*Features gifted items*

I’ve just returned from Iceland. It was magnificent! But it was also very, very cold!

We had the most incredible time as a family of four. We petted Icelandic horses, ate the infamous Icelandic hot dog, visited Reykjavik,  relaxed in an outdoor geothermal pool ( in temperatures of -6!) watched a Geysier explode into the air and even saw the Northern Lights which was without doubt one of the most beautiful and mesmerising things I have ever seen. I’ll never forget it.

If you’re thinking of visiting this wonderful country anytime soon (and in my humble opinion, you’d be mad not to) then it may be helpful to know what I packed to wear (besides underwear) for four days in autumn / early winter. I only had hand luggage (one large bag) but it was just big enough to take everything I needed.

I packed:

Three jumpers – well, it is October and seeing as we returned to the UK on the first official day of Icelandic winter, you can perhaps imagine how cold it was. (I’ve honestly never known cold weather or wind like it!)

My three knits were: a beautiful fairisle / Nordic jumper in rust from Woolovers (which was kindly gifted – see above), a fine knit cowl neck jumper from French Connection in my favourite colour heliotrope and a long red v-neck jumper from H&M.

A thermal top – it’s probably the first time I’ve ever worn a thermal top since being a child but my goodness, I’m so glad I did. It was a life saver! I’d have been absolutely freezing and miserable without it. Mine was this unisex v-neck Blackspade top from UK Lingerie (kindly gifted.) I wore it every single day I was there under a jumper and will never doubt the power or warmth of a thermal top again! If you go to Iceland over the cold months, trust me, a thermal top like this will be your best friend.

Two pairs of jeans – one in a dark denim rinse, the other forest green. This is all I wore on my legs whilst in Iceland but I really wish I’d taken a pair of thermal tights or similar to wear underneath as I could definitely have done with the added warmth!

One pretty blouse – from Zara which I never got to wear. I took it thinking perhaps I won’t need to wear chunky knits and a thermal every day and what can I say, I was wrong!

One pair of pyjamas – when it comes to nightwear, I’m definitely a pyjamas kind of girl and this beautiful floral pair from UK Lingerie (kindly gifted and seen above) were just the thing to wear at night in our cosy Icelandic cabin. (Although I did have to wear them with a pair of chunky socks to keep warm!)

Four pairs of chunky warm socks – not the prettiest things to pack but absolutely necessary!

One pair of comfortable biker boots – I took my comfiest and most practical pair of boots with me (from Ravel a few seasons back) and I’m so glad I did. They served me well in the Icelandic mountains, across ice and snow.

Two hats – I treated myself to two new hats for the trip and they both did a sterling job of getting my head warm. I loved my faux fur trapper in cream from French Connection (I got it reduced in the sale from £65 to just £26, bargain!) and my colourful knitted pompom hat from TK Maxx.

One pair of mittens – I took my biggest, warmest pair of gloves with me, which in this case, were my faux fur mittens bought last year from TK Maxx.

One scarf – a big chunky pompom scarf in teal that was a birthday gift from my sister in law a few years ago.

One swimsuit – practical yet glamorous, I loved wearing my Aubade swimsuit that was kindly gifted to me a few years ago by UK Swimwear. It was just the thing to wear in the geothermal pools in Iceland and even though it was bitterly cold, I felt a million dollars!

One coat – I borrowed my sister’s North Face coat as I didn’t want to splash out on an expensive coat for the trip and I’m so glad I did and incredibly grateful that she kindly lent it to me! It was so snug and warm, it was like wearing a duvet.

One pair of waterproof trousers – from Regatta which didn’t get worn but only because we got super lucky with the weather. It was incredibly cold whilst we were there but not wet. However if you go to Iceland at any time of the year, I’d definitely advise you to always take a pair with you, just in case.

All in all, my packing for Iceland was the least glamorous, least fancy packing I’ve ever done for any trip! Practicality and warmth were the name of the game and thankfully I think I delivered.

The only thing I really wish I’d taken with me were some thermal tights to wear underneath my jeans. When we return in the future (which we will as I adored this trip!) I’ll be sure to make sure I pack some.

Many thanks to UK Lingerie and Woolovers for kindly sending me items to wear on our unforgettable holiday.

Woolovers Reader Discount

If you like the fairisle jumper I’m wearing on this post or just fancy treating yourself to some new knitwear, please do check out Woolovers . They’re a truly fantastic British brand that specialise in quality, well made knitwear. Their pieces are classic and designed to last.

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