Packing for cobblestones

Here is what I packed for my 16 days trip:

trench coat and motorcycle jacket
jeans: denim, white and black
leggings and yoga pants and yoga tshirt
tees: short sleeve blue, navy, black and white, long sleeve navy, red, black, stripe
sweaters: black v-neck, green and black long cardigans
dressy tops: punk top floral, tie neck polka dot, black t-shirt with leather sleeves
navy blazer
blue print cotton skirt
black dress
pink cashmere wrap

cross-body purse
leopard clutch
short and long necklace, pearl earings and black bracelet
colorful scarf
brown belt
ballet flats in gold and black
black Valentina pumps
black sandals
flip flops and sneakers

bikini and black cotton dress as cover-up
underwear including few tank tops
pajamas

My initial difficulty was the unpredictable weather at this time of the year. The temperatures ranged from lower 50s to mid 80s but I had a good mix of warmer and colder weather choices.  I wasn't sure if I should bring my Banana trench (I was first going with just the moto jacket), but I am glad I did. I was blending with the locals well, because almost everybody was wearing either a black leather jacket or a trench coat and the scarves seem absolutely obligatory.    

On the coldest days I wore my black merino sweater from Ann Taylor and black JBrand cigarette jeans.  Right before my trip I got the jeans hemmed to the ankle length and they instantly became much more wearable and up to date.

I walked a lot, so I mostly wore jeans and t-shirt uniform.  

Here I am sporting my Jagiellonian University t-shirt that I bought on the trip.  I have a lot of college pride.  The school was founded in 1364 and counts Copernicus as one of its alumni. It is located in the very center of the town.

I was hoping to do some running, so I brought my yoga outfit and sneakers. Sneakers are not the most stylish but I loved them on long walks with my mother and on our visit to the Wieliczka salt mine, where we had to descend about 400 stairs.

Colorful silk blouses take a very little space in the suitcase but were a great way to dress up a simple jeans-and-blazer outfit.  I wore my polka dot blouse (WHBM) exactly the same way.

When the weather warmed up my all cotton Brook Brothers skirt was just perfect and super comfortable. It also goes with white or navy t-shirts and the navy blazer, so I had some options.

I knew I was going to the theatre with my friend, so I brought my LBD, leopard clutch and pink cashmere wrap.  I was going to wear my black Valentinas, but decided on ballet flats, so I can navigate the cobblestones. 

Overall, I was happy with what I packed and I used almost everything. My biggest mistake were the heels.  But I was very comfortable in my ballets. I brought two pairs, gold and black and they went with all my outfits. 

My personal travel formula is to keep everything neutral then add some light packing colorful touches.  I brought 3 pairs of jeans with several short and long sleeve neutral colored t-shirts.  I topped it off with couple of sweaters, navy blazer, trench coat, motorcycle jacket and a purse that goes with everything. This was my base, all in black, white/cream, blue and navy.  Then, I added a skirt that goes with few t-shirts, a black dress and dressy black tee to go out, couple of silk blouses and a scarf.

When in doubt, I wore black. My black jeans went with short sleeve scoop neck and long sleeve v-neck tees,  Club Monaco top with leather sleeves, long merino v-neck and boyfriend cardigan, all in black.  I added scarf or a necklace and gold flats for some color.  It was also good to have saddle color bag to lighten it up.  It was easy and made me feel chic and pull together.  

My other favorite was to wear jeans and a navy blazer with colorful silk blouses.  Switching up the jeans for a cheerful skirt worn with plain t-shirts was also a nice change.  

I don't wear dresses that much, but once the temperature rose they were everywhere.  If I was going in the summer, I would definitely pack at least one, preferably in some non wrinkling easy knit.   

Mom, watching the cobbles

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That's all folks!

What is your travel packing formula and what are your favorite travel outfits?