has stores in Tempe and Phoenix as well as online shopping opportunities.

Linzi, We lived in Flagstaff for nearly seven years. Maybe you could drive up there for a day or two and look around. They know how to dress for winter weather.

You may need to buy less than you think. We've been to London in Nov/Dec a lot. Layers are what you need to plan for. You may get mild, rather dry weather or you could have cold, windy, rain, or snow- all in one day (lol). Here's what I usually take: Wear on plane: black cotton-blend pants, long sleeve turtleneck/T-shirt and a long-sleeved "big shirt" {button up that can look a bit like a jacket}, water resistant winter coat with hood, good walking shoes - black. Pack in carry-on suitcase: 2-3 pair black or khaki cotton-blend pants (I am allergic to wool and rather hot-natured), 3 or 4 T-shirts/turtlenecks (1 short sleeve, rest long) 1 or 2 "big shirts", optional 1-2 sweaters/cardigans/fleeces/sweat shirts that go with all of above, 3-5 bras, enough panties and socks, and a change of inner soles, gloves, hat or hooded scarf. Dressy scarf or two if desired. You could also add a pair of silk long johns if desired.
Your coat could even be a windbreaker type- especially if it has a zip out linner.

If, when you are in London, you find you really need warmer clothing, visit a "charity shop". The prices will be right and you can leave them behind when you leave for home or give them to a street person as an act of kindness.

When we have traveled to England and Scotland, we found that a pair of rain pants (good ole REI) were pretty invaluable. Even if it wasn't raining, it blocked wind.

I can see wearing rain pants while hiking in the countryside, but definitely not while sightseeing in London. Would you wear rain pants while touring NYC?

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I guess I can't go wrong if I pack in layers with some jeans, t-shirts, a couple of sweaters, rain jacket and plenty of warm socks :). Can always check out the charity shops if I need an extra sweater. :)

Andrea - I'll admit to being tacky, but depending on what I'm doing....heck yes. Would I wear them to a Broadway show? No. To dinner? No. Standing in line for the ferry to Ellis Island and wandering around on the island....yep. And I wore them while standing in a cold, steady rain while waiting in line for an hour to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

I'd suggest avoiding cotton to the extent possible. Cotton isn't the best travel fabric. If it gets wet, it stretches, loses all insulating capability, and dries slowly. Chances are your pants will get wet, walking around all day in wet jeans is miserable. A quick-drying pair of pants will weigh less in your luggage and work better.

Thanks Brad, I never thought about the wet jeans aspect..lol. I've been there and done that, and you're right - it's miserable.

Jeans are durable, and can go quite a few days before a wash,, BUt ,, once wet they stay wet for hours and hours and hours.. and they "wick" water up,, so they get wet to the knees, the suggested pants/slacks is a much better idea.. plus jeans are heavy to pack... Take one pair if you wish though , they do wear so well.