My Budget Travel outfits for Winter
Welcome to my blog and my first blog post for you all. Please grab your coffee or tea as this is going to be a long post :), maybe new blogger zeal that I got carried away :). After contemplating on what to write for my first blog post, I came up with this Europe travel winter clothes style guide after I have taken many winter vacations living in Florida for many years. So, I will share in this post how I pieced together few of my clothes for budget travel in Europe during winter month of November 2011 in London and 6 European countries in February 2012 :).
I traveled to London in November 2011 and travelled with my Mom to 6 different countries with just one carryon for each of us in February 2012. Cold weather did not stop us from enjoying different cities and we faced fewer crowd and way cheaper hotel rates. I have included 12 photos of me in 6 different countries with 12 outfits and I call it my Europe winter travel outfit ideas. These pictures are kind of old but I guess few things never go out of style. To be frank, I have not shopped much lately in last few years. Here are my twelve outfit ideas.
November 2011- London
(Temp: 44 – 52 °F)
THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS, SEE DISCLOSURE / FULL DISCLOSURE HERE
1. A trendy well fitted nice black or navy blue blazer for light winter month
A versatile wardrobe piece that could come handy all from fall to spring. I have just one color of each and I wear over and over 😉 that I got from H&M. I think blazer right at the waist length gives a sporty elegant look for travel.
Reading, UK ( on my way to Heathrow for Poland) 
Shop my favorite blazers or jackets below
2. Red or black well fitted reasonably long wool or Trench Coat
A well fitted long coat in red or black goes with almost everything and at the same time looks sharp on any given day. I bought my red wool coat from Victoria’s Secret when they used to sell outerwear 🙂 and wide belt black trench coat (not in picture) from Mango store. I currently have 3 wool coats and one trench coat that I bought in Kansas City when I used to live there.
Canary Wharf, London (strolling London’s financial district area)
Shop my favorite coats below
3. Nice comfortable sleek looking boots – Black/ Camel/ brown/ beige leather or suede
If I were to take only one pair of boots, then my slightly heeled black leather boots are my favorite. They are very comfortable to walk to that I got from a closing out Italian leather store in Tampa. These “Made in Italy” leather boots are my trendiest pair that I wear much often though I have 2 other black and one in each color of grey, camel, and brown. But I got those during Black Friday sales.
London, UK (outside Harrods departmental store) 
Shop my favorite boots below
4. A lightweight silk or satin shirt for evening dinner or night out
Nice chiffon, silk or satin shirt adds little glamour to winter travel wardrobe. I have few of these kinds and the best part is they don’t wrinkle so ready to wear right out of the suitcase.
Leicester Square, London (UK) Inside a restaurant in sparkling and bustling night life district 
Shop my favorite tops below
Europe Travel – February 2012
(Temp: 25 – 40 °F)
5. Layering the clothes
Layers help to retain heat and create insulation. I learned it during my ski trips and it’s a very useful trick. I always start with breathable cotton or high-performance athletic fabric layer to absorb moisture. My cotton tank tops or camis along with T-shirt of breathable cotton always make my base layer to absorb extra moisture. Subsequent layers are long sleeve T-shirt, turtleneck full sleeves and then add as much I need. Do I need any more of these layers :)? Here, in the picture below I ran out of space in my carryon 🙂 so I am actually wearing 5 layers plus my puffer jacket. I used thermals under my black pants as well.
Pancras station, London (on my way to Brussels, Belgium)
Shop my favorite base layers below
6. Puffer jacket
I love carrying a puffer jacket because it is lightweight and helps to retain heat. I have a white puffer jacket and it’s the only one I have. It has helped me on ski slopes as well and pairs well with black pants and denim.
Brussels, Belgium (touring grand palace)
Shop my favorite puffer jackets below
7. Colorful lightweight cashmere scarfs
Another thing that I like to carry is colorful lightweight cashmere scarf. I stay away from neutral colors and use a colorful scarf as it just adds the style factor to a winter outfit. I got this cashmere scarf from India :). Here, I am all set to get off the train at Amsterdam central station.
