Winter holiday packing can be a daunting task. You want to pack light but also stay warm and look stylish.

One of the best packing tips for winter travel is that you want to balance functionality with warmth and also with a touch of style.

I’ve created a winter trip packing essentials list so that you can pack strategically and more efficiently for your winter trip.

Winter holiday packing list

Winter trip packing essentials | Packing tips for winter travel

Regular readers will be quick to point out that organisation and packing skills are not exactly my forte.

Which is exactly I have vowed to become a better packer, a veritable goddess of organisation and methodology. [One of the lesser-known deities I imagine?]

Winter travel packing list

I am starting by creating a handy guide to winter trip packing essentials, so you too can be a better packer.

Many winter items are bulky and take up a lot of space in your suitcase or bag.

You can get around this by packing lots of layers of lighter clothing and wearing your heaviest items to the airport.

Winter trip luggage

It’s important to check the luggage restrictions of the airline you are flying with when planning a winter trip.

Cheaper airlines often chop and change their luggage policies [I’m looking at you Ryanair]. So you should always check before you fly.

Winter clothing can be very heavy, so it’s important to plan your outfits carefully and invest in some decent luggage and packing cubes for your winter trip.

In colder climates when there is likely to be snow on the ground, you might be better off with a backpack rather than dragging a suitcase on wheels through the snow and ice.

Cold Weather Clothing and Footwear

Winter coats

A high-quality winter coat is one of the most important items if you are visiting a cold destination.

Make sure you have a warm winter coat if you are going to be spending time in a very cold or snowy destination.

You want ideally want a winter coat with weather protection and made from decent materials to protect you from the cold and wind.

Ladies winter coat

If you want a stylish winter coat then take a look at the ladies winter coat range by Dare2b.

Their Luxe ski jackets have waterproof and breathable fabric, combining a touch of luxury with keeping snug.

It’s definitely an affordable winter coat for the slopes and for city breaks. I personally love the cute faux-fur trimmed hood that is detachable.

The luxe winter coats also have internal pockets and a headphone port for listening to your tunes whilst on the move.

Women’s ski jacket

If you are looking for a women’s ski jacket that’s fit for the slopes o for a trip to somewhere snowy like Finnish Lapland, then check out the ladies ski jacket range from Dare2b.

Their well-insulated, thermal tested jacket will keep you nice and warm on the slopes.

It’s also a very affordable women’s ski jacket if you are looking for budget winter clothes.

Stylish winter coats

Of course, not all winter trips will demand a high-performance winter jacket. You might be heading to a milder winter destination and so don’t need a heavy winter coat.

I would check out the JD Williams ladies winter coats range, to get yourself a light winter coat.

Winter Jumpers

Look good and stay warm with a snug women’s jumper. I would pack one or two quality jumpers for a winter trip as you don’t want to fill your case with oversized items.

Pick stylish women’s winter jumpers that go with everything so that you can reduce the amount you pack. I love the range of women’s jumpers from Simply Be.

They provide curvy ladies fashion without compromise. Simply Be stock sizes 12 to 32, and are committed to providing on-trend fashion to women of all shapes and sizes.

Base Layers

For cold winter destinations, be sure to pack a few base layer tops and thermal bottoms to keep you warm.

Base layers are typically lightweight, so they shouldn’t take up too much room in your suitcase.

I would try the Women’s Template Quick Drying Set Base Layer by Dare 2b. It’s warm and comfortable as a base layer and is lightweight for packing.

This particular style is also a perfect baselayer for activities such as skiing, hiking and biking.

Ski base layers

For ski base layers, try a Merino Women’s Round Neck Top. It’s a high-performance base layer that provides warmth and is comfortable for the slopes.

Merino wool is popular with outdoor enthusiasts as it is a highly breathable fabric and is lightweight.

Packing 2-3 base layers for your winter trip should ensure warmth and reduce bulk in your case.

Winter Dresses

Just because you are going to a winter destination, doesn’t mean you don’t want to look stylish.

Pack 1-2 dresses for your trip that can be combined with thermal tights, boots and cardigans.

There is a fantastic range of dresses from Simply Be, that are perfect for winter breaks.

Why not pack a Long sleeve Swing Dress that can be paired with boots and warm tights? It’s a lightweight dress that won’t take up much space in your bag.

