5 Tips on Packing for Trips to Cold Climates featuring Mephisto

January 5, 2017

couples-travelHappy New Year everyone! I hope you had a great holiday. I ended up going back to San Francisco to celebrate Christmas with some family this season, which was really special. One of the things Tom and I desire as each year passes is to continue to experience new things, grow and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In the past, we’ve selected warmer climates to travel to, but seeing that we’re based in Southern California, it’s not difficult to stumble across destinations that are colder than home. Packing for colder climates usually means heavier bags and thicker items. Below are 5 ways I pack for colder climates.

More thin layers
When you pack, select items you can wear various ways and can also be layered to create different looks. A cotton shirt or turtleneck is great to wear under vests and sweaters. On this trip, I wore a black turtleneck under my faux fur vest and on another day, I wore one under a tank top, sweater, sleeveless duster and coat. Don’t be afraid to only pack less of the thicker pieces and more lighter ones. As long as you can layer them various ways, you’ll be able to stay warm. This will help you create various looks. When you pack too many sweaters and bulky items, you remain limited in options when you travel for more than a few days. Three long sleeves or layers usually end up being as big as one sweater, after all. A cami over a long sleeve shirt, or a turtleneck under a strapless (or spaghetti strap) jumpsuit are ways to create layers and different looks.

Emphasis on Warm Accessories
Great accessories will keep you warm and help finish off the look. A couple of great scarves and gloves go a long way in helping you stay warm and can make or break your outfit. You can wear a $20 shirt and $10 pair of jeans and great accessories will elevate your look, but also keep you warm. I often select black gloves and neutral tones to compliment my bag or shoes. I love pom beanie and faux fur hats. The beanie is fun, while faux fur is so luxurious looking. Both create different looks and are small enough to pack. To save room, I put mine inside of a purse that I’m packing,as it also helps keep the shape of your handbag.

Being Selective With the Handbags
Since winter packing often means more space is taken up in the luggage, I usually only take about 2 purses or handbags with me. Honestly, I’d love to pack more because I love handbags, but when you travel for long periods of time, as I do from time to time, one or two are all you really want to bring because dragging around a big bag city to city is not fun. Three things to consider when packing purses or handbags:
1) One that can handle bad weather, so make sure that your bag is weather-proofed with a protective spray/treatment
2) It holds what you need it to hold, such as camera, phone, ID, gloves, hat (if needed)
3) You have a bag that goes with all your outfits. Neutrals are often the best. I often travel with the bag I’m wearing in this post, and at night I have a really tiny crossbody bag I got at a Gucci boutique at the airport years ago, that just barely fits my phone and a few cards, but is a neutral color and easy to pack.

Staying Warm in Flight
This may seem kind of ridiculous, but I always get cold on the plane, and while I usually stick with a good long cardigan, a soft scarf and comfortable slacks and shoes for the flight, I choose to wear my heaviest pieces in-flight to destinations that are colder, so I don’t have to worry about whether or not it’ll fit in my bag. This way I ensure I have it with me and have room for whatever I may buy at my destination.

Comfortable Footwear
Travelling usually means walking more than usual, am I right? Most of my shoes and boots are either flats or 4” to 5” high. Shoes always take up the most space in my bag, so being selective and minimizing the amount you pack. In the past, Tom and I would run together wherever we travelled. Even in Florence, we ran past the crowds at Ponte Vecchio and into the residential areas. This time there was no running involved. I packed two pairs of shoes: a pair of nice classic pumps for a nice dinner/event, and a comfortable pair of leather boots to walk around in throughout the day.

mephisto-men-womens-shoescouplesthattravelmephistoscouples-mephisto-shoescouple-travelmephisto-boots5-ways-to-pack-for-trips-to-colder-climatesways-to-pack-for-trips-to-colder-climatesjapanese-gardenMephisto Jamie Bootscouples-travellingmephisto-boots-bothOn this last trip to San Francisco, I packed this jewel tone blue coat. Tom and I spent many hours walking in full leather Mephisto shoes for a couple of days. I had first heard of this brand many years ago and often seen them in shops with other popular branded footwear, including Nikes and Ecco. We never owned a pair, but heard they were really comfortable. Tom ordered the Melchior classic oxford black leather shoes made with two types of fine leather. It features a cushioning insole, flexible midsole and natural rubber shock absorbing outsole.  I requested for Jamie boots. They are made of buttery soft leather with contrast patented leather on the back of the boots.

