Can you help me with a stylish "layer" for cooler evenings on a European city break?

[fuuuuckthis]

Going for a couple of nights, day time temp will be 18 hopefully but could be cooler and evenings will drop right down (going early April).going with new-ish partner and want to look half decent! I'm thinking dresses will be my friend as I can wear with trainers during day then dress up a bit with jewellery and different shoes at night...but dont want to spoil this by having to stick a jumper on top!
Am early 50s, size 10, pretty short, fairly "young" style...my dresses are t-shirty / long mainly from h&m , uniqlo etc.
Don't want to fall into mum uniform with trainers and denim jacket ..unless maybe with a lighter, more up to date styled one? Help!

Hopeful bump. I've also seen short quilted jackets??

I will never not love a denim jacket - I'm on the hunt for a looser, more oversized one for this summer.

I also like a chore jacket over t-shirt dresses - I have one similar to this which I wear a lot on cool summer Scottish evenings: https://communityclothing.co.uk/products/womens-chore-jacket-cream

Or, depending on the cut of your dresses and your personal style, a jersey blazer? I have this one in three colours: https://www.whistles.com/product/slim-jersey-jacket-30907.html#cgid=Jersey_Jackets_Clothing_WW&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=slim-jersey-jacket-30907&pos=1

You said you don't want a jumper but what about a beautiful, slightly oversized cardigan? Cashmere or merino would be warm and needn't look bulky; you could go for a ribbed, cable or crochet style to add a bit of texture.

Or, wild card option - a big pashmina shawl? May not be warm enough but I love them for adding visual interest to t-shirts and simple dresses.

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

I'm a good bit older than you op, but I don't like blazers on hols, they remind me of work! I use something similar to the chore jacket above, but it would be more like an overshirt, and I can tie it in the middle if it's too long. Often it's just something to keep the wind off that you need. I mean if it's cold enough for that, you'll more than likely be inside somewhere!

I know the younger crowd will go all horror movie - but nice warm (lightweight) cashmere scarves are great too. They can fold up for the handbag and be whipped out at the first whiff of a breeze! I like cardigans aswell, soft, light and slightly oversized.

I always bring a waterproof rainjacket with hood, the type that folds up into nothing like Trespass. Honestly if it's cold and wet outside (hopefully not for you) they can get you from place to place, and once you've reached your destination, off it comes. But honestly no one cares what anyone wears anymore I find. It's what YOU feel ok in that matters!

Where you off to? Enjoy.

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E484109-000/00

I saw these the other week and tried on. Comfortable but quite on trend. If I could justify was in the market for a lightweight jacket this would be in the running.

Thank you all, these are lovely options. I like the chore jacket idea, that one is out of my budget but I love the shape .
Going to northern Italy...rain could be an issue but I really hope not!

how about a bomber jacket? https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/cotton-blend-bomber-jacket-l06732525?pelement=57395370&banner=true

A chore jacket jacket is a good idea. If you have room I'd also suggest one of the short lightweight quilted jackets like Uniqlo does - they usually come with a small stuff bag.

Well. I'm in Lyon right now. I was here last year and my leather jacket and a cashmere wrap was just fine. This year I've had to bring my ugly puffy, because the daytime is 15 but the windchill has it at about 2 degrees. Fortunately most others are also similarly sartorially attire. Please check the forecast before you travel.

Oooh I love a bomber jacket.. again too pricey but I love the shape.
New OH has a very good eye for clothes...I want to be stylish...normally I just travel with the kids and don't care too much!
I am also a uniqlo padded jacket fan..just didn't want it to look pac a maccy but I guess it's all in the shape isn't it

Oh yikes! Enjoy Lyon tho, that will be gorgeous

Most Italians will still have their close-fitting puffer jackets welded to them in April. They don't give them up early.

Demelza "But honestly no one cares what anyone wears anymore I find."

Yeah, I was thinking this because I like my smarter jacket, but I feel overdressed in it now. So it's not just that nobody cares it's also that everyone's just so casual all the time.

funnily enough OP I have the same question as you for a break that's coming up soon! I'm trying to have a lighter case do I need to be sure what I'm taking. It's in a couple of weeks so I can't decide until nearer the time because of weather but they are talking about cold across Europe aren't they?

