Packing for Europe can be fun. It is a bit of a game to come up with a minimum amount of clothing that will still offer maximum punch. However, women should pack a lightweight nylon or microfiber travel coat, even in summer. To find something that’s lightweight and packable, look for a coat that comes with its own travel pouch. If those pouch-style coats aren’t cute enough, try searching for an unlined trench or lightweight reversible jacket in wrinkle free fabric.
Why take a raincoat in summer? In the UK, Baltic States, and other areas, it could rain for part of every day. And, a lightweight waterproof shell (over a cardigan) will keep a smart cookie warm during chilly evenings.
Clothes to Take to Europe
Most girls (over the age of 30) usually start their travel wardrobe with some combination of these basics:
- Knit pants and top set
- Knit skirt and top set
- Knit dress
These travel knits can be found all over the internet, so look around.
Lightweight Raincoat for Travel
Above the Knee Women's Raincoat: While there are many lengths to choose from, the most versatile lightweight raincoat or jacket is the 3/4 length, which is long enough to cover one’s fanny when sitting down on a wet park bench in London or sitting on a sea-sprayed seat in an Italian water taxi. Some girls prefer shorter rain jackets, but hiking / camping windbreaker jackets will look odd with some skirts. Hip-length coats and jackets (especially belted trenches) will always be chic with:
- Pants
- Jeans
- Minis
- Ankle-length dresses and skirts
Travel Raincoat Colors
Because the basic knit travel skirts, pants, and tops come in solid colors like black, brown, or navy, it is fun to add a bit of fire with a trench or jacket in a color like:
- Hot pink
- Cobalt blue
- Green
- Orange or red women's raincoat
- Turquoise
- Purple paisley
- Bright yellow women's raincoat
- Hot white
- Any print that’s happy and festive
Of course, it is perfectly acceptable to wear a practical black Mac. Black is totally elegant in every situation.
Ladies Raincoats and Jackets
Here are some examples of good styles:
- Let-It-Rain.com Check out the hip-schoolgirl look in orange with the Mycra Pac Short TurnKey Rain Slicker. Mycra Pac is my favorite brand for travel raincoats and jackets. And, I know raincoats because I'm from Seattle.
- Zappos.com: Patagonia Women’s Rain Shadow Trench Coat. This looks good with jeans and casual styles.
- NeimanMarcus.com: Look fab in London, Paris, or Milan in any of the Preta LoBue rain jackets. These are reasonably priced for priceless designer style.
- TravelSmith.com: See their Women's Anorak Rain Jacket in snappy red. This simple jacket could rock, with trendy sailor stripes, on a Nordic cruise.
Some raincoats are a little spendy, so Google or Bing a combination of these keywords to find the best prices:
- Women’s lightweight rain jacket trench
- Women’s nylon trench pouch
- Reversible nylon travel coat
Try to find a packable raincoat or jacket that weighs about as much as a large Hefty Trash Bag, but comes in more colors and styles.
Read more articles:
Women Over 40 & 50: Parisian Women's Style Is in the Details
Women's Travel Clothing: Fall Fashion Coats
Jersey Knit Dresses for Travel Wear Clothes: Women Over 40 & 50
Best Sites for Women's Travel Wear
Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
Join the Conversation