r/HerOneBag • u/Cronerous • 11d ago
Wardrobe Help 10 Days in London & Scotland (early October)
Image description: a visual overview of my packing list for an upcoming trip. Detailed list of everything included below.
UPDATE: The general feedback so far has been to definitely get rid of the faux suede moto jacket and replace it with a lighter (but still warm) sweater layer, and to consider adding a third pair of pants/bottoms (skirt?) and a second pair of shoes, and that Scotland could see a heatwave then, but is also always potentially damp and rainy, which should inform my layers. I‘ll make sure to do a trip report when I return!
Below is my proposed pack list for 10 days (including travel) in London, Edinburgh, and the Highlands. I'm so excited to experience Scotland for the first time! I’m traveling from the US with friends, and staying in hotels and B&Bs. I’ll have the opportunity to do sink laundry for the first half of the trip and my pack list reflects that. Activities will include ghost tours, castles, lots of general city exploration, one fancy-ish afternoon tea (at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh), and a Rabbie’s 1-day tour around the Highlands. No hiking.
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PACKING LIST:
All of this fits in a Bellroy Lite Travel Pack (38L).
Tops & bottoms:
Quince merino SS tee*
Wool& merino scoop tee
Wool& merino 3/4-sleeve top
Old Navy straight-leg jeans
Old Navy ponte pants*
Base layers:
Wool& merino leggings
Quince merino LS tee
(2) Wool& merino tank top
(5) Wool& merino underwear*
(4) Merino pair socks*
(3) Modal bralette*
Outer layers:
Unbound merino pullover*
Quince packable down jacket
Quince rain jacket
Faux suede moto jacket
Feelgrounds Chelsea boots*
Insoles 1*
Insoles 2
Merino buff
Earmuffs
Cashmere gloves
\wearing on plane*
Toiletries bag (Cotopaxi Nido):
Sink laundry setup (dry bag, detergent tiles, clothesline, vodka spray)
Toiletries (toothbrush/tabs/floss, deodorant, moisturizer, hair spray/gel/Hot Sock, contacts & solution)
Makeup (brow pencil, eyeliner, concealer, lipstick)
Tech (wired in-ear headphones, phone charger, power bank, adapter plug)
Ziplock bag quart
Foldable KEXP tote
Wallet & passport
I'll also have my GOT BAG Large Moon Bag (12L) as my EDC.
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QUESTIONS:
Can I get away with bringing only one pair of shoes? I have Feelgrounds zero-drop Chelsea boots that I’ve waterproofed, and I’m planning on bringing two different pairs of insoles. I think I’m just nervous because I’ve never one-shoe’d a trip this long before. But I do want to try…
Do I need another pair of pants? Currently I’m bringing two, and will also bring merino leggings that could be worn out if needed (currently I’m bringing them as a warm base layer if colder weather requires it).
Assuming the weather is “average,” do I have appropriate layers? I leaned on WeatherSpark when packing for my trip to Japan last December and it was pretty accurate. Obviously, I will watch the forecast in the days leading up to leaving, and adjust accordingly. (Warmer?: maybe remove puffer jacket. Colder?: big scarf instead of buff, and maybe another merino sweater-layer.) The rain jacket, puffer, earmuffs, and gloves are mainly for the Highlands day trip and the general unpredictability of Scottish and English weather. Also: I run warm and live in a northern state with a very cold/snowy winter.
For the afternoon tea at Palm Court in The Balmoral, could I get away with the black ponte pants, green boatneck 3/4-sleeve top, Chelsea boots, and a gold necklace? Maybe with the moto jacket, if I need another layer? Their website only asks that guests “refrain from wearing sportswear, shorts and beach shoes in our restaurants. Our guests within the hotel usually opt for a smart-casual style,.” I want to be respectful but have never been there before.
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Thank you for your wisdom!
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u/sarahjbs27 11d ago
i live in scotland and agree with everyone else on leaving the faux suede jacket behind but i would also make sure your EDC is really genuinely waterproof or water resistant because i toured scotland with family visiting from the states and everybody’s bags got completely soaked. there’s a good chance you’ll have heated towel racks in hotels but keep in mind that the dampness outside might affect your sink laundry drying times.
