Hello, everyone! I’m @owncolorstravel , an Okinawa-based blogger focusing on travel and lifestyle.
The new year has just begun, but are you already planning your next trip?
This time, I’m sharing versatile wardrobe items and outfit ideas for a spring trip to Northern Europe, perfect for those wondering what to pack for their travels. I’ll be recommending clothing and essentials I personally prepared for my European trip, along with tips on local temperatures and weather conditions.
・Tip 1: Choose clothing with the travel season in mind.
Europe covers a vast area, and the weather and temperature can vary depending on which country you visit. It’s a good idea to research the local weather forecast and average temperatures for that time of year before deciding what to wear and pack. Spring, in particular, is a transitional season, so it’s essential to keep that in mind as well. This time, I’ll focus on France and the Netherlands, which were the main destinations of my trip.
・Japan’s temperature in mid-April
●Okinawa early to mid-April Temperature minimum 18℃, maximum 27℃
●Tokyo Minimum 10℃ Maximum 23℃
Saturday the 20th [Flying from Okinawa to Haneda, Overnight Stay]
Okinawa: 79°F/70°F (26°C/21°C)
Tokyo: 72°F/55°F (22°C/13°C)
Since I live in Okinawa, the temperature difference with Tokyo made it tricky to choose the right outfit. Layering is ideal, especially with items you can easily take off, like a hoodie. In Okinawa, it’s practically short-sleeve weather during this season, but mornings and evenings in Tokyo can be quite chilly. For the flight from Okinawa to Haneda, I went with a T-shirt, denim jacket, and sweatpants.
What to wear on a plane
On international flights, I prioritize comfort and staying warm by wearing an H&M sweat set, layered with Uniqlo HeatTech underneath. I also wore compression socks to help prevent swelling. For those who tend to feel cold, bringing hand warmers or thermal socks with heating properties can be useful—not just on the plane but throughout the trip.
By the way, my white H&M sweat set doubled as both sleepwear and casual streetwear during my trip. lol I’ll explain more about this later, but it’s all about minimizing the amount of clothing I pack in my suitcase.
・Temperature in Paris in mid-April
Monday the 22nd [Day 2 in Paris] 54°F/36°F (12°C/2°C)
It was much colder than Tokyo. Although indoor spaces had heaters, it got quite chilly outdoors. A coat or even a down jacket was definitely a good idea for the mornings and evenings.
On this day, I had booked a sidecar tour to see Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, so I dressed up a bit for the occasion.
I’m wearing a long trench coat from ZARA with a jumpsuit from ASOS. For shoes, I switch from sneakers while on the metro to Louis Vuitton pumps, and I’ve got a Louis Vuitton scarf wrapped around me.
The scarf was a great thing to bring along this time of year. It really came in handy, especially when I was riding in a sidecar. Even though the weather was clear, the cold wind was so sharp it stung my cheeks.
By the way, Louis Vuitton has its flagship store on the Champs-Élysées, so if you’re stopping by the Arc de Triomphe, it’s worth doing a little shopping there. I’d recommend picking one up locally!
Louis Vuitton Maison Champs-Élysées 101 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
23rd (Tuesday) [3rd day in Paris] Morning temperature 4℃
For my daytime outing, I went with a long trench coat from ZARA, thick black skinny pants from ASOS, and white sock boots to add a touch of spring. I paired it with a sweatshirt, a scarf, and a cap from New Era.
Since I spent the day visiting museums and similar spots, I kept the look casual.
・Temperatures on the Côte d’Azur in late April
[Day 4 in France] Cannes
I traveled south from Paris to the French Riviera, Côte d’Azur, by TGV. My goal here was to soak up the resort vibes and enjoy a change of scenery.
The weather? A perfect 61°F/45°F with clear skies. After the chilly days in Paris, the daytime warmth in Cannes felt amazing. People strolling around were dressed in lighter, more relaxed outfits—it really set the tone for a resort getaway!
I wore a green linen dress from GAP with white espadrilles from H&M, topped off with a long trench coat. Cannes has that glamorous resort vibe, with luxury brand shops lined up along the coast, so a slightly upscale resort style felt like a good fit. It’s no surprise this is where the Cannes Film Festival takes place!
Compared to Cannes, Nice—closer to Monaco—had a much more casual atmosphere.
・Temperature in Amsterdam in late April
From Nice, I crossed borders by plane to reach the final destination of my trip—Amsterdam, Netherlands.
[Day 1 in Amsterdam: Saturday, 27th]
The temperature was 59°F/43°F.
Monday, 29th: 64°F/43°F
Tuesday, 30th: 72°F/55°F
By late April, the temperatures were steadily climbing. Although Amsterdam is farther north than Paris and generally cooler, the weather was warming up quickly with noticeable fluctuations. By the time I headed home, the temperatures had risen significantly.
If you’re planning a trip around Japan’s Golden Week in early May, you’ll likely be able to enjoy lighter clothing!
On the day I arrived in the Netherlands, the country was celebrating King’s Day, an event to honor the birthday of the Dutch king. Everyone was dressed in orange, so I joined in by wearing an orange knit sweater.