I have a bomber jacket and a couple of utility jackets - that's what I call them anyway I didn't know what a chore jacket was!

I'm not quite sure why I keep anything smart in my wardrobe would it make a comeback? I thought about taking one of my pashminas but I'm not sure if it screams old lady now? I'm 50. It just doesn't seem to work with the whole casual vibe that is everywhere now. I swear I'm seeing jackets that look like nylon anoraks from my childhood and people wear them to nice restaurant

i'd love the Uniqlo jacket someone has linked to - but as well as the fact that I don't need a new jacket 😂 tempting though - pockets on the chest are offputting putting. I love the utility thing, but it's hard to wear pockets there if you've got a big chest.

So they are wearing them too?

I am a big fan of cashmere wraps from these guys: https://www.nearlynewcashmere.co.uk/products/copy-brand-new-mediteranean-blue-recycled-cashmere-wrap

Can be a scarf or a wrap. So warm and so light. Great for a ‘maybe’ layer..

I usually travel to city breaks with a Zara ruched sleeve edge to edge blazer which I also wear in the evenings over dresses or camis/skirts/trousers…..like these

Me too, although MN seems to go bananas at the very thought of them!

I was flicking through Instagram the other day, and I was mesmerised by the clips showing different ways of tying scarves and pashminas. Some of them turned into cute boleros just by tying a knot here and a knot there!

I think they are back.....

I’m currently in Seville and feel like the most unstylish person in the city, the local ladies are extremely well put together. Wide leg trousers and a little fitted leather jacket very common or lightweight overcoat in wool, not many puffers to be seen. Everyone pretty much in trousers. By April I’d have thought it would be warmer for you, depending on designation, so may have moved on.

Or a crop trench?

I’m in NE Italy and, for an extra layer, I’d go either collarless light puffer (Uniqlo style) or “liner jacket” which has wider spaced quilting.
OR
since Easter is early April and people go full-on pastel colours, a youthful pink or light blue Chanel style bouclé jacket that you can leave open over dresses and jeans/T-shirt and loafers or button up for warmth. Only slim bottom pockets, not breast placket pockets which are widening and make the look a bit matronly IMO.

Italian ladies in their 50s often shop at Marina Rinaldi for smart dresses so I went there for inspiration. Lots of chore jackets and blazers. https://www.next.co.uk/style/su905572/h08630 This is from Next.

This Harrington from M+S looks fab!
https://www.marksandspencer.com/suedette-harrington-jacket/p/clp60776805?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

I have a similar trip planned and am taking my linen bomber jacket from Zara. Very similar to this:

https://www.debenhams.com/product/lands-end-linen-bomber-jacket_p-7f8ba6f7-3470-4a32-872d-ff53bca13b1f?colour=Beige&size=14-16&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=4&gad_campaignid=22709836258&gbraid=0AAAAABevdS5tVOEP0K4R3S6KKkzBkB-3V&gclid=CjwKCAjwjtTNBhB0EiwAuswYhn229zxVUuodVJm8ujvoh2eBeD6oK3mi_ZQR0kS6zKYrGkhpgQvWIhoCEhkQAvD_BwE

There are a few on Vinted.

Or I like the new bubble hem denim jackets?

Oh my God, I love everything on this thread

That cashmere wrap, I wouldn't know how to wrap it though does it come with instructions 😂 I should really learn how to do more with my pashmina but that won't be half as warm as cashmere

The Zara blazer is really good and I have something like that but if it's paired with trousers, it almost looks too smart given the way everyone seems to dress now. Fine with jeans but then I don't really want to wear jeans in the evening don't know why really

https://www.roman.co.uk/stretch-pocket-detail-jacket-150196802 I have this in several colours. Its really light and comfortable

I’ve just ordered this and I’m pleasantly surprised…

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anuedgis-Womens-Cropped-Classic-Single-Breasted/dp/B0G261HXT7