Or how about a Back Wrap dress with a denim jacket, tights and boots when it’s milder? You can always pop a thin base layer underneath your dress to keep warm.

Winter Trousers

I am normally a huge fan of jeans, unfortunately, jeans are not the best clothing item for cold or wet weather.

You could always wear thermal tights underneath your jeans, but if it snows or rains, wet jeans are a nightmare.

If you are heading to a ski destination like Bankso you can pack a pair of Salopettes to keep dry and warm on the slopes.

Dare 2b stock a good range of affordable women’s salopettes. You can also wear them to keep warm in a snowy destination, even if you aren’t skiing. I personally would only pack one pair to save space.

Ladies outdoor trousers

For lightweight winter trousers, you might want to consider packing waterproof or walking trousers.

These are better for winter city breaks as they are more comfortable for walking around in.

They will also take up less space. If you are going to be walking, hiking or trekking outdoors you want durable and ultra-light trousers that you can easily pair with base layers.

Quality outdoor trousers are also great if you are going to be doing lots of walking around a city if you are going on a winter city break.

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Winter footwear

The best winter footwear is going to be durable and waterproof. If you are going skiing or to a snowy destination make sure to get insulated, fleece-lined Snow Boots.

Mountain Warehouse has a fantastic range of ladies snow boots that are affordable.

If you are going to a milder winter destination, pack at a pair of thick leather boots or proper walking shoes.

Ladies winter shoes

I would recommend wearing your winter boots to the airport, as they are likely to be your heaviest and bulkiest item.

This will save you a lot of space in your case or bag as well. I would really strive to only bring one, maximum of two pairs of shoes on a trip.

Winter shoes can take up so much space and valuable luggage allowance.

Pick winter boots that will go with the majority of your winter outfits. Remember, darker shoes are also better at hiding stains and snow slush.

Winter Hats, gloves and scarfs

Winter Hats

Hats are vital for a winter trip. Keep your head warm and also look super stylish when about and about in the cold.

It’s worth doing a little research into the best winter hats for women, to see what style works best for your budget.

You could opt for simple bobble hats from online stores such as JD Williams. They have affordable women’s hats for a little as £6.

For warm winter hats, why not invest in a Merino Wool hat or a chunky cable knit hat to keep you super snug?

Winter Scarf

If you are going to be outside a lot on your winter holiday make sure to pack a decent winter scarf.

You can choose from a range of ladies scarf styles including:

Cable knit
Snood
Infinity scarf
Shawl

If you are going to a milder winter destination, why not pack a pretty pashmina or wrap?

These are a lightweight alternative to a chunky scarf and can be used to dress up a winter outfit when the weather is milder.

Winter Gloves

If you’re going to be rocking around in cold climates you should pack a pair of warm gloves for your winter trip.

You could opt for light, weatherproof gloves that don’t take up much space in your case. Want to get phone snaps and keep your hands warm?

Pack a pair of touch screen gloves to keep connected in the cold. The Marmot Women’s connect gloves are war, flexible and have touchscreen capacity.

Winter beauty essentials

Winter can be harsh on your skin ladies. Be sure to pack products that will help fight off the elements.

Prevent dry lips with a quality lip balm, I personally love Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips. It keeps your lips super soft and adds a hint of colour!

To keep your skin hydrated and nourished in the colder weather, pack super-rich moisturisers and hand creams.

I am a big fan of Aesop’s Elemental Facial Barrier Cream and Soap and Glory’s Hand Food.

Winter make up

Winter make-up essentials should include high quality tinted moisturiser and moisture full foundation.

Try bareMinerals ‘Complexion Rescue’ for sheer-to-medium coverage that combines BB cream, CC cream and moisturiser.

If you are wondering which foundation is best for winter, try Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich for stunning results.

Packing for winter travel

The key to fitting all your winter items in a bag is to pack strategically. You can use a combination of packing cubes and rolling items.

Rolling items can save space, especially if you rollup tight in a packing cube. Heavier items such as thick trousers, blazers and skirts can also be folded.

Remember to also pack heavier items on the bottom of your bag and put lighter things near the top, this will make your case or bag easier to carry.

The biggest winter packing tip I can give is to wear your heaviest items to the airport, that way you can save precious baggage allowance kilos.

What do you think of my winter trip packing essentials guide? Do you have any Packing for winter travel tips that should be added? Let me know in the comments below!