What to wear in Amsterdam? That’s the eternal debate and probably one of the most frequent questions I have been asked over the past two years. The answer is never easy because it really depends on the season. In summer Amsterdam is super pretty with all the boats out in the canals and warm sun shining down. In winter it’s dark, cold and very very wet. Spring and autumn oscillate with the temperatures and weather patterns.
This makes deciding what to wear in Amsterdam very difficult. As our frequency of trips to Amsterdam has increased our proficiency with dressing for the weather has improved. One of the best tips that I can offer is to always expect rain. Even if the weather apps say otherwise.
Anyways, I’m going to make this super simple and talk about the general things you need to pack for Amsterdam and then get into the weather wise details later. I’ll even include a capsule packing list!
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Table of Contents
What To Wear In Amsterdam – The Essentials
Ultralight Packable Backpack: I generally always carry an ultralight packable backpack. This way I’m not hindered by a heavy bulky backpack. When I don’t need it, it folds down into a small pouch which is easy to store in my jacket pocket or hand bag.
Cross body bag: One of my essentials when it comes to what to wear in Amsterdam is a good cross body bag. These are great for storing your valuables. You cross it across your body and keep it close to you in the front. Since Amsterdam is always crowded, its a hub for pickpockets. This way you can keep your essentials safe.
Laptop Bag: If you are traveling to Amsterdam on work or if you work on the go like me, you will need to carry your laptop along. This is definitely not going to fit inside your cross body bag so finding a swanky laptop bag is crucial. This vegan leather one is cool, functional and ethical!
Adaptor: Traveling from outside Europe? You probably will need a portable adaptor for you to plug in your appliances.
Packing cubes: I’ve talked about packing cubes before but to be short and sweet, these cubes are amazing at keeping your luggage organized.
Miscellaneous: There are number of miscellaneous items that you have to pack for every trip. These include passports, travel insurance, travel documents, tickets, camera, your phone, medicines, emergency contact information, tablet/laptop etc.
What To Wear In Amsterdam In Summer
If you want to see the city at its best then you should visit Amsterdam in summer. The city is alive with the canals filled with boats, the terraces are open and tables are set up at every corner. Everyone is in a cheerful mood but its also crowded. It is after all the best time of the year to visit Amsterdam.
Summer dresses: One of the best attires in summer is a nice summery dress. Loose enough to keep you cool and if you add in a pair of cycling shorts underneath you will find you can cycle like the Dutch. That’s what I do!
Skorts: My absolute favorite attire for a Dutch summer is skorts. Functional as a pair of shorts but loose like a skirt and they look awesome. Plus the complement my figure well .
A Wide Brimmed Hat: The heat of a Dutch summer can be sweltering. If you are thinking what to wear in Amsterdam in summer, make sure that you add in a nice wide brimmed hat. Not only does it add to the chic look, it also will keep you from getting a bad headache after being in the sun for hours.
A Comfy Pair Of Jeans: Jeans are definitely one of the must haves in your wardrobe. Its one of the versatile items of clothing that can be turned into a more formal look especially if you pick a white or black pair. It does depend on the type you select though.
Jeans remain one of my favorite suggestions when asked what to wear in Amsterdam in summer. A big bonus is the fact that denim is durable and you can rough house in it without worrying about damaging your clothes.
Lounge Pants: If there is one thing that beats jeans hands down its the lounge pants. Loose and comfortable, they look snazzy and are super comfortable.
Sunglasses: Don’t leave your shades behind. Not only will they complement your wardrobe, your eyes will thank you for filtering the light.
Sunscreen: Never leave home without sunscreen. Its one of the summer essentials no matter where you go.
Collapsible Water Bottle: Did you know that the tap water is potable in the Netherlands? Yes that means you can just fill your water bottle from a tap. So ditch the idea of buying water and carry a collapsible water bottle. The best part is that it folds down when not in use so it doesn’t take a lot of space.
