Having a Euro summer this year? You need to look chic, yet still be comfortable. Here are the wardrobe staples for a European summer vacation!
I have spent a couple of summer vacations in Europe, so I have narrowed down exactly what you will want to bring!
I’ve averaged about 20k steps a day on uneven cobblestones, had the ultimate beach days, and even spent some time in a glacier all in one trip! This is the ultimate guide to European summer outfits!
Packing clothes for your European travels doesn’t have to be complicated either. By bringing a cohesive selection and light layers, you’re prepared for whatever the summer months throw at you!
This post is all about what to wear in Europe summer.
Where in Europe?
For the purposes of this post, our summer trip outfits will be geared toward southern Europe and central Europe.
Countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece are places where you’ll experience hot days. Not so bad when you’re soaking up the sun on the Greek islands! However, this means you have to pack clothes very carefully in order to save your skin, but still have your beach days.
More centrally located countries such as Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland will also have hot weather at times, but not quite as strong as some of the more southern countries. In June, I had to break out the jeans and a light jacket to get through some of the chillier days!
Just keep in mind exactly where you will be headed so you will be able to pack your suitcase efficiently!
Most Important Outfit Considerations
For every clothing item that you pack, make sure you consider the following tips!
1. Natural Fibers
If there is anything you take away from this post, is that the clothes you need to pack for a European vacation have to mainly consist of natural fibers. You are going to get hot, sweaty, and stinky. Clothes made of natural fibers are going to dry quickly and be the most breathable fabric you can wear. TRUST ME. Plus, these clothes consisting of natural fibers look the most chic in my opinion.
2. Practicality
Your travel wardrobe needs to be comfortable. You will be walking miles on cobblestone streets. I have your back with cute and comfortable shoe recommendations and chafing solutions!
3. Casually Chic
If you’re reading this post, it means you want to look chic and cool on your European summer trip. Leave the athleisure and sweatpants at home. Pick easy outfits that you know you will feel comfortable and confident in!
Packing for Europe in Summer
The key pieces you will need for your Euro summer should be light and layerable. Here are the best options to bring on your summer trip!
1. Tops
Tank Tops
For those warmer days in mediterranean countries, you’ll want some tank tops, but depending if you visit any religious sites, make sure the fabric and straps are thick enough to be a bit more conservative. Often times churches and other religious sites will still require you to cover your shoulders, so just be aware of the tank tops that you pack! You can even try a tank that has ties on the sides for a more trendy feel!
T-Shirts
T-shirts should always be a part of your wardrobe staples, but especially on a European summer vacation! Cotton t-shirts are a great option to better protect your shoulders from the sun and keep you warmer as you visit European cities that run a bit cooler, such as Berlin. I’d focus on bringing lighter color shirts to stay nice and cool if you experience some hot days.
Button-Downs
Button downs are hands down the most versatile piece you can bring on a summer trip. These are already a staple in my capsule wardrobe (and they should be in yours too). Play with oversized button-down tops that will function as both an elevated top for your Insta pics and ALSO double as a bathing suit coverup! Save yourself suitcase space!
Tie Tops
A more trendy top to bring on your trip are tie front tops! Pick linen or cotton for a breezy feeling, while also protecting more of your skin from the sun. Opt for solid fabrics for a more versatile and classic look or fun, colorful prints to stand out! I’ve been obsessively sewing these the past couple years since they’re a super easy project and look amazing!
2. Bottoms
Travel pants can make it or break it! Here is the most versatile and comfortable clothing to bring on your trip.
Linen Pants
A simple pair of pants is a must for your European summer vacation. My top recommendation is linen pants. This fabric keeps you cool and comfortable while also looking chic.
The drawback of linen is that it does wrinkle easy, but it’s really just part of the aesthetic. One of my summer trips to Europe also included meetings for work – I was easily able to give my pants a quick press and they were good to go!
Maxi Skirts
Breezy, lightweight, maxi skirts are back in style! Black out the 2010 version of the maxi skirt out of your mind and embrace the modern take. The great thing about a flowy maxi skirt is that they are not only comfortable, but they also are appropriate for visiting churches and other religious sites.
Pairs of Shorts
A longer pair of denim shorts and a structured pair of linen shorts are a great choice for making quite a few different outfits! I love denim shorts for casual beach days.