I layered it with a HeatTech top and explored the city in high-top Converse sneakers for comfort. Since knits can be bulky, I packed mine in a space-saving compression bag in my suitcase—super handy for trips like this!
・Tip 2: Choose outfits based on the occasion while keeping suitcase space in mind.
For JAL, even Economy Class passengers can check in up to two bags for free (three for First and Business Class). However, since I was using a different airline for my flight from Nice to Amsterdam and also traveled by TGV, I planned my packing around moving with just one suitcase and a backpack. It’s important to check baggage policies in advance, as they vary by airline.
Winter clothing can be bulky, so I packed strategically, considering specific outfits for different scenarios. For example, I decided what to wear in each country or at specific events beforehand, like my white jumpsuit for visiting windmills and tulip fields in the Netherlands. Keeping airline weight restrictions in mind, I packed with those limits in mind as well.
In the Côte d’Azur, I aimed for a style that blended in with the beachy, southern French vibe. I also made sure it was practical—something I could easily layer or take off as the day warmed up. It was all about staying comfortable while keeping a relaxed, resort-like look!
A shiny blue jacket from ASOS paired with an ASOS knit halter neck vest, along with a red bag and white shoes or espadrilles, gives off a tricolor vibe inspired by a trip to France.
This red shoulder bag from ZARA is crinkled, so I tucked it into another bag and brought it along.
The pink knit dress from ASOS was actually meant to be photographed with the Eiffel Tower in the background, but I only ended up wearing it in my hotel room in Nice.
As for the white high-top fabric sock boots, they’re lightweight and easy to pack in a suitcase, so I decided to leave my white long boots behind.
This was taken at a hotel in Amsterdam, where the interior is super photogenic. It’s a good idea to choose outfits that work for a night out at slightly upscale restaurants or bars while also being stylish enough for evening plans.
・Tip 3: Focus on layering for warmth and choosing versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched.
As I mentioned earlier, Paris was still quite chilly during that time, so even though it was spring, dressing warmly was definitely necessary.
This is the Canal Saint-Martin. For walking around the city, casual and comfortable shoes are the way to go.
A long trench coat is an absolute must-have—it helps you blend right in with the city vibe and was perfect for the season. Plus, having a belt is a bonus because you can cinch it up if it gets chilly.
A New Era cap.
New Era definitely has that American vibe, but it’s super easy to pair with clean casual outfits. I love wearing it for city strolls.
・For walking around the city, sneakers or comfortable shoes are the best choice.
Converse All Star Chunk sneakers are a great choice! They pair well with a New Era body bag or a trench coat, making them perfect for city strolls.
One downside is that at airport security, you’ll likely need to take off boots or high-top sneakers, so keep that in mind.
・Tip 4: Anti-Pickpocketing Measures
Lastly, an essential point.
One thing that stood out while researching for my trip to Europe was the local safety situation.
There are tons of YouTube videos warning about pickpocketing and showing various tactics used by thieves.
Since it was my first time visiting France and the Netherlands, I made sure to be extra cautious about preventing pickpocketing.
After some thought, I decided to go with a New Era sling bag.
This one has a 12L capacity, and its color makes it easy to pair with trench coats and casual outfits for city strolls. It’s been super handy even after the trip.
There’s also an 8L version in light bronze, as well as other color options like black, so I highly recommend checking them out.
Here are the reasons I chose this sling bag for my Europe trip to prevent pickpocketing and the benefits it offers:
1. Pickpocket Prevention Features
- A sling bag can be worn across the front of your body, keeping it within your line of sight at all times. This makes it a safer choice compared to a backpack worn on your back, which is more likely to attract pickpockets.
2. Ease of use and comfort
- Sling bags are compact and fit snugly against your body, making them less obtrusive while sightseeing. The 12L size I chose is lightweight and perfect for quick, hassle-free outings.
- Another great advantage is that the weight is evenly distributed, so even after walking for long periods, your shoulders and back don’t get tired as easily.
3. Easily manage your valuables
- With a New Era sling bag, you can keep all your essentials—passport, wallet, phone, cards—organized in one place and easily accessible when you need them. The bag also features multiple pockets, making it incredibly functional and user-friendly.
- If you choose a water-resistant material, it offers added peace of mind, even during unexpected rain showers.
Another great feature is the side pockets, which are perfect for storing items like a water bottle or a compact umbrella.
４. Functional pockets
- Many of these bags come with multiple pockets both inside and out, making it easy to organize and store small items. You can keep things like wireless earbuds or keys in separate pockets, so they’re always easy to grab when you need them.
Sling bags aren’t just great for travel—they’re super convenient for everyday use, too. Since they’re so versatile, you’ll find yourself using them long after your trip, making them a cost-effective choice.
To enhance security, consider adding a small lock to the zippers or opting for a sling bag made from anti-theft materials. It’s a smart way to keep your belongings safe on the go.
If you’re planning a trip for spring break or Golden Week, now’s the perfect time to start preparing for a comfortable and safe journey. Take it step by step and get ready to fully enjoy your Nordic adventure!