Packable Rain Jacket: One of the things that always takes tourists by surprise is the summer storms. They can come in suddenly and drench you as if someone upturned a bucket of water on your head. When you are contemplating what to wear in Amsterdam make sure to add a rain jacket to the list. I prefer a packable one that rolls up into a small pouch because it makes it so much more portable.
Light cardigan/shawl: The evenings can get cooler so if you aren’t good with that, I would advice bringing a light cardigan along. You can choose it such that it will accentuate your outfit. These work well with both dresses and formal wear.
Cleansing Towels: I generally love to carry these wet towels during summer in Amsterdam. It gets pretty hot and when the heat really gets to me, these are so refreshing!
What To Wear In Amsterdam In Spring And Autumn
In my mind the weather in spring and autumn in Amsterdam are pretty much the same. The weather can be excellent with the sun shining through the day or you could catch one of the storms that regularly hits the city during the season. The temperatures can also drop because it blows a lot so it often feels colder than it actually is!
Long Sleeved T-Shirts: I always use long sleeved t-shirts or blouses when I visit the city in spring or autumn. This is because the season is generally cold and wet. Not as cold as winter but the constant rain makes it pretty uncomfortable to be in short sleeves.
Even if its a sunny day, it is generally not hot. So this is very functional and something that you should consider when it comes to what to wear in Amsterdam in spring and autumn.
A Thin Cardigan: Cardigans are a great way to keep warm when the weather is cool but not too cold. They also look stylish so they pair well with any outfit. I generally use cardigans as an extra layer. So if its raining or super cold, I’ll wear my long sleeve t-shirt and then layer it on before using a wind cheater or a rain coat.
A Light Scarf: One of the pro tips about what to wear in Amsterdam is to carry a light scarf. Again, this acts as an accessory but it also helps to keep your neck warm. Generally this is one of the best ways to keep from the wind funneling through your jacket.
A Felt Hat: I love felt hats in spring and autumn. They are warm and so stylish. Its not cold enough that you need the ultra warm caps so why not make the best of the weather?
Long Rain Jacket: The Dutch generally opt for a long jacket in this season. These generally zip from both sides so that they can open the lower zip and cycle. Pretty practical and it keeps your legs dry. Let’s not forget how it keeps you warm. If you want to know what to wear in Amsterdam to look Dutch then this is it!
Windcheater: The idea here is to pack for both cold and warmth. Sounds daunting right? I felt the same. The trick is to layer up. You don’t really need as many layers as winter but you should try to keep the wind out. This would be the first step or line of control against the wind.
There are loads of options when it comes to wind cheaters. What you should check and see is that the jacket forms a nice seal around your wrists and that it is not too loose at the neck. Otherwise the wind just funnels through and it can get chilly. Kind of defeats the purpose if you know what I mean.
Pro Tip: Don’t Carry An Umbrella
I know that there are many windproof umbrellas and people generally advise carrying one to Amsterdam. I prefer not to for a couple of reasons. First off it blows. Like really blows. Odds are that your umbrella will turn inside out and you will get wet. If by chance you don’t encounter the wind, you will find navigating the crowds with an umbrella particularly tough.
Walking Shoes For Spring And Autumn
Amsterdam is one of the most walkable cities in the world. In fact, they have been taking measures to reduce the car traffic through the city. They’ve even capped the speed limit at 30km/hr to protect pedestrians and cyclists. The streets are made with cobblestones so while they are scenic, they can be uneven in places.
Now I generally advise people to carry two separate pairs of shoes. One athletic type of shoes and another open shoe that is perfect for the sunnier days. The open shoes also pair well with more formal attire. You don’t really need a pair of heels in Amsterdam because people tend to dress more casually.
Recommendation: Skechers Women’s Go Walk 5 True Sneaker
⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5 (9019 Reviews) Price: $50 Details: Read more on Amazon!
