What to Pack for Amsterdam: Outfit Ideas and Fashion Guide

If you are planning to visit Amsterdam, then you need to look your best. Amsterdam is known for its breathtaking scenery, gorgeous architecture, and beautiful people. It’s home to many fashion shows, so you need to dress and accessorize the part if you want to fit in with the locals.

That being said, there is no general rule when packing your stuff – you just need to respect the season. Based on the weather forecast, choose your favourite items. Here are some ideas on what you should pack before travelling through these parts of the Netherlands. 

• Stylish Raincoat

Going through Amsterdam, there are two things that you will notice. The first is that people usually dress very nicely. The second is because it rains very often, regardless of the season, at random moments. This is why a stylish raincoat is a must-have in your suitcase.

• Custom Dress Shoes

You will see a lot of men in Amsterdam wearing polished shoes – not only to work but also on their nights out. You are more likely to see them wearing custom dress shoes rather than sports shoes. Make sure that you get a comfortable pair, as you will likely have a lot of walking and visiting to do as well.

• Denim Jacket

Denim jackets are a popular fashion piece in Amsterdam, and they are also versatile. They look very cute and comfortable and can bring some comfort on those chilly evenings while visiting the city. Match them with a nice pair of jeans and perhaps a cool T-shirt, and you will definitely stand out as a cool person. Dark blue denim is popular in Amsterdam, but black denim is also considered part of the “cool and spicy” fashion area.

• Fingerless Leather Gloves

If you are going in the spring, autumn, or winter, get a pair of nice fingerless gloves. For instance, let’s say that you found a nice car rental business in the Netherlands and they gave you a very fashionable Mercedes. Not only will those gloves keep you warm, but they will also make you look cool while you are driving your car. Match them with a nice pair of sunglasses, and if you get a converter, pick a nice scarf as well.

• Tight-Fit Shirts

Compared to people in other areas, people in Amsterdam tend to wear more polished clothing, with tighter fit clothing. Even on the weekends, they rarely wear baggy clothes. Pack a couple of snug-fit T-shirts, in simple yet intriguing patterns. White is a preferred choice for men in Amsterdam, but you can also allow your imagination to go loose.

• Faux Leather Jacket

Amsterdam adopted a plan where, by the end of 2030, they want to make half their production plant-based. These efforts are not only concentrated on food but also on apparel. More and more people are going for faux leather clothing as a way to help the environment, and you will fit in more nicely with this type of jacket. Brown is still a timeless choice, and there are many vegan leather options out there that look just like leather – and are just as durable.

• Leather Briefcase

While in Amsterdam, you will need something to carry your items here and there. You may be tempted to get a backpack, but if you want to stay fashionable, you should go for a leather briefcase instead. These briefcases can fit any smart casual look, going perfectly with the overall fashion sense of people in Amsterdam.

• White Dress Shirt

While you are in this beautiful city, you will certainly come across some fancy events in the evening, where you will need to take the elegant clothing out. The thing about this capital is that the people are supportive of circular fashion, encouraging quality clothing with a timeless feel. A white dress shirt is one of those pieces, and the best part is that you can match it with anything. Used with dress pants, it looks nice and formal, and with jeans, you will suddenly have a smart casual outfit. 

The Bottom Line

While in Amsterdam, no one is telling you that you cannot trust your own fashion sense. If anything, this city is a place where fashion can run free. That being said, by incorporating these pieces into your style, you should be able to blend in nicely.