Thalys train, Amsterdam central station (all set to get off) 
Shop my favorite scarf’s below
8. Two pairs of good jeans and multiple lightweight thermals
I keep my carry-on light by just carrying few thermals and two pairs of skinny slightly loose fit jeans. One black and one blue denim seem to be the most versatile and can be mixed and matched with any color of boot or outerwear.
Amsterdam, Netherland (inside Heineken Experience museum)
Shop my favorite jeans below
9. Add color to outer layer either with lightweight soft fleece jacket or matching beanie and gloves set
Pink is my favorite color and I like to add this color to my outfits as much as I get a chance. I am wearing a very lightweight fleece over almost 6 layers that are retaining heat. A fleece jacket is what I usually wear on the airplane as well for comfort. I usually carry it with me in my hand or in my travel tote. This fleece from old navy was for $10 during one of their sales :). I always buy clothes on sale. I do have another super warm white fleece jacket from north face (Osito 2) that I got on sale as well but still paid almost 6x this pink jacket :).
Matching glove and beanie that you see in my hand was just bought from 100 feet away Romer square in Frankfurt and I still have that. It is so warm that my hands were sweating that day. I took my beanie off for photo :).
Frankfurt, Germany (standing on a main river bridge by old historic Frankfurt-Romer square)
Shop my favorite fleece below
10. Nice comfy all-weather boots/snow boots – my favorite faux fur lined boots
If I know, I will be in the area of a lot of snow and slush, I always actually wear these boots to plane to save space in my carryon. I have only one pair that has always come handy during my ski trips and to this Europe trip. Here I am standing 6000 feet above sea level in Mt. Rigi, Switzerland. I will buy one in camel color if I am in the market for snow boots again.
Mt. Rigi, Switzerland 6000 ft above sea level (Swiss Alps making an excellent backdrop)
Shop my favorite snow boots below
11. A faux fur scarf or stole
One of my most unusually useful winter wardrobe pieces is my black faux fur pull-through neck scarf. Many years ago, I got it for only $10 from wet seal store in Kansas City. I never thought I will use it till I went on a ski trip and took it with me at last minute. This scarf saved me from biting bone-chilling cold when I wanted to wear a just short jacket. It has become my staple to carry it with me for winter travel. Here, I am standing right in the middle of old historic part of Lucerne, Switzerland. I walked through this town for 2 hours with my Mom and sister.
Lucern, Switzerland (walking around old historic part of town)
Shop my favorites below
12. A faux fur lined suede jacket
Zurich, Switzerland (walking around in shopping district)
Shop my favorites below
Thank you and style board for winter travel outfit ideas
I created this style board as well and please feel free to share it and pin it. Thank you very much for reading this post and please do share your feedback in the comments section or reach out to me via my social media icons below. Also, tag me on your favorite winter look using my Instagram account @modlotus. Thank you again for your time!!
I am working on a post for next week on cupcakes that I had decorated in the past, a super easy decoration that anyone can do. Do come back next Wednesday if it sparks any interest :). Also, here is the link to my about me and look at few other favorite things at My Shop page.
Have a great holiday season and safe travels!!
If you are looking for my favorite Zurich trips on Viator or want to search any trips around the world on Viator.
Throw back Skiing- Colorado, USA (2014) (I still use that beanie cap from Frankfurt :))
Hello there!! I am Manisha from Tampa, FL essaying tidbits of my life as a creative outlet. Follow me along as I share happy doses of fashion, beauty, travel, recipes and all things meaningful that I love!! A life enthusiast, this blog is my way to connect with the world outside of my realm so connect with me via social icons below. Thanks!!
Finally got to read your first blog post and really enjoyed it! I am very passionate about styles and clothes, but my problem is packing for trips. I err on the side of caution and pack more than needed. I always feel that the only thing I won’t pack is what I’ll be in a mood to wear :). You have come up with some great ideas that would help me edit my wardrobe for trips! Wish you good luck on your blog! I’ll certainly subscribe.
Thanks Suman, Appreciate it very much!!
Suman, you are a fashionista herself and your style sense is impeccable.