Picking a good pair of athletic shoes is absolutely essential. This will prevent your feet from blistering and won’t let you slip in case the pavement is wet.
I generally use my Columbia shoes or Skechers. These are generally waterproof so they work when it rains, breathable so they are good in case of a hot summer day and have excellent grip. You’ll find that these are also comfortable if decide to rent a cycle to move around the city.
One of the most popular options that people use is the Skechers Women’s Go Walk 5 True Sneaker. It isn’t exactly the same pair that I wear as pictured above but it is similar.
“Just received these a few days ago. I have only worn them in the house so far due to recent rain.
D (read more reviews now!)
I ordered a half size up and they are really comfortable and lightweight. Traction on sole is also good. Ready to enjoy spring morning walks!”
It is lightweight and comfortable. One of the things that I like about it is the cushioning sole. Something that I have learnt to appreciate after walking over 10 km in any city.
Recommendation: Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedges
⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5 (14,940 Reviews) Price: $44 Details: Read more on Amazon!
I’m going to drop another quick recommendation when it comes to shoes because this is another pair that I love. I’m generally a crocs girl when I travel especially in south east Asia.
I prefer the regular clog style of shoes for summer and as you can see my entire family has a pair because they are just so practical in the Netherlands BUT I get that they aren’t the most attractive.
Luckily there is a more stylish option aka Brooklyn Low Wedges. They come in a variety of different fun colors. If you want to go with standard black, that’s also a great option.
The reason why I suggest this when it comes to what to wear in Amsterdam is because they have excellent grip, comfortable soles and are hardy shoes.
This way you don’t have to compromise on style for comfort. Sounds perfect right? Definitely one of my top recommendations when it comes to what to wear in Amsterdam in winter even though not everyone will agree with it.
“This is my second pair of these sandals. I have the black version as well. To be honest, I hate Crocs, the typical clog design. I love these though. Crocs figured out that not everyone likes the originals and they started making sandals and I became a customer instead of only buying them for others.
These sandals are comfortable enough to wear while walking all over Key West, going to church and standing in choir/dancing for worship, or casually strolling through downtown stores or parks. They look dressy enough to wear with nice dresses or pants and casual enough to wear with shorts or sun dresses.
Do size up though! I normally wear an 8 in women’s but I buy a 9 when getting these. The fit is off for some reason.
Kezia (read more reviews now!)
The only issue that I find with this is when the temperature drops really low then its just not practical to wear them.
What To Wear In Amsterdam In Winter
Amsterdam in winter is cold and a tad bit dark. It also rains a lot. If you are visiting during this time of the year, it is always good to have a list of indoor activities at hand. That way you can get out of the cold and the rain. There are plenty of outdoor activities in winter though. A lot of people can be seen congregating around the things to do in Dam square where there is always something going on.
From the Christmas markets to the lights on the canals, you will also probably spend a lot of time wandering the city. That’s one of the reasons why you need to consider what to wear in Amsterdam in winter carefully.
Pro Tip On What To Wear In Amsterdam In Winter
The best way to dress up in the cold is to layer up. This is because the temperature tends to fluctuate quite a bit. This way you can layer up when its cold and just knock off layers when it is warmer.
So here is my quick shortlist of what to wear in Amsterdam in winter.
Warm Socks: Even if you don’t have the opportunity to get a good pair of boots, I would recommend getting a nice warm pair of socks. That way you can use your regular sneakers and still stay warm. That’s what many people do here.
Fleece Lined Leggings: If you are thinking of wearing a skirt of a dress, I would recommend investing in a pair of nice warm leggings. You’ll thank me later!
A Good Pair Of Boots: I cannot emphasize just how important a good pair of warm boots are when it comes to what to wear in Amsterdam in winter. I initially thought that well they keep the water out and the toes toasty which they do but anytime that I ditched the boots in winter, I found myself close to freezing. That’s why this is one of my essentials.
