summer travel clothes for europe

The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Europe in Summer

Europe Packing List , Packing Lists , Travel Packing Lists

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Summer is the most popular season for traveling Europe, and for good reason: it’s beautiful! The weather is warmest this time of year and the cities are alive with excitement. Before you head out on your trip, check out our ultimate guide to packing for Europe in summer!

Packing for Europe in Summer

Table of contents.

The most important packing tip for Europe in the summer is to check the weather forecast before traveling!

Summer in Europe runs from June through August and is usually the most popular and crowded time of year to visit. Depending on the country, the weather can be anything from perfectly sunny and mild to hot and sticky.

Europe can be an unpredictable place to travel to in terms of weather, and no matter what time of year you go, you could get sun or rain. It’s a huge continent with stunningly diverse regions. It’s absolutely essential to check the weather forecast for each city as it may be boiling in the southern end of a country while raining in the northern part.

Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a travel capsule wardrobe , which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for summer travel:

• Capsule Wardrobe for Summer
• Best Walking Shoes for Europe’s Cobblestone Streets
• Cute and Comfortable Walking Sandals
• 10 Step Packing List for Europe

No matter where you visit, you should always check the weather in advance. Some destinations are consistently hot throughout the summer such as Rome while others experience a brief heat wave followed by cold wind and rain such as the UK.

Using tips from our readers, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to packing for Europe in summer:

Quince Linen Button Front Dress | Sizes XS-XL

Summers in France are generally very hot and humid, with average temps in the 70s-80s F and up! Stick to fabrics like cotton, linen, and rayon to stay comfortable in the heat.

Definitely pack a few basic t-shirts to lay the foundation for easy summer outfits. Tank tops and linen dresses are also cool and comfortable options that’ll easily work with anything from cropped pants to maxi skirts.

Anthropologie Linen Wide Leg Pants: Sizes 23-34 | 16W-26W

Readers highly recommend linen pants for summer in France because they’re cooling and practical in the heat while effortlessly elevated. Jeans are a forever staple for French women, too, so they’re another great piece to pack.

Summer in France is the perfect time to bring out your dresses ! Whether a midi dress , maxi dress , or festive summer dress , everything works and will look super cute as you explore your destination.

Check out these top womens wide width sandals that make your feet feel heavenly but are also darn cute-looking!

Sorel Ella II Sandals

Many cities in France, especially Paris, are very walkable, so pack comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be trekking up and down stairs and over pretty cobblestone streets, so sturdy soles and cushioning are important things to consider.

Fashion sneakers , slip-on sneakers , and neutral tennis shoes are some of the best shoes for Paris , as they’re comfortable yet polished and easy to style. Readers report that all the Parisian women are wearing sneakers with all different types of outfits!

Comfy sandals are perfect for Parisian summers, too. Opt for some stylish gladiator sandals , fun snakeskin sandals , or chic black sandals for instant summery style.

Read our Paris packing list for more tips!

Tommy Bahama Long-Sleeve Linen Shirt | Sizes XXS-XL

Summer is a wonderful time for a trip to Italy, but be prepared for scorching heat and strong sun! Protect your face with a hat and sunglasses.

For city sightseeing, dress comfortably with breathable, lightweight tops, like linen are recommended. You could opt for moisture wicking shirts as an alternate to linen instead.  Rompers and moisture-wicking dresses also make comfy and cute outfits, too.

J.Crew Gwyneth Linen Slip Skirt | Sizes XXS-3X

Linen pants , wide-leg pants , and dressy shorts are essential, especially for active days that involve lots of walking and climbing stairs. And don’t forget cute dresses!

If you’re visiting religious sites like the Vatican, be sure your outfit isn’t too revealing. Opt for skirts or dresses that fall below the knee, and either wear a shirt or dress that covers your shoulders or bring a light shawl .

Shop Dr. Scholl’s Ellie Wedge Sandal: Amazon | Nordstrom

Comfortable walking sandals are great for summer sightseeing in Italy. Bring a strappy pair that’ll keep your feet sturdy and protected on those tough city streets! Chunkier heels are in now, so you could also don some cute and supportive wedge sandals in Italy too!

Also, pack a pair of sleek slip-ons or trendy sneakers to switch it up.

Check out our Italy Packing List for more tips!

Pact Softspun V-Neck Tee | Sizes XS-3X

United Kingdom

While known for its gloomy weather, the UK does heat up in the summer, with perfect temps in the low 70s F! But as is to be expected in the UK, the weather can be unpredictable, which means you have to be prepared for rain and cooler weather. Always check the weather forecast before traveling!

For tops, bring basic tees that are polished and easy to mix and match. Short sleeve t-shirts will be great during the day, but pack a few long-sleeve t-shirts for cooler days, too.

The temps drop at night, so bring a warm sweater or a light layer. Denim jackets , leather jackets , blazers , and cardigans are all great options!

Find out what the comfiest airplane pants for travel are, as rated by our readers!

Shop Mother Wide Leg Ankle Jeans: Nordstrom | Mother Denim (Sizes 24-34)

Whether you’re exploring London or strolling through the countryside, jeans are always a staple in England. Wide-leg jeans not only look stylish but will feel extra breathable and comfortable for all the walking you’ll be doing.

Shop Ecco Soft 7 Sneaker: Amazon | Nordstrom

The best shoes for London in the summer are sturdy sneakers that are super comfortable but still have a bit of a style factor! You’ll be walking around for hours on end, so make sure they have ample support and cushioning.

If you want to keep it extra cool in the city or if you’ll be strolling around the countryside, bring a pair of comfortable walking sandals, too!

For more tips, read this London packing list !

Quince Cashmere Crewneck Sweater | Sizes XS-XL

Summer in Ireland is often colder than what you might expect, with average daytime temperatures in the mid-60s F. You’ll also need to account for the strong wind and frequent rain!

Irish style is casual yet polished, so start off by packing some simple long-sleeve t-shirts. The weather fluctuates during the day and definitely drops a bit at night, so add a cashmere or merino wool sweater to your packing list. Sweatshirts are also a great option if you want to keep it sporty during the day.

Of course, you’ll need a rain jacket. The best rain jackets for Ireland will be warm but breathable and have a secure, protective hood so that you don’t have to carry around an umbrella.

Athleta Brooklyn Heights Wide Leg Pant Sizes: 0-26 Regular | 0-16 Tall | 0-14 Petite

Quick-drying and moisture-wicking pants are great for Ireland. They’ll keep you dry and comfortable if it rains or if you’re embarking on some active adventures. Definitely pack a pair of jeans, too. They’re comfortable and durable and will keep you warm on cooler summer days.

Ireland is an incredible place to get immersed in nature, so if you want to hit the trails, pack your hiking gear !

Shop Sorel Out N About III Low Sneaker: Amazon | Sorel

Ankle boots are actually some of the most ideal shoes for the summertime, and you’ll definitely see locals wearing them! Because the streets in Ireland can be hilly, uneven, paved with cobblestones, and slippery when wet, it’s essential to bring shoes that are comfortable, supportive, and grippy.

Waterproof leather boots are sensible for the weather and stylish enough to be dressed up at night! On warmer days, you may also want to bring out a pair of waterproof sneakers .

Read this Ireland packing list for more tips!

Madewell Smocked Sleeveless Dress | Sizes 1X-3X

Typical summer weather in Germany is hot and humid, with temps in the high 70s F, so pack your coolest clothing. If you want to dress like the stylish locals, choose neutral colors over super bright ones, and make sure your pieces are well-tailored and classic!

A maxi dress is great for a relaxing summer day strolling through town. It’s a super versatile piece that can easily be dressed up for nice dinners, too.

You can never go wrong with basic tees paired with lightweight pants , flowy skirts , or jeans for busy sightseeing days.

We have rounded up our favorite travel dresses that will help you pack light and stylishly!

J.Crew Classic Denim Jacket | Sizes XXS-3X

Evenings are mild, so all you’ll need is a light summer jacket . Readers say denim jackets , linen blazers , and lightweight sweaters will do the trick.

Shop Taos Trulie Sandals: Amazon | Zappos

If you’re traveling around the coastal cities, chic summer sandals are a must! Pack a pair that you can comfortably wear for hours on end as you take in the gorgeous scenery.

If you’re in Germany’s more metropolitan cities, sneakers are the best choice for heavy duty sightseeing. But still, bring some sandals (or comfy ballet flats ) for leisurely days and enjoying a night on the town!

Find out what to wear in Germany !

Athleta Brooklyn Heights Wide Leg Jumpsuit Sizes: 0-16 Regular & Tall | 0-14 Petite

No matter what city you’re traveling to, Spain in the summer is hot, hot, hot! With temps typically in the 80s F, prioritize breathable and comfortable clothing to beat the heat. Spain is such a vibrant country, so it’s the perfect place to have some fun with your wardrobe by adding bold colors and prints!

Shorts and tank tops are perfectly acceptable ways to dress throughout Spain. If you plan on going into any museums or churches, just be sure your stomach and shoulders are covered so as not to offend.

Stylish jumpsuits and flirty sundresses are easy outfits that’ll keep you cool in the heat and looking polished. You’ll definitely want to pack one or two for going out at night!

Tommy Bahama Two Palms Linen Jacket : Sizes XXS-XXL

The temperatures drop at night, though it never gets too cold in the summer in Spain. A light jacket will keep you comfortable. It’s common for locals to get dressed up at night, so if you plan on enjoying the nightlife, bring something a bit more stylish and elevated!

Shop Dr. Scholl’s  A Ok Flat Sandal: Amazon | Macy’s

Comfortable sandals are a must pack for Spain, whether spending the day in the city or at the beach. Pair your colorful outfits with white sneakers for walking-heavy days, and add a cute pair of gladiator sandals or espadrilles or ballet flats for going out to dinner!

Keep your face protected from the sun with some stylish sunglasses and a straw hat !

Find out what to pack for your trip to Spain !

Pact Fit & Flare Tie-Back Dress : Sizes XS-3X

The summer months tend to be sunny and warm. Between June and August, you’re pretty much guaranteed good weather. June is fairly mild and one of the best months to visit, with temps in the high 70s F, while July and August can get up to the 80s!

To stay as cool as possible, choose light and breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, especially for shirts. Readers opt for cute summer dresses or white dresses and sing the praises of dresses with pockets for ease of storing small items while out and about.

Athleta Avenue Wide Leg Crop Pants Sizes: 0-26 Regular | 0-16 Tall | 0-14 Petite

Every Portuguese destination has something special, whether a beach, city, or the wine valley, so you are best off packing lightweight pants, like ones that have an elastic band to be extra comfy.  Some other cozy summer options are flare leggings or white jeans (to stand out even more!).

Shop Adidas Gazelle Platform Sneaker: Adidas | Nordstrom

One reader says that many sidewalks in Portugal (like Lisbon) are made of small and uneven cobblestones, so it’s important to protect your feet. Unless you’ll be by the sea, stick with good sneakers, like high tops or the chunky athletic sneakers that everyone is wearing!

If you really want to wear something sandal like Mary Jane shoes , which come in sandal styles but can still keep your feet happy on the cobblestones.

H&M Linen Jersey Dress | Sizes XS-XXL

Greece, and Athens in particular, is HOT during summer. While most days are in the high 80s F and up, many days will reach a sweltering 100 degrees and up!

When planning what to wear in Greece in summer, pack lots of pretty dresses ! Airy t-shirt dresses with sandals or stylish sneakers are such easy outfits that’ll keep you cool in the heat. A chic, wide-leg jumpsuit is also perfect for summer in Athens .

When it comes to color, bold colors like red look amazing contrasted with the whitewashed cities. Or, lean into Greece’s cool color palette with lots of white and shades of blue.

GAP 365 High Rise Linen-Blend Shorts Sizes: XXS-XXL Regular | S-XL Tall | XS-L Petite

Hot and beachy, this is definitely the destination to focus on linen! From linen t-shirts and linen dresses to linen shorts and linen pants, you’ll appreciate the breathability and coolness, as well as the effortlessly chic look!

Beautiful, bright summer swimwear will be your best friend; team it with a floppy sun hat for extra protection from the sun! Stylish coverups are a must, too.

Shop Sam Edelman Bay Slides: Nordstrom | Amazon

Bring out the summery sandals for Greece! Slides are great for a light stroll or to grab dinner, and they’ll look just great with dressier looks as with your beach day outfit.

The best and most fun way to explore Greek cities is on foot, meaning comfortable walking shoes are essential! Readers say that you’ll be facing uneven pavement and cobblestones, slick marble at the Acropolis, busy streets, and lots of stairs, so sturdy, close-toed shoes are a must.

Take a look at our summer Greece packing list !

Quince Silk Tiered Maxi Dress | Sizes XS-XL

Austria is beautiful in the summer, with hot temperatures reaching the high 70s to high 80s. Note that locals tend to keep their style polished and slightly conservative, so rather than showing a ton of skin, keep cool with breathable linen t-shirts, linen pants, and long skirts .

Consider packing some midi dresses or maxi dresses for your summer getaway, as they’re stylish and comfortable while light and easy to pack.

Zella In Flight Flowy Crop Wide Leg Pants | Sizes XS-XXL

For bottoms, basics like jeans and cropped pants are versatile pieces that you’ll wear a lot during your trip. If you want to bring along shorts, go for a modest, stylish pair as opposed to jean cut-offs. Bermuda shorts and linen shorts are chic options!

Austria has some stunning lakes, so remember to bring a swimsuit for taking a dip, too!

Shop Taos Star Sneakers: Amazon | Zappos

If you’re hanging out in town or sightseeing in Vienna, a stylish pair of sneakers are ideal.

Add a light jacket or cardigan, as summer evenings in Austria (especially if you’re by the water) can be a bit chilly.

And don’t miss out on the stunning trails! Bring along some hiking shoes or hiking sandals , leggings or hiking pants, a water bottle, and a hiking pack .

For more tips, find out what to wear in Austria year-round!

Spanx Poplin Oversized Button-Down | Sizes XS-3X

Summer in Sweden is lovely and mild, with high temperatures typically in the high 60s F.  You’ll experience wonderful, long days of daylight and sunsets as late as 11 pm! Not only does the season have the best weather, but there are so many lovely things to do outdoors, so if outdoor adventures are your thing, pack your activewear and hiking boots !

Swedish style is minimalist yet chic, so to fit in with the locals, pack simple tees and shirts in neutral colors. Button down shirts are comfy and great for the weather, plus they’ll make any outfit look effortlessly put together.

Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Wide-Leg Pants Sizes: XS-4X Regular | S-XXL Tall | XS-XL Petite

For pants, stay comfortable yet stylish with a wide-leg silhouette . You’ll see tons of locals wearing jeans in the summer, as well. It’s also a great idea to pack one or two summer dresses for laid-back days, going out to dinner, or celebrating Midsummer! An LBD ( black dress ) is always a strong go to and classic.

Shop Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoes: Nordstrom | Zappos

No Scandinavian outfit is complete without some stylish tennis shoes! They’ll add an effortlessly cool element to your look while, more importantly, keeping your feet comfy as you stroll around town. If you want to look ultra-chic in Stockholm, bring some comfortable loafers .

There are so many lakes and beaches in Sweden, so bring swimwear and sandals , too! Additionally, late summer to early fall is the rainy season in Sweden, so if you’re visiting in July, be sure to pack a lightweight rain jacket and some waterproof shoes.

Learn more about what to wear in Stockholm !

Unbound Merino V-Neck T-Shirt | Sizes XS-XL

Switzerland

While Switzerland overall is quite hot in the summer, the temperatures differ depending on the altitude. Lower-lying regions can see temperatures in the high 80s to 90s F, while cities in higher altitudes are typically in the mid to high 70s F.

From hiking to cycling to water sports, Switzerland is bursting with outdoor activities, making casual and sportier clothing the norm. Hiking shirts are perfect for outdoor adventures. Readers also like merino wool t-shirts for active trips, as they’re sweat-wicking, odor-resistant, and will stay looking nice throughout your trip.

Bring long sleeve t-shirts, wrinkle free shirts , or a light sweater for the evenings, too.

Shop Sanctuary Wide Leg Cargo Pants: Nordstrom | Sanctuary (Sizes XXS-XXL)

For Switzerland, you’ll want to bring your most comfortable travel pants! Wide leg pants and cargo pants are great options for nature walks and days when you’ll be doing lots of walking.

If you plan on doing some hardcode hiking, then pack your hiking pants or leggings . Leggings are an easy option that can be dressed up a bit with sneakers and cute tops for casual sightseeing days.

Dresses are good to pack for strolling through charming towns and villages, visiting museums and galleries, or going out for drinks.

Waterproof Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles

Because your trip will no doubt involve lots of walking, make sure your shoes are cushioned, supportive, and sturdy!

If you’ll be going on laid-back hikes and leisurely nature walks, you might want to opt for a sporty pair of shoes that work on and off the trails. Otherwise, pack some walking sandals or cute sneakers alongside your hiking shoes !

Weather in Switzerland can shift unexpectedly, so be sure to bring a fleece jacket or a light rain jacket in your day bag in case it gets chilly. A rain jacket is handy because sudden rain showers here and there aren’t uncommon.

Pack a black one piece swimsuit and flip flops for lake days, too!

Learn more about what to bring to Switzerland !

L.L.Bean Pima Cotton Long-Sleeve Tee Sizes: XS-XL Regular, Petite, & Tall | 1X-3X Plus

The summer weather in Norway is ideal for adventuring in nature! Typical temperatures range from the mid to high 60s F.

Norweigan style is casual yet polished. The cities are compact and walkable, and there are SO many nature spots to explore, so you’ll be super active during your trip. This means sportier clothing is totally fine.

Pack simple short sleeve white tees for warmer days and long-sleeve tees for cooler days. The temps definitely drop at night, so you’ll likely want to layer your tops with a cozy, lightweight sweater or sweatshirt .

This is our essential list of the best travel clothing brands for women!

Athleta Trekkie North High Rise Jogger Sizes: 0-26 Regular | 0-16 Tall | 0-14 Petite

Adventure-ready pants like joggers and leggings are perfect for everything from hikes to city sightseeing. Jeans are another great staple that you can dress up for dinner, too.

Bring along some linen pants or linen shorts to elevate your look as you lay out on the grass in one of the many parks dotting the city. Locals flood the parks on sunny days and are all dressed to take advantage of the weather!

One of the draws of Norway is the breathtaking fjords, so make sure you also pack a swimsuit so you can jump in!

Shop Teva Tirra Sandal: Amazon | Zappos

Readers highly recommend hiking sandals for summer in Norway, both for walking around town and for getting out in nature. They’re great in the heat and in the rain and will keep your feet supported as you explore.

Casual sneakers are also great for day-to-day adventures. You could also bring some stylish sandals or ballet flats if you want to get a bit more dressed up in the evenings.

Though Norway has beautiful summer days, it also experiences rainfall throughout the season. Light raincoats and trench coats are commonly worn around the cities on rainy summer days.

Read our packing list for Norway in summer for more tips!

Everlane Organic Cotton Tank | Sizes XXS-XXL

The Netherlands

Summer in the Netherlands has long daylight hours and perfect temperatures in the high 60s to the low 70s F. Like other stylish European countries, Dutch fashion is understated, chic, and a bit edgy, favoring neutral colors and well-tailored silhouettes.

Linen shirts, from slouchy button-downs to tank tops, will keep you looking and feeling cool. You can always rely on a simple white tank top or t-shirt to complete any outfit, too.

Kut from the Kloth Margo Wide Leg Jeans | Sizes 6-16

Skirts and dresses are perfect for relaxing days and going out to dinner.

