What to Pack for a European Vacation During Shoulder Season
Packing for Europe, especially during the elusive shoulder season, can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back! Shoulder season, which typically falls between spring (March-April) and fall (September-November), is the sweet spot right before or after peak tourist season. The perks? Fewer crowds, better deals, and more affordable adventures. The tricky part? Unpredictable weather! One minute it’s sunny, the next you’re dodging raindrops.
But guess what? With a smart strategy and a little help from Diane Kroe’s capsule wardrobe approach, you’ll be ready for anything the European skies throw at you. Whether you’re packing for a European adventure or simply looking to travel light, Diane’s multi-wear pieces are your secret weapon for effortless style. Let’s dive into her expert tips and transform that packing stress into a fun adventure!
Be sure to check out Diane’s full packing list at the end of the article for all her shoulder season essentials.
Be sure to check out Diane’s full packing list at the end of the article for all her shoulder season essentials.
1) Foundation: Wardrobe Magic for Maximum Versatility
Diane’s secret to conquering her recent trip to France (hello, unpredictable weather!) was her versatile capsule wardrobe. Her trick? Multi-wear pieces that effortlessly combine to create endless outfit combinations. For her 2 week stay, Diane packed five bottoms, five tops, a dress, and a few accent pieces, and with a little mix-and-match magic, she ended up with over 100 outfit combinations!
Her foundation pieces, like the Travel Tights, Retro Jumper, One-for-All Top, and Wear Ever Dress, are designed to be worn in multiple ways—think tops that turn from sleeveless, to halter-top, to long sleeve, and skirts that double as dresses! By sticking to neutral dark colors like black, chocolate brown, navy, and grey, Diane made sure that every piece played nice with the rest of her wardrobe (and hid any mishaps like spilled ice cream!).
2) Accents: Adding Layers (and Personality!)
Layering is your best friend when it comes to shoulder season packing! Diane recommends accent pieces like scarves, cardigans, or jackets that complement your foundation items. A fun tip: choose prints that share a core color with your foundation pieces to ensure everything matches effortlessly. This not only adds style but also helps you stay cozy when the weather cools down unexpectedly.
3) Weather: Be Ready for Anything
Shoulder season’s unpredictable weather means you’ll need to prepare for rain, shine, or even snow. Pack a light raincoat, a sunhat, and water-resistant shoes to cover all your bases. Diane’s go-to for this? A sleek, packable rain jacket that looks chic no matter the forecast. Layer it over a Glacier Fleece Minkey Wrap or hoodie, and you'll have warmth for even the coldest days—the raincoat acts as a perfect insulator when temperatures drop.
4) Activity: Special Moments, Special Pieces
Got special plans? Maybe a swim at that boutique hotel or a morning hike in the countryside? Activity pieces are your wardrobe's wildcard—perfect for those one-off adventures. Be sure to pack any items that aren't in your Foundation or Accent groups, like swimsuits or specialized gear. And don’t forget evening wear in case you're attending a destination wedding or other events—it's always good to be prepared!
5) Accessories: The Finishing Touch
No outfit is complete without a few stylish accessories! Think versatile shoes, a trusty crossbody bag, and statement jewelry that doesn’t take up too much space. Diane’s tip? Opt for multi-purpose items like sandals you can dress up for the evening or a scarf that doubles as a shawl for chilly nights. Add a Freedom Sleeve to add sleeves to other designs or a Freedom Pocket for hands-free activities—perfect for when you're on the go!
6) The “What Ifs”: Just in Case
We all have that 'What if?' packing dilemma. What if it’s colder than expected? What if there’s an unexpected fancy dinner? Any 'What If' items that won’t fit in the carry-on, can go in the Packable Headrest, which can hold up to six extra pieces. Diane recommends keeping your 'What If' items to a minimum—just a few versatile pieces that will cover any surprises.
Diane's Shoulder Season Packing List
Ready to pack like a pro? Check out Diane’s shoulder season packing list below, complete with the actual colors and prints she chose for each piece, to take the guesswork out of your next European vacation.
Join Diane in this exclusive Q&A as she answers customer questions and shares how to maximize your travel wardrobe with her versatile packing list for Europe
1) Foundation Pieces
These are items that are the base pieces anything that is worn on the first layer.
(5 Tops)
(5 Tops)
• Origami
(5 Bottoms)
• 3 Travel Tights (one solid, 2 prints)
• Jeans
(1 Dress)
2) Accent Pieces
• Mariposa
• 2 Versa Wraps
3) Weather Pieces
This will be items for the weather like rain, snow, sun etc.
• Packable Rain Jacket (Cole Haan)
• Packable Rain Jacket (Cole Haan)
4) Activities Pieces
Items you will need outside of the “foundations and Accent” for a special activity. For Diane's trip to France, it was swimming at the pool at the chateau and the boutique hotel.
• Reversible Body Suit
• Endless
• Reversible Body Suit
• Endless
5) Accessories
Items you will need that are not listed above to add to your wardrobe, such as shoes, bags, belts, etc.
• Freedom Sleeve
• Sash
• Cross Body Bag
• DK Travel Tote
• Packable Headrest
• Sandals (Ancient Greek)
• Mules (Birdies)
• Runners / Tennis Shoes (On Cloud)
• Waterproof Shoes (Tropic Feel)
• Freedom Sleeve
• Sash
• Cross Body Bag
• DK Travel Tote
• Packable Headrest
• Sandals (Ancient Greek)
• Mules (Birdies)
• Runners / Tennis Shoes (On Cloud)
• Waterproof Shoes (Tropic Feel)
6) What Ifs (optional)
Items that you think you may need and want to pack in your Packable Head Rest.
• Wear Ever Skirt Dress
• Wear Ever Skirt Dress
• Skort
Diane's Travel Uniform
This is what I wore on the flight I wear the bulkiest pieces like the Glacier Fleece Wrap and bulky runners.
• One-4-All Top
• One-4-All Top
• Runners / Tennis Shoes (On Cloud)
Diane Kroe
September 27, 2024
Hi Signe,
Thanks for reaching out!
You can find all the products I packed for a European vacation, including the rain jacket, in my blog post: “What to Pack for a European Vacation During Shoulder Season.” I’ve listed everything I took along, even the items that aren’t from my brand.
Feel free to check it out, and let me know if you have any more questions! 💞