There’s nothing better to me than traveling Europe in the summer—warm weather, endless sunshine, and an Aerol spritz in hand. If you are like me, aka a chronic over-packer, you might struggle to put together outfits for vacation. Which always results in bringing a host of items you don’t wear. So, before you embark on your summer vacation check out this guide! I’ll share simple yet stylist summer outfit ideas to help you pack light and look fabulous as you explore.
Summer travel is my absolute favorite! From someone who sometimes goes overboard packing, this guide will ensure you pack exactly what you need. Similar jumpsuit | tote | sunglasses
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Summer travel is my absolute favorite and every year we try to explore as much as we can. In summer of 2023 we visited Greece, Germany three times, Italy, and spent 11 days in Spain.
Overall, I absolutely love summer travel. Every time we head to a new destination, I feel well-prepared and stylish, even when I’m just traveling with a carry-on! I thought it would be helpful to share some of my packing essentials and outfit ideas, along with my favorite items for anyone planning their summer vacation.
Table of Contents
- Planning Your Wardrobe
- What to Pack for Summer in Europe
- Accessorizing Your Outfits
- Packing Tips and Tricks
- Four Summer Outfit Ideas
Planning Your Wardrobe
Planning your wardrobe for a summer trip to Europe is essential for an stress-free and stylish vacation. Checking the weather is always the first step. Make sure you know what the temperature is like in the mornings and evenings, as well as activities you plan on doing. From city sightseeing to beach days, having versatile pieces that can transition seamlessly from day to night is key. Keep reading for outfit ideas!
What to Pack for Summer in Europe
When it comes to packing for a summer trip to Europe, less is often more. Now it might depend on how long you are traveling for, but I promise you with simple staples, you can mix and match more than you’d expect! I focus on packing lightweight, breathable clothing items that can be mixed and matched. Fabrics like cotton and linen help keep you cool and comfortable in warm (sweaty) weather.
I always make a packing list a few weeks before so I know what shopping I need to do, and so I don’t overpack when the time comes! | Photo by Marissa Grootes Unsplash
1. Lightweight Tops and Blouses
When it comes to packing for a summer trip lightweight tops and blouses are an absolute must. My go-to’s? A classic white linen blouse paired with a cropped tank. It’s versatile enough to dress up with a cute skirt for a day out in the city or dress down with some comfy shorts for a picnic by the lake. I also love a good linen t-shirt, especially this one from Everlane!
2. Breathable Dresses and Skirts
I love a good midi dress for a sightseeing day in the city, or wine tasting in the hills. Fabrics like cotton and rayon are my best friends here—they keep me cool and look effortlessly chic. And skirts? A high-waisted skirt paired with a cute top is my go-to outfit. This one screams Italy and I’ve already bought it for this summer!
3. Comfortable Shorts and Linen Pants
When the temperature rises, comfort is key, and nothing beats a pair of comfortable shorts or linen pants. I swear by my trusty denim shorts for casual outings—they’re perfect for everything from a stroll by the river to a bike ride around town. But when I need something a bit more polished, linen pants are my savior. They’re lightweight and breathable, and can honestly be styled up or down.
4. Lightweight Outerwear
Even in the summer, weather can be a bit unpredictable, so lightweight outerwear is a must. I always have a light jacket or cardigan on hand for those cooler evenings or surprise rain showers. My favorite is a chic denim jacket—it pairs well with pretty much anything and adds a casual, cool vibe to my outfit. For something a bit dressier, a lightweight trench coat does the trick. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re out enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife or dining at a cozy outdoor restaurant.
5. Swimwear
The quintessential summer staple! I always pack a couple of swimsuits—a stylish one-piece for when I want to feel extra confident and go out after a beach day, and a fun bikini for soaking up the sun. And don’t forget a cover-up! I absolutely love this dress for a beach cover up, that you can sneak off to drinks in and still look chic.
6. Comfortable Sandals and Slides
When it comes to summer footwear, comfort is key. Comfortable sandals and slides are my go-to for navigating the cobblestone streets of Europe and enjoying long walks through the city. I adore a pair of stylish leather sandals that go with everything from dresses to shorts. They’re perfect for exploring the city during the day and easily transition to evening wear. For ultimate comfort, especially if I know I’ll be walking a lot, I opt for my Tevas sandals. They’re super easy to slip on and off and keep my feet happy no matter how much exploring I do. Plus, they’re perfect for those spontaneous beach trips!
Accessorizing Your Outfits
Now, this is not something I did until (last year?) Accessories are the secret weapon to elevating your summer outfits, and I’ve know you seen this all over TikTok – styling your clothes, not just wearing your them. I love focusing on shoes, small bags, sunglasses, a scarves to elevate my summer outfits when traveling.
I ma no fashion influencer, nor am I trying to be. But I am a 30 something year old who is trying to find my style, and sharing with you along the way! I loved adding a scarf to my outfit. (& yes these Tevas are filthy, but I SWEAR by these for summer travel shoes).
Packing Tips and Tricks
Packing efficiently is essential when traveling to Europe, especially during the summer months when generally luggage space is limited and you might not always want to check a bag (and with those checked bagged fees now?!). Utilize packing techniques such as rolling clothes, using packing cubes, and packing multi-purpose items to maximize space in your suitcase. In addition, remember to pack travel-sized toiletries in clear bags and leave some room for new purchases you find during your trip!
Four Summer Outfit Ideas
Now, it’s time for some summer outfit inspiration! I’ve curated a selection of stylish and practical outfit ideas for various European destinations and activities. Having lived in Europe and travelled extensively – I’ve got you covered. From casual city strolls to romantic dinners by the seaside, these outfits are sure to keep you looking chic and feeling comfortable throughout your European adventure.
tank top | shirt | bottoms | shoes | bag | sunglasses | earrings
hat | sunglasses | linen dress | bathing suit top | bottoms | sandals | tote
dress | earrings | purse | sandals
dress | Teva sandals | Steve Madden black slides | tote | yellow purse | bracelet
Packing for summer in Europe doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right planning, essential clothing items, and stylish accessories, you can create a versatile wardrobe that will see you through all of your European adventures in style. Now, that you’ve got your outfits – ready to start planning your trip? Check out these posts for some of my favorite summer vacation travel spots!
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