One of the best ways to explore the Netherlands is on a bike, so you’ll also need a few pairs of pants. Definitely add a pair of jeans to your packing list; they’re a Dutch staple year-round. Lightweight, flowy pants or shorts are great, too, especially if you’re visiting the beach!

We’ve checked out the best womens orthopedic shoes that not only look stylish but will have your feet thanking you!

Shop New Balance 574 Sneaker: Amazon | Nordstrom | New Balance

Make sure your footwear is comfortable for lots of walking and cycling. Dutch women are often seen sporting trendy sneakers in white or black. Sandals are great, too, but opt for supportive, strappy pairs over flip flops.

Find out what to wear in the Netherlands !

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable 20″ Carry on Luggage

Best Luggage for Europe

You’ve finally perfected your packing list for your destination and created a solid capsule collection – now it’s time to get packing! Which luggage will work best for your trip?

There are various things to consider when choosing the best luggage for Europe , including a difference in carry on size, strict weight restrictions, mobility on the cobblestone streets, and long flights of stairs.

If you want a softside option, the ultimate reader favorite brand is Travelpro . Their Platinum Elite soft luggage 20” has spinner wheels, organizational pockets on the front, a USB port, can even hold a laptop, and is expandable.

Read these tips on how to pick a suitcase and consider one of these top brands .

July 21″ Carry On Luggage

If you’re looking for a hardside pick, users rave about the July 21”carry on . It’s so easy to maneuver, it has a telescoping handle, amazingly easy wheels to navigate airports and airplane aisles, and is highly popular for Europe, being able to deal with the cobblestone streets! 

One user said she took it on a 10-day European adventure, and it held up.

WANDF 18″ Foldable Travel Duffle Bag

For an alternate European carry on size bag, a backpack is always a good option too for anyone who prefers to travel hands-free. Learn how to choose the best travel backpack .

A travel tip for souvenir shopping in Europe is to bring a packable duffle bag to store all your goodies. Readers swear by the Wandf packable duffle and say it’s so easy to transport and is useful for other things like hauling laundry, not just gifts or souvenirs.

Compass Rose Compression Packing Cubes

Depending on how many days or weeks you’re traveling, you may want to use luggage organizers such as packing cubes . These organizers allow optimum use of the space in your luggage while keeping everything organized and in place during your travels. They also make the task of unpacking and repacking simple and stress-free. Check out this video on how to organize using packing cubes; it’s incredibly easy!

Keep in mind that most of Europe’s budget airlines have a carry-on bag allowance of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Always check your airlines’ individual baggage rules and regulations in advance.

If you want more resources on what type of suitcase to choose, start here:

• Best lightweight luggage under 5 lbs
• Best Hardside Luggage
• Best Softside Luggage
• Find the Best Carry On Suitcase to Suit Your Trip
• Best International Carry On Luggage
• Best Expandable Luggage That’s Lightweight
• Backpack Vs Suitcase: Which is Right for My Trip to Europe?

Travelon Classic Anti-Theft Backpack

Best Purse or Day Bag Europe

If you’ll be out and about all day and want to make sure you have all the essentials on you, opt for a backpack ! It should be compact and comfy to carry yet nice and roomy for all of your things.

There’s still a risk of pickpocketing in crowded or touristy areas, so you may want to choose an anti-theft backpack that no one can get into, especially because the zippers are out of sight.

Lo&Sons Pearl Shoulder Bag

If you want to travel light, a crossbody purse is great for sightseeing. Crossbodies are secure and comfortable, and your belongings will always be within reach.

Remember to hold it in front of you (not off to the side), and it’s always wise to choose a crossbody with anti-theft features. Another popular type of bag that readers recommend is a convertible backpack , which can often be worn on your back but also as a crossbody or tote.

Bandolier Emma Pebble Leather Crossbody

Alternatively, you could also opt for a sling bag or fanny pack . If you want to have your phone ready to take pictures, readers recommend crossbody phone purses , as they can keep your phone secure while you snap photos.

Compass Rose Secret Bra Wallet

Safety in Europe

Each destination will be different, but pickpocketing can still happen in crowded areas, so it’s wise to be prepared and vigilant.

Be cautious about where you stash your cash; one smart way to hide cash or cards is by wearing clothing that has hidden pockets and secure zippers. Jeans are handy for this reason: you can put important items, like your wallet and phone, in your front pockets, where it’s very difficult for a wandering hand to snatch it.

Add items like the Secret Bra Wallet and underwear with pockets to your packing list. You could also buy clothing with hidden pockets to hide valuables even deeper!

Be mindful of purse snatchers! They either slash the bottom of your bag so the contents fall out or slash the strap. Wear your purse strap across your body and the zipper towards the front. For extra security, check out this post about anti theft purses .

Printable Travel Checklist

Download our FREE printable and editable travel checklist! You can click here  to access the file. You can also download the print-friendly, PDF version  here .

You can also click the image below to open the editable file.

The travel checklist features unique categories to help you pack for your trip efficiently including a list of things to bring on vacation and other helpful reminders. It includes all the items listed in various categories above and has spaces where you can fill in your own information. (Make sure to follow the directions at the top of the spreadsheet!)

What are your tips on packing for Europe in summer? Share in the comment section below!

For more Europe packing tips, please read:

• Ultimate Guide to The Best Travel Purse for Europe 
• Money Belts and Anti-Theft Travel Accessories
• 10-Step Packing Guide for Europe
• What to Wear in Europe: Packing List for Every Destination

Suggested travel resources:

• Lonely Planet Europe (Travel Guide)
• How to Choose the Best Shoes for Europe
• The Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe

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I hope you liked this ultimate guide to packing for Europe in summer. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

This blog article is an exceptional resource, actually this entire website is an outstanding resource. I refer to it often. Thank you so much!

I’m planning on using these tips for our trip next summer. Paris Olympics for 8 days followed by a 12 day cruise around Spain and Portugal from England. Already planning on what to bring!

Thank you! Your packing guides were so helpful for our Italy & Greece trip! I was an overpacker previously and with these and the TFG community, I was inspired to change up what I take and lighten my load. With each trip, I have gotten more streamlined which feels so good!

The links to the packing list are broken!

Hi Megan, thanks for letting us know. If you email us at [email protected] we can send it to you straight away!

I traveled to Europe this summer visiting 4 cities (in 4 countries) in one week. This post and a few others on TFG was a lifesaver! I took 7 pieces that served me well for two different temps, both sightseeing and my travel days. Best of all everything fit into a backpack, making it easy when I had to run to chasing trains. Thank you!

Your Europe packing guide cured me of being a serial overpacker! I traveled for 3 weeks, visited 5 countries and looked great every day with only 15 items in a carry-on – such a difference from lugging around my giant 50+ pound suitcase on previous trips! So glad a friend recommended TFG!

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The Ultimate Packing List for Europe: Summer Edition

Beautiful beaches, fashionable cities, epic national parks, blooming flowers: there’s a lot to love about summer in Europe, but when it comes to planning a packing list for Europe, summer weather can make things a little difficult!

The good news? No bulky coats required.

The bad news? Scorching weather, multiple countries with different standards of dress, and an itinerary that likely combines outdoor highlights (beaches, boat rides, chasing waterfalls) with city lights (cooling off in museums, eating gelato on the streets every afternoon) can mean that a summer packing list for Europe can be a bit tricky to put together.

After years spent traveling through Europe in all seasons, we’ve become quite accustomed to packing our belongings up over and over again.

We’ve pulled together years’ worth of travel knowledge to create this packing list for Europe: summer travel is bound to be even more relaxing with these tips!

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Table of Contents

The Absolute Essentials for Visiting Europe in Summer

Travel gear you should definitely pack for summer in europe, packing list for europe: summer wardrobe for women, packing list for europe: summer wardrobe for men, other travel gear for your packing list for europe in summer.

Passport — If you’re traveling internationally, your passport is an absolute must: there’s no point in packing for Europe in summer without it!

Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and an epic summer trip to Europe is definitely a case of better safe than sorry. We use and recommend Safety Wing for trips to Europe.

Visa (If Needed)  — Though 26 countries in Europe are part of the Schengen Zone that allows many nationalities (including US citizens, Canadians, and Australians) to enter and travel freely between their countries for 90 days for tourism, that still leaves around half of Europe’s countries that are  not  part of this agreement.

Regardless of where you are from, always double-check entrance requirements before showing up at the airport to fly to any European country (or any country at all that isn’t your own, for that matter).

Money — We recommend bringing two credit cards (one to use, and one to keep as a backup), and two debit cards. Ideally, bring cards with no foreign transaction fees. We’ve never felt it necessary to obtain currency before arriving (we just withdraw from an ATM when we get there), but you can purchase most currencies in your home country if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Keep in mind that not all countries in Europe are on the Euro, so be sure to double-check what currency you’ll need based on your itinerary!

International Driving Permit — If you are visiting Europe from outside the EU and plan to rent a car, you may need an International Driving Permit to do so! Italy in particular is well-known for enforcing this requirement. Be sure to check the rental requirements in any country that you plan to drive in before you arrive!

Camera — We recently upgraded to our Sony a7R III and absolutely adore it, but whatever camera you’re comfortable with works–just make sure you have something with you to preserve your memories! 

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable. Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

Sunglasses — You’ll be glad you put these on your summer packing list for Europe–though of course, if you forget them (or lose them during your trip like I’ve definitely done more than once), it’s extremely easy to pick up a pair while traveling just about anywhere else in Europe.

Student ID — If you’re a student, you’ll be entitled to lots of discounts on museums and attractions throughout Europe. Be sure to add it to your packing list for Europe.

Cell Phone — We spent more than a year traveling without working cell phones, just relying on wifi… and while that’s completely fine, we would never go back.

Consider purchasing an international plan for your cell phone (most carriers offer them), or, if you have an unlocked phone, you can just by a local SIM card once you land in Europe.

While you’ll likely want to structure your wardrobe for your packing list for Europe in summer slightly differently based on where exactly you’re going (for example, you’ll want to dress up a bit more on a city tour through Italy than on a sailing trip through Greece), if you’re looking for an all-purpose summer wardrobe that will sustain you through multiple European destinations, these suggestions are for you!

As full-time travelers for nearly 4 years, we are extremely well accustomed to living out of a backpack as we traipse around Europe, and these suggestions reflect my personal favorite things to wear in Europe during the summer.

I love wearing dresses in Europe in the summer! They’re easy to pack, easy to wear, look great just about anywhere you go, and manage to look pulled together while only requiring one piece of clothing. 

Dresses like this and this are generally what you’ll find me in when traveling through Europe in the summer. Be sure to bring at least one or two maxi dresses ( I love this one , for example), which fulfill the double purpose of being extremely photogenic and also allowing you to visit religious sites like churches and mosques without issue.

Rompers like this can also be a fun option if you want an all-in-one outfit that isn’t quite a dress, and so can two-piece outfits (I personally love the lemon pattern on this one , it makes me think of the Amalfi Coast!).

Bright, colorful tops are perfect for beach destinations in Europe–I love choices like this and this , and if crop tops are your style, options like this are a popular choice around the beach.

Ever heard that Europeans don’t wear shorts? In Milan or Paris, fair enough. But in Dubrovnik or Mykonos? Go for it! Beach destinations are the perfect place to break out jean shorts like these from my current favorite denim company.

In the city, skirts like this are a great idea, and light midi skirts also look beautiful. 

Bathing Suits

Depending on how many beach destinations you’re planning to visit, I’d pack 2-3 bathing suits for visiting Europe in the summer. I love choices like this and this . If you’re planning on trying out any active water activities like snorkeling or scuba diving, consider packing at least one one-piece suit , too.

The absolute most important rule when determining what shoes to put on your packing list for Europe this summer is making sure that they’re comfortable to walk in! I’ve been wearing these shoes in Europe during the summer lately and love them. Boat shoes are also a great option, and Converse are popular with backpackers and travelers along the tourist trail.

Summer in Europe can be scorching–but the air conditioning blasting inside museums, hotels, trains, and buses, will make you quickly forget it! I recommend putting one light jacket on your summer packing list for Europe for those moments! I normally pack something like this and am very comfortable.

Accessories

Sunglasses and a sunhat are musts for traveling in Europe during the summer! You can either purchase ahead of time or plan on picking them up as souvenirs–both are sold on just about every corner in Europe during the summer travel season!

T-shirts are a staple of the men’s traveling wardrobe in Europe, but opt for brightly colored new ones if you can! Shirts like this that have a bit more detail work as well. If they’re your style, light, casual button-up shirts are also an option.

During the scorching summer, you’ll find men wearing shorts similar to these just about everywhere in Europe–especially the tourists. Forgo them in favor of chinos  when visiting religious sites that have a strict dress code and in more formal cities like Paris if you can stand it, but on the coast, your shorts certainly won’t stand out.

Jeremy tends to opt for light, casual shoes like these during summer in Europe–whatever you pack, just make sure that they’re well broken in and easy to walk in for hours before adding them onto your summer packing list for Europe!

Bathing Suit

If you’re planning on hitting the beach in Europe this summer, make sure to bring one or two bathing suits along with you. Suits like this work perfectly.

Summer in Europe can be scorching–but the air conditioning blasting inside museums, hotels, trains, and buses, will make you quickly forget it! I recommend putting one light jacket on your summer packing list for Europe for those moments! Jeremy tends to pack this jacket for Europe in the summer (and most other seasons as well) and loves it.

Sunglasses and a hat are musts for traveling in Europe during the summer! You can either purchase ahead of time or plan on picking them up as souvenirs–both are sold on just about every corner in Europe during the summer travel season!

I use them on all boats and the occasional bus, and if things get really bad, take some Non-Drowsy Dramamine as well.

Trust me–you don’t want to miss out on the joys of boating around the Mediterranean due to seasickness!

Basic Medication  — Some people prefer to buy medication for basic headaches, fevers, and stomach aches as needed, but who wants to deal with language barriers when they’re sick? We’ve never regretted packing our own basic meds.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “The Ultimate Packing List for Europe: Summer Edition”

I enjoyed reading your recommendations for traveling to Europe. I’m planning a family trip to Europe for about 7-10 days and I’d like to ask, since you have extensive travel experience across Europe, which would be the best countries/cities to visit as a first time tourists. I would appreciate your help and input. Happy and safe travels.

That’s a very hard question–a bit like “how long is a piece of string?”. Where to go in Europe depends so much on your interests, timeline, budget, where you’re traveling from, etc.

We go over several popular first-time-in-Europe itinerary ideas in this post that might give you an idea what to expect: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/2-week-europe-itinerary-trip/

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The 15 Best Styles to Pack for Summer Europe Trips Under $50, According to a Writer in Paris

From comfy white sneakers to a pickpocket-proof crossbody, these are my go-tos.

Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

As a travel journalist, I’m on the road the most in summer, both for vacation and for work when I cover seasonal hotel openings in the Mediterranean. After a decade living between the South of France and Paris, and traveling everywhere from Scandinavia to Sicily in summer, I’ve finally mastered my packing list with wardrobe staples that can easily transition from cobblestoned cities to the coast (and boats to boutique hotels).

I’ve found that a few stand-out pieces can go a long way, so I pack light with pieces that I can layer or wear for multiple occasions — and easily wash in a hotel sink. When I’m cruising around Croatia island hopping, a shawl becomes a skirt, dress, or blanket on the beach. In Copenhagen or Amsterdam, a flowy dress and crossbody bag are my “uniform” as I cycle around town and stroll along canals. And at home in Paris, when the weather gets balmy and we linger on café terrasses from late afternoon well past sunset (which is close to 10 p.m.), I’m in the same maxi dress and sandal slides that I’ve run around town all day in — and which transition perfectly for night. 

You don’t need to spend a fortune to curate a look you won’t get tired of, even if you wear the same dress multiple days in a row. From a vintage-inspired pair of sunnies that are only $24 to the most comfortable (and versatile) white sneakers I own to a seriously useful lightweight scarf that will cover your shoulders in churches, I’ve rounded up a list of 15 items to pack for a summer trip to Europe that will be just as stylish (and practical) in cities like Berlin and London as they are in jet-set locales like Saint-Tropez or Ibiza. Best of all, they’re all $50 and under.

Keds Canvas White Sneakers

Almost anywhere you’re traveling in Europe, you’ll be walking on cobblestones or up hills or strolling through parks or along rivers, and while some sandals can be comfortable enough for a day of walking, I always pack a pair of lightweight white sneakers. These round-toed Keds are similar in style to more expensive looks from brands like Superga — and just as fashionable. The Softerra footbed guarantees comfort even when you’re sightseeing for hours, and since there’s high tracton, you won’t slip on slick, marble staircases like the Spanish Steps in Rome. As one shopper raved , the sneakers are “great for summer, washable, and break in.”

What I love about these shoes is that the slight platform gives them a more fashionable look, so they can pair with anything from a maxi dress to a fitted romper, jeans, or shorts. They’re also a good footwear option for a long-haul flight, since they’re comfortable enough to run through an airport (and won’t buzz when going through security, if you have TSA PreCheck) and slip off  easily on the plane.

To buy: zappos.com , $49

Caslon Linen Pants

Whether you’re in a city or by the coast, linen is one of the best solutions for tackling a European summer. The unofficial wardrobe of the French Riviera and Greek islands, linen sets are easy and effortless yet still look put together. This blend from Caslon is machine washable, so it travels well (and dries quickly in warmer, humid climates like the Mediterranean) and pairs beautifully with a variety of other fabrics, from linen shirts and cotton tees to silk crop tops.

The draw string and mid-rise, relaxed fit suits body types like mine that are on the shorter, curvier side. As shoppers have said, they’re “soft, fluid, and cool” and “fit true to size.” I’ll often wear these to dinner in Santorini or Sicily with a fitted, textured halter or one-shoulder top with a pop of color and pair of sandal heels to elevate the ensemble.

To buy: nordstrom.com , $40 (originally $59)

Zara Printed Mini Dress

A breezy mini dress is one of my favorite summer staples because I can wear it day to night and dress it up or down depending on the occasion. A bohemian print like this in a subtle jade shade adds enough vibrancy without being too distracting, while the lace detailing and flounced hem give the dress a layer of femininity and elegance. The V-neck front and loose, elasticized cuffs mean you won’t have to worry about cotton sticking to your skin on a sweltering summer afternoon, and if you want it to feel even more airy, wear a white lace bralet or bandeau underneath and leave some of the buttons undone. 

When I’m traveling in the Greek islands, I’ll often wear a dress like this with a denim jacket or white shawl on cooler days or in the evening. For dinner, step the look up a notch with statement earrings, a woven clutch, and wedges.

To buy: zara.com , $49

Steve Madden Slide Sandals

In the summer, I rarely bring a pair of heels while I’m traveling. They take up too much room and aren’t practical on cobblestone streets or strolling along the sand. Since the sun sets so late, most of my days blend into nights and I don’t have time to go to my hotel or Airbnb in between sightseeing and dinner. A comfortable pair of slide sandals like these from Steve Madden have a flexible, padded footbed, so your feet won’t get too sore while sightseeing around a city like Paris or London all day, yet they still look put together enough for anything from a gallery visit to a nice dinner.

The raffia gives these sandals a beach club feel, but the gold hardware adds a layer of elegance, so they can easily be worn somewhere chic like Le Club 55 in Saint-Tropez or on a boat cruising around Greece or Croatia. The slight heel gives it a more sophisticated look, so these sandals are great for night when paired with a black silk maxi dress or two-piece linen ensemble. 

To buy: nordstrom.com , $48 (originally $80)

Anrabess Tiered Sundress

In the summer, even when I travel for two or more weeks, I hardly ever need more than a carry-on, since most of the items I pack are lightweight and can be worn day-to-night. A maxi dress is one of my staples, and once I find my go-to, I end up wearing it most days. This smocked, tiered sundress from British brand Asos Design is a great addition to a summer wardrobe since the style is flattering and won’t wrinkle or take up too much space in a suitcase.