In the past, I really enjoyed wearing 4” heels even on trips around large cities, but lower heels are on trend and my ankles had grown weak from sports and workouts involving agility training over the years. I wanted oxfords and lower boots for lengthier trips. The test on true comfort came when we decided to wear them for the entire day for the first time on a trip around The Palace of Fine Arts, which you can see from my prior post here, into J-Town and through the Golden Gate Park.

I have grown pretty comfortable wearing heels for hours in a day, but both Tom and I were surprised at how great our feet still felt after 7 hours of being on our feet. The soft cushion soles absorbed all the impact at the heels for both of us. Even more, our backs and bodies didn’t feel as tired. Tom is a size 14, so it’s not easy finding comfortable leather shoes. We really love the classic look of both of these and found the workmanship to be fantastic.

What do you think of our boots? How many shoes would you pack on a trip with colder climates? What are your own packing tips? I’d love to hear in the comments below.

For more inspiration on style and travel, follow me on Bloglovin♥, Twitter and Instagram.

Xo,

Miki

Photo credit to my one and only, Rise Again BJJ.

Thank you Mephisto for sponsoring this post

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  • Kit January 5, 2017 at 2:15 pm

    I agree! I usually place an emphasis on warm accessories — quality scarves are a must and keep you warm tenfold! With footwear, I usually try to bring the warmest and most comfortable boots, usually about 2 pairs. Great post 🙂 xx

    Kit | THINGS SHE LOVES

  • Marianne Sophia January 5, 2017 at 2:30 pm

    I love your coat, you look so stylish! Sounds like you have become an expert on traveling light! 🙂

    Much love,
    Marianne x http://www.beautiful-in-essence.blogspot.com

  • Julia Pepper January 5, 2017 at 3:18 pm

    Such a smart and useful post my dear! I travel a lot too and have to be “care” and minimal with my language, so note some of your cool advices for the future trip!
    Wishing you a wonderful end of the week my dear!
    Much love
    Julia

  • Nina January 5, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    You look absolutely amazing in this blue coat. These are great tips for everyone who is traveling to colder places.
    Nina
    Nina’s Style Blog

  • Rose January 5, 2017 at 7:48 pm

    Love the outfits! Love the boots! So hard to find stylish and comfy shoes.. Need to get me a pair.

  • Syl January 5, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    The combination of the boots and coat are fabulous! Love them!

    I would probably still pack two pairs of shoes on a trip. Seems like the right amount.

  • Yasmin January 5, 2017 at 10:56 pm

    I’m in love with that blue coat that you’re wearing! And the two of you make such a cute couple. Props to you for being able to wear high heels for hours on end. I do not even know how to walk in anything more than 3 inches haha. My center of gravity is so poor. And I love your travel clothing tips. Light layers is a great tip. And I also love the idea of warm accessories. Anything with faux fur adds warmth and luxury to a look.

    xx Yasmin
    http://banglesandbungalows.com

  • Mariann yip January 6, 2017 at 5:03 am

    All of your tips are definitely helpful! It’s always a little more difficult packing for a trip during colder weather than warm. I hope you are having a good start to the new year!

  • yuka January 6, 2017 at 10:53 am

    you guys are so cute!! great tips on cold weather travels. gloves are such a must for me! I had to learn that the hard way too =(

    http://www.prettyinleather.net

  • Ellese January 6, 2017 at 11:50 am

    The perfect shoes make or break a trip! Thanks for sharing what you pack! XO, Ellese

    Rock.Paper.Glam.

  • gracie January 6, 2017 at 3:03 pm

    I am the queen of overpacking so this post is full of great tips for people traveling this winter ! I am in love with your blue coat. It is beautiful and looks fabulous on you with your gorgeous hair.
    xx,gracie
    snappedbygracie.com

  • Christine Kong January 6, 2017 at 3:49 pm

    I love SF, but you’re right, the weather is a little cooler than SoCal and there is quite a bit of walking involved to see the city. I love your packing tips. I usually tend to take lots of big sweaters and jackets that just end up taking so much space in my luggage. These shoes look chic and also the fact that they are comfortable to walk hours in is a major bonus! Thanks for sharing these tips and this brand of shoes. I definitely have to look into them for my next adventure. xoxo, Christine
    http://dailykongfidence.com/

