What to Wear for a European Sightseeing Break (in Prague) #iwillwearwhatilike

I think, just maybe, that I cracked the “what to wear for a European sightseeing break” dilemma last week.

I assembled what could be described as a capsule wardrobe-style set of outfits and fitted them all in my (medium sized) suitcase and took it with me to Prague for a five-day trip. (No one’s more surprised than me.)

To be honest it might have been a fluke, but there was one thing I kept in mind, and to my utter surprise I think it worked. By Jove, I think I’ve cracked it after nearly 47 years!

But first: I’m back on the blog after a mini hiatus of 12 days or so – the longest ever in nearly eight years of blogging. Of course I’ve been away on holiday or mini breaks before, but I’d always, always scheduled posts to go out during my travels. This time I wasn’t up to it in the days before flying out, and I’m very glad I didn’t slog my guts out because WOW I came back from Prague (a working trip) absolutely shattered.

Here are a few photos from my week in the Czech Republic’s beautiful capital city, and I’ll tell you how I managed to crack that pesky packing conundrum…!

(And before I forget: thank you to EVERYONE that left me lovely messages last week, both here on the blog and on social media. I honestly, truly appreciated them all.)

 

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links which means if you click through and buy I may receive a small commission at no cost to you (click here for my full disclosure). Any items listed as* were gifted within the last 12 months.

 

SHOP THE LOOK:

 

It’s easiest to explain the outfit in terms of what I packed for my trip. This may be INCREDIBLY obvious to seasoned travellers – those strange creatures who pack beautifully, never overpack, and always, always have everything they need despite seemingly having so few items in their luggage(!) – but I realised that I absolutely HAD to choose a colour palette, and stick to it.

That’s the secret right there: a colour palette. There’s no need to work out outfits in advance (one method I’d tried before only to have it fail), and it’s actually quite quick – especially good if you’re short on time before you have to leave like I always am #eep

For Prague, I went with a palette of blush, grey, cream, beige and mustard. Plus one splash of bold colour in the form of my trusty, goes-with-everything orange leather tote.

I laid all the things I wanted to take on the bed, and if an item didn’t work with the colour palette I discarded it immediately, no matter HOW much I wanted to take it.

(Oh, the pain of doing that!!)

I then made sure I had one of everything in terms of coat, trousers, dress (that would work for daytime, as here, or in the evening), sweater, scarf, boots, shoes, and tops or t-shirts for layering. I was away for a total of five days and knew the weather was probably going to be cold, windy/and or rainy, so my grey fedora* was more practical than an umbrella I might not need and regret having to carry.

Other pieces, like the fedora, that work well for sightseeing are:

A pair of smart, comfy flatforms (like these) instead of trainers.

A large, one-colour-fits-all leather tote (that zips up for safety).

A large blanket scarf that doubles as a pillow for travelling.

I can honestly say I got it right for once… I’m quite proud of myself!

(Thank you to Chloe Collingwood for taking my photos)

Hat: The White Company [gifted] (similar)
Dress: JD Williams (US link)
Sweater: Asos (similar)
Coat: Marks & Spencer (similar)
Shoes: Marks & Spencer (similar)
Bag: Hobbs (similar)
Scarf: Steve Madden (a gift from a friend)
Sunglasses: Mango (similar)

 

OTHER SNAKESKIN DRESSES YOU MIGHT LIKE:

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Dressing for a European city break

European cities – especially those that are not in the more southerly parts – can be COLD at this time of year. And wet. Although I was mostly working (a VERY exciting campaign for Garnier which I’ll write about here when I’m able in a couple of months or so), we did have a few hours before our flight on the last day to treat ourselves to a whistle-stop tour around Prague.

And despite a late finish the night before our last day, I also found time to take a few photos of Prague Castle at night from the famous Charles Bridge. I was desperate to see the sunset but sadly the sun had long since gone down.

It’s a stunning city: there are practically no modern buildings, and you need to constantly look up everywhere you go otherwise you’ll miss all the architectural detail. It felt like going back in time to the medieval period, and I’d love to go back with Keith one day to explore it properly.

Do add your outfits to this week’s link up – and if you’ve added a link to here or my button to your post you may be featured in my bi-monthly Women Who Wear What They Like post!

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO PRAGUE? WHAT ARE YOUR PACKING-FOR-A-SHORT-BREAK TIPS? COMMENT BELOW…!

Below: Prague rooftops

Below: The road up to Prague Castle

Below: Prague’s medieval astronomical clock (don’t miss the hourly dance of the figures flanking the clock)

Below: The entrance to Charles Bridge

Below: Charles Bridge at night

Below: Prague Castle from Charles Bridge

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Thank you for joining the #iwillwearwhatilike link up! This started as a campaign on Instagram in August 2015 where women over 30 wore everything on a journalist’s list of “inappropriate” items for 30+ women (including leopard print, short dresses and oversized sunglasses. Yes, really). It was so popular that I decided to carry it on weekly where women of all ages link up their fabulous style, never mind what anyone tells them not to wear!

The link up goes live every Tuesday at around 3pm UK time and will stay open for a week. Whilst the original article was of course aimed at the 30+, you can be ANY age to link up. The only prerequisite is that you’re wearing whatever you damn well like!

Click here to receive an email reminder for the next #iwillwearwhatilike link up as soon as it’s live!

Linking up etiquette…

CLICK HERE to read the rules of linking up (and to grab the #iwillwearwhatilike button). Basically it’s just good manners to link back to here – to leave a comment is even nicer!

PLEASE NOTE: This is for linking up WHAT YOU’VE BEEN WEARING ONLY. Non-outfit links will be removed and you might be blocked if you turn out to be a repeat “offender” (and no one wants that, do they…)!