Fantastic post and page!! Your pictures look great and love how easy it is to shop on your page!
Thanks Brooke, It means so much to me. My first day of blog launch. Appreciated your help for my insta feed shop.
Brooke, how do you geth your picture as avatar, mine is blank space. thanks 🙂
Hello, Manisha!
I love how timeless your outfit choices are. This would make a great capsule wardrobe. At least for us freezing Europeans 😉
I look forward to reading your future blogposts.
Much love ~ Clarissa
Thanks Clarissa!! Yes capsule wardrobe is a good suggestion. I loved your fall outfit guide and you have a very nice blog. and yes europe was very cold, and few times I thought my fingers are just going to fall off as I was just wearing leather gloves.
Blazers and jeans are a great wardrobe must. #FabFridayPosts
Mama grace, your poetry is amazing totally!! soulful. Blazers and jeans are my favorite. #fabfridaypost
your blog looks amazing and i love your outfits!! i went to London in December several years ago and this post would have come in so handy!
kileen
cute & little
Thank Kileen for being an inspiration for my blog. I will be posting few of my cake decorating posts as well. I am glad you liked my first post. I am totally overjoyed with the love I am feeling. I hope to write good helpful heartfelt posts in future.
Well, you certainly look beautiful and stylish in all these photos! I’d be sure to take your advice.
Thank you so much for nice words. That is so encouraging for a new blogger. Keep coming back. Leave me a link to your blog or instagram as well if you have any.
Congratulations on your first blogpost. Loved all the classic winter looks. My favorite go to in the so called winters here is my brown boots. Have had to retire a lot of jackets but maybe a winter vacation in Europe is due.
Thank you, Manisha. I am glad you loved this post. Definitely, brown boots are kind of a staple in the winter wardrobe. I bought my puffer jacket almost 10 years ago with one size slightly larger to allow layering that time but now I have gained weight so it fits me just fine with that extra layer that I have put on 🙂
I’ve only been to Europe a couple of times and in the summer. I would love to visit during the winter though. You look like a seasoned pro and seriously one travel on bag for one of your trips? Amazing! I love all of these tips and you look so stylish and chic in all of these photos! That photo of you on Mt. Rigi is breathtaking!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Carrie, as much as I wanted to take a big suitcase but my earlier winter trip to UK and Poland was very challenging because of heavy luggage. With 6 cities planned, I knew it is going to be difficult with a large suitcase so that’s why I created my own capsule wardrobe. I did not shop anything till my last destination Paris, and I bought a duffle bag there to bring all my shopping. 🙂
You just spoke my heart talking about Mt. Rigi it was totally out of the world day 10-hour day trip from Zurich. Will write one blog post on that as well. Nobody should miss that if visiting Zurich or Lucerne.
Thanks, for stopping by!! be in touch
Hi Manisha! Welcome to blogging and thanks for linking up! I absolutely love this entire post. I love the way you were able to travel to Europe with just a carryon (I tend to be a heavy packer, but would love to pack light). All of your looks are relaxed, but stylish, and your blazer was a nice touch to dress you look up a little if needed. Please feel free to link up every week. I start a new linkup on Friday that runs though the next Thursday, and it’s great exposure for your blog. Oh, by the way, I live in Florida too, but near Pensacola.
Thanks, Julie and looking forward to future link-ups. You are just up north of me, nice. So glad that you liked my travel tips that I follow. I used to be a heavy packer like I have checked in two full-size suitcases just for a 4-day ski trip. I used to be a heavy packer for many years and now I like to travel light as much as possible. Stay in touch!! Manisha
Hi, great choices of outfits blazers, jeans and boots are versatile comfortable and practical perfect for travelling #fabfridayposts
Thank Chloe, yes boots, denim and blazer are perfect for Florida winter as well. Stay in touch!! Manisha
I loved this post! Packing for trips is always the hardest but the looks you picked were perfect for where you were going. You looked like you had so much fun too! Awesome first post, Manisha! 🙂
Thank you, Thuy!! remember you mentioned in one of your Instagram post about working so hard on your post for 5 outfits of the week!! I was working on this post at that time, and I could feel each word of what you meant. lol.. I am glad you liked this post. I wanted to showcase my older pictures rather than taking new so somehow blended them into a storytelling. stay in touch and your posts are awesome and lovely.
