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My Mom, 53, Asked Me to Help Her Pack for Europe—Here Are the Polished Fall Styles I Recommended From $18

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Chaise Sanders

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No one would guess they’re all under $50.

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Credit: Travel + Leisure

My mom, 53, and I share a love of shopping and traveling, so when she asked me what to pack for a fall trip to Europe, I happily stepped in as her personal stylist. As someone who travels to Europe every year with just a carry-on, I know a thing or two about packing stylish outfits that don’t take up much space. They don’t sacrifice comfort, either.

Naturally, I headed straight to Amazon to find pieces that would keep my mom looking chic through long sightseeing days, chilly afternoons, and dinner plans. From cozy sweaters to polished matching sets and comfortable pants, these are the 11 fall fashion finds I’m adding to her cart—and they’re all under $50.

Related: A Stylist Convinced Me to Ditch My Dated Fall Jackets for This Polished, Travel-friendly Alternative—From $30

Sipaya Lightweight Mohair Sweater​

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Credit: Amazon

Credit: Amazon

$35 (42% Off) $20 at Amazon

A lightweight sweater is a nonnegotiable for fall in Europe, but I’m picky about fabrics, especially when I know my mom will be wearing it all day. This mohair sweater has that soft, slightly fuzzy finish that makes even a simple jeans-and-sneakers combination feel a little more intentional. It’s cozy without being bulky, so she can wear it with trousers for dinner or leggings on a travel day without sacrificing precious suitcase space. One shopper who received it for free even called it “the softest sweater [they’ve] ever put on.”

Prettygarden 2-piece Matching Set​

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Credit: Amazon

Credit: Amazon

$60 (23% Off) $46 at Amazon

I’ve convinced my mom that a matching set is the secret to looking put-together at the airport without giving up an ounce of comfort. This one is a step up from the usual sweatshirt-and-sweatpants situation, thanks to the collared V-neck top and flowy wide-leg pants. She can wear the full set on a long flight, then mix the pieces with jeans, sweaters, and other staples once she lands. A reviewer who was gifted the set and wore it on a long flight said it was ideal for when “you want to look nicely dressed but feel like you can rest.”

Meewarm Merino Wool Triangle Scarf​

Credit: Amazon

Credit: Amazon

$18 at Amazon

When I visited Europe earlier this fall, I couldn’t walk into a store without spotting a triangle scarf, so naturally, I’m making sure my mom packs one. She’s perpetually cold (seriously, she’ll be bundled up while the rest of us are in T-shirts), so I know she’ll appreciate having an extra layer within reach. This merino wool version adds a little European flair to even the simplest outfit without taking up nearly as much space as another sweater. She can tie it around her neck during the day or drape it over her shoulders when the evening chill sets in.

Grapent Corduroy Barrel Pants​

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Credit: Amazon

Credit: Amazon

$40 (50% Off) $20 at Amazon

My mom loves her tried-and-true jeans, but I’m encouraging her to give her denim a little vacation with these corduroy barrel pants. Between the textured fabric and relaxed silhouette, they are especially fitting for wandering around Europe in the fall. The elastic waistband is a welcome bonus for long sightseeing days, while the lightweight material won’t weigh down her suitcase like traditional corduroy can. I’d have her style them with a classic crewneck sweater and sneakers for an outfit that’s comfortable but still feels current.

Imily Bela Cropped Trench Coat​

Credit: Amazon

Credit: Amazon

$53 (13% Off) $46 at Amazon

A trench coat in Europe for fall? Not so groundbreaking, I know, but there’s a reason I keep recommending the staple. High-neck styles are having a moment, and after chatting with a stylist about autumnal wardrobe staples, I’m convinced my mom needs one in her suitcase. This cropped version has a roomier fit for layering sweaters underneath, plus a belt she can cinch when she wants a little more shape. The windproof design is another selling point, especially for those breezy afternoons spent walking around a new city.

Djeanxa 2-piece Cardigan and Skirt Set​

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Credit: Amazon

Credit: Amazon

$44 (18% Off) $36 at Amazon

I’m a firm believer in packing outfits that require as little thinking as possible, especially when there’s a full itinerary to accomplish. That’s why I’m steering my mom toward this matching cardigan-and-skirt set. The knit fabric keeps things cozy, but the coordinating skirt makes the whole outfit feel a little more dressed up, even with sneakers. And because both pieces work separately, she can pair the cardigan with jeans or dress up the skirt with a different top when she’s ready to switch things up.

Evaless Knot Neckline Sweater​

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Credit: Amazon

Credit: Amazon

$30 (40% Off) $18 at Amazon

My mom doesn’t necessarily need another sweater, but this $18 find deserves a spot in her suitcase. The knotted neckline gives an otherwise classic knit a little personality, making it look far more expensive than its price tag suggests. I’d pair it with jeans and ballet flats for an afternoon of exploring or wide-leg trousers and simple gold jewelry for dinner. Shoppers said it’s lightweight yet warm, which is exactly the balance she needs when packing for unpredictable fall temperatures.

Chicme Knit Cape Sweater​

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Credit: Amazon

Credit: Amazon

$49 (22% Off) $38 at Amazon

My mom is all about being comfortable, but I refuse to let her spend her European vacation buried under bulky layers. This knit cape sweater has that blanket-like feel, but the oversized silhouette and gold buttons make it look much more polished. She can throw it over a basic tee with jeans on those tricky in-between days when it’s too chilly to go without a layer but not quite cold enough for a coat. Even better, a reviewer who was sent the product says it’s wrinkle-resistant, so she won’t have to spend time ironing.

Hooever Open-front Cardigan​

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Credit: Amazon

Credit: Amazon

$50 (30% Off) $35 at Amazon

I wouldn’t send my mom off to Europe without a chic layering piece, and this cardigan jacket immediately caught my eye. Between the oversized lapels, slightly cropped shape, and subtle bell sleeves, it has the look of a much pricier jacket without the stiffness. The soft knit fabric means she can comfortably layer it over sweaters, while the roomy front pockets are helpful for keeping her hands warm between sightseeing stops.

Dlooda Stretchy Wide-leg Sweatpant Jeans​

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Credit: Amazon

Credit: Amazon

$40 (25% Off) $30 at Amazon

I’ve already discovered the magic of sweatpant jeans, so my mom is next on my list of people to convert. I tried a pair of these Dlooda wide-leg pants, and the stretchy denim and elastic waistband make them so much more comfortable than my usual pants. They still have that classic denim look, though, so she won’t feel like she’s wearing loungewear to lunch or dinner.

Zeagoo Satin Midi Skirt​

Credit: Amazon

Credit: Amazon

$20 at Amazon

I’ve packed a satin midi skirt on practically every European trip I’ve taken, and at this point, I consider it almost just as essential as my passport. It takes up barely any room in my carry-on, feels infinitely more comfortable than stiff denim, and makes even a basic T-shirt look thoughtfully styled. I also love how effortlessly Europeans pair satin skirts with sneakers and ballet flats, so there’s no need for my mom to pack heels just to dress it up. For $20, it’s an easy way to give her travel wardrobe a little more range without adding another bulky piece.

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