The dress is so popular that it’s quickly going out of stock, so I suggest grabbing this similar highly rated sundress at Amazon for even less. During the day, I wear maxi dresses with strappy sandals or sneakers, and in the evenings, you can dress the look up with chunky gold hoops, bangles, and a patent leather clutch. Simply handwash it in the sink while you’re traveling and continue to rewear it. 

To buy: amazon.com , $40 (originally $51)

Iristide Summer Scarf

Whether I’m traveling by boat, train, or plane, a light scarf is a must-have any time of the year — especially in summer. This oversized shawl on Amazon is easy to throw in a straw beach basket and use as a sarong at the beach or wrap around your shoulders at night when dining or having drinks outdoors. Pro tip: It’ll also come in handy for visiting European churches that require you to cover your shoulders.

You can wear it in a variety of ways, doubled around your neck and shoulders like an infinity scarf or even twisted and knotted into a dress if you’re on an island. Lightweight and breathable, this cotton shawl is easy to handwash while traveling and also helps protect against sun exposure — an added bonus. As one shopper commented , this is “perfect for when even a necklace feels like it adds heat to one's body.” And if you opt for white, you can tie-dye it for an entirely new look.

To buy: amazon.com , $15

Aire Rectangular Sunglasses

Retro shades are always stylish, but, depending on the style, the look might appear too costumey. What I like about these rectangular sunnies from Aire is that the subtle, rounded edges give the ’50s-style shades a 21st century touch, so they won’t feel dated.

Black or dark tortoise shell sunglasses can sometimes be too harsh for summer, especially if you’re wearing linen and shades of white, but this lighter tort with barley tint pairs perfectly with resortwear. Great for strolling through fashionable cities like Milan or Paris, or lounging on a beach club in Capri, these sunnies will instantly make your ensemble look put together. They’re on sale right now at Nordstrom, so it’s a good time to add them to your summer wardrobe.

To buy: nordstrom.com , $24 (originally $39)

Asos Design Linen-Kissed Dad Shorts

Unless I’m heading to the beach, I often skip denim shorts in Europe in favor of something more tailored, like these khaki-colored Asos Design slouch shorts, which can be dressed up with a blazer of a similar shade or worn more casually with a bikini on a boat. Throw on a thin leather brown or black belt with gold hardware and the ensemble instantly looks more put together.

The loose silhouette gives it a breezy, summery feel, and depending on how you pair the shorts — whether with a Breton striped shirt, crochet crop top, or lingerie-inspired tank and tailored jacket — the look can transition from day to night. Throw on a few chunky bangles and a pair of studded black ankle boots and you’ll add enough edge to (maybe) get into a club in Berlin like Berghain .

To buy: nordstrom.com , $35

Cupshe V-Neck One-piece Swimsuit

Whether you’re lounging on the rocky shores of Nice or the golden sand of the Algarve, you’re going to need a solid swimsuit for your summer trip. This black one-piece earns points for its flattering fit with ruching detail and a stylish halter — you’d never guess it was from Amazon — and it’s so versatile. You can even throw your shorts over it like it’s a halter top and bike or stroll around after you’re done with the beach.

To buy: amazon.com , $34

Lacozy Linen Button-Up Shirt

These are the kind of stripes that no one can argue won’t look good on them. This is neutral enough to pair with a variety of fabrics and bottoms, like denim shorts and white linen pants, or even over a bikini at the beach.

The slouchy silhouette gives it a laid-back look, and you can play with the sleeves by rolling them up, keeping the shirt open over a white cotton tee or tank, or tying the shirt at the waist to turn it into a crop top. This style of shirt becomes my go-to on overcast days while touring around cities like Amsterdam or Athens, and it’s a good piece to wear on a breezy boat day. For a short sleeve version, try this lightweight linen button-up from Madewell.

To buy: amazon.com , $27 (originally $46)

Tassel Crossbody Bag

Crossbody bags are great for traveling in Europe because they can be worn while cycling through cities or touring archaeological sites and monuments (the inside zipper also helps protect against pickpockets that are so prevalent here). They’re an easy day-to-night bag, so you can leave evening purses or clutches at home. 

I love tan and brown bags in the summer because they match with my wardrobe of neutral and beach-toned clothing, and the tassel and gold hardware adds a boho-chic flair. You can adjust the strap so it sits right where you want it to on your side, and the flap is a pocket perfect for anything you may need to quickly reach. As one shopper raved , “I'm super picky about how straps sit and feel, and this one exceeds my expectations by a long shot.”

To buy: amazon.com , $26

Free People Woven Packable Hat

Free People

One accessory I struggle with is a hat, since it can be a pain to carry through an airport and on a plane — especially on long-haul flights, where the potential of a hat getting crushed is high. But once I land, it’s the first accessory I want to wear. This packable woven hat from Free People is the perfect solution, since you can throw it in your suitcase or beach bag and it’ll unfold and never lose its structure.

The wide brim offers just the right amount of sun protection, and the woven design gives it a cowboy feel that’s great for both the beach and touring around town. Plus, if you don’t have time to do your hair or want to rock beach waves after a day by the sea, this accessory instantly pulls an outfit together without having to try too hard.

To buy: freepeople.com , $48

Toms Rope Espadrille Loafers

There’s a reason espadrilles have been a wardrobe staple in Europe since they were invented in Spain in the 14th century — they’re an affordable, practical style that’s versatile enough to be worn to work or around town. Styles today range from simple to super spruced-up, but this version from Toms is a nice middle ground.

With their rounded toe and breathable fabric lining, they’re comfortable — especially in the height of summer — but they’re also an easy shoe to travel with thanks to the slip-on style. Great for the airport, walking on cobbled streets, and beach days, they’re a stylish, versatile staple. Shoppers say they’re a great fit, true to size, and comfortable all day, even if you’re walking around for hours.

To buy: zappos.com , $48

Free People Reversible Top

If you’re planning to visit a few different destinations in Europe, the best items to pack are ones you can layer and mix-and-match. This white tank from Free People is a great wardrobe staple, since the reversible neckline allows you to wear it in multiple ways. The billowy silhouette is flattering on different body types, and the twisted straps add a subtle detail that makes it stand out from the typical white tank.

Easy to pack and textured enough so you won’t need to worry about spotting wrinkles, you can pair this with anything from harem pants or a flowy maxi skirt to structured, printed shorts. Tuck it in, leave it out, pair with a blazer or cardigan; there are tons of ways you’ll weave this into your wardrobe. One of my favorite ways to style it? Over a bikini top at the beach when I need a break from the sun.

Asos Design Oversize Denim Shacket

If you haven’t heard the term “shacket” yet, don’t worry, you’re not alone. The concept is simple: It’s a shirt comdbined with a light jacket, and you’ll want to adopt the trend if you haven’t already. This non-stretch denim jacket from Asos Design has a shirt-inspired silhouette, so it can easily double as both. The faded black also makes it more stylish than traditional blue denim.

The oversized look, button cuffs, and spread collar add edge to a classic ensemble, like a simple white ribbed tank and pants. I wear mine as a jacket with skinny black jeans and mules or slides, but you can pair it with an entirely different texture, like boxy, loose-fit linen pants, a leather mini skirt, or over a sundress. And if you decide to wear it as a jacket and it gets too warm, tie it around your waist for a ’90s look that’s definitely back in fashion in Europe.

To buy: nordstrom.com , $50

Free People Convertible Open Back Sweater Tank

A sweater at the beach? Mais oui! When I went sailing a few summers ago in Sweden, a light knit sweater became my everyday go-to. What I love about this play on a classic knit tank is that the straps are adjustable and convertible, so it’ll look like you’re wearing a new top every time. Criss-cross the straps around your neck and it turns into a halter, tie the straps around your waist, and you have a belt. 

The honey tree shade of gold is versatile enough to match with most prints and stripes, so you can go elegant with silk pants, don a daytime look with a flowy maxi skirt, or wear it to the beach with linen or jean shorts. One shopper purchased the top in two colors, saying they “got so many compliments” when they wore it, that they “just purchased the second color for vacation.”

To buy: freepeople.com , $40

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Best Travel Clothes For Europe In Summer

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Aug 1, 2023 | Europe , Travel Gear , Travel Tips

Europe is undoubtedly at its best in the summer. During this season, the tourist resorts are in full swing, the skies are blue, and the ocean is swimmable.

Every European city looks extra magical with the sun glistening down, and the locals are happy and smiling.

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Therefore, it’s no surprise that Americans and Canadians flock to Europe in the summer with an epic travel itinerary in hand. Still, as the climate differs throughout the continent, it can be confusing to know what to pack.

So if you’re about to jet off for a summer adventure, read on to learn what travel clothes for Europe in summer you will need.

The temperature and weather in Europe during summer vary from country to country.

For example, Mediterranean countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece enjoy splendid weather with highs of 30 degrees celsius and abundant sunshine.

Northern European countries like Sweden enjoy pleasant weather, but it is much cooler, around 20 degrees.

What’s more, summer weather in these countries can be more unpredictable, with a mix of hot days and cold, rainy days.

Therefore, where you plan to visit will determine the travel clothes for Europe in summer you will need. Moreover, summer outfits will be different in a city than in a beach town.

Even so, here is a general idea of the items of clothing you’ll need to pack for your European summer vacation.

T-Shirts & Vest Tops

In most European countries, summer equals t-shirt weather, so one item of clothing you will need plenty of is short sleeve tops.

Avoid dark colors like black as they absorb the sun and make you feel hot.

What’s more, steer clear of thick fabric and synthetic materials like nylon and polyester as they trap heat and sweat against the skin rather than release it.

The best fabric for summer tops is cotton, thanks to its high breathability. Thus, pack plenty of light-colored t-shirts and vest/tank tops.

Shirts & Blouses

Casual cotton or linen shirts and blouses are ideal when you want something more formal.

For men, this J EKAOYI White Long Sleeve Shirt is a must. It is made from a cotton/linen blend and has a casual, loose fit, roll-up sleeves, and a turn-down color, making it a versatile clothing item for day and night.

Something like this Davenil Short Sleeve Button-Down Shirt in pink is ideal for women. It is made from 100% soft and light cotton, has a loose-fit design, and the sleeves can be rolled up.

By pairing it with denim shorts, you can go from day to night simply by changing sandals and a day bag to wedges and a clutch bag.

Hoodies & Sweaters

If you’re off to a Mediterranean island like Ibiza or Mallorca, you may get lucky with constant sunshine and warm weather. If this is the case, you might not need additional layers.

However, even for these destinations, you should still pack a couple of hoodies and sweaters just in case.

Opt for a thin, lightweight hoodie rather than a fleece-lined one. The Nayked Apparel Lightweight Hoodie is an ideal choice for men.

It is made from soft and breathable Nayked Combed Ring-Spun Cotton and weighs just 4.9 oz, so it will easily fit in your backpack.

Suppose you’re visiting countries in Northern Europe. In that case, you’ll need to pack a few more mid-layers like these. Include a few thick and warm jumpers in case the weather suddenly turns cold.

For bottoms, it’s best to bring a mix of shorts and long pants, although the exact ratio will depend on where you are heading. Pack at least one pair of denim shorts and a few airy, comfortable shorts.

These SMENG Women’s Casual Cotton Shorts are breathable and comfortable with a drawstring elastic waistband. These cotton cargo shorts from Levi’s are a fab option for men.

Leave your jeans at home and bring long pants made from a breathable fabric like linen.

Many stylish linen trousers are available for women, like the CNJXJCD Wide Leg High Waisted Flowy Pants made from a linen/cotton blend. They have a loose-fitting and are ankle length, allowing optimum airflow.

These Sailwind Drawstring Linen Pants are perfect for men as they feature a relaxed and stretchy fit and are highly versatile.

For women, summer is the season of dresses in Europe; for many countries, it is the only season you can show off your pins. Dresses are suitable for daytime exploring and evenings out, so bring a few for both occasions.

Dresses made from lightweight jersey material are drapey and breathable, ideal for casual day wear.

Spaghetti strap dresses like this one from AlvaQ are also suitable for the daytime as they keep you cool by allowing your armpits to breathe.

For the evening, choose vibrant colors and patterns to stand out like one of these BTFBM Ruffle Belt Sundresses . They feature soft, lightweight, breathable fabric and an elegant Halter neckline.

Include a few different pairs of shoes when packing for Europe in summer. Ideally, you should bring a simple pair of flip-flops like these classic Havaianas for beach and pool days.

You’ll then need a pair of sandals for casual daywear; I recommend opting for comfort over style.

These Cushionaire Luna Sandals have 100% Genuine Suede insoles for ultimate comfort, a flexible cork footbed, and a premium traction design EVA outsole.

You will then need to pack a pair of sneakers or walking shoes. For light everyday walking, these Bruno Marc Men’s Mesh Sneakers are ideal as they are lightweight, breathable, and easy to slip on and off.

Then, if you plan on hiking during your vacation, hiking shoes will be another footwear item to include on your list of what to pack for Europe in summer.

Finally, you’ll want a nice pair of shoes for your evening outfits. Wedges like the Vince Camuto Leera Espadrille Wedge Sandals are the ultimate summer shoe for women.

For men, look for something smart but breathable, like these Bruno Marc Men’s Rivera Oxfords Shoes in black. They have breathable latex insoles that cushion your feet on an air bed.

If you’re traveling to a coastal town in a Mediterranean country, a few sets of swimwear are a must.

For women, the swimwear options are endless and entirely down to personal preference. The Tempt Me Women Two Piece Vintage Swimsuit is an excellent choice as it’s both stylish and flattening.

It features an adjustable self-tie halter neck top with a padded push-up bra for maximum support. Then the high waist bikini bottoms have a pleated front panel to hide imperfections.

This bikini set is ideal for beach days, lounging by the hotel pool, or embarking on some water activities.

For men, these versatile KAILUA SURF Quick Drying 9-Inch Board Shorts make excellent swim shorts, surfing shorts, and casual shorts. They feature an extra soft tripled layer mesh lining with 2 side pockets and 1 back pocket.

Accessories

The number one summer accessory you will need for traveling in Europe during the summer is a good pair of sunglasses.

While there are many fashion sunglasses on the high street, not all of them offer the UV protection you need.

When buying sunglasses, sun protection should take priority over style, though there are plenty of options that have both qualities.

For example, you can’t go wrong with these Ray-Ban Unisex Aviator Sunglasses with polarized lenses to reduce brightness and reflections.

Or, for a more affordable option, check out these KALIYADI Classic Aviator Sunglasses with 100% UV blocking and polarized lenses.

Rain Jacket

Lastly, rain is common all year round in some parts of Europe, such as Britain. So when traveling in the summer, it’s best to always have a thin rain jacket in your bag.

Luckily, you can get packable rain jackets that fold down into the size of a purse like this Avoogue Raincoat that is specially designed for women.

It’s lightweight yet water and windproof and comes with a carry case for easy storage. There are 25 colors to choose from, including solid, two-tone, and camo patterns.

Europe Travel Outfit Ideas For Summer

Now you know what to wear in Europe during summer, it’s time to plan some stylish outfits.

Here are our top Europe summer outfit ideas for men and women.

Below, you’ll find outfit ideas for men.

Beach Lover

Your European summer vacation will most likely include some lazy beach days. So dress for the sun and sand with these ‘ One and Only 21″ Board Shorts ‘ by Hurley in cool gray.

They are suitable for swimming and water sports, and thanks to the 21-inch length, you won’t need to change when you go for lunch at a beachside cafe.

When you’re not trying to catch a tan, wear this stylish COOFANDY Floral Tank Top , which will turn heads. Pair with your favorites Havainas and Raybans, and remember to slap on plenty of sunscreen!

City Explorer

As most tourists head to the beach resorts, many of Europe’s top cities are at their quietest during the summer months.

If you decide to enjoy summer in the city, start building your outfit with these Match Cargo Cotton Shorts in light gray.

Pair them with this classic Wrangler Authentics Short Sleeve Henley Tee in white for an effortless, comfy and breathable look.

Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes to prevent tired feet from all the sightseeing.

These Hey Dude Wally Loafers in beige are lightweight and feature a flex & fold design for complete freedom of movement.

Festival Vibes

If you’re heading to one of Europe’s top festivals this summer, pair this MCEDAR Short Sleeve Button Up Vintage Shirt in blue-green with the GINGTTO Ripped Denim Shorts .

Then, add vibrant accessories like these Sunny Pro Aviator Sunglasses With Colored Tinted Lens and this Peicees Waterproof Crossbody Bag in orange .

Below, you’ll find outfit ideas for women.

You can still look stylish even if you’re just lazing around by the pool or catching some rays on the sun lounger. Start with this gorgeous CUPSHE High Waist Bikini Swimsuit to create the ultimate beach-ready look.

It has adjustable straps and removable padded cups for support. Then, the ruffle design on the bottom of the top adds additional coverage so you can walk around without feeling too exposed.

When you head away from the beach or pool, throw on this Wander Ago Beach Knit Cover-Up with a pair of Havaianas.

Plus, store everything you need for the day in this ​​Genovega Canvas Waterproof Beach Bag . It has a zipper closure and inner pocket to keep your belongings dry and safe.

Sundresses are one of the most comfortable and breathable attire for wandering around a city in the heat.

Choose a thin and lightweight dress like this KIRUNDO Short Sleeve V Neck Dress in green that features shoulder coverage to prevent sunburn.

Pair the dress with some sandals with a thick and cushioned sole, like these Reef Cushion Vista Hi Sandals in white. The cushion technology and rubber sponge outsole have a high energy rebound for effortless comfort all day long.

Turn heads in the crowd with this LYANER Off Shoulder Tie Up Back Crop Top in white, which features elastic ruffle cuffs, a V neckline, and a self-tie bow knot at the back.

It looks super cute with this BTFBM Boho Floral Print Long Skirt in floral red, which has an eye-catching high side split and ruffle hem.

Complete this Europe summer outfit with this Ayliss Suede Fringe Tassel Bag in brown and Life Stride Andrea Ankle Boots .

Final Thoughts On Travel Clothes For Europe In Summer

As a large continent with eight distinct climate types, summer weather in Europe can vary significantly.

Therefore, along with these suggested travel outfits for Europe, we recommend researching the typical summer weather of your destination.

This way, you can select the most appropriate summer outfits for Europe and better enjoy your vacation.

Traveling to Europe soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Travel clothes for Europe in spring
• Travel clothes for Europe in winter
• Travel clothes for Europe in autumn

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The Ultimate Packing List for Europe in Summer

Figuring out what to pack for Europe is a something I have had to do a lot.  I’ve spent many summers in Europe so I have plenty of experience packing for Europe over the years.  For those of you traveling to Europe this summer and not sure what to wear or what to pack, I have put together the  ultimate packing list for Europe in summer .

Packing List for Europe in the Summer

Europe Packing List Summer – Travel Essentials for Europe

• European Travel Adaptor  – European travel adaptor  for your electronics

• External Battery  –   External battery  to recharge your phone, camera or other electronics (this is one of my  travel essential items  for any trip)

• Comfortable walking shoes  – You will be doing a lot of walking in Europe so comfortable walking shoes are a must for sightseeing. You might want to bring either casual sandals or comfortable flats .

• Camera/photography gear  – Europe is very photogenic so don’t forget to bring your camera!  If you are traveling alone or as a couple, you might want to bring a selfie stick/portable tripod  to take photos of yourself. Don’t forget to bring an extra memory card .

•  Scarf  –  A  lightweight scarf  will keep you warm on chilly summer nights or places with too much air-conditioning.  A scarf is also useful when visiting churches or cathedrals which require women to cover their shoulders.