Manisha, congrats on launching your blog! I was so excited about it!
Love your refreshing way of introducing the outfit to go with a city and certain temperature. Very creative! ❤️ Keep going!
Cheers from Frankfurt – close to Roemer and that bridge where your pic was taken.
JS
http://jetstreamsforthegoodlife.com/cape-town-love-explore-kloof-street
Thanks, Jas, totally feeling the happy vibes here. I bought my gloves and beanie cap from a lady who had a roadside shop in Roemer square. It was a nice historic area. Will definitely want to go back there one day, Your post on Kloof street is awesome. stay in touch. Manisha
I love your blog and this post is wonderful! I am amazed that you were able to pack so light and look so great all the time! Have a great week!
Peace!
Cheryl
https://www.northwestmountainliving.com
Thanks Cheryl. I am very impressed by your sophisticated wardrobe as well. Yes, I have been packing light for almost 8 years now, there were days when I will checkin two suitcases for just 4 day vacation :). stay in touch!! – Manisha
Welcome to the world of blogging! I’ve been blogging for years and I have loved every minute of it. This looks like quite the trip! Wow! And I’m stunned at all the coats you were able to fit into your luggage! When I went to Europe I took one coat (of course it was only Italy, so I didn’t need winter coats) and I bought a scarf when I was there. The scarf ended up being the most practical, because I would wear it over my shoulders in the morning when it was really cold, but in the afternoon when the temperatures rose, I could just tuck it into my bag! Love all your pretty outfits!
Hi Amy, so glad you stopped by. I enjoyed reading about trendy outfits in your blog. I have been enjoying blogging so far. I had to plan this trip in last minutes just because I wanted to avoid my American airlines miles to expire :). Scarfs are so versatile and I love it too. lately infinity scarfs are my favorite. Yeah, I calculated each day outfit in my mind before packing as i dd not want to take big suitcase. 🙂 stay in touch – Manisha
I love all of these ideas. Your winter outfits look so cute!
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
Courtney, thank you. Say in touch, Such a serene falls lake hike post on your blog. stay in touch. – Manisha
First blog post? Wow! You’ve done an amazing job. Plus what an amazing trip. I’m sure you are going to be a huge success.
Rosemary
Thanks Rosemary, yes first blog post. It took me almost 2 weeks to get this post ready spending half an hour so to sit down and compose the whole things. Your travel Thursday post on Malibu Beach and Beverly Hills Hotel was quite inspirational for me. I loved how you did little snippet at the bottom of each photo. I am working on one of my winter Zurich trip up to mountains now. stay in touch. My net blog post will be on cupcakes though!! 🙂
I think you’ve hit all of the perfect points with this post, Manisha!!!
Welcome and thanks for sharing!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks Jodie for stopping by. I am looking forward t future link ups on your site. stay in touch. Manisha
Manisha, this post is fabulous! I love that you had all those amazing looks packed in one carryon. And the fact that every outfit is still completely on trend even those these photos a few years old. Wonderful blog, my dear! I will be following along!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thanks, Shelbee for nice words about my first blog post. That means a lot. I am actually feeling very happy with the loving response from a blogging community. I loved your Made by Love outfit on your blog. Growing up, I too wore clothes sewed by my mom. Thanks for all the fashion link ups on your blog page. That list came handy to me. Stay in touch. Manisha
I totally love blazers with scarves oh and furry boots. What great style choices. Sarah #FabFridayPost
Thanks Sarah, loved your post on Winterville as well. That yoga on ice is worth checking out, I believe. Thanks Manisha
Really pretty looks! That red jacket is amazing!
https://styledwithamanda.blogspot.com
Love all these photos babe! Hope you had an amazing trip!! <3
XO, Jessi
https://www.mywhitet.com/babymoon-in-la/
Thanks Jessi. Trip was awesome. Good luck with your new baby and congrats once again!!