Wool Sweater Or Woolen Long Sleeved T-shirts: One of the things I learnt when my mother came to visit is to check the kind of material that your clothes are made out off. Wool is a great insulator and keeps you warm. If you wear synthetic or artificial materials, you will probably need more layers. So make a note of this when packing your clothes.
Gloves: I always carry a pair of gloves for myself and even the kids. My fingers tends to feel numb when it gets cold. Now this maybe because I spent most of my life in a tropical country so I’m probably not the best with cold. If you are like me, gloves will be your best friends.
Warm Scarf: I have never had quite as many scarves as I have collected while staying in the Netherlands. Keeping your neck warm and preventing the wind from funneling through is something that really helps me keep warm. Especially on the very cold days. I tend to pick woolen scarves. Even if they are not thick, they are definitely warmer than the cotton ones we use during autumn and spring.
Thermal Layers: Thermal layers will help you keep warm without even adding bulk. Nowadays you get these thin merino wool thermals that feel good against the skin and don’t add bulk. That way you don’t feel like a polar bear when you walk outdoors.
Woolen Hat: Keeping your head warm is another important aspect to consider about what to wear in Amsterdam in winter. This is especially true with younger children. I tend to crochet my own hats and scarves so I never run out of them. Plus I get to customize the colors and patterns.
What To Wear In Amsterdam – A Capsule Wardrobe
Have you ever tried booking your flights in Europe lately? If you don’t want to spend extra in baggage fees you will have to travel very light. That’s where the capsule wardrobe comes in super handy. I know that I’ve written about everything in detail but a quick glance at this should help you downsize and choose what to pack.
Summer Capsule Wardrobe For Amsterdam
- 1 fun summer dress
- 1 pair of skorts.
- 2 pairs of lounge pants
- 5 cool light cotton t-shirts.
- Accessories like wide brimmed hats, sunglasses and your sunscreen.
- 1 pair of light sandals and 1 good set of walking shoes.
- Jewelry to compliment your wardrobe.
Autumn And Spring Capsule Wardrobe For Amsterdam
- 1 cardigan or 1 light jacket (black or fall colors)
- 1 scarf (and a pair of thin leather gloves if you have them)
- Jewelry (fun earrings, fun necklaces)
- 2 pairs of shoes (athelisure and sandals. Check out my recommendations and advice above.)
- 1 pair of jeans
- 1 pant (jewel tone preferably)
- 2 pairs of leggings or fun stockings
- 1 black skirt (below knee)
- 2 long sleeve dresses (choose the colors according to the season. Vibrant for spring. Neutrals for autumn. I recommend wrap dresses for maximum flattery)
- 5 tops (neutral colors, think whites, nudes, blacks work extremely well)
Winter Capsule Wardrobe For Amsterdam
In some ways packing a winter capsule wardrobe for Amsterdam is pretty hard. This is because winter clothes tend to be bulky. Even if you choose to layer clothes on, you will find that the bulk adds up. In order to work around this, I try to pack even less and wash even more. Luckily you don’t sweat as much as summer!
- 3 long sleeved t-shirts
- 3 pairs of warm socks (they tend to get wet when it rains so keep extras)
- 1 pair of fleece lined leggings (if you are carrying a skirt or dress)
- 1 warm pair of boots
- 1 warm pair of gloves
- 2 pairs of thermal layers
- 1 beanie
- 1 pair of fleece line dress pants
- 1 puffer jacket. (reduces bulk when compared to thicker coats)
Phew! This list of what to wear in Amsterdam took me so long to put together but I just had so much to say. I hope it has been helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below and I’ll answer them as soon as I can.
Other Posts That You Will Enjoy
- Things to do in the Museum quarter in Amsterdam
- Unique things to do in Amsterdam
- Where to stay in Amsterdam
- The Dutch countryside
- Epic day trips from Amsterdam
- Amsterdam with kids: The local guide
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