What to Wear In Amsterdam This Winter

My fifteen weeks of study abroad were packed to the brim with constant weekend travel—my final trip being to Amsterdam. I purposely saved this trip for the end as I knew it was a city that would be a relatively similar experience regardless of the weather. We visited in early December and it was freezing cold—with temperatures just creeping into the 30s. Needless to say, layers were an absolute must in this city.

I almost skipped out on this outfit guide entirely—we were only in the city for a few days therefore I only wore three outfits and to be honest, the photos I got in each one aren’t necessarily my favorite. However, I’ve gotten dozens of requests for European winter outfit ideas so I’ve decided to go ahead and share my outfit guide anyways.

Because regardless, these outfits were both cute and functional for our freezing cold winter weather. I hope this gives you the outfit inspiration you’re looking for. Enjoy!

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BACK IN BLACK

It’s funny becuase thirty-degree temperatures in the United States feel so different than they do in Europe. I realized that the main reason this is true is that in the US when it is this cold outside, I am typically only outside for short periods of time like running in between stores or taking short walks to class. Whereas in Europe, I am spending hours sightseeing, shopping, and roaming around new cities. It’s *really* cold during these days but lucky for you, I’ve mastered the layering techniques.

The key is to start out with a base layer. I usually reach for one of these thin, fitted mock neck sweaters and a pair of basic black leggings, I prefer the Aerie crossovers because they are rather thin, fitting easily underneath of jeans/pants. From there I will add a chunky sweater and a pair of pants. This time around I’m wearing a pair of corduroy wide-leg pants that have an elastic waistband, aka very easy to layer leggings underneath!

I’ll then pop on a fun jacket of choice and a hat and scarf to match. I used to hate wearing these winter weather accessories but traveling throughout Europe for a semester made me realize that a) they are a must for staying warm and b) they instantly transform an outfit/make it cuter. Gloves are another essential—I know they are annoying but they really do make all the difference!

Stick with a pair of comfy walking shoes, the Steve Madden Hutch were my old faithful all semester long–I have them in both the tan suede and the black leather. I’d always wear two pairs of tall crew socks with these to keep my ankles and toes warm.

sweater // under layer // scarf // hat // pants // leggings // boots

CHECKED OUT

Every cold weather weekend we went on I’d basically repeat this outfit combination. Solid long sleeve, another underlayer, and a big sweater. The jackets are where I would switch things up. My roommates and I would each bring a jacket and then rotate for our three travel days, that way each day we were wearing something new. Thankfully, we are all three the same size so this was doable for us!

This checkered coat scored me all the love although I will be the first to admit, it really isn’t all that warm. However, I’m still piling on a hat, scarf, and gloves to keep warm. These culotte jeans were always my go-to for cold weather trips—they were wide throughout the legs so putting leggings underneath was super easy. Keeping things consistent with my same Hutch boots.

sweater // under layer // jacket // jeans //leggings // scarf // hat // boots

LAYERED IN LEATHER

This black leather puffer jacket was the star of study abroad—I swear we were always fighting over who got to wear this because it looked good with literally everything. The best is that PU leather tends to create friction, in turn keeping you a little warmer. Always a must for me! Keeping my same go-to outfit combination, this time switching things up with a plaid scarf.

I will admit, it does get redundant but having a “formula” makes choosing outfits so much easier, especially when you’re constantly packing and unpacking for weekend travels.

top // under layer // jacket // jeans // leggings // scarf (old walmart) // hat // boots

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Well, that’s a wrap on what I wore in Amsterdam and for my study abroad outfit guides. Don’t worry, I will still be traveling tons in 2023—just keeping things within the United States for a bit. I’ve got trips to Honolulu, Denver, New York City, and Boston in the near future so stay tuned for all of the fun. I can’t wait to share more with you soon!

With love, McKenz

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