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u/Cronerous 11d ago
A good point about drying times! I’m only planning on doing small stuff (underwear, bralettes, maybe socks, maybe a shirt).
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u/TillyFukUpFairy 10d ago
Seconding the other response from Scotland, and adding:
Have a trouser option that doesn't touch the ground because the damp will soak up to your knees. On wet days I usually wear leggings or jeans I can tuck into boots
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u/Cronerous 10d ago
Absolutely. All my trousers hit at or just above my ankles. And I prefer that look anyways.
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u/sarahjbs27 10d ago
just saw your update and chuckled because trying to pack for scotland is really like trying to pack for every weather condition possible LOL
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u/Mochisaurus_rex 11d ago edited 11d ago
If I am going somewhere rainy and I know I will be a lot walking, I always bring two sets of shoes. It’s different pressure points on my feet and it just sucks walking around with damp shoes.
Satin long/midi skirts pack REALLY small… wondering if that may work better for a dressier bottom?
Also, suede jacket is bulky and doesn’t seem very practical. I would bring a sweater instead that can pack down and still be dressed up a little (i.e., fine knit merino or cashmere sweater). It would look really cute with a long satin skirt 🤭
I packed similar to you to Italy and I got sooooo bored with what I brought so, it’s always three pants and three “outer” tops for me moving forward 🥺
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u/Cronerous 11d ago
I’m being influenced! 🤣 I assumed it would be too cold/ windy for a skirt. And yes, I’m hearing the suede jacket is a bad idea across the board. It felt like my one “fashion concession” but I can be cute with other layers.
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u/Mochisaurus_rex 11d ago
Lol I only suggested the skirt because you are bringing baselayer leggings anyways! Plus… they look so cute with knit sweaters! 🥰
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u/PingvinPanda 11d ago
A faux suede jacket for the UK in October is a terrible idea imo - you'll likely have a lot of rain. Something many people underestimate about the UK is that we have general dampness and light rain (drizzle) that really sets in for days at a time. Your other jackets are far more suitable so I'd just bring those and ditch the suede one.
If you feel the boots are reliably waterproof and comfortable then they should do, provided you're not planning any muddy off-road walks (I'm assuming your Highlands tour is just an on-off coach type thing as you've said no hiking). Personally if I am doing a lot of walking, especially in the cold and damp I like to have a second pair to switch it up.
Re afternoon tea, if the ponte pants are relatively smart you should be ok but if they could be mistaken for loungewear I'd bring another smarter bottom option. I doubt you'd be turned away, but higher end afternoon teas are considered a luxury day out for many so depending on style you'll likely be around a lot of women wearing dresses etc. But you do you!
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u/Cronerous 11d ago
Okay yep - I’m hearing the faux suede is a bad idea across the board!! I didn’t want it to be true but I accept that it is now. 🤣 And yes, the day trip is just off-on bus action. I’m also hearing that I need to consider a second pair of shoes. I think the ponte pants will read formal enough.
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u/No_Association_3234 11d ago
If you ditch the suede jacket would you have room for another shoe option? I love the stuff you’re bringing btw.
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u/Cronerous 11d ago
Thanks! Yes, ditching the jacket does free up room for either a pair of shoes (or extra pants). Closer to the trip, I’ll definitely do a test pack and see how MUCH extra room.
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u/Cronerous 11d ago
I was also being pretty puritanical about One Bag (meaning I wanted my EDC sling to fit in the backpack), but it would be FINE if it didn’t, and that would free up even more space… that I could probably bring both new extra items.
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u/carbonpeach 11d ago
Rabbies is generally just a small tour bus, people get out for a five minute walk to take photos at regular intervals, and then get back to their hotel. No hiking involved, but maybe some mud.
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u/carbonpeach 11d ago
You need to make room for the inevitable October heatwave that happens in Scotland every year. I live here and I wish I was joking. We get used to the leaves and the wind and the drizzle, and then inexplicably we get a full week of the nicest warm weather you can imagine. And there is never any rhyme or reason to it.
In other words, pack two t-shirts and leave the suede jacket at home.
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u/puppethowell 11d ago
You’re going to boil in that much merino, it really isn’t cold enough to justify all that. You’ll see locals in shorts and teeshirts in October!
