For cool weather city-type trips (which many of our European trips are, because we travel in the offseason), I have a standard wardrobe that fits fine into a standard rolling carry-on size bag, and does not require doing laundry:
- 2 or 3 black skirts (2 for up to a week, 3 for longer; at least one of them long if I expect it to be cold); cotton or travel knit - nothing bulky;
- 1 shirt for every 2 days: I have a collection of inexpensive short-sleeved colored t-shirts (the type specifically fitted for women - not junky logo t-shirts) from Target/Wal-Mart type stores; they come in various neckline types for variety;
- one long-sleeve cashmere sweater, dark color in cable knit to minimize stains showing; cashmere is much less bulky than most cotton or wool; if I don't need to be so warm, I take a long sleeve cotton sweater;
- black silk long underwear bottoms that I wear under the longer skirts;
- black tights - weight depends on how cold it will be; also black over-the-knee socks that I wear with the long skirts over the long underwear; about 1 pair for every 3 days;
- underwear - sometimes I plan to wash, but they don't take up much space, so often I take enough for the whole trip;
- one light raincoat - the one I use is a winter coat shell that has a warm liner, but I don't travel with the liner, I just layer my sweater underneath and am always warm;
- stylish blue denim jacket with colorful scarf - looks good with the black skirts, and can even be layered with the sweater if necessary;
- one hat, one pair of gloves if it will be cold;
- one tiny purse that packs very flat, for an evening restaurant or something - most of the days I carry a larger purse that doubles as my carry-on.
- I reluctantly travel with a small travel hairdryer since they often aren't available at the types of places we stay in Europe;
- minimal makeup and toiletries (minimal = no nail polish/remover, no perfume, no tweezers, etc.) in travel sizes;
- for a truly cold/wintery city trip, as opposed to fall/spring or cool days and cold nights, I substitute some long (but still lightweight) shirts for the short-sleeves and sub one or two pairs of pants for skirts (pants that can be worn multiple times), some warm socks for tights.
- On the plane: travel knit pants; the cashmere sweater or the denim jacket, over one of the t-shirts.
- Most important: you can't pack light if you take too many shoes! Make sure you have really comfortable shoes that are broken in before your trip. Max 2 pairs - one to wear and one to pack. A lot of times, one will do. Personnally, I have two pairs of black Danskos that go with anything. If I expect a little out-of-city stuff (such as hiking) I might sub sneakers for one pair. Never more than two pairs except possibly a small pair of flip flops if you expect an indoor pool.
- For international trips, we typically check the clothes bags. I carry on ipod, noise-cancelling earphones, cell phone, camera, reading materials, minimum jewelry, medications, glasses in a large purse.
- Number one rule of travel with darcy: don't pack more than you are willing to carry around! Even when I have wheels, I have had to carry my luggage up many a subway stairway or hotel with no lift!
Most of all, have fun!