Study Abroad 101: What to Wear

For the duration of my past fall semester, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy. As someone who had never traveled to Europe before, I had no idea what the "vibes" were truly like and thus what I really needed (or didn't need) to pack in the space I was limited to between 2 checked suitcases and a backpack. So at last, I have compiled my own wardrobe related suggestions based on various categories of packing to go abroad. Take each suggestion with a grain of salt as I'm no fashionista by any means, but I really hope this can provide some insight from my own experiences and observations from my 4 months in Europe!

1. Never Too Many Neutrals

Think white, black, shades of gray, beiges and tans. Europe is all about good quality basics and simplicity when it comes to the overall vibe of everyday wardrobe. I won't suggest an amount of each item to pack in this section as these will become your staple, everyday items, so pack as many as you can fit in a suitcase!

• Short sleeved t-shirts

• Long sleeved basic t-shirts

• A couple basic sweaters (they take up alot of space though so you don't need many)

• A couple button up blouses/linens

• Body suits/tanks (great for layering)

• Linen pants

• Flowy dresses

• 1 white or neutral long skirt, and 1 fun long skirt if you want
  

2. Dressing up & Going-out!

From my small college town to the nightlife in Europe, there was definitely a bit of a shift in what people would wear in the sense that outfits tended to be much more upscale and eccentric in a way. Heels, leather, dresses, etc. held much more of a presence there as opposed to the more simplified outfits I was used to seeing back home. Of course you could also get away with a simple pair of jeans and crop top as I still wore from time to time, but I found that even just investing in a black leather mini skirt once I was there made all the difference.

The amount of these items to pack is going to vary for everyone depending on how many occasions you actually need them for. But regardless of whether you are a person who plans to take on European clubs just once, or a few times a week, keep in mind there is nothing wrong with re-wearing these types of pieces! Plus, the shopping especially where I studied in Florence is incredible and it is worth saving for a couple more fun pieces to add to your wardrobe.

I am no fashion icon by any means and my outfits were pretty basic in the grand scheme of things. But for me, I loved the opportunity to style my fun pair of Amazon glasses and black leather purse I purchased and still use to this day from the Brandy Melville in Flo (for like 20 Euros I think!).

When packing for nightlife or dressy occasions consider...

• Mini skirts

• Mini dresses

• Maxi dresses

• Leather jacket (I did not personally own one but alot of my friends did and they seemed to be so cute and useful especially during the later months when the temps suddenly dropped). Wished I had one for warmth and style, but I was too cheap to buy an expensive one there lol.

• Fun pants and unique tops, but nothing wrong with good basics too!

• Pair of neutral colored sneakers (converse, airforces, etc.) that you are okay with getting dirty as well as a pair of nicer shoes to wear with more sophisticated outfits (flats, heels, boots, etc)

• Accessories - Purse with a zipper/handbag you can safely keep with you at all times, fun sunglasses, jewelery, etc. I bought a great set of gold earrings for all occasions from Amazon before I went abroad which I'll link here.

3. Weather-Dependent Options

For anybody who plans to travel somewhere like the Amalfi Coast or Croatia where you will likely be in and out of beautiful bodies of water, cute but functional beachwear will be your best friend!

Think about bringing...

• 1-2 bathing suits (remember you might buy a cute one while there, so you don’t need to pack much for that! I got the absolute cutest bathing suit from a little shop in Positano for an affordable price and it was really the only one I wore.

• Coverup(s) - crochet long sleeve, crochet dress, flowy linen pants, and flowy dresses are things to consider.

• Sandals (or the leather markets in Italy have amazing high-quality sandal options if you want to save up for that! I bought a pair for 40 euros that I wore a ton during warmer weather excursions, although I wouldn't recommend for long days of walking.

• Strapless or tie tops that are easiest to layer or throw on in between beach/boat days.
  

In addition to the warm-weather outfits you will need, consider just one warm jacket that you can wear around places like Switzerland if you are looking to partake in any snow-related activities as well as just to keep warm on the day to day basis. Although it will seem tempting to go without, once the seasons start to change in the later months, you will be longing for just something to keep warm as you adventure outside to then take off once you are indoors. In my case, I was fortunate enough to have family visiting during Thanksgiving week in which they brought me my jacket and cold weather gear. However, looking back I definitely wished I had that stuff closer to the beginning of November when the temps really dropped and I didn't want to buy a jacket when I had one at home in the States, so it's something to keep in mind. A hat, pair of gloves, scarf and warm wool socks (I wish I thought this one out beforehand because I was unprepared in this area!) are all accessories to consider as well that won't take up too much room in your luggage.

Depending on where you go/what activities you choose to do, many snow-related activity groups like the one I did in Interlaken, Switzerland had the option to rent jackets, boots and even gloves as needed for a fee. Personally though, for money's sake I would rather come as prepared as I can to save up for other expenses.

One of the things I did invest in while abroad was a long, hooded puffer vest from the H&M in Flo. I got a ton of use out of this every single day of our Fall Break travels to the Netherlands, London and Ireland (End of October) where the temps dropped significantly and the air had a chill. If you don't already have a jacket though, I would recommend that first before investing in a sleeveless layer as your one and only option like me. For comfort's sake, learn from my mistakes!

4. Athletic/Comfy Options

Although it is nice to embrace the European culture of dressing nice more often than you might in the US, comfort is still key! As an active person, I knew we would be not only partaking in activities such as hiking but also walking alot. I actually purchased an exercise dress (pictures above) and exercise tennis skirt from Amazon shortly before the trip which kept me so comfortable, especially during the later days in August where the temps averaged in the 90s. This allowed me to feel put together while also like I was wearing my usual athletic outfits which I loved! I also recommend having at least one good pair of sweats and a sweatshirt because you will want a comfy outfit to wear around the house and on travel days.

On your list, consider:

• 1 sweatshirt and 1 pair of sweatpants

• Pair of running/exercise sneakers

• Athletic shorts/biker shorts

• At least one workout tank, short sleeved tee, and long sleeved tee (shoutout Mary for letting me borrow the long sleeve pictured above for our weekend hiking excursion!)

• Leggings (also great to have for travel days on airplanes)

• Other athletic accessories such as earbuds, running socks, sports bras, running watch, etc.

5. Other Things to Keep in Mind

• You don't need as many things as you may think! Europe is much more minimal than the US from what I noticed, so it's better to prioritize having your good everyday basics and then picking up more extravagant pieces once you're there if anything.

• Share with friends!!! Traveling across the world requires the ability to travel as lightly as possible, but if you have friends who are okay with sharing, it can be extremely helpful especially when you aren't gonna be wearing the same things every day.

• Shoes - I overpacked with shoes so truly the only ones I needed were my one pair of running sneakers, everyday white Reebok sneakers, leather sandal/flats (purchased these from a leather shop in Flo), black platform converse, and a black pair of loafers (purchased at Flo H&M).

• There are amazing shopping opportunities in Florence if you are interested in upgrading your wardrobe during your time abroad. Of couse, money will best be spent on experiences if anything. But for those interested, I recommend checking out the Zara, Brandy Melville, H&M, Subdued right in the heart of Flo for some fun finds!

• These are just suggestions and obviously there are no "rules" for what you need or don't need. It's obviously not that serious but I hope this helps provide some insight to others looking to go abroad :)