  • francesca January 6, 2017 at 7:06 pm

    I was just there last week! I love that spot. Also love your beautiful blue coat!
    francesca
    Frank Vinyl : A California Fashion Blog

  • Jenn Hanft January 6, 2017 at 8:11 pm

    These tips are so helpful!! I actually haven’t thought about packing more thin layers as opposed to thick layers. It definitely serves a purpose to stack up on more layers and be warmer in the long run. And comfortable shoes? Yes!!! I’ve learned this the hard way haha! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    XO Jenn
    https://jennsemble.com

  • Samantha Mariko January 6, 2017 at 8:43 pm

    This is seriously the post I wanted to read most now! While I’m traveling to soCal next month, I’m also going to NY for a weekend and I hear it’s super cold out there! So these packing tips for colder weather was really helpful! These photos of you and your man are so cute:)
    http://www.samanthamariko.com

  • Jordan January 6, 2017 at 11:08 pm

    Definitely love these tips!! It’s so hard to pack with cold weather because it takes up so much space, but these are perfect ways to make the most of the space you have and pack well!!
    Jordan xx
    http://www.thehatlogic.com

  • Helen Chik January 7, 2017 at 12:30 am

    These are such great tips girl and I wish I read this before I left for New Zealand because it is FREEZING here and I did NOT pack correctly haha! Noted for my next trip to anywhere that’s not tropical! 😉

    Helen xx
    https://ch1k.com/shadesofyou

  • stylefrontier.com January 7, 2017 at 2:35 am

    lovely tips and amazing photos of you two!
    happy new year!
    xoxo
    style frontier

  • Violette January 7, 2017 at 4:24 am

    Great tips even if even with these I always have troubles when it come packing! I love the location, so lovely!

    http://violettedaily.com

  • Lucy January 7, 2017 at 1:48 pm

    What great packing tips! I love the suggestion of thin layers. Great way to not add bulk/weight to your body and keeping things looking slim. And that gorge blue jewel tone is soooo pretty.

  • Len Parent January 7, 2017 at 3:13 pm

    I’m obsessed with this post. These photos are so lovely. Thanks for sharing!
    Much love, Len
    http://www.lenparent.com

  • Deddeh Howard January 7, 2017 at 8:11 pm

    Your so right about the small layers. They do make traveling easier. Thanks for sharing this tip beautiful, love your images.

  • Kusum January 8, 2017 at 9:00 am

    Great tips and I also make sure to carry an oversized handbag just so I can stuff the extra layers as and when needed in the bag based on how the weather changes during the day. Adore that coat babe, so classy!
    xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com

  • Stella Asteria January 8, 2017 at 9:06 am

    Such amazing tips my dear Miki! I should have read this before visiting Vienna haha! I agree with you, thin layers is the best way to keep warm while playing with layering! I got a protective spray too but -don’t laugh- I am afraid to use it because I am not sure if it will affect the look of my favourite bags, especially the suede ones. The sales person reassured me that this will not happen but I am still reluctant haha. Have you tried it on suede items? I really have to start using it. I was holding my Chole Faye bag in Vienna and when it started snowing I wore my coat above it for protection. You can imagine how I looked haha!
    Thanks so much for sharing and have a great start to the week!
    PS: what a fantastic place! San Fransisco is so dreamy, we really want to visit with Anestis, I am showing him your instagram pics 🙂
    xoxo
    Stella
    http://www.stellaasteria.com

  • Susanne - Bag at you January 8, 2017 at 2:43 pm

    You two look adorable!! And I’m so happy to read how much you enjoyed San Francisco. Also really love your shoes! It is indeed hard to find shoes that enable you to be still out of pain after 7 hours! So I’m very happy to read about this fashion label. I also wanna thank you for your tips on how to pack for the cold weather as we will leave for Lake Tahoe soon! Definitely will take those into account! I hope you had the best first week of the new year! Big Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com

  • Luci's Morsels January 8, 2017 at 5:20 pm

    My goodness! Size 14, he really needs to be comfortable if he’s walking for hours…hehehe! Love both of your styles of boots! Great tips on traveling to colder climates, layering is key. Beautiful photos! xo

    Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.