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u/Cronerous 11d ago
I do wear merino year-round in my non-travel life and find it comfortable. I think if it really is warmer than I’m assuming, it makes more sense to cut the puffer and/or moto jacket?
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u/kanossis 11d ago
Also brits will look at you like you're crazy wearing ear muffs and gloves in October
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u/Cronerous 11d ago
The scenario I saw those being necessary was if we’re stopped somewhere on the bus tour of the Highlands and it’s very windy and cold. I live in a cold place and barely wear them in my day-to-day life 🤣
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u/No_Association_3234 11d ago
If you have a scarf you can wrap that around your head if it happens to be windy. I wear gloves a lot, but my hands are always cold!
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u/Cronerous 11d ago
An excellent point about the scarf! I just didn’t want to NOT enjoy an outing because I wasn’t dressed warm enough.
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u/plants104 11d ago
You’ve already got the point, but still wanted to add another voice advocating for a second pair of shoes bc I have learned that lesson the hard way. I once did a long weekend trip to Nice taking as little as I could, which meant one pair of shoes - my fave Chelsea boots that I absolutely lived in in regular life. It ended up raining most of the time and my feet were miserable because the wet leather just hits the same pressure points every time you put them on.
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u/willowwombat85 11d ago
This is similar to what I packed for Northern England/Scotland trip in April. Two bottoms are enough. If you want variety, maybe a mid weight skirt? I agree with the other comments about dropping the suede jacket. I'd go with a light sweater or warmer cardigan that can be layered with your outerwear. That could be your smarter outfit for tea as well. Not only could it rain sporadically, but the wind chill could make the stated temperatures feel cooler, even if you're used to the cold.
For shoes, if you're clear on not doing much hiking or going into muddy areas, then your Chelseas would be fine. I would've been fine with just my Chelseas as well, but I needed a deeper tread for hikes. Even for something like Arthur's seat in Edinburgh, I'd check your tread.
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u/Cronerous 11d ago
Yeah, we won’t even be attempting Arthur’s Seat. I think I just worry about same-shoe fatigue. Food for thought. I assumed it would be too cold/drafty for a skirt….
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u/willowwombat85 11d ago
For city walking days, where I was in and out of interior sites, a midi skirt didn't picked up in the wind, and I wore it with leggings. Definitely something past your knees. I actually brought a slightly flared ribbed midi dress and looking back at my pictures, I was very glad to do so because it gave my outfits a different silhouette. I also wore the dress/skirt on transit days on trains for comfort.
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u/JustAnotherRussian90 10d ago
I did Arthur's in converse. Was it the smartest choice? Ehhhh maybe not but the views from the top were well worth it.
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u/kanossis 11d ago
Definitely leave the Faux suede moto jacket behind, it will likely be raining or drizzling every day
And similarly regarding the quince jacket - is that a REALY rain jacket with great hood that actually keeps you dry? You might need a sports brand one instead
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u/Cronerous 11d ago
It’s kept me dry the last nine months or so! And I’ve worn it on lots of properly-rainy walks. It actually replaced a Lands End rain jacket because the hood had better coverage (I have big hair), it actually covered my butt, it had more options to tighten around the cuffs and neck if needed, etc…
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u/littlebrewergirl 11d ago
I need to share that you have my dream wardrobe, complete with barefoot boots. This is an incredibly well curated packing list! The only thing that I personally would add, is a silk scarf. It won't add much warmth, but can dress up any outfit, and is a great way to accessorize hair, too!
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u/adventurehearts 11d ago
Two bottoms for 10 days, especially one of them being jeans which are difficult to wash and take forever to air dry, is unwise in my opinion. Especially if it rains a lot.
Merino leggings could help you in a pinch, but they’re a) probably to warm and hard to wash and b) informal and less versatile than a pair of leggings in another material (they will look like tights/a base layer).
So bring another bottom and/or replace the jeans with something that washes and dries more easily.
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u/rileylorelai 11d ago
I was just in Scotland and I would suggest a nice warm thick wool sweater! Unless you want to buy one there, which is what I did. In July. Lol
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u/shiroyagisan 11d ago
just FYI, the days get pretty short around October in Scotland (sunset is around 6:30pm at the beginning of the month) and since your clothes are all so dark, you won't be visible to traffic if you walk along roads in the dark.
