If you’re lucky enough to be packing for a European summer vacation, you have a lot of fun choices to make–including your outfits! There are some key differences between the US and Europe that can impact your packing. First, you’ll want to be mindful of suitcase space. Second, it’s quite unlikely you’ll have access to both a washer and dryer. While washing machines are fairly common, dryers are not, especially around the Mediterranean.
Instead of packing a bunch of individual outfits, choose staple pieces that all look great together–essentially creating a capsule wardrobe. (There’s a reason packing-light subReddits like r/HerOneBag are popular!) With this blog guide, you’ll find all the essentials for putting together your best best outfits for summers in europe
Europe!
Long-Sleeve Tops
If you’re staying by the ocean, the breezes can be chilly at night. A long-sleeved button up shirt or blouse is the perfect piece to have with in your suitcase. You can also throw a button up on over a swimsuit for the perfect cover-up.
Crop Tops
You won’t always find air conditioning in Europe. Outfits for summer across the pond should be planned with hot days in mind. One way to beat the heat is with a sleek crop top! Crop tops look great with pants, shorts, or skirts, and you can throw a long-sleeved blazer or shirt over them when the weather cools off at night.
Simple Dresses
When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is complicated clothing. So pack a dress or two that looks great and can take you from day to night without being too fussy. Save space in your suitcase by picking neutral-colored dresses and then elevating them up with smaller, easily packable accessories, like colorful jewelry or shoes with fun embellishments. Midi dresses are a great choice for European summer outfits, because they can easily be dressed up or down depending on your accessories.
One Fancy Dress
Of course, you’re in Europe! This might be a once in a lifetime thing, so in addition to your cute-but-practical dresses, you should treat yourself to at least one fancy showstopper of a dress for a night out. Look for romantic details like ruffles and gathering, or interesting fabrications with details like leopard print and pleats.
Knit Dresses
Who wants to haul a bunch of luggage on a European vacation? Not us, that’s for sure! That’s why we recommend knit dresses to our traveling sisters. Simple, comfy knit dresses are comfortable, easy outfits that resist wrinkling. Pack one or two– they don’t take up much space– and rewear them. With a little steam from the shower to loosen any folds, these dresses have significant re-wearability. They aren’t just great for wearing in Europe; they’re great as part of your traveling outfit, too, since they won’t get creased during the plane trip. Style them with some comfy-yet-cute sandals and you’re good to go globetrotting!
Linen Pants
I can’t recommend linen pants highly enough for Europe outfits. Summer is the perfect season for linen; they’re warm enough for a Scandinavian summer, and cool enough for the Mediterranean. They’re also super stylish, and they go with everything. And they pack well! Linen is light and wrinkles fall out easily. Just hang them in the bathroom as you shower and let the steam work its magic.
Summer Sweaters
Speaking of how the weather cools off at night, bringing a lightweight sweater is a must for European travel. The perfect summer sweater is easily packable, avoids wrinkles, and isn’t too heavy. Crocheted sweaters are an ideal choice; the open, lightweight construction won’t let you overheat but will keep the chill off of your shoulders.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Europe=walking. No matter where you go, you are going to be walking a lot– so wear comfortable shoes with good arch support. A cute, comfy pair of sneakers or slide sandals can mean the difference between having an amazing time and getting painful blisters on the very first day.
Chic Swimsuits
From the Amalfi Coast to Santorini, Europe is full of beautiful beaches and spots for sunbathing and swimming. A classic white or black swimsuit looks elegant and stylish. Throw on a cool coverup and you’ll be good to go on just about any European beach.
Cute Coverups
With their resortwear aesthetic, coverups give you a little extra coverage to protect your shoulders from the sun, keep you from getting too chilly as you dry, and swing by your side as you stroll through sunny outdoor paths and any resort lobby you come across. Coverups can be very fun and playful; look for fun design choices like fringe trim, bright colors, and interesting patterns. Crochet coverups are quite popular, since the open construction keeps you cool while you chill by the pool.
What are you wearing on your vacay and where are you going? Show us your best European summer outfits on Instagram and TikTok @lulus using #lovelulus! Be sure to shop our European Outfits edit and our Vacation Dresses Shop for more summer outfits that will take you everywhere from Amsterdam to Zurich and everywhere in between!
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