• Lightweight pants and/or long dress/skirt for women – If you are going to be visiting churches, I recommend women bring at least one pair of light pants or a dress that covers the knees.

• Sunglasses  – Most countries in Europe (especially Southern Europe) are very sunny in the summer so sunglasses are a must!

• Reusable water bottle  –  A reuseable water bottle is a good way to save money on bottled water and also eco-friendly. I use  this insulated water bottle  because it keeps my water cool for hours.

• Hat – If you are going to spend a lot of time outdoors especially in the middle of the day, don’t forget to bring a hat for sun protection.  I recommend Coolibar hats  because they have excellent sun protection.

What to Wear in Europe – Clothes and Shoes

Europeans dress a bit nicer than most North Americans so I don’t recommend walking around in sweatpants or sneakers and shorts.  I recommend dressing fashionable especially in larger cities so you can try to blend in with the locals.

The temperature in Southern Europe during the summer can get very hot so you will need lightweight clothes.  The temperature in Northern Europe is more moderate or even cool and rainy so you will need long sleeve shirts, pants, an umbrella and a jacket or rain jacket.  I recommend checking weatherbase.com to look up the average temperature and rainfall to get an idea what the weather will be like when you are visiting.

• Dresses and skirts   – Bring at least 2-3 dresses/skirts.  A basic black dress is a must and can be worn from day to night.  Maxi dresses are also cute and comfortable for summer.

• Lightweight pants   –  Men should bring at least 2 pairs of lightweight pants for sightseeing and to wear at restaurants or bars.  Women might want to pack a pair of lightweight or linen pants as well. Avoid wearing jeans in the summer in Southern Europe as they will make you feel too hot!

• Shirts/tops  –  I recommend men bring at least 4 short sleeve shirts.  Women can get away with fewer tops if they pack more dresses.

• Sweater   – Pack at least 1 long sleeve sweater for chilly summer nights and air-conditioned places.

• Jacket   – Bring a light jacket.  Some parts of Europe (especially Northern Europe) might be cool in the summer even in the daytime.

• Comfortable walking shoes  – A must for sightseeing. Depending on your outfit you might want either casual sandals or comfortable flats or fashionable sneakers.

• Dressier sandals/cute flats/loafers   – Bring a dressier pair of sandals or cute flats that can be worn for dinner or drinks.

• Platform shoes for women  – Some places of Europe have cobblestone streets so I recommend women avoid high thin heels.  If you need some height, I recommend platform shoes.

• Shorts  – Personally I would avoid shorts in Europe unless visiting beach towns or resort areas.  If visiting mostly cities, I recommend wearing lightweight pants or skirts instead of shorts.

• Flip-flops  –  I recommend wearing cute and comfortable sandals when walking around a European city or town but you might want to bring a pair of flip flops to  wear at the beach or at hostels and hotels.   Havaianas flip flops are my favorite because they have great traction and don’t slip when walking on wet surfaces.

• Underwear, socks and bras  –  Depending on how long you are visiting Europe and how often you will do laundry, bring at least 5 pairs of underwear, 3 pairs of socks and 2 bras.  If you are checking luggage, pack at least 1 of each in your  carry on bag  in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed. ExOfficio underwear is great for travel because it is breathable, quick-drying fabric and odor-resistant.

Europe Packing List – Other Things to Pack for Europe

• Passport • Cash, credit cards, ATM cards (make sure your credit card does not charge a foreign transaction fee) • Drivers license and international drivers license if planning on driving • COVID vaccine card and/or negative COVID test (if required) • Glasses, contacts, contact lens solution • Medication and prescriptions • Face Masks – Masks may be required at your destination so pack a few face masks •  Antibacterial wipes  or  hand sanitizer • Electronics (smartphone, computer, tablet,  kindle , cords, cameras, memory cards) • Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss • Toiletries (makeup, lotion, deodorant, tissues, comb/brush, feminine products, q-tips, razor, shampoo/conditioner/soap) • Noise cancelling headphones  or  earplugs and  eye mask • Compression socks  to prevent DVT on long flights  and drives •  Body wipes  to wipe off sweat • First aid kit (band aids, pain reliever, allergy medicine, anti-nausea medicine, antacid tablets, charcoal tablets ) • Lip balm with UV protection – Don’t forget to protect your lips! Most people apply sunscreen but they overlook sun protection for their lips • Sunscreen  – Don’t forget to bring sunscreen to protect you from the sun. Sunscreen is easy to find in Europe so it is not the end of the world if you forget to pack it. • Insect repellent • Travel umbrella and/or rain jacket – Some parts of Europe can be rainy even in the summer • Bandana – A bandana is so versatile, you can use it to wipe off sweat or use as a scarf or mask • Beach bag – For carrying your beach essentials if planning some time at the beach or pool. • Bathing suits/sarong/kaftan  – If planning to hit the beach or pool. • Universal waterproof phone case  – Keep smartphones dry with this  waterproof case  when hanging out at the beach. • A  quick drying travel towel for the beach or if you are staying at a hostel that does not provide towels • Packing cubes • Day bag, tote or purse for sightseeing • TSA approved locks • Notebook and pen

These are my travel essentials for a summer in Europe. Is there anything else I should add to my Europe packing list ?

Need some travel inspiration for your trip to Europe? Check these articles about the best European travel destinations:

• Best Road Trips in Europe You Need to Visit
• Most Beautiful Cities in Europe You Need to Visit
• Underrated Cities in Europe
• Beautiful Towns in Europe Straight Out of a Fairytale
• Europe Bucket List: 100+ Epic Things to Do in Europe

Related Posts

savvyglobetrotter

Looks like a good thorough list. Very accurate in my experience. I’m a huge fan of noise-canceling headphones as well! 🙂 And a scarf is always great, like you said.

I am one of those last minute before leaving to travel packers. and also miss stuff, I needed a check list and printed this post out, thank you Ma’am.

Really useful list, I need to save it, I always forgot something while I’m packing. Thanks!

I just did a packing list post myself on my blog. Loved reading yours, many of things are same/similar to my list 🙂 I have been thinking of using packing cubes, what do you think about it? Good idea? or Nah…

This is a really extensive packing list, you have really covered yourself here.

Love all these tips for packing for a trip to Europe during the summer. As someone who lives in Europe (until Brexit comes in at least LOL), I’d definitely recommend all of these. Just a note, reusable water bottles can be used in most places in the UK as our tap water is safe. Though if you’re hitting countries like Greece or Cyprus around the Med then I’d advise non-Europeans to be careful with tap water, as it may not agree with you and isn’t always the safest. Happy travels! X

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I Just Spent 2 Weeks in Europe—8 Items That Were Worth the Suitcase Space

If you've spent any time on social media this summer, you've probably noticed two things: Everyone is traveling, and the airports are a mess. From lost luggage to canceled flights to hours in security lines, summer travel is chaotic right now, to say the least. I was recently one of those people braving the chaos to visit Portugal, and thankfully, I had a smooth travel experience. While I can't help with canceled flights or security lines, I can offer  packing tips for anyone still planning to get away this summer. I highly recommend purchasing an AirTag to pop into your luggage if you plan on checking it—that way, you can track its location on the off chance it doesn't make it to your final destination with you.

If you're able to bring just a  carry-on , that's even better, and streamlining your packing list is the best way to do so. I spent two weeks in Europe and found myself wearing the same items over and over again, so those are the ones I would pack first if I was going back right now. Each piece was comfortable, versatile, and polished, which is why I kept wearing them despite having other options in my suitcase. From oversize button-downs to slide sandals to linen pants, these are the eight items well worth the suitcase space. Consider this my guide on what to pack for Europe in the summer if you're trying to optimize your suitcase space. 

LINEN PANTS

The unofficial pant style of summer, linen trousers are the perfect combination of comfort and polish. They can be dressed up or down and pair well with everything from simple tanks to swimsuits, making them the ideal travel pants. I wore mine with almost everything in my suitcase and even chose them for the plane ride back—they're that comfortable. 

CROPPED TANKS

Cropped tanks are always a good travel item, especially during the summer. Dress them up with tailored trousers or down with denim shorts, as they pair well with anything. Whatever color you choose, it will be one of the most-worn items in your suitcase. 

OVERSIZE BUTTON-DOWNS

Oversize button-downs are having a major moment in 2022, and I'm all for it. They're particularly good for travel thanks to their versatility. Throw it on over a swimsuit, a tank, and trousers, or even sub one for a jacket in the evening. To say I got my money's worth from mine this trip would be an understatement. 

EASY DRESSES

Sundresses are a summer staple, and I always opt for easy styles when traveling. I don't want anything that's too short or only pairs well with heels. Instead, I pack versatile dresses that I know I love and can be worn day or night. That one dress you never wear at home but think you'll wear on vacation? Skip it—trust me.

If you've been to Europe, I don't have to explain how much walking you do. I'm talking over 20k steps a day. The only sensible shoe choice for this much movement is comfortable sneakers, and they also happen to pair well with the summer dresses and shorts already in your suitcase. Wear yours on the plane so you won't even have to pack them. 

FUN JEWELRY

Nothing says summer like colorful beaded jewelry, and it's the perfect way to infuse some fun into your vacation wardrobe. A stack of beaded necklaces can be worn to the beach, to go sightseeing, for dinner—you name it. They also dress up even the most basic of pieces, so your tank and shorts suddenly become an outfit. 

WIDE-BRIM HATS

Protect your face and keep UV rays at bay with a chic wide-brim hat. This can be a tricky one to pack, but it's 100% worth the hassle. You'll be thankful once you're there. My tip is to stuff yours with a rolled-up T-shirt to keep the shape in your luggage. 

SLIDE SANDALS

Slide sandals are a no-brainer when traveling, especially in Europe where the general vibe is more relaxed. They're comfortable enough to walk around all day in but can also look polished when you're heading out in the evening. I wore the below Zara sandals on repeat during my trip and can't emphasize enough how comfortable they are.

Next up:  6 Shoe Trends That Work Best for Travel

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How to Dress Like a European – The Ultimate Packing List for Europe

Last Modified: January 31, 2024 //  by  Anda //   104 Comments

Ready to spend a couple of weeks in Europe but still struggling with your packing list? Most of us care how we look and how others perceive us. But even if looking sharp is not your main priority, blending in with the locals and not being labeled a tourist is always a good idea when you travel. In this guide I will give you some guidance on how to dress like a European and avoid embarrassing fashion mistakes.

But before I tell you what to pack for your trip to Europe, there are a few things you need to know about the European dress style.

Table of Contents

European Fashion

European dress style is all about the fit, how to dress like a european, can you be fashionable on a budget, european attire for women, european attire for men, what you should not wear in europe, where to buy good quality clothes in europe, how to avoid looking like a tourist.

If this is your first time in Europe, there may be a few things that will surprise you . And one of them is how the Europeans dress. You will notice that Europeans always seem nicely dressed and well put-together. While in North America we tend to favor comfort over style, in Europe people are way more concerned about the way they look. 

While there isn’t a dress code per se , the European dress style is first about  chic and then about comfort. You don’t see many Parisians wearing something ill-fitting or unflattering just because it’s comfortable!

Traditionally, clothing is much more expensive in Europe than in other parts of the world. But it’s also of very good quality. European women may not have many outfits, but what they have is of good quality and it fits nicely. 

If you want to dress like a European woman, think chic and elegant . You don’t need to wear a cocktail dress or high heel shoes in order to be elegant. All you need is pair up your clothes in such a way that you don’t look like a hiker.

There is a great variety of clothes and shoes which can be both comfy and chic. Keep it simple. You don’t need a hole lot of cloths, but what you wear should make a statement.

What I need to make clear from the start is that I’m not a fashionista. However, as someone born and raised in Europe, I can give you some good advice about how to dress like a European.

I also need to clarify that in this article I basically discuss how people dress in the major European cities like Paris, London, Venice, Rome, Amsterdam, etc. In smaller European towns, resorts, or in the countryside the fashion is very different. Therefore, your packing list for Europe will vary depending on your destination. Packing for 3 days in Paris will certainly differ from packing for a few days in Zermatt . 

Not everybody can afford designer label clothing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable on a budget. Today it’s actually a bigger demand for low-budget fashion than it is for high end designers. As a result, most of the department stores carry very stylish clothes at very affordable prices.

If you look up any fashion magazines or online websites, you will find plenty of fashion ideas that will help you stay fashionable within your budget. It’s easy to create your own fashion style with with some simple and trendy ideas.

Packing List for Europe

Here is what you could consider for your packing list for Europe:

When traveling to Europe remember that people seeing you briefly for the first time will judge you completely by your appearance and will treat you accordingly. As a traveler, most of your personal contact will be with hotel clerks and restaurant waiters. To get a good table and good service you need to dress as if you deserve it. Finding the perfect balance between comfort and style may be difficult, but it’s not impossible.

So here is what you could wear in Europe as a woman:

  • Comfortable, but nice shoes

European streets, subways and busses are very crowded, so open toe shoes or are not always a good choice. Unless it’s hot. Since we started traveling in 1989 I have walked hundreds of miles in Born , Ecco , and Clarks shoes and have always been happy with these brands.

If you travel to Europe in winter you should pack a pair of low heel boots, as they are more comfortable on the uneven pavement of the European streets. The most popular winter shoes for Europe are Dr. Martens. This is a military style boot that is thick and comfortable, but not very flattering for older women. I personally prefer Born and Clark’s, which are a little more elegant but still comfortable.

•Dresses, skirts, dress pants, short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops  

Depending on the season, you  should bring some short-sleeve/long-sleeve tops , a sweater dress to wear with tights , a skirt and some dress pants . All these items are a must for your Europe packing list.

Wearing jeans is not my first choice, but if you wear them with a pair of boots , a nice top  and a blazer , you’ll be just fine. 

For fall or spring, a trench coat or a  blazer  that you can wear over your dress, or with any pair of pants.                                                   

• Scarfs and accessories

Scarfs, belts, and some costume jewelry are great accessories for your outfits. They add color and style to any outfit and they are easy to carry around. You can wear the same dress three days in a row, yet make it look like a different outfit if you wear it with a scarf, a belt, or a piece of jewelry. I have a great collection of scarfs and belts which are always part of my packing list for Europe.

• A Nice Bag (preferably not cross-body)

Bags are fine for both men and women. The best would be a shoulder, anti-theft bag that lies somewhat flat to your body, so you can lay your hand over it as need. Also, backpack-style bags work great. Not the kind that you would wear on a hiking trip, of course, but the small leather ones that you can wear both on your shoulder or on your back.

Don’t bring a messenger/cross-body bag to Europe! No one carries them there, except the American tourists.

European males are equally preoccupied with their looks as women. But as a male, the packing guides out there are pretty vague. If you want to dress like a European man think basic luxury and  neat and tight clothes.

When traveling to Europe you’ll need to make a little investment into some good quality clothes. Also, make sure your clothes fit nicely and don’t sag. Europeans love their clothes to fit a little slimmer, almost tight. Therefore, if you want to look  Parisian, don’t wear baggy clothes!

 Another trick to make you look European is to layer up: shirt, sweater and coat on top. Men in Europe love to wear layers, especially during the colder seasons. 

• Pick slacks over jeans and shirts over T-hirst

Leave the jeans and T-shirts for your travels to Las Vegas and pack a couple of pairs of slacks , a few casual shirts and a nice blazer when you travel to Europe. Most importantly, reconsider the synthetics, but keep leather, cashmere, denim, cotton and  linen. 

If you travel during the cold season, a good quality  coat (which may be a bit pricier), a cashmere turtleneck and a scarf will really give you an edge.

• Choose comfortable, but dress shoes

It’s much easier for men to find comfortable shoes, since they are not after high heels. Grab some leather pointed shoes in neutral colors, like blacks and browns. Make sure they are always polished and clean. It’s important to choose comfortable shoes, with thicker rubber sole, that can absorb shock. In Europe you’ll most likely do a lot of walking and thin soles will give  you a lot of pain.

When it comes to European fashion, there are a few faux pas that you should avoid at all costs. So here is what NOT to pack for Europe: 

• College/university apparel

University wear is not a big fashion trend in Europe. If you spot anyone in Europe wearing a Harvard, UC Berkley or UCLA sweatshirt, chances are they are a tourist.

• Baseball caps and athletic gear

While it may be comfortable to wear athletic gear while sightseeing, it’s generally considered a fashion faux pas in many European cities. Instead, opt for casual but stylish clothing that blends in with the locals. 

• Khakis, shorts and sweat pants

Khakis, shorts and sweat pants will be frowned upon in most European cities, therefore you shouldn’t include them in your packing list. Unless you are planning to go hiking in the mountains, shorts and sweat pants are a no-no in most European cities.

• Tennis Shoes, Convers, Flip-Flops

Flip-flops and sneakers may be popular among the youngsters in many countries. In fact, they are so popular in California that most young people wear them everywhere. But nothing screams  ‘tourist’ like bouncing down the streets of Europe in Flip-flops, converse, or tennis shoes! 

• Flashy colors and clothing embellished with flags or chauvinistic slogans

Patriotic or flashy logos may work in the USA, but they are considered ostentatious and perceived as a lack of class in Europe. Americans love to wear strong colors and patterns , but Europeans like subtle colors. Wearing bright, flashy colors will signal that you are a tourist from a mile away, therefore you should stay away from them.

• Cameras around your neck

We all love to take home digital memories from our travels, but wearing your camera around your neck wherever you go is bad taste. Besides, broadcasting to everyone that you are a tourist may increase your risk of attracting thieves. 

It’s best to keep your camera in a bag and take it out only when you are planning to use it.

READ NEXT: Best Time to Travel to Europe

If you live in a small town where it’s difficult to find fancy clothes, don’t panic. You can always do some shopping while visiting Europe. Don’t get set back by the huge prices you see displayed in the windows.

Get inside and look through the inventory. You’ll be surprised how many great deals you can find, even in the most sophisticated stores. In fact, I strongly encourage you to buy some good quality clothing from Europe. You’ll most likely turn some heads when you wear them back home.

Some people couldn’t care less if they have the word “ tourist ” written all over them. However, blending in with the locals has many advantages. And perhaps the most important one of them is that you’ll be less of a target for petty theft. Here are a few other things to consider if you don’t want to be labeled a “ tourist “:

• Don’t carry maps or guidebooks everywhere you go
• Walk with a purpose, not like someone who is lost
• Don’t carry large backpacks everywhere
• Learn local customs and etiquette
• Avoid taking selfies
• Eat where the locals do

I hope my post answered some of your questions about European fashion. So how does one dress like a European? By simply looking casually elegant. At any rate, have a great trip regardless of what you wear or not wear.

If you found this information useful, please pin it for later : 

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Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

February 14, 2024 at 4:57 pm

Hello Anda,

You have brought up a timeless and forever important topic and intersting too. You also have a wonderful website blog that’s easy on the eyes. I would like to say that I notice here on your blog and on many other blogs or forums about “What to wear in_____”, it’s also about SECURITY. Of course it’s about fashion, style and being presentable and respecting the culture and people’s ways of the country, but dressing well and dressing of the mode of a place helps keep you away from becoming a target of theft, scams, and God-forbid other crimes from horrible unbecoming people, which has been an issue for some time plaguing European countries unfortunately. But this one is a different topic altogether.

So when you hear or even say “be safe out there” or something like that, you must know that safety is also about the way you dress, not just in your activities or where you go. If you dress up inappropriately or not even trying to blend in, will simply make you as good as “wearing” a target or red flag ready to be approached, bothered or harrassed by those problemtic people.

February 14, 2024 at 5:19 pm

Thanks for your comment, Antonio. I’m glad you my article useful.

September 22, 2023 at 4:34 pm

You seem to be one of those people who pride themselves on looking like tourists. My only question is why are you reading posts about how to dress in Europe when you are convinced that you already know how?

