When it comes to clothing for abroad you have to remember to be frugal. Layers will now be your everyday because even if you are lucky enough to fly an airline that allows two suitcases there isn’t room for complex pieces. My number one recommendation is if you are allotted two suitcases only one should be filled with clothes. Bear with me on this, I’m helping you leave room in the other suitcase for shoes, little accessories, your hair/makeup care essentials AND potential and probably inevitable new purchases you would like to take home.
Here are the essential clothes to have in your suitcase:
1. Simple Tank Tops and T-shirts
The more minimalistic the better! Having a bunch of mono toned clothing items is going to help with versatility in styling for both class and going out dependent on your bottoms and accessories. These are also essential because they are small weighted so you can pack in bulk.
2. Staple Sweaters
On chilly days for your convenience it is better to bring upwards to a max of 5 sweaters to quickly throw on. These will save you a lot of time getting ready and also prevent you from layering through cold days and running through outfits quickly!
3. A Few Cardigans
Alongside sweaters, these are necessary for days where you want to showcase your style! My recommendation is 2 patterned and 3 basic color (black, white and color of your choice) cardigans, which will cover you for the entirety of the study abroad.
4. Two Reliable Jackets
Dependent on the weather in your host country, a reliable jacket could mean anything from a utility jacket, windbreaker or thick winter jacket; use your judgment! It is important however to pack one light jacket and one heavier one, once again dependent on the weather light and heavy could have varying degrees, so that you are never unprepared for the day.
5. LEGGINGS
Remember all of those tank tops and t-shirts I told you to pack? Leggings both long and capris style go with EVERY outfit. An additional benefit is besides the cotton leggings they make spandex and leather if you would like a simply way to elevate the outfit, plus they’re a small item so bring as many pairs as you want!
6. Two Pairs of Sturdy Jeans
Time to open up your wallet if you don’t have good jeans already! Since you’re going abroad the last thing you want are your $10 Forever21 jeans to fail you putting you into a cycle of buying new pairs. My top recommendation is American Eagle jeans so start looking now for their Black Friday and holiday sales, it’s worth it!
7. A Rain Jacket
Yet another thing to splurge on, trust me from experience. One time I went to France for a two week exchange trip and a $30 rain jacket that barely lasted me through the minimal rain that occurred during my trip. You NEED to spend a decent amount of money for a semi-industrial jacket and this will be beneficial way beyond the study abroad.
Look out for future packing lists in the next few weeks! The hard part of study abroad is definitely the realization that you can’t bring every item you own.