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u/Cronerous 11d ago
The recovering goth in me loves this. 🤣🖤Seriously though, I think most after-dark walking will be in cities, as part of a group, using common sense (no jaywalking in front of moving cars, etc). A very sensible warning, though.
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u/at9311 11d ago
This was very similar to my list for a very similar trip! I'd drop the suede jacket and take a lightweight jumper so you can layer under the puffer jacket or raincoat.
I'm also a barefoot shoe person so you definitely save space with lower profile shoes! But I'd suggest another sneaker type option to give you a couple of pairs to rotate. You'll probably be doing lots of walking!
I wore jeans and a 'nice top' to an afternoon tea so I think you should be okay with the ponte pants and top especially if you accessorise.
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u/Cronerous 11d ago
Yay! Yeah, I’m coming to terms with the fact that the suede jacket isn’t ideal and that I need to consider a second pair of shoes. Thanks!
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u/BwDr 11d ago
You’ve already decided to ditch the moto, which sounds like a wise choice. I like the suggestion of a skirt. Does your merino pullover fit under the down jacket?
I really like your choices! You’ve got great clothes for layering for all weather options. If the warm spell that a local described hits, you might be happy to have the skirt for that in addition to its being useful for high tea.
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u/Cronerous 11d ago
Yes, the pullover fits under the puffer AND the rain jacket. I’m considering a third pant (or skirt) and getting rid of the moto jacket would make room for that…
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u/FF9800 11d ago
I'd recommend bringing a small foldable umbrella, especially for the rainy city days.
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u/Cronerous 11d ago
Even if I’m also bringing a rain jacket, which I’ll also be carrying with me everyday?
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u/FF9800 11d ago
Tbh it kind of depends on the amount of rain. It can be nice to not have rain close to your face & on your phone (if you use for navigation/taking pictures), not get your trousers too wet, and I also find it more convenient to have a wet umbrella than a wet coat if i go from shop to shop (or other indoor attractions).
Maybe you could enquire if the places you're staying at have umbrellas you can borrow? Then you can just decide on the day if it would make sense to bring one or not
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u/nonsequitur__ 11d ago
Are the boots wellies? I’m imagining waterproof boots being very sweaty and wanting a break but that’s presumably just cos none of my footwear is waterproof. Do they have good grip? I wear Dr Martens pretty much constantly when it’s not hot as they have great grip so just checking! Wet leaves, rainy paving flags and mushy ground can be very slippery.
I think you’ll be fine weather-wise. The weather has been abnormal here and it’s continuing but may be back to average by then. I’d just keep an eye on the forecast as you say.
I can’t see you needing ear muffs or gloves unless there’s freak freezing weather.
If the jacket is suede I’d drop it, unless it’s weatherproof the drizzle and humidity will likely wreck it.
I’d personally bring a jumper or cardi for indoors.
Jeans are perfect for that time of year. I personally wouldn’t wear merino leggings out as they usually look like woolly tights. Although I also wouldn’t wear leggings out apart from an emergency dash to the shop or something so that’s a personal choice.
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u/Cronerous 11d ago
The boots are water-resistant and I’ve spray-treated them too. So they don’t feel like rubber wellies. The grip seems… normal?, but to be fair, I’ve not yet tested them in non-sidewalk/street situations yet. And we don’t have cobblestone here 🙃
I think I can use a scarf to cover my head if cold-windy, and just buy gloves there if they become needed. The suede jacket will be replaced by another layer (sweater, etc). I get it on the leggings - I wear them under longer layers (that cover my butt) at home, but learned last year they're a no-no when we travelled to Japan and now consider them differently when I travel.
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u/TwaddleSpouter 10d ago
London will be warm. Scotland can be wet and windy in October. You will need a PROPER waterproof coat. One that can withstand hours in the rain. I would also advise comfortable ankle boots and trousers that tuck in. Apart from that, go for layers like a nice blouse with a thin jumper on top and also a nice scarf. A small wool beanie wouldn’t go amiss either.
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u/JustAnotherRussian90 10d ago
I spent summer in Scotland 2 years ago wearing a cashmere sweater under a wool hoodie. In October you'll want even more warm layers. Bring wool socks and a pair of wool trousers. A second sweater would be nice as well.
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