Pairing denim shorts with an oversized button-up and a bikini looks so chic! For a more formal setting, double lined linen shorts are comfortable and chic!
Other Shorts
If you’re walking MILES in a skirt or dress, I recommend thin shorts to prevent chafing. The Warmer months and active days are a recipe for discomfort. Need I say more?
3. Dresses
The best part of wearing a dress, is that you don’t need to match a bottom and top. From fun to formal, a dress will be your best friend on your long days ahead!
Maxi Dresses
Summers in Europe evoke images of bright, flowy maxi dresses to me! These are the perfect summer dresses to dress appropriate and comfortable. These are a good option that can easily be dressed up or down!
Going Out Dresses
Romantic dinners out on the cobblestone streets, terrance, or beach? The best option is a silky dress! Depending on which dress codes you must abide by, I think bringing a shorter dress is the best way to pull off a fun and chic vibe!
4. Layers
Here are the best choices for styling your base outfit and staying warm as you experience cooler temperatures.
Cardigan
A buttoned cardigan is such a classic look. Bring one cardigan in one of the many neutral colors you can select from to go with all your outfits.
Sweater
A sweater made from natural fibers such as cashmere or cotton is also a must have for your packing list. I find a sweater is a bit warmer and more versatile than a cardigan, so if you must choose between the two, sweater is the way to go!
Denim Jacket
A denim jacket is another stylish piece to add to your travel clothes! Denim is tough and can hold up a full day of activities, while keeping just warm enough for European cities such as Berlin and Amsterdam!
Light Jacket
You absolutely do need a light, waterproof jacket. Rainy days are inevitable and it’s best to not have smelly, soggy clothes hanging up at your hostel. What worked the best for me was a packable rain jacket that I could layer over the top of a sweater for those cooler days.
5. Shoes
Comfortable shoes can make or break your summer trip. Be practical and you’ll have the best time!
Comfortable Sandals
If you need a comfortable sandal that also looks cute, try Teva’s! I have a strappy pair that’s a bit more fashion forward than their traditional two-strap style. You need sandals that will be stable on any cobblestone streets, but can also get wet as you board a catamaran in Spain!
Sneakers
A cute pair of sneakers that will last is one of the most important things for walking across all the European cities you will visit. White sneakers are the best bet to having a pair of shoes that goes with all your outfits. Tennis shoes take up a lot of suitcase space, so if you can afford another trendy, colorful pair, bring those as well to switch up your style!
Dressy Shoes
A dressier shoe is another fun element you can add to your travel wardrobe. A shoe that straps and secures your foot in properly should be brought over a loose, strappy thin-heeled shoe. Fisherman sandals, espadrilles, and block heels are a must if you plan on wearing a more elevated look.
6. Accessories
Many destinations, such as Italy, have wonder leather goods to bring back as a souvenir! Accessories are something I usually collect during my travels and I recommend you take a look at the local goods as well. This is a great category to keep it simple to save on suitcase space on the way to your destination.
Bags
A crossbody bags and fanny packs (with a zipper!) are by far the best and most secure bag you can bring to Europe. Popular tourist destinations are full of pickpockets and keeping my stuff close to my person has served me well. There are many fashionable options available these days for cute slings!
If your summer vacation is planned around the beach, bringing a tote bag is a great idea! Try a straw bag for a more classic and elevated look. The good thing about a tote is that it can double as your personal item for your flight.
Silk Scarf or Bandana
A silk bandana is a must have accessory! A colorful bandana is perfect to accessorize your bag, serve as a head covering for protection from the sun, and provide shoulder coverage as you visit religious sites. No matter where I go, an oversized silk bandana is go-to accessory for summer.
Jewelry
As a maximalist when it comes to jewelry, it’s hard to pack simple, but it must be done for your sanity. Select the pieces that will go with all the different outfits packed: a simple necklace, staple earrings, and everyday rings are all you need. If you feel like something is missing, there are so many amazing jewelers across all European cities, that picking out a piece is sure to be a cherished souvenir.
This post was all about what to wear in Europe summer.
Your European Summer outfits shouldn’t hold you back! Keep your travel wardrobe down to pieces that will easily mix and match as well as be comfortable and safe. Happy travels!