September 17, 2023 at 4:01 pm

“No athletic gear”: Um, what? We have clearly experienced European countries differently. I’ve seen more Adidas athletic clothes over there than on the street in the U.S. Also lots of slide-on sandals in summer (so much for “ no sandals”).

People *do* wear shorts in many European countries, especially given the recent heat waves. It was a thing from the 90s to not wear shorts — recently I heard a German say that nothing will make you stick out more than wearing long pants and leather shoes when it’s 35 degrees C. Just wear the shorts already if others are.

Ball caps and Converse are also more common than people think.

September 18, 2023 at 10:37 am

Obviously, you’ll see some people wearing athletic shoes, shorts or cargo pants in Europe, but those are mainly tourists or very young kids. Generally, Europeans dress much more stylish than Americans. And even though it has changed a little over the years and Europeans now dress more casually, the difference is still visible.

August 30, 2023 at 8:09 pm

I too enjoyed your suggestions about travel. Yes, I agree that whatever an American wears in Paris will be unfashionable if it is comfortable. In the UK, things seemed more relaxed. In Ireland at the cliffs of Mohr, an American was extremely fashionable, but dressed in white wool clothing, covered in mud from the cliff trails. So dress appropriately for weather, mud, etc. Secondly, to Americans I say stick to single tone pieces of clothing and lots of different silk scarves to change up the outfit. People, unless on a tour bus, will only see you for a day. My husband and I try to fit into the culture. It was fun when a proprietor of a store in the Alps could not decide in which language to speak to us, until we spoke to each other. We are American, but my husband’s heritage is Swiss-German. Enjoy the journey.

August 18, 2023 at 10:54 am

Thank you Anda this was a great article and very helpful guide. I loved the Primo Sacchi handbag in the suggestions and ordered it. It seems like just what I’m looking to carry a few essentials and beautiful quality as well. Hope it works out.

August 18, 2023 at 5:30 pm

Thank you for your kind words. It’s comments like yours that encourage me to keep writing. Hope the beg will work for you.

October 13, 2022 at 6:25 am

Very interesting and informative article. I’m getting ready for a trip to Europe and this is really helpful.

dave barnes

August 30, 2022 at 9:19 am

You might show styles for fat old American males. Not all of us are emaciated 20-something models. On the other hand, cargo shorts are always in style. In 2019, we were having lunch in a mid-scale restaurant in Bologna and noticed that the table of 6 Italian males were all wearing cargo shorts.

July 22, 2022 at 1:16 pm

Converse is definitely popular in Europe, BUT make sure they are in conversative colors (white, black) and kept CLEAN. I almost never see a worn-out or dirty pair, they don’t add character, just sloppiness.

July 21, 2022 at 6:49 pm

We are taking a river cruise and I don’t like the look of sneakers and shorts AT ALL, not ever, not even in the US. I wear sneakers while exercising and with leggings occasionally. But—I also think Borns, Clark’s, and those other awful “comfort” sandals look no better. They are hideous and unflattering period. Soooo…my question is, what do EUROPEANS wear when they have many days of walking tours? Which version of ugly do you suggest I wear? I’m 42 and thin and fit, and those school marm you suggested make me want to cry. But sneakers, ugh! Please help. 🙂

July 21, 2022 at 9:45 pm

I know what you are saying, Susan. I’m also trying to compromise between feeling comfortable and looking good. Unfortunately we have very few good choices here, in the US, which is why I buy my shoes in Europe. I like Born, Clark and Ecco, that sometimes have good looking and comfortable shoes.

January 19, 2023 at 8:24 pm

Adidas, Veja, Tretorn. A gum sole is very in right now. Allbirds are my favorite because they are extremely comfortable. Sandals in a city are gross and you will hate it, trust me.

January 20, 2023 at 1:41 pm

I walk the a lot in sandals in summer and didn’t feel it’s “gross,” but I guess that depends where you walk. I usually avoid filthy neighborhoods, lol!

July 1, 2022 at 11:12 am

People don’t remember what you were wearing after you die, but they remember how you treated them. Most people will choose to spend their money on experiences (Trip to Europe) over fashion and I will always support that. I think you can look respectful and mindful on a budget. I can buy a cheap scarf at Target if that’s what it takes and move my Travelon black pickpocket/slash-proof purse strap to my shoulder instead of across my body because you’re telling me fashion should take priority over getting my passport and credit card stolen?? My husband is going to wear his favorite dark blue Asics and Levi’s no matter what fashion shoe or pants I try and put him in. (He’s paying for the trip) and I’m okay with that because I’m just grateful he worked hard to help pay for the experience.

July 1, 2022 at 11:21 am

Dressing like a European doesn’t mean spending a fortune on clothing, Michelle. You can have good taste and dress fashionably even from Target. For some people blending with the locals and not looking like a tourist is important, but if for you it isn’t, then just don’t do it.

July 29, 2022 at 10:18 am

Dear Meryn, First of all thank you for taking time to comment. I really appreciate that. As a European myself, I am well aware that the dressing style in Europe is changing lately, but the basic principles are still the same. My article is not intended to give advice about the latest fashion, but rather some general ideas about how people dress in Europe. You can always wear what you like in Europe, as long as you dress in a stylish manner.

September 8, 2022 at 3:26 pm

Damn straight! Nobody we pass on the street during our travels gives our fashion choices more than a fleeting thought. Be comfortable, be safe. Screw anyone that finds your fashion choices distasteful. That’s their problem, not mine. Wear what makes you feel good and enjoy your time traveling. Don’t waste time stressing about what everyone will think of you.

September 8, 2022 at 5:46 pm

Nothing wrong with dressing any way you want, Jane. What puzzles me is why are you reading this post if you don’t care to dress like a European?

November 19, 2022 at 12:46 pm

I was in Europe in the ’60’s and have no desire to go back. Dress codes in public were oppressive, women wore dresses or skirts, never pants or shorts. Now people are held back from flying home if they test for covid and have to stay in a motel 14 days instead of flying home with spouse or friends. Unless people are in social classes (wealthier class) people don’t care in the U.S. about fashion if clothes are clean and basic incl joggers or nike’s worn most anywhere. Ripped jeans and revealing ill fitting clothing is a turn off no matter where your at.

July 24, 2023 at 1:18 pm

I laughed when I read this because I could have written it. I completely agree with what you said. I trip to Europe should not require a complete redesign of your wardrobe. Also, I am lucky I have already convinced my husband he cannot wear his cargo shorts to DINNER. If he wants to wear them sightseeing in July, so be it. He is a kind and polite person and I want him to enjoy the trip as much as me. I will probably make some adjustments to my packing selection, but I will do so out of what I currently own.

June 13, 2022 at 2:11 am

Black or white low converse are worn regularly here, but as the casual twist to an outfit. Those and vans are much loved because they are cobblestone and hill friendly. Smooth leather soles are deadly. No one looks good in a cast.

May 20, 2022 at 4:14 pm

I was wondering how people can even walk around with heels all day in the city. I’ll be in Europe soon walking constantly and I’m not sacrificing my comfort over a fashionable and uncomfortable shoe.

May 21, 2022 at 3:06 am

Oh, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort over fashionable. You can wear nice, lower heel shoes.

April 3, 2022 at 6:09 am

I am a Brit born and bred. Jeans are perfectly acceptable for daytime casual wear here but never ever wear double denim. An absolute no-no.

February 15, 2020 at 5:29 pm

I know this beautiful article/post is to help people blend in and not look like a tourist when visiting other countries, in this case specifically European countries, but besides the “not looking like a tourist” factor and purpose, here’s a huge point: RESPECT. It’s all about showing respect for the places and societies you visit or travel to. We are not all the same. We all different, and when you visit countries, it is not your country and it is not a Disneyworld. Countries are real life and real society. It also goes back to the classic saying “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. But overall, it’s about respect.

August 5, 2019 at 8:03 pm

I’d agree with most of these points, but I WILL carry a cross-body messenger type bag on my upcoming European vacation. It is small and black, not “loud,” but it’s a necessity for me when spending a day walking through larges cities like Rome or Paris and needing to keep items handy, but secure. Maybe the locals can get away with a shoulder bag, but they probably aren’t carrying all the cash, credit cards, passports, and electronic devices I’ll have with me. And they aren’t going to be targeted by pickpockets the way I will once someone hears my accent and figures out I’m American. So yeah, if that makes me look like a tourist, well that is what I am after all. I’m not going out of my way to flaunt it, but some things like a cross body bag are non-negotiable for me.

Anda Galffy

August 6, 2019 at 10:59 am

I hear you, Lisa. We are all concerned about petty theft when we travel. No worries about the cross-body bag. Yea sure, the Europeans don’t wear them, but if that makes you feel safer do it.

Maite Stephens

July 17, 2022 at 9:28 am

I am from Europe and I can assure you that when we, Europeans , travel for vacation in Europe and are sightseeing, we wear crossed body bags to prevent being a target while looking at building, or walking in a museum! The rest of the advice is on point.

December 11, 2021 at 6:35 pm

Lisa, i was going to return my anti theft Crossbody bag until I read your response. I actually marked off to return my Crossbody bag on the notes I take researching my three week trip to Western Europe in the shoulder season, September ’22.

Now I can relax a little, along with my pick pocket proof pants. I want to look like I have moey but I’m prepared at the dame time. Thanks for you excellent feedback. Besides that I thought the article was spot on.

June 24, 2019 at 12:57 pm

This article is definitely accurate in the sophisticated clothing but I think it is some what outdated in the footwear and shorts. I was recently in London and Paris and while people wore nice clothing a lot of locals wore shorts and practically everyone was in tennis shoes. Wearing Tennis shoes and shorts might mark you as a tourist in a ritzy area but not in the main part of the city.

June 24, 2019 at 4:22 pm

That is valid for the young generation. Sadly, the tendency in Europe is to copy the Americans, so I’m not surprised to see they began wearing shorts and tennis shoes.

June 5, 2019 at 6:08 am

This article, while informative, is mostly a preconceived notion. A Parisian here (insert a wave). A friend forwarded a link to this article and asked whether I agree. I’m married to an american, living in the U.S. part-time, traveling for living, with family located all over Europe: Paris, London, Moscow, Prague, Oslo, Munich, Vienna. What I agree with: european men do prefer slim/tighter fit of both, tops and bottoms. Layers – yes, scarves – yes. Fit is everything. That being said, the style has relaxed IMMENSELY over the last few years. In fact, simple dresses with trainers (keds, skechers, converse) are very popular for casual outings. Even major theaters have relaxed their dress codes and i’ve seen lots and lots of locals wearing casual bottoms and slightly dressier tops for orchestra performances. I personally detest it as I am all about tailored clothing, heels and quality handbags, but comfort is taking over. The way I recognized americans without a fail is no longer by keds or skechers or crossbody handbags (the latter is now worn by just about everyone in every major city) but by plastic, unnecessary smiles. 20 years in the U.S. and it still perplexes me. In summary, european men dress more differently from their american counterparts than european vs american women. I do agree, quality over quantity is what sets us apart. And scarves 🙂

June 5, 2019 at 11:01 am

Thanks for your comment, Julie. Truly appreciated.

August 24, 2019 at 3:12 pm

A spaniard here currently living and working in Dublin. I am not sure if, perhaps, this targeted to a much older audience…? I am in my late 30s and wear mostly good quality leather cross body bags (so do all my colleagues and friends here in Ireland and back in Spain. Same in all european capitals that I travel to frequently for work: London, Berlin, Paris…). I also wear jeans most of the time and some times fashion sneakers. It is true that I prefer to wear a chelsea leather boot to a pair of runners, but seems to me that that the style here is way more relaxed than what this article suggests…

Shreya Saha

May 13, 2019 at 10:06 am

This is an informative post. I did not know that I have to think much before dressing up in Europe. But I like to know about the thoughts from someone who grew up in Europe. I loved the fashion for women and really want to have a Clarks shoe soon.

Kristy Sheridan

March 19, 2019 at 6:45 pm

Thank you for this helpful article! Hub and I are planning 2 weeks in Switzerland, Lake Como, and Provence this September, including stops in cities- Lucerne, Geneva, Nice, etc…. Planning on taking a basic, classic, wardrobe and I wanted to include a blazer. My favorite is lightweight navy wool gabardine from Ralph Lauren, with a simple crest on the lapel. Would this be considered too flashy? Thanks so much in advance for your advice!

March 20, 2019 at 11:46 am

No, that’s not too flashy. It’s just perfect. Have a safe trip.

November 8, 2018 at 1:04 am

Hello! my family is touring Europe in December. Any advice on the clothing during the winter period? Thank you!

November 8, 2018 at 11:08 am

Depending where in Europe you go, December may be very cold. It can get bitterly cold even in Rome and Paris, although you will most likely not encounter snow in these areas. I would recommend you take a good winter coat (it may be a peacoat) with you and some dark pants. Black jeans will work also. Take a few turtle necks (there may be strong winds) and a wool scarf. Don’t take a ski jacket if you want a smart, elegant look. Hope this helps.

February 16, 2019 at 6:22 am

We are going to Europe in October. I’m having a hard time finding comfort shoes for my husband that can be walked in all day but could be worn with slacks too. Is there anything you can refer? I clicked on the picture for the men’s shoe but they are not being sold on amazon.

February 17, 2019 at 3:01 pm

Hi Nihi, thanks for your comment. I updated the Amazon links for men’s shoes, so all pairs I have there are available now on Amazon. All these three brands make great walking shoes for both men and women.

October 8, 2018 at 11:12 pm

Super good in depth review. I have a mandatory study abroad for my degree in Bonn Germany and want to have some pretty good outfits I can wear to not feel like an outcast. I’ll look further into these!

September 14, 2018 at 1:06 am

I grew up in the US but visit Belgium for a few months every year. Clothing here is casual but elegant and not expensive! There are high-end shops but on the whole clothing is cheap here. For example, you can buy a nice, decent quality stripped basic shirt that is casual but elegant for maybe 10-25 euros.

I always feel a little inferior here. I mostly wear US brands like LL Bean and Lands’ End and that comes off more sporty than elegant. It’s kind of drab too compared to the clothing here. However, I have never been denied anything here due to my clothing, or anything else for that matter.

September 14, 2018 at 2:07 pm

I think you misread my statement about “being denied access in certain places because of the way you are dressed.” In most places you won’t be denied access, it would be horrible if they did that. However, there are certain places in EUrope (mostly high end restaurants) that require a certain attire. If you show up there dressed in jeans and a t-shirt they will not let you in.

August 4, 2018 at 1:48 pm

I live in Europe. I divide my time between Paris, Zagreb, and Prague although for work I’m frequently in Berlin and Bucharest also. Many of your points are spot on, but you could not be more wrong about sneakers. We wear them EVERWHERE. (Except for places like the opera and to church) The New Balance 574, for example, is a chic choice for women all over Europe. Merrill and Born?! I only see them on American travelers.

Now, the white, flashy American sneaker? That is not a fashionable choice in Europe, for sure. But cute, dark colored sneakers? You see them on all of the chic girls.

August 4, 2018 at 5:11 pm

Hi Elle, Thank you for taking time to comment on my post. I am European myself and travel to Europe every year. I am quite aware of the fact that the young generation there tends to follow the American trend and believes that wearing sneakers and ripped jeans everywhere is “cool.” However, that’s not the norm. At least not yet. It’s quite possible that in the next 30-40 years the classy European style of dressing will be replaced by a more sloppy one. For now though, people still dress nicer in Europe than in America.

July 16, 2018 at 3:44 pm

We’re leaving for Bavaria in six short weeks and I am very thankful I came across your article. You’ve provided useful information for both my husband and me (thank you!). I do have a question though – I’m 52 and love wearing jeans (not ripped). I planned to bring a dark wash blue and black skinny jean, but now I’m not so sure that’s a good idea. I had planned to dress them up with nice tops, booties & a jacket. But will I look like a fool? Do older (over 50) women wear jeans? Will my husband look dumb too?

July 16, 2018 at 8:40 pm

Hy Pollyanna, I’m glad you found my article of help. I actually mentioned the jeans somewhere in my post and even have a picture of a young woman wearing jeans and boots. I am actually older than you and I love wearing jeans.

Depending where you are in Europe, wearing jeans is not necessarily out of taste. Especially if you wear them with a nice pair of boots, or some dress shoes and a nice top. Besides, Munich is not exactly Paris or Milan. Germans have a little more relaxed style. Hope you’ll have a great time in Bavaria.

June 18, 2018 at 10:25 am

Thin soled shoes will not give you pain. The more “minimalist” your shoes are, the more comfortable they will be. Your feet will strengthen eventually, so you won’t need all that support and motion control. Thank me later.

June 18, 2018 at 11:06 am

I wish you were right, Nathan, but my experience proves differently. I love thin soles and delicate shoes, but unfortunately they are good just for show off, not for long walks on the European streets. If you talk to any podiatrist he will tell you the same thing: that shoes with cushion protect your feet. The pressure you put on your feet when you walk on high heels or very thin soles irritate the nerves that lead to the toes.This irritation triggers the thickening of the nerve tissue, though causing a “neuroma.” I’ve learned my lesson the hard way. After each trip to Europe I would return home and run to the podiatrist’s office for a cortisone shot in my feet. Despite his advice, the following year I would go back to my fancy thin-sole sandals. After a few years of stubbornness I ended up with neuroma surgeries on both feet.

May 3, 2018 at 8:17 am

Hi! I’ve been reading lots and lots of articles as of what to wear in Europe. I’m traveling soon to western European trips and I’ve been worried that if what I’m going to wear is frowned upon. I don’t own any long dresses or long skirts. So I was wondering if it’s okay to wear skirts then wear stockings or tights underneath it? We are visiting various religious sights, would they allow me in if I have a skirt on with tights covering my knees?

May 3, 2018 at 9:25 am

Absolutely. You can wear stockings or tights and skirts, no problem.

March 24, 2018 at 7:49 pm

We are traveling abroad this year for several weeks with our kids (ages 12 and 10). Could you offer some tips for them? My daughter is VERY sporty and not accustomed to dresses or frills. Would my son be ok in nicer linen shorts? To us that’s somewhat fancy but still comfortable.

March 25, 2018 at 7:02 pm

Hi Becky, I think 10 and 12 years old are still kids, so they would probably get by with less formal clothes than adults. However, if you plan to go to fancy restaurants or attend some cultural events, they should definitely dress appropriately (more elegant). For your daughter a white pair of pants with a nice top and some ballet flats would work great. For your son, knee length linen shorts may work all right during the day time, but not in the evening.I hope this helps.

Elaine Masters

February 25, 2018 at 7:35 pm

I spend so much more time packing when I go to Europe than any other destination! These are great tips that I wish more tourists, especially from the US, would pay attention to. It’s true as well that especially in Paris, no matter what I might wear, I’ll feel underdressed. Tant Pis! My motto is to dress to see and not be seen (necessarily.)

February 25, 2018 at 10:32 pm

Hahaha, I hear you, Elaine!

February 10, 2018 at 11:53 am

Hello, Anda! I discovered your post researching about what to wear in Europe in the spring. Your article is very informative. Thank you! May I pls. know the brand of those brown ankle length women’s boots you showed here? I’m currently on the hunt for a stylish, comfortable footwear. Thanks much!

February 10, 2018 at 11:59 am

Thank you for your comment, Ella. Those are Pikolinos. They are extremely soft and flexible. Excellent for long walks, yet very stylish.

