We just got back from 6 days in Amsterdam and I think this was the first trip in Europe I’ve taken and actually packed properly! I was warm, dry, and felt really cute (even though I worse the same winter coat the entire time lol). Regardless, feeling cute is a win in my book, so I thought I would share the outfits I wore in Amsterdam and give you my very own packing guide! Plus, this guide works if you live or will be traveling to anywhere cold.
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What the Weather was Like in Amsterdam
We spent December 28th-January 2nd in Amsterdam, and after a rocky, and unbearably long travel day, we were thrilled to land in the city. It was both my husband and I’s first time there and we have a lot of thoughts about the city, so stay tuned for a city and foodie recap!
You might also like: Amsterdam Restaurants Worth the Splurge
Now, for the weather we were honestly shocked at how cold it was. I mean we live in Switzerland so we are used to the cold, but this was bone chilling. Luckily we packed properly, but let me tell you, layering was key. Everyday was in the 30’s, but the weather app let us know that while it might be 30, it felt like 20 (!!!). So, safe to say it was freezing. We were fortunate though, it only rained on our last two days, so we were able to experience the city in true fashion. And honestly, once it started to rain it was unbearable so we did a lot of things inside to avoid the chaos (the trains were crazy during this time!).
How Locals Dress
Amsterdam style is effortless and practical. And vastly different than in Switzerland, which to be honest, was a nice break. You could see that function was always placed first, ensuring coats and shoes were waterproof, and everything was bike riding appropriate. You could describe it as function with a touch of chic. Very effortless and unfussy which I love. You can think tailored coats, sleek boots, and warm accessories like scarves and beanies.
Amsterdam Winter Outfits (What I Wore!)
1. Exploring the City
Outfit: Trendy sneakers, thermal leggings, black trousers, thermal long sleeve, a cozy sweater, a long tailored wool coat, beanie and leather gloves!
Where I Wore It: Perfect for wandering the city and taking a canal cruise!
2. A Night Out for Dinner
Outfit: A sweater paired with thermal leggings, satin skirt, heeled boots, and a long tailored wool coat .
Where I Wore It: Ideal for a dinner at a a trendy spot like Troef or R21. Check out my review of these two spots here!
Style Tip: For dinner I swapped out my trousers from the outfit above, and threw on this satin skirt for an elevated look!
3. Day at the Museums
Outfit: Barrel jeans, a turtleneck, wool coat, and a crossbody bag.
Where I Wore It: Comfortable for spending hours at the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum.
4. Cafe and Bar Hopping
Outfit: Cashmere turtleneck, a chunky knit scarf, parka, and trendy sneakers.
Where I Wore It: Staying warm while wandering the streets, but not too hot when inside grabbing a drink!
Winter Packing Guide for Amsterdam
Clothing Essentials
- Outerwear: A warm coat and/or parka with waterproof capabilities.
- Bottoms: Fleece-lined leggings, jeans, satin skirt.
- Tops: Lightweight thermals, turtlenecks, and sweaters.
- Accessories: Scarves, beanies, and gloves.
- Footwear: Waterproof boots and comfortable sneakers.
Additional Travel Must-Haves
- Compact umbrella.
- Travel-size hand warmers.
- A sturdy backpack or crossbody bag.
Four Tips for Staying Comfortable and Stylish
If you are like me, then winter is NOT your season, and when I tell you I love the heat I mean it. I mean, I did live in Singapore for 2+ years and LOVED every single second of the heat and humidity. So, sadly that is no longer my reality and I hate it, but I’ve got to deal with it. Here are a few things that make winter dressing a little more bearable for me.
#1. Master Layering | Start with thermal tops and leggings, add a sweater, and finish with a coat. This makes it so when you enter a restaurant and it’s suddenly 20+ degrees warmer you can peel off layers and be comfortable.
#2. Pick Versatile Pieces | Neutral colors work well for mixing and matching. I stuck with black, cream and grey this trip. Opting for one bright sweater to mix things up. This takes the stress away from dressing, which is already stressful enough for me.
#3. Don’t Forget the Feet | Bringing comfortable, warm, and weather resistant shoes is a must! You never know when you might get stuck in the rain, so I encourage you to not risk it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been stuck in Zurich in ballet flats in the rain and had a total meltdown. Don’t be like me, and pack appropriately.
#4. Accessorize Smartly | A chic scarf and beanie can elevate any outfit while keeping you cozy. Switching my beanie is also what helped me feel like I was wearing a different outfit when I wore the same jacket most days.
Shop My Amsterdam Closet
Amsterdam in winter is a dream, and with the right wardrobe, you’ll enjoy every moment without worrying about the chill. Whether you’re strolling along the canals, exploring museums, or enjoying a cozy dinner, these outfit ideas and packing tips will keep you stylish and comfortable. Have you been to Amsterdam in the winter? Share your go-to outfit tips in the comments below!
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