Because #travelbug, pretty much as soon as we came home after our Marrakech trip, we hopped right back on a plane and flew to Amsterdam. We chose our trip right before the summer solstice, because, well, (almost) 8 years living in Europe, and I still get so excited to see that sky stay light well into the night. Amsterdam is one of my favourite cities in the world, an important accolade considering the number of countries I’ve been to.
And as you know, before I go anywhere (especially a city I adore), I spend forever coming up with outfit ideas. I like to ensure everything I pack is used (no overpacking here!), goes together and looks great for outfit posts, too. This does nahhhtt become easy when travelling in Europe. Amsterdam, similarly to London, isn’t guaranteed to be warm in the summer, will most likely rain at some point on your trip (even just a drizzle), and will range in temperatures. Oh, and your weather app predictions will most likely be wrong. REPEATEDLY.
Ahh, city breaks in Europe. You never cease to make our packing lives easier.
Plus, the street-style nature of European cities means a different kind of wardrobe to your typical summer holiday. Sorry, floaty boho dresses. You will be loved at some other time.
Heading to Amsterdam (or another northern European city) sometime soon and need some outfit inspiration? Here is exactly what I wore in Amsterdam during our 3-day, 2-night weekend break. And because I can never leave you with too few words, I’ll give you a few travel anecdotes to accompany your outfit inspo. Just a little light reading on this fine morning.
What I Wore in Amsterdam, Day One: High-Waisted Navy Jeans, White Boho Blouse, Espadrilles and my Trusty Leather Jacket
I clearly did not wear this on a plane. As much as I love me a good pair of high-waisted jeans, wearing essentially a gastric band while stationary on a plane is not my idea of a swell time. Once we arrived at The Hoxton Hotel (one of my favourite hotels — review coming soon!), I quickly changed into this perfect outfit combo for a leisurely stroll and shopping session around the Jordaan.
You’d have seen this boho blouse in my last fashion post, because I kid you not, I wear it all the time. It’s the ideal top for any high-waisted trouser you have and is the perfect summery-but-not-too-exposed blouse.
Most of these pictures were taken at the Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s floating ‘flower market.’ Although it’s more like a ‘flower and cheese and touristy things’ market. Flowers and cheese, though; quite possibly the two best words in the English language.
Outfit Details
BLOUSE: URBAN OUTFITTERS (LAST SEEN HERE)
HIGH-WAISTED JEANS: H&M (NOW £8.99)
ESPADRILLES: SOLUDOS (ALSO WORE HERE)
LEATHER JACKET: MASSIMO DUTTI (SIMILAR // LAST SEEN HERE)
SUNGLASSES: & OTHER STORIES
What I Wore in Amsterdam, Day Two: White Cotton Shirt, Boyfriend Jeans, Embroidered Slides, Basket Basket Bag
Okay, I will admit, I may have worn this outfit purely so I could wear my new M&S embroidered slides. It was actually pretty damn hot that day, enough so that I could have worn a dress (I did bring one, I just didn’t end up wearing it. Thanks, new shoes). But, the dress didn’t go with the shoes, and priorities people. Showing off new shoes > need to be cool on a hot day.
As Sunday was the most gloriously sunny day, we decided to slowly amble our way down to Vondelpark. We began our day with a hearty breakfast of pancakes — a necessity in Amsterdam — at the aptly-named Pancakes Amsterdam before our gorgeous canal walk through the city. I can’t even describe how beautiful it is walking through the Jordaan and Nine Streets areas of the city. You consistently think, “This must be the most beautiful street in the city,” and then you stumble upon another which is even more beautiful.
We strolled through Vondelpark, happening upon a free classical music concert and just soaking in the summer day atmosphere. The mid-day heat led us to seek refuge from a shady outdoors pub and an ice-cold beer at Cafe Schinkelhaven. After which, we made our way for a light lunch and snack at Sticky Fingers. This cafe with high reviews wouldn’t look out of place in Brooklyn or Shoreditch. And boy, let me tell you, it was the best quiche I’ve ever had. Needless to say, Stag and I fought each other over every last bite shared it happily.
Outfit Details
WHITE SHIRT | H&M
NECKLACE | LUCY WILLIAMS X MISSOMA
BOYFRIEND JEANS | WAREHOUSE (OLD // LAST SEEN HERE)
EMBROIDERED SLIDES | M&S
BASKET BAG | BOUGHT IN MARRAKECH
SUNGLASSES: & OTHER STORIES
What I Wore in Amsterdam, Day Three: Breton Shirt, Black Skinnies, White Sneakers, Leather Jacket
If you couldn’t tell by that very Autumnal-sounding outfit description, our third and final day was by far the most chilly. And cloudy. As much as I’d like to complain, it was meant to rain and it didn’t, which may be the first time someone has taken a trip to Amsterdam and not spotted a drop.
A breton top (which was, in fact, £7.99 from the Uniqlo men’s department: score), black skinnies and white trainers and a jacket may just be the best outfit one can pack for Europe travels. Comfy enough to walk all day in, stylish enough to fit into most restaurants, layered enough to adapt to the weather: the holy trinity of needs from one humble outfit.
It suited me well for a jam-packed final day in Amsterdam, where we browsed the Rijksmuseum, shopped along streets in De Pijp, brunched at the coolest of restaurants Coffee & Coconuts, and snoozed on a late flight back to London. Despite the grey skies and busy schedule, Stag and I managed to have the best, most relaxing day. Amsterdam, you have my heart.
Outfit Details
BRETON TOP | UNIQLO (BOUGHT IN STORE)
NECKLACE | LUCY WILLIAMS X MISSOMA
BLACK SKINNIES | J BRAND
WHITE SNEAKERS | ADIDAS (LAST SEEN HERE)
LEATHER JACKET: MASSIMO DUTTI (SIMILAR // LAST SEEN HERE)
SUNGLASSES: & OTHER STORIES