Jo Americano

January 6, 2018 at 11:13 pm

I was going to spend a few hundred dollars to avoid being frowned upon by judgmental strangers (the double standard of accepting any cultural wear tourists may wear to america but having to change your own culture when you travel…) but then I realized I could just be myself and not care what other people think for free. And I won’t even have to tithe because my Apparently God doesn’t invite you into his house in Europe unless he’s impressed by the material wealth you flaunt on your feet!

July 11, 2018 at 8:37 am

Spoken like a true “Merkin” Ignorance is bliss as they say.

Thedollysmama

March 20, 2023 at 8:45 pm

Oh, Dolores, you need to google the definition of ‘merkin’. I think you meant ‘Murican’. A merkin is a ‘pubic wig’, very different thing entirely!

June 11, 2017 at 5:38 pm

Hi, what is brand and model of first shoe you posted under women section? Thanks!

June 11, 2017 at 6:12 pm

Those are Pikolinos, but I can’t see the model written anywhere. They are extremely comfortable and can be worn even in a colder season (like spring and fall) with a pair of socks.

February 9, 2017 at 2:31 pm

Very useful tips! I have the same impression that clothing in Europe is more expensive than it is in the States, even when it comes to the exact same brands and sales/outlets. But on the other hand, I believe, in Europe you could find more small local boutiques (some family-owned for generations) where one might buy smth that would really last. I´ve also bought a pair of random boots in Rome once and after years of wearing them they look better than some of the high-end worldwide known brands I have. And absolutely agree that in different European countries it might be harder/easier to fit in… I lived in Berlin and that one day you wear heels – you immediately look overdressed, while every time I come to Italy I feel like I don’t have enough clothes lol

Kind regards from Spain, Anna

February 9, 2017 at 2:40 pm

Thanks for your comment, Anna. If you live in Europe, you know better how easily it is to look underdressed in some cities. Overall though, no matter where you are in Europe, people look more put together and nicely dressed than in most parts of the USA.

January 19, 2017 at 5:19 pm

Awesome post! I had a quick question, do you know what kind of shoes the brown ones are (the big picture below the three smaller pictures of shoes for women)? Thanks so much! Alyson

January 19, 2017 at 10:52 pm

Those I Born, Alyson. Born makes extremely comfortable yet very stylish walking shoes. I strongly recommend this brand. Also, the Clarks are excellent for travel. Thanks for commenting on my post.

January 7, 2017 at 12:08 pm

I have a serious foot problem and must wear thick orthotics. They really do not fit into anything except extra depth tennis shoes. Any suggestions?

January 8, 2017 at 1:07 pm

I wear orthotics too, Ann. I don’t know how thick yours are, but mine are designed according to the shoes. I even wear orthotics in my high heel shoes (the ones I wear for only 2-3 hours when I go to a special event).

October 16, 2016 at 3:05 pm

December 27, 2016 at 4:10 am

Here is just a bit of my 2cents on the subject: “Keep leather, cashmere, denim, cotton and linen, but reconsider synthetics.” While this is quite true for Italian people, you would wondering stares in northern Europe. Synthetics are everywhere. Leather is nice, bit only when its cold – and norvegians dont freeze so easily. Thats why you can see mini skirts all years round with proper warm pants under them if needed. There is just one point where you are perfectly right: Europeans wear shorts and flip flops only on the beach, but not in the streets. And if we see a (mostly russian) tourist in bathing suit and naked chest – preferable wet from tip to toe – in a Thai shopping mall, we are near vomiting. And speaking of Thais… in the north you will see 80% wearing flip flop on the streets, not so in Bangkok. So Marta is right in saying you can’t throw all Europeans into one box. You must differentiate a lot. We have very distinct cultures here.

December 27, 2016 at 9:54 pm

My post is not an analysis of the European culture and its diversity, nor is it a generalization of the dress code in Europe. These are basic recommendations for those who travel to Europe and want to look nice and well put together. A guide for people who want to blend in rather than stand out as tourists. As someone who was born and raised in Europe and travels there every year, I’m pretty aware of the fact that many young Europeans slobber over looking like a Gringo and dress sloppy, but that doesn’t define Europe. As for your ‘2cents’, they don’t make much sense when you bring Asia into this conversation.

September 5, 2016 at 3:40 am

Thanks for your informative article. I’m kind of lost when it comes to dressing properly in a big city.

April 10, 2016 at 11:15 am

Great post! I swear by the scarf anytime I travel anywhere! They are so versatile! The struggle is real to find comfortable shoes to walk around a European city all day and also not look like a hobo though. Thanks for the great tips.

April 10, 2016 at 7:24 am

I was pretty gobsmacked to read this article. Living in Europe all I see is people wearing shorts, t shirts and jeans. Really our fashion is very similar to American fashion unless you’re in expensive hotels/eateries in Rome, Paris or Milan! The only time I would dress as you recommend is if I was going on a night out, out for a fancy dinner or to the theatre – and almost everyone I know would agree.

April 9, 2016 at 4:11 pm

Love this post so much, I love Europe and dressing up appropriately when travelling, nothing screams tourist like some t shirt and shorts with flipflops! A scarf or hat for those bad hair days are a must for me as well. I’m always looking for comfortable but stylish shoes and you have some neat options here!

April 9, 2016 at 4:00 pm

Being a European and travelling in Europe quite a lot… I read this post opening my eyes really widely. Some of the comments surprised me even more 🙂 At first I thought you might be talking about big fashion capital like Paris or Milan, where I haven’t been for quite a few years, but then when you mentioned Eastern Europe (where I live) I found it really, really strange. Come to think of it, I dress like a tourist in my own hometown, more – I can see other local people dressed like tourists.

The funny thing is that I actually quite often dress the way you recommend, but at the same time I dress the way you advise against and I can see I’m not any different from the people around me – it just depend what you do, where you work etc.

However, I’ve never been to the USA so unfortunately I cannot compare 🙂

April 10, 2016 at 12:08 am

I don’t know where in Europe you live, Monica, but I haven’t seen people in shorts and flip flops anywhere there (not even in the countryside.) From big metropolitan areas to small provincial towns, people in Europe dress nicely. That doesn’t mean that you are not going to see a pair of jeans here and there, but the overall impression you get when you travel to Europe is what I describe in my post. To have a better understanding of the comparison I’m making, you should probably come visit America.

April 10, 2016 at 1:47 am

When it is hot in summer I usually go outside Europe on my holiday so I’m not so sure about flip-flops and shorts 🙂 I would find beach flip-flops awfully uncomfortable in the city and shorts in the city are for teenage girls in my opinion 😀 Open toes, jeans and T-shirts? They’re everywhere. But I guess you’re right, I should probably go visit the USA to understand it better 🙂 I live in Poznań (Poland) – it’s a city right in the middle between Berlin and Warsaw. But as I say, I never think that I should wear different clothes in other places – it only depends on the weather and what I’m going to do. However, I guess tourists are excused when putting comfort over elegance even because they walk more and do different things.

April 10, 2016 at 2:18 pm

Monica, how you choose to dress when you travel is up to you. If you want to dress smart and elegant, that’s considered a plus in Europe (unlike in America where nobody cares). This post was meant as a tool for those who want to look and feel good when they visit Europe.

April 10, 2016 at 4:40 am

Dear Monica, I’m from Central (in my opinion) Europe (Poland) and I think the point here is other style of jeans e.g. We dress all those things but in other style. We don’t dress baggy unless we meant to dress “oversize”.

April 9, 2016 at 12:34 pm

Having visited Europe a number of times now, the differences in the fashion between guys from the US and guys from EU are strikingly different in many ways. I’m always a shorts guy back in the states (I’m from Texas, it’s a necessity!), but always leave them behind when traveling abroad.

April 10, 2016 at 12:20 am

There is nothing wrong with your Texan cloths, Justin. In fact I love that style, but when you travel you want to blend in, not be spotted as a tourist.

April 6, 2016 at 7:59 pm

This is such a useful post! When I was first traveling in my early 20s, I used to not care about how I dress. I thought it was rather superficial. But then I landed in Tokyo for the first time —- and boy, did I feel so insecure! Even though I thought I dressed up pretty well in a jeans and a North Face jacket (cringe), I felt like such a country bumpkin amidst all the fashionable Tokyo men and women.

Good thing when I went to Europe for the first time I have already developed a bit of class. Dressing well and appropriately is not just about caring what people think — it does enhance the experience, and as you pointed out, you get good service and a good table. It also shows that you respect the culture, especially when you try to go to certain establishments like theatre.

Definitely learned a lot from this post and will keep it handy for when I’m next heading to Europe. 🙂

April 7, 2016 at 1:50 am

Thank you, Liz. I’m glad if I could bring anything new to the table.

Suze - Luxury Columnist

April 3, 2016 at 2:54 pm

You make such a good point about scarves, Anda – I’m here in Andalusia at the moment and it’s quite chilly in the morning and evening, I wish I’d brought more of them!

April 3, 2016 at 11:30 pm

I don’t think you can have too many scarves when you travel, Suze.

Lyn @thetravellinglindfields

April 3, 2016 at 2:22 pm

Striking a balance between comfort and elegance is a topic close to my heart. We like to be active when we travel, even if that just means walking huge distances rather than hoping in and out of taxis. Sometimes it is hard to look reasonable without risking being too hot, too cold or having aching feet. It always surprises me how casually Americans dress for dinner (not at flash restaurants but just about everywhere else) but I do find the casual styles great for long days on the tourist trail. We have not been to Europe for quite a few years but your comments definitely resonate with memories of our last trip to Buenos Aires when I think I looked like a bag lady most of the time.

April 3, 2016 at 11:39 pm

The older I get, the more comfortable I want to feel when I travel Lyn. However,you can feel comfy in nice cloths as well as in sloppy one and believe me, nothing feels so good as looking good.

Ruth - Tanama Tales

April 2, 2016 at 10:24 am

I made a lot of mistakes when I visited Europe as a college student. My attire consisted of jeans, t-shirts and sneakers. But, the thing is that nobody instructed me on how to dress properly in this area of the world (and the Internet was in its infancy during those years). Now, I usually take dresses, long pants and nice blouses. And, I take scarfs too since they can change the appearance of an outfit in one second. My biggest headache is shoes. I usually have problems finding a pair that is comfy but nice looking at the same time.

April 3, 2016 at 11:51 pm

Yea, I agree with you, Ruth. Nice and comfortable shoes are hard to find and they are a must when you travel.

April 2, 2016 at 6:15 am

This is the best packing post I’ve seen, Anda. I even showed it to my husband, who is quite looking forward to the day that he needs to buy dressier clothes for a trip to Europe. When I traveled to Europe in my 20s, I did okish because I wore lots of darks and neutrals, but I did wear jeans. I remember people laughing at my countrymen who wore spring colors in winter. Now, living in the tropics, I dress like a bum, but I hope to have some dress-up time in a cooler climate in the future.

April 4, 2016 at 12:01 am

You probably miss a little dressing time if you live at the tropics, Karen. I remember enjoying the tropics but looking forward to going back home where I can dress up nicely.

Connie Reed

April 1, 2016 at 7:49 pm

This is great information, Anda. My first trip to Europe was to my daughter’s wedding in Paris about twelve years ago. She told me then not to bring sneakers or bluejeans. I see that one of your photos includes bluejeans. Are jeans acceptable now?

April 1, 2016 at 10:55 pm

The photo with jeans was used to illustrate what NOT to wear in Europe, Connie.

April 10, 2016 at 2:44 am

I am European, I used to live in Poland, Germany and the UK, currently in Switzerland. I visited almost all countries in Europe. And as long as I can agree to many advices above, the blue jeans advice is a lie, sorry. Everyone wears blue jeans here. No, not to Opera or fancy restaurant or client-focused work, but anything then this – blue jeans is a daily outlook and nobody will look touristy just because of wearing jeans. This will just look normal and not fancy/exclusive.

April 10, 2016 at 2:12 pm

I think you didn’t understand what you were reading. Nowhere in this post did I say that jeans are inappropriate in Europe. Shorts, T-shirts, sweat pants, baggy cloths, sneakers, converse and flip-flopsre the only NO-NO items listed here.

January 30, 2017 at 11:28 am

I think she was referring to the photo included with the scarves section…

April 10, 2016 at 4:35 am

Dear Connie, I am European so I can explain you the difference: in Europe, of course, we dress jeans almost daily but they look way different than a photo in this post. Our jeans are usually one-colored (so no brighter parts), dark (dark blue, black, dark grey), even if they’re in light colors they usually white or light grey, they have to fit (but don’t have to be tight, they just cannot be baggy). So they are almost boarding elegance. And you have to consider kind of event: if it’s really chic restaurant, you should consider dress (not too short) or pants other than jeans. If it’s less chic (let say: typical evening with friends) but still not a fastfood or ‘milkbar’ it’s enough to dress those jeans a little bit up: nice blouse and jacket or blazer, no sporty shoes, definately no flip-flops. In other cases we dress those jeanse with a pair of (really clean) pair converse, some t-shirt (also well-fitted, not baggy). This is kind of rule: we don’t wear baggy if we don’t mean to wear “oversize”.

Rhonda Albom

April 1, 2016 at 4:11 pm

This is great, and the complete opposite of how I am packing for our upcoming 45 day America adventure. I was very glad to read that America is still about comfort. My goal, although yet to be determined if I will succeed, is all carry on. A mix of smart-casual and comfort, and everything can be layered. Good thing I am not headed to Europe right now – of course I would be packing differently.

April 1, 2016 at 11:16 pm

Truth is Rhonda that no matter how much I like to dress up for Europe, I feel way more comfortable when I am in the States. Here nobody judges you too harsh for wearing comfy clothes.

April 1, 2016 at 10:46 am

Anda, this is one of the most informative and useful posts I have seen in a while and I especially appreciate that it was written from the perspective of one who grew up in Europe. While I don’t mind being an American, I prefer to blend into the surroundings rather than wear something that immediately brands me as one and screams “TOURIST!”

Shoes are my biggest issue; it’s frustratingly difficult to find comfy walking shoes that fit my small, narrow feet. I’m definitely going to have to search out Born; I’ve not tried them yet.

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A Summer Capsule Wardrobe Will Simplify Your Packing Process

By Meaghan Kenny

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Finding reliable clothing staples to rewear again and again helps us all to become more sustainable travelers—and refrain from overpacking. When building a summer travel capsule wardrobe, versatile and comfortable basics are key: Rather than packing a suitcase full of trendy items or statement outfits you'll only wear once, consider investing in basics you can pair with several outfits and wear from day to night. To lay the foundation, we've put together a list of top summer wardrobe essentials, whether you’re headed to a beach vacation in Mexico or are planning to eat your way through Italy . No matter where your upcoming travel plans take you, these are the pieces you’ll be glad you packed. From crisp white button-downs and lightweight linen dresses to walking sandals and packable beach totes, you can count on them to keep your packing list short and your outfit options long.

Below, 13 pieces to build a summer travel capsule wardrobe, with men's and women's styles from brands we love: Everlane, Lululemon, Banana Republic, and more. Keep scrolling to see them all or jump right to your item of choice.

Build your summer capsule wardrobe:

The breathable tank top, the perfect short, the linen pant, the classic button-down, the basic tee, the midi dress, the midi skirt, the exercise dress, the white sneaker, the walking sandal, the comfortable heel, the quality bathing suit, the packable tote.

Hot summer days mean you’ll need a few basic tanks. Ribbed tank tops are always a smart choice—they're both comfortable and flattering. If you want something that looks a little more put together with a pair shorts or a midi skirt, I wear this seamless bodysuit from Amazon constantly (it’s double-lined and I own it in multiple colors). Nike and Lululemon make some of our favorite performance tanks for men—they’re available in a variety of colors, too.

Finding a trusted pair of shorts can feel nearly impossible. We chose options that aren’t too short, so you can avoid unwanted chafing while still keeping cool. High-waisted, light wash options are ideal for hot summer days and pair well with just about any top in your suitcase.

For something a little more breezy, opt for a pair of linen pants. Whether I'm headed to a barbecue or lunch by the pool, I'm always gravitating toward linen in the warmer months. Lightweight, packable, and chic—it's the ultimate summer pant.

Every traveler needs a go-to tee . A basic T-shirt pairs well with almost any pair of shorts, linen pants, or skirt you pack this summer (sometimes I even throw one underneath a sleeveless dress). Cotton tees from Everlane, Skims, True Classic, and Cuts are breathable and lightweight, making them year-round staples for every type of packing list . No matter where I'm headed, whether it's a beach trip in Miami or a cabin getaway in Vermont, I have at least two comfy tees in my weekender .

Along with a plain white tee, I never travel without a button-down —I wear these with denim, as a cover-up by the pool , or over a slip dress at night if it gets a little chilly. For something ultra lightweight, a linen button-down will keep you cool and covered.

One of the most fun items to pack for summer: midi dresses . Staple pieces like this rib tank dress from Buck Mason and Abercrombie's linen blend dress are always smart options, but for something with a little more flare, I’m eyeing colorful picks from Lulus, Farm Rio, and Banana Republic. Whether you’re headed to a dinner party or want to explore a new city in style, these dresses scream summer and are easy to throw on with any pair of sandals.

Equally elegant and comfortable, a midi skirt can be dressed up or down with a pair of low heels, sneakers, or sandals. A skirt like this elevates an otherwise simple look and can be reworn endlessly throughout a trip with any of your favorite tanks, tees, or blouses. We love these chic styles from Free People, Banana Republic, and Cuyana, but for something under $40, Amazon brand The Drop's high-waisted skirt is a great staple.

Ideal for active travelers and especially hot destinations, exercise dresses are supportive enough for hikes and workout classes, while doubling as a cute daytime outfit. I don't always work out on a trip, but when I do, a sporty yet feminine exercise dress is the way to go—I'll wear one for a morning walk and still feel put together enough for breakfast at the hotel and whatever comes next. For practicality and comfort, I love ones that have built-in shorts underneath, like the Outdoor Voices style.

When it comes to essential shoes, every traveler needs a crisp pair of white sneakers . It’s always my most-worn shoe on every trip, especially when there’s a walking tour on the itinerary. Some of our team's favorite comfortable white sneakers come from Nike, Lululemon, and Adidas, with men’s and women’s sizes available for each.

Summer sandals can be a tricky shoe to purchase: You want a pair that can withstand a good amount of walking without causing blisters, but that still leaves you looking put together. These options below from Rothy's, Olukai, Birkenstock, and Teva can take you from the pool to lunch to sightseeing around town. Comfortable, versatile, and packable, a good walking sandal is simply a must.

For those summer nights when you need something a little more elevated than your favorite pair of sandals, a comfortable heel is a must-have. Black, ivory, or nude heels match just about any midi dress you toss in your carry-on . The height of these heels is just right—high enough to wear to any destination weddings or special events you're attending, but low enough to actually dance the night away in. Bonus points for block heels and mules—both styles are easier to walk in and provide decent stability on uneven ground.

No matter where I’m headed—beach vacation or not—I always pack a bathing suit . You can't go wrong with a supportive one-piece or high-waisted set. Some of our favorite men's swim trunks are from Todd Snyder and Lacoste, but we have plenty more options where that came from.

A packable tote bag that you can bring to the beach, shopping, or to the hotel pool will always come in handy. When I'm low on suitcase space, I prefer one that can lay completely flat—like Rothy's Lightweight Tote. These roomy, beachy bags all fit a day's worth of essentials, including a beach towel , water bottle, and lots of sunscreen .

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Chic & Easy European Travel Packing List

Inspired by a question from long-time reader Jen in Pittsburgh (hi!), I went down a (fun) rabbit hole of searching for the perfect easy-but-chic outfits for travel. She was asking what to pack for Barcelona in late winter, and while that seems a little specific, the more I thought about it, the more I realized the packing list I was pulling together would actually apply to many destinations and seasons. (And it inspired this outfit I recently covered , too!)

