What to Wear in Istanbul in November (Without Overthinking It... Too Much)

Packing for Istanbul in November is a bit like packing for three seasons at once. You’ll land expecting crisp fall weather, maybe even a sneak peek of winter… and instead you get a 68° afternoon where you’re sweating through your “cute layered outfit". Then the next day? Cold wind off the Bosphorus that makes you grateful you threw in that one heavier jacket (but that you still forgot back in the AirBnb).

Welcome to Istanbul in November, where one side of the hill can be cooler than the other.

After spending time here (and having my expectations completely fooled), here’s what I genuinely recommend packing... based on what you’ll actually wear and not what ChatGPT tells you.

1. A Light-to-Medium Jacket Is Your Best Friend (Aside From a Hoodie)

Think: something you can throw over a long sleeve but take off easily when the sun pops out.

• A packable puffer

• A bomber-style coat

• A medium trench or shacket

You don’t need a full winter coat, unless you run cold or get unlucky with a rainy week. Most November days sit in the low 60s, but wind can make everything feel cooler. You will especially need something warm if you take the ferry across the Bosphorus.

I got really lucky and found a Jason Wu packable puffer coat for $30 at Burlington Coat Factory right before I headed out. (Suggested retail $200!) It even came with the cutest matching bag to stuff it into.

My tip: If you can comfortably layer a sweatshirt under whatever coat you bring, you’re golden.

2. Long Sleeves Shirts

The temperature swings are real. You’ll start the day chilly and end up sweating like crazy just from walking around Sultanahmet or Taksim.

Bring:

• 2–3 long-sleeve body hugging shirts (these are my favorite and they're great alone or under another shirt)

• A light sweater

Avoid anything too thick unless you truly love sweating. Usually not a cute look.

Pro tip: carry a long sleeve shirt in your bag at all times just in case. Trust me, you will use it.

3. Comfortable Pants (You’ll Walk a LOT)

Istanbul is hills, cobblestones, winding streets, stairs, and more stairs.

Your best bets:

The American Eagle barrel cargo I found a few months ago. (Photo from AE)

• Straight-leg jeans

• A comfy pair of wide-leg trousers

• Leggings if you’re doing lots of walking or a long day of sightseeing

Pro tip: Skip anything restrictive. You’ll regret it climbing all the hills... You can't escape the hills.

I got really lucky. A few months ago, while returning some jeans at American Eagle, I found THE perfect travel pants (like a stretch cargo barrel pant) and bought one of every color I could find... I currently have both with me and my mom has one I gave her also.

4. Shoes: Comfort > Cute

You don’t need boots unless rain is in the forecast. Most days are dry.

Bring:

• A supportive sneaker (the most important- you will be walking a lot)

• Boots (a comfy, autumn type) is a strong contender... emphasis on comfy

• One nicer pair for dinner, if you really have to (I would still recommend flats for the cobblestone hills...)

  
  

Yes, your feet will hurt by the end of the day. Consider it part of the Istanbul experience.

(P.S. Don't forget your warm (but not too thick), cute socks! I love the checker prints on these.)

5. A Scarf (This Is Mandatory, Trust Me)

Not for fashion (though it can be cute) but because:

• It gets windy by the water

• Most mosques (like the Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque) require a head covering for women

• It’s an easy way to warm up without lugging around a big jacket

Grab a thin, oversized one from Istiklal Road (or any little shop really) if you want something colorful.

6. Optional but Helpful

• Small umbrella - November brings random rain showers.

• Crossbody bag - Easier on crowded trams and ferries. (This crossbody sling is my fav because it fits a small water bottle on the side and is surprisingly spacious.)

• Sunglasses - This is a must. You’ll be surprised how bright it can get.

• Beanie - Shove one in your bag. You'd be surprised how much of a difference it makes when you're suddenly cold.

What I Actually Wore Most Days

If you’re curious, here’s my honest “real life” list:

Long-sleeve shirt + packable puffer + barrel leg cargo pants + sneakers + scarf/beanie/fingerless gloves stuffed in my bag.

Half the time my jacket ended up over my arm. Classic.

Final Thoughts

Don’t worry about looking perfectly put-together.

Istanbul is a city where everyone dresses differently: tourists, locals, students, expats, fashion-forward twenty-somethings, and covered head-to-toe Muslims all coexist on the same tram.

Pack for comfort, bring layers, and let the weather surprise you a little. It’s part of the fun.

And don't forget: you can always buy something if you really need it. Inexpensive clothing shops are literally everywhere.

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