  • Linh Dao January 8, 2017 at 9:56 pm

    I really love your post! Such a great idea in packing light etc. I’m always a heavy packer! Your outfit is so cute and it sounds like you’ve had a great time with family! I hope you have a great new year! I’ll remember your tips for when I pack for Vietnam!

    Linh
    http://www.xcapewithlinh.com

  • sonia // daring coco January 9, 2017 at 12:22 am

    Those boots sound pretty solid. I love high heels but I have a bad left ankle and can’t wear them for too long sadly. I’m also rather hopeless in packing for cooler climates. It doesn’t get super cold on my side of the world so I’m always so underprepared.

    Sxx
    http://www.daringcoco.com

  • Stephanie January 9, 2017 at 6:49 am

    These are excellent tips! I definitely agree that packing layers is necessary – I do that on most trips anyways – and bringing comfortable footwear is a must! I can’t emphasize enough how badly you need comfy, practical shoes in the winter. I know so many gals that trek to NYFW in their stilettos in February, only to find out that they gotta buy new snow boots because of the slushy streets from all the snow haha!

    Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com

  • Candace January 9, 2017 at 10:55 am

    I’d say thin layers are definitely important. Just imagine if you were coming down here to Louisiana expecting winter, when in fact…it’s actually in the 70s. Sweaters and thick layers would be torture!

    http://www.thebeautybeau.com

  • Marcy January 9, 2017 at 11:39 am

    Such a great post and tips babe!!! Really traveling to cold climate sometimes can be a pain only to thin about the bag and what you need to bring hahaha
    Keep the good work!

    xoxo
    Marcy

  • Margaret January 9, 2017 at 7:36 pm

    You two look so cute together! I do not bring too many bags en route tho, cus I almost use the same bag again and again (mostly because I am too lazy to pack again) so pretty pointless for me to bing so many with me hahaha

    xx Margaret
    http://www.maleemaleehong.com

  • Sharon Wu January 9, 2017 at 9:24 pm

    Omg you and your hubs are literally couple goals ~__~ waitttt who took these photos of you both!? So adorable! Happy new year babe. See you Thursday! xo, sharon

    http://www.stylelullaby.com/lifestyle/sweetspot-labs-freshening-up-2017/

  • Josie January 10, 2017 at 10:50 am

    You and your husband look good together!
    These tips are really useful! For winter I always have a few turtlenecks as I think they are great pieces for layering … and they’ll keep you warm. Also love the shoes you picked, they are classic and sort of timeless.

    Bisous, Josie
    http://www.petiteandbold.com

  • Jessi Malay January 10, 2017 at 11:34 am

    These photos are beyond gorgeous babe!! LOVE your coat..so elegant and classy for the winter months 🙂 Happy New Year and wishing you tons of success in 2017!! <3

    XO, Jessi
    http://www.mywhitet.com/golden-globes-recap/

  • Thomas January 10, 2017 at 12:43 pm

    Haha, this was actually funny to read, not because of how you pack, as you do it really well, but as I recollect how I used to pack and how I pack now. I used to be able to go on a one week holiday with just my carry on luggage. Nowadays I need 3 suitcases as I’m traveling to fashion weeks or what not and whatever destination I’m heading to I usually have photo shoots. Add to that the fact that I don’t live in Cali, but northern Europe and all of a sudden you need so much stuff. Oh the horrendous things blogging has done with me, haha. And yes, I did love your boots, both of yours! 🙂
    xoxo
    Thomas

    http://thomasfalkenstedt.com

  • Melissa Araujo January 10, 2017 at 5:40 pm

    Happy new year! Great tips, I always have a hard time during the winter to style my things, as I want to look good but also stay warm. Hard xx
    MA

  • Sia Foch January 11, 2017 at 3:17 am

    Such a wonderful tips, thanks for sharing!

    -xx,Sia
    http://www.siafoch.com

  • jasna January 11, 2017 at 5:23 am

    Some great tips babe, glad to hear you had a good holiday too xx

  • maray January 11, 2017 at 1:58 pm

    Beautiful look! Nice place 🙂
    Kisses!!

    http://www.alasdeangel.net

  • camille January 11, 2017 at 4:19 pm

    These are some great tips! If I’m being honest I haven’t really experienced true cold before, but if I ever do now I’m prepared 🙂

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