What To Pack For A Trip To Europe: My Outfit Approach

The goal when I’m traveling to Europe is always to look chic and cool, to be comfy, and to look decidedly NOT like a standout tourist. And unless I’m heading to the beaches and islands or the very northern parts, I’m probably gonna bring a similar wardrobe to a variety of locales. For my style, that includes versatile pieces that layer well, can be easily dressed up or down, and have a classic, slightly sporty vibe.

While browsing some favorite sites for pieces to include in an actual list, I kept running across inspiring outfits. It hit me that this is probably a great way to approach packing lists from now on. Start with some solid style inspiration and then break down the pieces that you either already own or need to add to your collection to complete the looks. So, here’s the inspiration I started with!

My takeaways from my travel inspiration board were this:

• classic structured jackets to layer
• easy pants that still look polished
• comfy but stylish shoes
• a versatile button down (wear it buttoned up or halfway unbuttoned)
• timeless accessories to top it all off

Of course, it’s hard not to try to solve all the world’s packing list problems every time I come out with one of these articles, but the key is to find those main problem-solving pieces and then you can fill in with your favorite additional items…like a favorite black tee or your everyday gold necklace and earrings.

01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14

Chic & Easy Outfit Inspo For Your Next European Vacation

I feel most successful with my outfits for travel when I don’t try to bring the trendy pieces I own. Those are fun to try out each season, but usually they’re more difficult to style and not as versatile.

I like that these pieces are all pretty classic. I feel confident they’d take me through many years and that they feel chic but not fussy (that’s always my goal.)

One thing I would add to this list is a gorgeous scarf or wrap. My fav is a lightweight cashmere poncho-style I can wear mostly as a scarf but with the option to wear as a wrap if needed. This is another gorgeous option here .

1 | Everlane The Dream Pants

These Everlane dream pants are fabulous and would be so easy to pack. They are substantial and won’t wrinkle but are still super-comfy. They are versatile and just one of those forever pieces….Plus, they have pockets! TTS. Wearing a S.

2 | J.Crew Cashmere Classic Fit Crewneck

J.Crew makes some of our team’s favorite cashmere and it often goes on sale. These sweaters are light but warm pieces perfect for packing. TTS. Perhaps size up if you know you’ll layer underneath.

3 | Everlane Silky Cotton Relaxed Shirt

I love a classic pinstripe mixed with black pants and shoes, and the trench coat would be the perfect topper over this Everlane button-up. Classic but not boring!

4 | Nordstrom Cashmere Turtleneck

Another team fav in the cashmere category, Nordstrom’s cashmere turtleneck is a closet staple. Soft and lightweight, but also warm, it’s great for layering. Shana likes to wear these silk camis underneath as a layering option.

5 | Everlane The Easy Pant

I have the shorts version of these easy pants from last summer, and the fabric and fit are perfection. TTS and a comfy, but structured elastic waistband that doesn’t bend or fold over. I can’t wait to try these, and I’m hoping they’ll continue to offer more colors.

6 | J.Crew Leather Belt

I adore the belt over the layering jacket in the collage above. This one is similar, and again, classic! You could belt the pinstriped top, too. Being shorter waisted I sometimes have trouble with this accessory, but it looks so great I want to keep attempting it. I think sticking with a bit thinner belt (ie. not any thicker than this one I’ve linked) can be helpful in making it a success.

7 | Everlane Day Glove Flat

Shana has blogged about the Everlane Day Glove flats for years as her favorite go-to flat she could walk all day in.

8 | Everlane Italian Leather Chelsea Boot

I’ve had these Everlane Chelsea boots for a couple of weeks now, and they are so great. The gum sole is a fantastic detail, making the shoes look lighter, and it’s cushiony, too. The fit, height and overall look of these is what I’ve been searching for forever. TTS and a really lovely shoe. (Also in my forever closet .)

9 | Re/Done Stovepipe Black Jean in Comfort Stretch **

I’m not someone that goes anywhere without jeans, but sometimes black jeans can be more versatile than blue denim. I adore these Re/Done Stovepipe jeans and have linked a style in comfort stretch vs my rigid denim, thinking that would be comfier for travel. (I had to go up one size.)

10 | Madewell Oversized Shopper Bag

Madewell’s oversized shopper is structured and chic — not too giant but big enough to carry what you need everyday. The shape and the front phone/mask pocket are what have me ordering it to try. Madewell bags are the best and so well-made. I’d also probably bring a cute classic crossbody (love the option for interchangeable straps). The tote is also available at Nordstrom .

11 | Emerson Fry Layering Jacket **

I have and adore this Emerson Fry wool jacket because it’s warm and stylish, but the poncho/wide + short sleeve style makes it perfect over bulky sweaters or other jackets. I love a layered look but sleeve widths don’t always allow for that. This does! But, right now it’s a bit low in stock. It comes in a gray, too, here or this chic puffer style or this option also caught my eye.

12 | J.Crew Factory Classic Trench

There are few jackets more classic, stylish, or versatile than the trench coat. Find a classic one you love and it will also become a forever closet piece. This one from J.Crew Factory gets good reviews, is a really timeless style, and is a reasonable price, too. It’s been tricky to find any well-stocked trench coats right now. If money is no object, then you simply can’t beat the Burberry Kensington trench , especially to dance around in on a European vacation, but if you can find this Lauren Ralph Lauren option in your size, it’s a stunningly close alternative.

13 | Quay All In 56mm Aviator

A gorgeous pair of sunglasses really tops off a look and I love these from Quay at Nordstrom. I like the brown tortoise to compliment the tones in the belt and trench.

14 | Tretorn Nylite Plus Sneakers

Please dear world of travelers, can we move away from the running-shoe-worn-with-everything phase? I believe in being diplomatic in what I cover here and we never want to say “you must do this or you mustn’t do that”, but honestly one thing that stands out so much when traveling is seeing workout shoes worn with everything. There are a few exceptions to the rule, but…a classic tennis style sneaker, an Adidas Superstar , a Tretorn (like these), an Air Force 1 , a P448 , a Golden Goose …are all going to look way less touristy-American and way more fashion-forward than the literal sneakers you workout in. Sorry sorry…rant over but haha gosh it’s a passion-project of mine 😂

**Indicates meets our requirements for sustainability.

Do you have any favorite pieces that would fit along these lines? I’d love to hear about them. I’m looking forward to continuing to style up the black Dream pants , Chelsea boots and hopefully give you a review on the Madewell bag . And let me know if there are other destinations you would like to see this adjusted for! Happy, happy travels friends. This gal cannot wait to get back out there!

Would love for you to say hi over on my Instagram  @laurajansenstyle  where there are mostly odes to snacks, OOTDs and everyday mom life stuff in Portland, Oregon. xoxo

Oh, hey, Pinners! Thanks for sharing 🙂

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Bravo for providing a list that will prevent Americans from embarrassing themselves. I’ve noticed that when I dress in similar attire waitstaff and shopkeepers will approach me in In their native language while they’ll greet Americans in shorts and sneakers in English bc their outfits give them away. It’s also worth mentioning that some European churches still expect women to cover their shoulders so it’s best to save the camisoles and sexy sundresses for other excursions.

Yes, good points!

Just stopping by to recommend my new fave aviators from Freyr – they don’t have the typical aviator nose pads so they don’t get caught in my hair! Love them.

https://freyrs.com/collections/trending-styles/products/shay-aviator-sunglasses-in-black

Oh nice a good selling point!

So, I’ve already ordered the Banana puffer poncho and I’m going back and forth between the Dream pants and the Brooklyn pants from Athleta. Planning on bringing Air Force 1s and Dr. Martens. I will admit that I think i MAY be wearing this pair of running shoes on the plane, but just because they’re crazy comfortable and they easily slip on and off! Will I pass the cool test if I promise not to wear them for sightseeing?! 🤣 https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/adidas-womens-ultraboost-d-n-a-slip-on-running-shoes-21adiwltrbst40whtftwa/21adiwltrbst40whtftwa

Haha you always look great and those do have a unique cool twist to them with the elastic upper. The Dream Pants are going to be a bit heavier weight than the Brooklyn pants if that factors in for you at all. Both are great. Can’t wait to see pics from your trip!! I love love it there!

Hi Laura, love your posts! Can you please share where the jeans in the picture with the black poncho are from? They are exactly the look I’ve been searching for. Thanking you in advance!

Hi Laura – I have never commented before and I have been a follower for 9 years. Just wanted you to know that I love your packing lists and I always buy things off of them! I bought one of my most complimented shoes from one of your lists in 2018. I loved this one! So sad that the Emerson Fry jacket is out of stock. Thanks for such a great and helpful post!

Thank you so much Tara! I’m so so glad they are useful and you’ve found pieces you like. Keep an eye on the EF jacket I believe it’s a piece they tend to restock! I’ll do the same. Thanks so much for commenting!

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Women’s european fashion — tips for dressing like a european.

Women's European Fashion advice for traveling in Europe. What clothes to wear in Paris, London, Barcelona, Madrid, Amsterdam, Berlin & other cities.

Helpful Travel Tips & Articles

After living in Paris for nearly two years, I’m still amazed at how well European women dress. It is rare to see anyone who isn’t well-dressed — even if they’re just buying some milk from the grocery store. We lived down the block from an elementary school and every day we’d see moms with high heels and skirts pushing their strollers down the street.

That’s why I thought I would share some of my women’s European fashion observations from living in Paris and from my travels throughout Europe. Hopefully, these fashion tips will help you choose which clothes to bring on your next trip and give you an idea of how to dress like a European.

Note: Most of my observations are from Paris since this is where I’ve lived the most, but Parisians are considered some of the best-dressed people in Europe, so they are a good group to take fashion advice from.

The Golden Rules for Women’s European Fashion

Honestly, there are no “rules” and there really isn’t a true “European” fashion. You’ve probably heard that Parisians only wear black, but if you walk around the streets of Paris you’ll see fashionable people wearing all kinds of colors.

That’s why this guide will highlight the general fashion trends that I’ve observed but I urge you to add your own personal style to your clothing choices. My main goal is to give you a taste of European fashion and to provide you with some ideas of what you might want to wear when you visit.

It’s All About The Fit

People assume Europeans look great because they have closets full of designer clothes but this isn’t completely true. They may have a few higher-end items, but they shop at H&M, Zara, Mango, Gap, Topshop, and other multinational shops just like the rest of us. The secret is that they purchase clothes that fit well — and if the fit isn’t quite right, then they’ll get their clothes tailored. I feel that it’s much more common to have small alterations done in Europe and those little changes make the clothes fit better.

Keep it Simple

European women keep their wardrobes simple and classic. They choose timeless pieces that don’t scream for attention. Then they’ll add a bright accessory (scarf, shoes, jewelry, etc) to bring the outfit together. I also saw a lot of contrasting pieces used together — like pairing a slightly oversized, chunky sweater with a tight skirt or skinny jeans.

Skinny Jeans

Jeans are a staple of any European wardrobe. Most women I saw wore skinny or slim jeans. In general, they mostly wore dark jeans without a wash or with a minimal wash (i.e., only a small amount of distressing). Grey jeans are also a popular choice. But Europeans don’t just wear black and grey, so don’t be afraid to wear a pair of bright red jeans/trousers.

Effortless Hair

European women have an amazing ability to have great-looking hair that looks effortlessly natural. I have no idea how they do it, but it seems like they don’t fuss with it too much — it wouldn’t surprise me if they roll out of bed and just tousled it with their hands. Long hair is definitely in style, so start growing! When you’re visiting Europe, just throw your hair into a sleek high ponytail or a messy bun and be on your way. Check out this post by Hair on the Brain  for some tips on how to create the perfect messy bun.

Photos from intotheglass.com  and haironthebrain.com

It’s All About The Shoes

Europeans live in shoebox-sized apartments but they still manage to have an amazing collection of great shoes.

European women, especially city-dwellers, live in high heels. But beware… these fashionistas have years of practice navigating cobblestone streets and tricky city sidewalks, so you might find yourself really struggling if you choose to wear a pair of sexy stilettos. Wedges are also a very popular and a bit more practical option since they offer more surface area for walking.

No shoe collection is complete without a few pairs of boots. During the winter, you’ll see tall leather boots everywhere, but cute ankle boots are a popular choice during the rest of the year. Check out our guide to  Best Waterproof Boots for Women to some cute and comfortable boots.

When the weather gets warm, it’s time to break out the lightweight shoes. Strappy leather sandals, flats, loafers, and casual sneakers are all great choices.

That said …  if you’re going to be traveling to Europe, I suggest leaving the uncomfortable shoes at home . But that doesn’t mean you need to bring ugly running shoes. I suggest a pair of cute sneakers, flat boots, and a pair of comfortable sandals. If you do bring a pair of impractical shoes for going out, make sure they’re not going to kill your feet (blisters are no fun). Also, remember that a quality set of  Superfeet insoles can make shoes more comfortable.

Check out our guide to travel shoes for some examples of fashionable and comfortable sneakers, boots, sandals, and more. 

Photo courtesy of Chictopia

Show Off Some Leg

European women love to show off their legs. Tights, stockings, and pantyhose are year-round wardrobe staples. Even in the winter, you’ll see plenty of women wearing above-the-knee skirts and stockings.

Photos from Fashionista World and The Sartorialist

Nothing is more European than a scarf and they’re the perfect way to pull an outfit together. A warm and cozy scarf is perfect for the winter, and a light silk or cotton scarf is great for the summer. Want to know how to wear your scarf… check out this guide from Scarves.net

Photos from HIP Paris and Toronto Girl West

Trench Coats

A classic trench coat is a chic way to look amazing during those cold and rainy European winters.

It’s In The Bag 

Whether it’s a tote, messenger bag, or purse, you can’t leave the house without a cute bag. A bag is a great accessory for adding a little extra color or style to an outfit.

Tip: Thwart pickpockets by making sure your bag has a zipper. Learn more about Pickpockets in Europe .

Photos from Kayture and Vanessa Jackman

Get In Touch With Your Feminine Side  

European women are not afraid of embracing their femininity. They wear silk, lace, and other fine fabrics. So break out those feminine, flowy dresses on a sunny summer day.

Neutral Like Switzerland

While it isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, many Europeans tend to dress in dark and neutral colors. Of course, you’ll see plenty of colors so don’t feel like you need to dress like you’re at a funeral — but when in doubt, choose neutral colors.

And dressing in neutrals also makes packing for travel easier since everything you bring coordinates.

Easy On The Makeup

I find that European women prefer a natural look when it comes to applying cosmetics. They’ll just use the basics and don’t overdo it. But the one thing they seem to love is lipstick — especially the Parisians. Bright red lipstick is a favorite and you’ll see women wearing it all around the city.

Check out my Guide To  Skincare, Makeup and Beauty Essentials For Travel for more insight into my travel skincare routine.

Cool Shades

I was always amazed at the eyewear that Parisians were sporting — And they almost always wore designer frames. Thick 70s-style frames are a classic choice. I love my Warby Parker sunglasses if you’re looking for something stylish and affordable.

Never Sweats or Running Shoes

In Paris, I never saw Parisians wearing sweats and running shoes in public — unless they were actually exercising. It was only the tourists who wore them around. Just don’t do it.

That said, there is nothing wrong with fashionable sneakers! In fact, you’ll see plenty of European women sporting Nike, New Balance, Adidas, etc.

Check out our guide to travel shoes for some examples of fashionable and comfortable sneakers.

Where To Find Fashion Inspiration

I’ve found that the best way to see European style is by browsing popular European fashion retailers. Below are a few high-end and budget retailers that I’ve used for fashion inspiration.

• H&M – This popular Swedish retailer has locations all across the world. Their clothes aren’t great quality but they are cheap.
• APC – A trendy French brand that has high-quality, classic items. They have great jeans. They are expensive.
• Zadig & Voltaire – Another high-end trendy French brand.
• The Kooples – Have money to burn? The Kooples is one of the hottest designer boutiques.
• Mango – A Spanish company that has trendy and fairly inexpensive items.
• Zara – Another popular fashion retailer from Spain. They are known for being affordable and keeping up with the trends.
• ASOS – This UK retailer is popular with European teens and twenty-somethings.
• Kookai – This French fashion label is popular in the 20- to 40-year-old demographic.
• Galeries Lafayette  – The Galeries Lafayette is the most fabulous department store in Paris. They carry almost every luxury and high-end fashion brand. Their website is all in French, but they have a huge selection of the latest fashions — everything from $8000 Dior bags to $50 Levis jeans.

Practical Packing & Travel Fashion Tips

As you’ve probably figured out, looking fashionable while traveling is never easy because you don’t have a lot of room in your luggage to pack much clothing. So, unless you have a team of people to carry around your luggage, you’re going to be picky about what you bring. That’s why in this section you’ll find some practical packing tips for staying fashionable while traveling in Europe and I’ll include some recommended travel clothing.

For more in-depth packing tips check out our Travel Europe Packing List for a ton more information.

Try Packing Light

Being fashionable and packing light doesn’t always mix but it’s important to be smart about what you pack because lugging a huge suitcase around Europe is a terrible experience. Of course, if you take taxis everywhere then things become easier.

I’m not saying you absolutely need to limit yourself to a carry-on size piece of luggage but you’ll be happier without a monster-sized suitcase.

General Clothing Tips

• For example, one shirt can match three pairs of pants/skirts. The idea is that you can bring fewer individual items but still have many outfits.
• Solid, neutral colors are easier to match so consider items like that.
• Limit “One Off” Items: It’s fine to pack someone that you’re only going to wear once or twice but you’ll want to limit this to avoid overpacking.
• Low Maintenance Clothing:  Travel can be tough on clothes so try avoiding things with special washing instructions — like dry-clean only.
• Accessorize: Simple things like scarves or a necklace is an easy way to change up your wardrobe.
• Buy Something in Europe:  Europe is home to amazing shopping so you can always buy more clothes when you’re traveling.

Recommended Travel Clothing and Brands for Women

There are a number of brands that make clothing specifically for travel. They use special fabrics that are durable, resist wrinkles, help prevent odors, and are also fashionable.

Travel Tops, Dresses, and Bottoms Brands

It’s hard to find fashionable travel clothing but these brands offer some cute options (although some of the stuff still looks a little “outdoorsy” so you might need to search a bit). Will you look like you’re shopping at Dior? No. But you won’t look like you’re hiking a mountain or just coming back from yoga class.

• Bluffworks Women : Bluffworks is one of the leaders in fashionable and functional traveling clothing. They have a nice selection of pants, dresses, and shirts.
• Athleta : Athleta has really stepped up their travel clothing and they have a lot of solid options. Some of their offerings feel like yoga clothes but there are some non-yoga choices.
• Lululemon : Lululemon has a number of good travel clothing options. Again, many of their options look a little too “athleisure” but there are some nice-looking choices.
• Prana : Prana is a company that has traditionally made outdoorsy clothing but they’ve recently started making more fashionable items.
• Anatomie : Anatomie has a bunch of higher-end clothing that looks really nice.
• Uniqlo : Uniqlo always has a few great travel clothing options that are friendly on your bank account. Their stock is always changing so be sure to check them out.

Travel Socks and Underwear

• SmartWool Socks  – I love my SmartWool socks. I wear them all the time. They have a wide range of socks available (from lightweight to heavyweight). SmartWool also makes  Hide and Seek Socks  and  Secret Sleuth Socks  which are great “no show” socks.
• Darn Tough Socks  – Made in Vermont, this brand of really nice socks will last for years. They get great reviews.
• ExOfficio Underwear — I’ve been a fan of ExOfficio underwear for a few years because they’re functional and they have some fairly cute options.
• SmartWool Underwear — I also have a few pairs of Smartwool underwear and it’s a great option if you prefer natural fabric (rather than synthetic like ExOfficio).
• Patagonia Underwear :  Active Hipster Briefs , Barely Hipster Briefs , and Active Boy Shorts are all great options.

