Planning a summer trip to Europe and want to pack light and look cute? You’re in the right place! This post breaks down everything you need for a stylish and effortless summer capsule wardrobe for Europe-including ten outfit ideas, travel-friendly staples, and the fashion trends I’m loving this year.
Tie front top // White Sunglasses // Brown Knit Sweater // Black Sunglasses // Black Linen Skirt // White Sleeveless Top // Woven Tote // Black Dress // Black Dressy Sandals // Linen Shorts // Tevas // Black Purse // Chunky Necklace // Gola Sneakers
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What Is a Capsule Wardrobe (And Why You Need One for Travel)
Living in Europe means space is tight. Our closets are basically glorified coat racks and off-season clothes get stored in the basement. So while I love clothes and would like to shop much more than I do, I’ve had to get really intentional about what I actually buy and wear. It’s annoying sometimes, but one thing that helps me not lose my mind is looking at my wardrobe through a capsule lens.
To me, a summer capsule wardrobe is about pieces that mix and match easily, don’t wrinkle easily, are heat-friendly, and work across different vibes-from beach days in Spain to wine nights in Italy. And when it comes to travel, this way of packing means fewer decisions, more wearable outfits, and less stress. Honestly, it just makes life easier and leaves me feeling much cuter than I normally do!
That’s the whole idea behind a capsule wardrobe though: it’s a thoughtfully curated collection of versatile clothing that all works together. It simplifies getting dressed, makes packing so much easier, and ensures you always have something you feel good in.
My Summer Travel Capsule Wardrobe Packing List
Here’s the base I’m working with this year, all of these pieces mix and match, fit easily in a carry-on, and can be dressed up or down depending on where I’m headed.
Shop My Summer Travel Capsule Wardrobe
Tops
2–3 lightweight tanks or tees | I pack neutrals like white, black, or beige that go with everything. I always pack a basic white and black tank, and then a white t-shirt too. Shop my favorite basics here!
1 dressier top | Something cute enough for dinner but still breezy for hot nights. I love the tied front blouse style like this one for a versatile top you can dress up or down. This checkered one is super cute too! I also love this strapless cotton top.
1 oversized button-down | Linen or cotton is the best. It works as a beach cover-up, layer on a chilly night, or tied with shorts. This is a must! Shop here.
Bottoms
1 pair of linen shorts | These are essential for summer in Europe. Not only will they keep you cool, they are super comfy when the temperature heats up and pants start feeling tight and uncomfy. Linen shorts for under $40 || Tailored white pair
1 pair of relaxed denim or wide-leg trousers | Good for travel days, chillier evenings, or city exploring. I love barrel leg jeans just for this! Barrel leg jeans || wide-leg trousers
1 skirt or skort | Flowy skirts are all the rage this season and a white or black one is super chic. maxi skirt || linen short skirt
Dresses
1–2 midi or maxi dresses | They are easy to throw on, takes up virtually no space in your suitcase and can be worn as a beach cover up or on a night out. Short cotton dress || Perfect black dress
Outerwear & Layers
1 light jacket or cardigan | For cool mornings or AC’d trains and you don’t want to chill to take the fun out of things! Gray cardigan || Knitted open cardigan
Shop My Summer Capsule Closet !
Shoes
This is arguably the most important section of your capsule wardrobe when it comes to dressing and packing for Europe! There is nothing worse than realizing the shoes you packed are not suitable for walking the 15,000+ steps you will inevitably take. These are shoes I suggest having in your wardrobe, but always look through the lense of your own comfort!
1 pair of comfy walking sandals | I will forever be a Teva sandal fan because they’ve never, ever hurt my feet. You can’t go wrong with Tevas, or a pair of broken in Birkenstocks. Shop Tevas || Birkenstocks
1 pair of nicer sandals or espadrilles | For evenings out or slightly fancier dinners. Chic bowtie sandals || pair under $30!
Sneakers | If you’re doing a lot of city walking or airport travel a good pair of sneakers are a must! Choose one or two depending on where you are headed. Trendy ‘”dad” sneakers || Chic and comfy Gola sneakers
Accessories
1–2 bags | I find for travel a crossbody is what I feel most comfortable with for daytime, then I always bring a a tote or straw bag for beach days, and a small shoulder purse for nights out! White crossbody purse || Woven tote || Going out purse
Sunglasses + hat | Sun protection, yes. But also: outfits look more put together. Chic Raybans || Similar pair for only $50!
Jewelry | Just a couple simple pieces to elevate things. I always love layering necklaces, rings, and a pair of chunky gold hoops. These chunky necklaces are very trendy this year || Something more simple. || Gold hoop earrings under $100!
Shop Shoes & Accessories
What I’m Actually Wearing This Summer in Europe
Here’s a breakdown of how I’m mixing it all together — plus ten outfit combos I’ve already planned! These are super simple outfits, and combine more items than you ideally might want to pack, but I wanted to give you ideas! Maybe just choose two shoes, or three bottoms you know you’ll wear and love. Ideally everything I’ve included is realistic for a 10-14 day vacation, as I don’t wash clothes in the hotel or anything like that so this would work perfect for me! It also drastically depends on where you are headed, Northern or Southern Europe will vary with weather and temp so keep that in mind! You can always send me an email if you have questions or need any help!
Packing Tips for Summer in Europe
- Choose your colors: I by no means think a capsule wardrobe should be boring, or all black. I love incorporating color through shoes, purses, (not clothes) my nails! But think about what you want your accent colors to be and stick to 2-3.
- Fabrics matter: I try to pack linen, cotton, or gauzy materials that breathe and don’t wrinkle horribly. PSA: if ANY blogger tells you to pack a steamer they are cray cray. Any hotel you stay at will have an iron, and most likely a steamer, so please don’t worry about packing or buying one of those things.
- Pack pieces that can be worn at least 2-3 ways: If it doesn’t work in at least two outfits, it’s not coming. This helps you not overpack, and keep your outfits consistent.
I know it’s tempting to overpack, especially when you’re headed somewhere beautiful and every street feels like a photo op. But the truth is, you don’t need 25 different outfits to feel stylish. With a summer capsule wardrobe, you can travel lighter, dress easier, and still feel really good in what you’re wearing.
Save This Post for Later!
Pin this to your Europe Travel board so you can come back to it before your trip!
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