The good news for travelers is that Swiss fashion tends to be simple and elegant. Both men and women can easily travel with a few pairs of nice slacks and dress shirts to stay on the right side of dress codes and even fit in with the locals. You may want to bring one set of dressier clothes for more high-end restaurants and events but avoid bulky athletic gear that will take up room in your suitcase and make you stand out in the streets of Geneva. There are plenty of places to wash clothes in Switzerland if you prefer to only bring enough for a few days. Rainfall is especially common in the spring, but fairly constant year-round. Expect at least one day of rain a week whenever you go, and come prepared with light rain gear.
The bad news for people who like to travel light is that Swiss weather is variable. As in much of western Europe, winter lows are below freezing, but not frigid, while the summers are moderate, with even highs in July hovering around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're traveling in the winter or plan on doing some Alpine hiking, focus on light, compactable and warm materials like goose down or Gore-Tex. Long underwear folds up easily and can keep you warm while not taking up much room in your luggage. You'll want to bring a few warm layers for breezy nights even if you're traveling in the summer. In the spring and autumn when temperatures are especially erratic, focus on layers and be prepared for anything.
You'll need a passport to enter Switzerland and it's a always a good idea to make photocopies of your documents -- including your health insurance information -- to carry with you and leave the originals safely in your hotel. Write down the address of living accommodation in case you're asked to declare it at the airport. Switzerland is not a member of the European Union and has its own border laws and controls. Major credit cards are accepted throughout the country, but you should carry some cash for basic purchases. Changing U.S. dollars or euros is easy is Switzerland. You'll need a universal adapter to use any U.S. electronics in Switzerland. Don't go overboard on electronics, but items like smart phones can actually save space in your luggage over multiple books, maps and music players.
The odds and ends of your packing list will depend on your itinerary. If you plan to hike, bring an extra pair of shoes for when you're not wearing your hiking boots. Wearing your boots on Zurich's streets will bring more than a few disapproving glances.
No matter how cold you feel, the sun is strong and direct at high altitudes, so bring sunscreen. Sunglasses or a hat can be useful in the summer while the winter calls for gloves and scarves. All of these items are readily available in Switzerland, but prices are high, and and bringing items like toiletries from home can significantly reduce your trip budget. Don't forget the camera and a few extra memory cards.
