When it comes to packing for travel during the colder months it’s hard to know what to bring. In an effort to stay warm, it’s easy to want to pack every bit of warm clothing you own.

Fight the urge!

You can stay toasty (and fashionable) without toting a suitcase the size of a U-Haul behind you. In this winter packing guide, discover everything you need for your next snowy escape, expert tips on how to pack it, and a little outfit inspiration.

Coats & Jackets

PACK: One thick coat, possibly one lighter jacket

First and foremost, let’s talk outerwear. This is what separates a toasty adventure from a miserable experience. When deciding what to pack, it’s important to consider the temperatures you’ll encounter. If snow is in your forecast, a thick winter coat or ski jacket is essential.

Also important to note is the length of your jacket. While fashionable, coats that cut at the hip will be a bit chillier than ones that cover your butt. And when visiting more modest countries like those in Europe, you will rarely see women in ones shorter than thigh length.

In the interest of not overpacking, bring one coat or jacket on the plane with you. And if you must, another that’s easily packable in your suitcase.

Here are a few I highly recommend:

Boots

PACK: One pair of snow boots, one pair of everyday boots/shoes

If your feet are cold, the rest of you will be too. So it’s important to pack footwear that offers insulation and traction to keep you dry and warm.

To maximize room in your suitcase, I recommend wearing your bulkiest boots on the plane. Because you’ll be wearing them while you travel, as well as walking around your destination, you really need boots that are comfortable.

Here are a few styles that fit the bill:

Tops

PACK: A base layer, a few sweaters, and a couple cardigans

Having a few sweaters will keep you comfy and cozy when there’s a chill in the air. And if you find yourself in really cold areas, add a base layer to keep heat in and discomfort out.

Sweaters will take up lots of the room in your luggage. In order to pack more, use Travelon Compression Bags! I never leave home without them and they’ve helped me pack a ton in my small carry-on suitcase. You’ll be amazed!

Here are some styles I love:

Bottoms

PACK: A base layer, a few different colored jeans, and possibly snow pants

An obvious choice for bottoms is jeans. I recommend bringing standard blue jeans as well as one or two other colors so you can mix and match to create different outfits.

If skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or any other winter sports are on your horizon, snow pants and a good thermal layer are key.

Here are a few amazing finds to keep your tush toasty:

Accessories

PACK: A hat, gloves, scarf, and a few pairs of thick socks

Now for the fun part – accessories! Not only will they jazz up your style, they’ll also keep your extremities warm. Bonus!

A few essentials you’ll need are a hat, gloves, scarf, and some wool socks. If you have enough room in your suitcase, try to bring a couple different hats and scarves to mix and match for new looks.

If you find yourself in extremely frigid temperatures, consider bringing some reusable hand and foot warmers as well. They will keep your fingers and toes from feeling like you’re suffering from the world’s worst case of frostbite.

Here are a few sizzling accessories I suggest: