<p>I’ve become fairly skilled at packing light for summer trips, but I find it much harder to do in cooler weather. For one thing, winter clothes are just bulkier. But the biggest challenges are choosing the right shoes and a jacket. At most, I want to wear a pair of shoes and pack a pair. (in the summer, I sometimes just take one pair–Terrain Janes from Lands’ End.) And I would like to just wear a jacket and have it work for all situations. What shoes and jackets/coats do you pack for a fall or winter trip that could involve fairly moderate weather or (more likely) cold, rainy weather and a combination of city walking and light hiking (and dressing a little nicer for dinners out)?</p>
<p>I have a winter coat that has two pieces – one piece is a fleece and the other a shell. I can wear them together, and that works in really cold temps (even below 0). Or I can wear just the fleece, or just the shell.</p>
<p>Layers are another great option. By the time I’ve put on a camisole, short sleeve shirt, turtleneck, light cardigan and a lightweight fleece, a light winter coat works fine. If it gets warm, I take off layers. That lightweight fleece is black, packs really well, and is often the only sweater I’ll take with me. </p>
<p>Shoes are always the nightmare. I’ll bring one pair of sneakers and a pair of black ankle boots that are good to walk miles in. The boots dress up with pants, can work with a skirt if I wear black tights, and look good with jeans.</p>
<p>Think of your activities on a scale from A to C. A is dressed-up dining, C is the light hiking. You want to bring items that cover A to B, or B to C, not A to C - that’s just too broad.
A trenchcoat with a zip-out lining plus a black fleece jacket would be the two coats that would cover 95% of travel situations.
Shoes are more problematic. If you hike off-trail, you need the right shoes for that, especially in iffy weather. Otherwise, a pair of nice boots plus a pair of walking shoes would cover most city situations. Black wool pants are indispensible.</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions–black ankle boots sound like a great idea. Now I just need to find a comfortable pair that fit my feet (broad forefoot, narrow heel.)</p>
<p>I second the vote for layers. They keep you from having to lug around a heavy coat. I have an ultralight silk long sleeved long john top. It is so thin, I can wear nice fitted shirts and layered with fleece and a black water resistant jacket, I can go anywhere. But shoes… My favorite for looking decent and being comfortable for walking are a pair of black Skechers Biker Step-ups. I’ve walked in them for miles. I have broad feet also and these fit great and have a velcro strap for adjustment. If you find a comfortable pair of boots that fit a wide foot, please let me know!</p>