Travel Shoes

Ahh, shoes… they’re one the hardest things to pack. I try to limit myself to two pairs but sometimes I take three. It’s impossible to narrow it down to the “best” shoes but I’ll list a few brands/options that I really like. Also, check out our guide to the best travel shoes for more recommendations.

BENSIMON  sneakers are super cute and casual sneakers that are popular in Europe. I’ve seen lots of trendy Parisians wearing them during the summer. These shoes are a bit hard to find in the US but  Superga  and  Keds  both make shoes in a very similar style —so they’re a great alternative that’s also easy to find.

New Balance  is popular all over the world and they make plenty of fashionable sneakers.

Ecco  also makes some surprisingly cute and super comfortable sneakers — especially their  Soft VII shoes .

You’ve probably already heard of  Allbirds  shoes. They’re made of wool — which sounds kind of weird but it actually works well. They are comfortable and you can wear them without socks (one of the benefits of wool is odor prevention). And they are crazy lightweight so they’re easy to pack away.

They’re also cute and come in multiple colors and styles. Check the out via  Allbirds .

Even athletic shoes can be fashionable — check out the  Nike Flex ,  Nike Free ,  New Balance Arishi , and the  Adidas Running  and  Adidas Originals series . All of these are sporty and fashionable.

A nice pair of comfortable flats is a nice option since they take up very little room and they look a little nicer than sneakers. The  Born Julianne  is a pair I own because they look nice, provide decent arch support, and come in multiple colors.

Packing Accessories & Luggage

And once you have all your stuff, it’s time to get it all packed.

First, I love packing cubes because it’s the best way to keep everything organized and they also help keep your clothes wrinkle-free. Check out our guide to Packing Cubes for more details about using packing cubes but my favorite is the Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes .

Next, you’ll need luggage — either a suitcase or a travel backpack. As I mentioned before, you want to make sure you don’t pick something so large that you can’t actually carry it around. Below are a few options that should work well for any trip around Europe.

Check our picks for the best travel backpacks .

Recommended Travel Backpacks

• Osprey Farpoint  and the  Osprey Fairview
• Osprey Porter
• Tortuga Travel Backpack

Rolling Luggage

• Osprey Transporter ,  Osprey Ozone , and  Osprey Sojourn
• TLS Mother Lode Wheeled Duffle
• Eagle Creek Expanse Drop Bottom Wheeled Duffel 32
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30 Ultra-Packable Travel Dresses for Summer

Megan Johnson

Megan is a Senior Editor, SEO for SmarterTravel Media.

Megan started with SmarterTravel Media’s Airfarewatchdog way back in 2008, moved over to FamilyVacationCritic, and finally SmarterTravel in 2021. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Nova Scotia, London, and New York City. She has spent nearly every summer (or at least part of it) on Prince Edward Island. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two young children, and their dog, Indiana Bones (Indy).

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Dresses: They’re easy to pack, they’re a fashion no-brainer, and they can go from casual to fancy even more easily than pants. That’s why they’re my absolute favorite type of clothing for travel. But you have to pack the right dresses for summer travel—versatile, wrinkle-free, and odor-resistant pieces that rock a travel wardrobe. Here are the best travel dresses for everyone.

Travel Sundresses

Stay cool with these sleeveless travel dresses for summer.

Jack Wolfskin Sommerwald Dress

Be prepared for everything from an impromptu beach day to an outdoor dinner on a hot night with Jack Wolfskin’s Sommerwald Dress . This loose-fitting but not shapeless dress is made from a soft and slightly stretchy fabric that won’t cling but allows for plenty of movement (the integrated belt helps give a custom fit). Made from a quick-drying fabric, this dress is perfect for light packers who handwash their outfits in the hotel room sink. Best of all, the Sommerwald Dress has two roomy pockets.

prAna Ayla Dress

PrAna has a great reputation for sustainable threads that embody comfort and style in your day-to-day life. Right now we’re loving this sundress , which can be a staple on both a summer day at home or a sunny day abroad. With functional pockets and a fabric that can move with you, this comfortable dress is a must-buy.

Everlane The Smock Dress

Everlane’s weekend the smock dress is the ultimate breezy vacation dress. The smocked top with slight stretch and extra thick straps make for ultimate comfort. Pair with some lightweight sandals for a day of sightseeing or dress it up with some heels and accessories for a mid-morning brunch look.

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Elan Cover-Up Slipdress

Ideal for a day on the beach, this swingy dress pulls on and off with ease. The light material adds a breezy comfort to a steamy day and keeps you covered from the boardwalk to the oceanfront.

Zella Live in Rib Dress

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, Zella’s Live in Rib dress is built to be the easiest dress you’ll ever take on the road. With no buttons, zippers, or fasteners, this baby effortlessly slips on like your favorite comfy tee. 

Amazon Essentials Tank Swing Dress

Amazon has a slew of awesome summer travel dresses for all kinds of women. This sleeveless number is a casual, everyday jersey dress that works well for layering, and it’s so comfortable that it would make for a great plane outfit even on a long flight.

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VIISHOW Summer Swing Dress

VIISHOW’s summer swing dress is made from a very cool rayon/spandex knit fabric that’s colorful and easy. Wear this, and you can easily go from the plane to dinner without changing.

Match Point Dress

Be ready for adventure with this lightweight Venture Out Dress from Athleta, which beats out all other dresses for function and fashion. Made for running and hiking, with built-in shorts, this is the perfect option for an active vacation. It is also made from recycled nylon, is moisture-wicking, and has UPF 50+ protection.

Travel Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses’ longer length protects you from the sun and offers an elegant look, without making you overheat.

REVOLVE Rain Maxi Dress

You won’t believe how unbelievably breezy and cool the Rain Maxi Dress is until you try it on. Made with a trendy thigh-high front slit and an easy pullover design, you can throw this on and be at the beach in seconds.

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Loveappella Maxi Dress

This maxi dress is so perfect for travel that you’ll want to buy one in each of the five colors that it comes in. The jersey fabric is cool, lightweight, easy to pack—and extremely comfortable.

Hard Tail Easy Paloma Dress

Crafted with a blend of cotton and spandex and featuring above-the-knee slits on either side, this sleeveless maxi is a comfortable alternative to the traditional little black dress. Shaping numerous body types in the most flattering way possible, this one’s hard to resist.

Short-Sleeve Travel Dresses

These short-sleeve travel dresses for summer can go from casual to elegant with the right shoes and accessories.

Pact The Mix Tee Dress

The softness of a T-shirt mixed with the convenience of a sundress come together to create this cute but casual T-shirt dress from pact. Though it’s adorable worn as is, the addition of your coziest cardigan completes this look for your next plane ride.

The 10 Most Comfortable Travel Shoes for 2023

Carve Designs Nellie Linen Dress

Carve Designs Nellie Linen Dress is the perfect multifunctional outfit to pack for vacation. Paired with your favorite sandals , this dress is ideal for a a casual day exploring your destination. Pair it with something a little more upscale and you’re ready to head out for the night. 

JollieLovin Women’s T-Shirt Dress

JollieLovin Women’s t-shirt dress has an easy-to-wear, casual silhouette that works with sneakers or sandals. Wear it as is or cinch it with a fashionable tie or belt to dress it up.

eShakti Cotton Knit Midi Wrap Dress

Don’t you hate it when you find a dress off the rack that’s great—except it fits weird? That will never be the case at online retailer eShakti , where you can customize clothing to your specifications. Best of all, it’s shockingly cheap—check out the Cotton Knit Midi Wrap Dress , which is perfect for travel thanks to its cotton/spandex jersey knit fabric.

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Modest Travel Dresses

These modest travel dresses for summer are ideal for visiting destinations where you want to be covered up, but still cool.

Karen Kane V-Back A-Line Maxi Dress

If you’re looking for a modest staple piece, this dress is for you. Truly bringing it back to basics with a soft jersey material and t-shirt fit, you can dress it up or down according to the occasion. For chillier evenings or further coverage, pair with a cozy cardigan or shawl .

Floral Print Puff Sleeve Dress

A quintessential midi with elbow-length sleeves is a classic that will never go out of style. Choosing to keep it modest without the extra lengthy bulkiness is a true plus—you will stay cool all day and won’t have to worry about making much room in your carry-on.

Caslon Long Sleeve Midi Shirtdress

This long-sleeve option is the epitome of a modest summer dress. The olive green color is vibrant enough for daytime but easily transitions to a classy night look.

11 Travel Clothes That Feel Like Pajamas (But Look First Class)

Grecerelle Long Sleeve Maxi Dress

This maxi dress has long sleeves, a modest neckline, and pockets—what more do you need? It’s also extremely affordable, so go ahead and get one in every color and print available.

Plus-Size Travel Dresses

These travel dresses are specifically designed for plus sizes.

Karen Kane Floral Print Chloe Dress

Bring in the sunshine with this floral dress from Karen Kane. The light polyester/elastane blend and and sleeveless silhouette will keep you cool in warmer weather and allow for an easy transition to evening wear.

Women’s Short Sleeve A-Line Dress – Knox Rose™

The light, breezy fabric and fluttery sleeves and hemline of this dress make it an instant summer staple. It comes in magenta, navy or an orange floral, and, because you can dress it up and down, this one can be worn at any time of the day.

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HBEYYTO Women’s Plus Size Maxi Dress

For those days when all you want is to throw on a cozy t-shirt but still want to feel put together, this is the dress to grab. It’s made from 95% rayon, comes in 18 colors and patterns, and —for the best part—it has pockets.

Floral Tiered Babydoll Minidress

It doesn’t get more casual than this minidress and a well-worn pair of Converse . Join the two with a denim jacket and you’ll be ready to face the day in no time.

Amazon Essentials Cap Sleeve Wrap Dress

Whether you’re heading out on a business trip or a beach vacation, you’ll want to pack this dress by Amazon Essentials . This classic style pairs cap sleeves with a tulip hem and wrap style for a polished look.

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Floerns Women’s Boho Floral Print Off Shoulder Dress

This flowy off-the-shoulder dress shows off your shoulders and legs but still leaves a little mystery. It comes in 23 different colors and patterns and is made from a stretchy rayon, so you can stay comfortable while sightseeing and still show off your fashion sense.

Rompers and Jumpsuits for Travel

It seems rompers and jumpsuits are becoming more and more popular with each season, and for good reason. These super comfortable and stylish ones are perfect to throw in your suitcase. 

Spanx AirEssentials Short Sleeve Romper

Stay comfortable and stylish in this light-as-air romper from Spanx. Easily dressed up with a cute sandal, it is super versatile, and with four way stretch, you will love wearing it all day long. Available in regular and plus sizes. 

Happy Sailed Women’s Jumpsuit

Get your wallet ready, because you will want this jumpsuit in all the available 41 colors and patterns it comes in. Flowy, breezy and easy to pull on, this may become your newest wardrobe staple. 

18 Things You Should Always Wear on a Plane

Free People Alice One Piece

You’ll stay cool in this free-flowing jumpsuit from Free People. Available in six colors, it can be dressed up with a dressy, strappy sandal , or add a sweater or button down to take it from the daytime heat into cooler nights. 

City Chic First Date Stripe Plus Sized Romper 

This romper from City Chic   is one of those pieces that whenever you wear it, you will proudly announce that it is actually a romper, not a dress. Super chic, with ruffles and a subtle stripe, it’s perfect for any occasion. 

Flovey Harem Jumpsuit 

Stay comfortable and stylish in this harem style jumpsuit from Flovey. Available in ten fun patterns, you will make a statement and stand out from the crowd when you wear this on your next vacation.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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More From Forbes

What you need to know when traveling for taylor swift’s eras tour.

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US singer and songwriter Taylor Alison Swift, also known as Taylor Swift performs on stage at the ... [+] Paris La Defense Arena as part of her The Eras Tour, in Nanterre, north-western France, on May 9, 2024.

Taylor Swift thrilled fans with the addition of performances from her latest album The Tortured Poets Department when she kicked off the European leg of The Eras Tour in Paris on Thursday, May 9, 2024. She jokingly called that section of the show Female Rage: The Musical . Most concertgoers already knew and sang along to every word of all the songs she sang from the album even though it was released just a few weeks earlier on April 19. Such is the power of Swift.

In her long career of riveting live shows, her stunning performance of “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” may very well be her masterpiece so far. Swift is enjoying unprecedented success with her latest albums and tour, which showcase how she can tell a story like no other artist. Both her singing voice and her literary voice are stronger than ever, and it’s joyful to watch Swift embody and embrace her mightiness as a performer.

It's no wonder many fans are willing to travel hundreds or even thousands of miles for the chance to see Taylor Swift perform live. Since tickets sold out so quickly for the few remaining U.S. tour dates and resellers are aware of the intense demand, some fans discovered it was more doable to attend one of her international shows.

So, many fans in the U.S. and other countries have decided to make a vacation out of going to The Eras Tour in Europe this summer. If you are among them, here’s some advice on how to make the most of your international adventure.

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PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 09: Taylor Swift performs onstage during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at La ... [+] Defense on May 09, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management )

Consider Your Lodging and Transportation Choices First

Before buying a ticket, be sure that you will have accommodations available. If you can book a hotel that’s within walking distance of a stadium and know the area is safe, that is ideal. Otherwise, check bus and train schedules for the night of your venue, then look at hotels that might be close to bus or train stops.

With tens of thousands of fellow concertgoers leaving at the same time, transportation can get tricky. If you book a room that’s farther from the venue, try to get a rental car instead of vying for a taxi or rideshare after the show. If you do that, just be sure parking will be available. You may need to buy a parking pass from the venue.

Also be aware that hotel room prices skyrocket when Swift is in town because there is such a high demand. If you are renting a car and don’t mind a longer drive, you can save a lot of money by booking a hotel room that’s a longer drive from the venue.

Enjoy The Moment

Amy Wilkinson, a 49-year-old Swiftie from Tucson, AZ, went viral in December 2023 for her reenactments of The Eras Tour performances using Elf on the Shelf dolls. She posted them to her Instagram, @Tswizzle_Momma , and found thousands of people watching each time she posted her videos. Like many other Swifties in the US, she is flying to Europe for The Eras Tour.

Wilkinson told me she had this advice for fellow fans going to the show abroad, “Enjoy the entire experience, from the moment you get on the plane until the morning after. You may be going for the concert, but the memories are made in the details. See the sights. Enjoy the food. Meet other Swifties. This is at the heart of what international travel is about.”

Make The Friendship Bracelets

Rebecca Bartley, a Swiftie from Nova Scotia, Canada, is going to Sweden to see The Eras Tour. She advises bringing friendship bracelets to share with fellow concertgoers on the night of your show. Wilkinson suggested making friendship bracelets in the language of the country where you’ll be seeing the show.

MARINA DEL REY, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: A Taylor Swift fan, friendship bracelet detail, attends the ... [+] opening night theatrical release of "Taylor Swift : The Eras Tour" at AMC Marina Marketplace 6 on October 13, 2023 in Marina del Rey, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)

It’s easy to learn how to make friendship bracelets. I had never dabbled in making jewelry before, but now I find great joy in creating friendship bracelets. I created dozens and handed them to fans at The Eras Tour movie.

To make friendship bracelets, I start by choosing the colors I want and which word or phrase I want the bracelet to express. Then I choose colorful beads and pick out all the necessary letter beads.

Next, I cut off elastic string. I find it’s best to use Stretch Magic elastic string because of its strength and durability. To make the bracelets, I cut off a piece of string that’s twice as long as I need so that there is ample room for cutting and tying multiple knots.

Then I tape one end of the string to my workspace, string the beads I have set aside until I feel like the bracelet is complete. Being careful to not let any of the beads slide off the string, I then wrap it around my wrist to see how it fits and then consider whether I am making the bracelet for a wrist that’s likely larger or smaller than mine. (Also, with elastic string, there’s room for a flexible fit.) I adjust accordingly.

As a last step, I make four to five knots in the string to tie off the bracelet. Many fans choose to add a dab of fabric glue to the end of the knot, but I found that got really messy and wasn’t necessary if you make multiple knots. Then I tuck the knots into one of the beads so that it doesn’t show on the bracelet. Then the bracelet is concert-ready!

Keep in mind that there are a lot of other ways to make friendship bracelets that are for more involved and creative that mine. And, if the idea of making friendship bracelets doesn’t sound fun to you, don’t worry. You can buy premade friendship bracelets on Etsy. Some Etsy shops like RainFoxx13 and BonniesBracelet have elaborate, beautiful friendship bracelets that you may want to keep for yourself. Others sell packs of friendship bracelets in bulk.

If you don’t want to trade friendship bracelets, that’s okay, too. The Swiftie community is accepting and supportive, and you still may get several bracelets as gifts.

What To Wear To The Eras Tour

There are no rules for what you should wear to Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour beyond the guidelines from the venue. Some fans go casual, and others choose to dress to the nines for the show. Some fans choose to wear merch from Taylor Swift’s official store . Many fans choose to dress up in costumes inspired by Swift’s songs and lyrics.

With the release of The Tortured Poets Department and its video “Fortnight,” some fans are choosing to imitate some of her looks from the video. Others are wearing their interpretation of the incredible costumes she wears during The Eras Tour concert. Others look at past eras for inspiration. You are likely to see every era represented in fan costumes at a show.

What You Should Bring To The Eras Tour In Europe

Wilkinson advised me that the number one thing to bring is a portable phone charger. If you plan on recording video and taking photos, your phone’s battery may die down quickly, and a phone charger can ensure you can keep capturing the memories all night.

Earplugs are a good idea if you’re sensitive to loud noise. If you’re bringing kids along, they are a must. They ensure you can enjoy the music while protecting your ears.

Bring along a cardigan or jacket. Layering is a good idea for a concert during the summer. Although it may be hot in the stadium, you might be chilly on the way home from the show.

You can’t go wrong bringing along hand sanitizer and a travel pack of tissues. Even if you can get through “All Too Well” without tearing up, you may cry at the sheer excitement of the experience. It can be intense in the best way.

If you have tickets that are far back, bring along binoculars to see close-up details.

What To Avoid At The Eras Tour

Don’t come to the stadium with a big bag. If you haven’t attended stadium concerts before, you may not know that you need to carry a clear bag if you want to bring a purse. It also has to fit within the measurements allowed in the stadium, so you can’t just buy a clear backpack and expect to get in the show. Check with your show’s venue to make sure you follow their rules for what you can bring.

What Are The Dates Of The Eras Tour 2024 In Europe?

Taylor Swift started the European leg of The Eras Tour in Paris on May 9, 2024. Here are all the dates for The Eras Tour that are scheduled for the rest of 2024.

Thursday, May 9, 2024 – París La Défense Arena - Paris, France

Friday, May 10, 2024 - París La Défense Arena - Paris, France

Saturday, May 11, 2024 - París La Défense Arena - Paris, France

Sunday, May 12, 2024 - París La Défense Arena - Paris, France

Friday, May 17, 2024 – Friends Arena - Stockholm, Sweden

Saturday, May 18, 2024 - Friends Arena - Stockholm, Sweden

Sunday, May 19, 2024 - Friends Arena - Stockholm, Sweden

Friday, May 24, 2024 - Estádio da Luz – Lisbon, Portugal

Saturday, May 25. 2024 - Estádio da Luz – Lisbon, Portugal

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 - Estádio Santiago Bernabéu – Madrid, Spain

Thursday, May 30, 2024 - Estádio Santiago Bernabéu – Madrid, Spain

Sunday, June 2, 2024 - Groupama Stadium - Lyon, France

Monday, June 3, 2024 - Groupama Stadium - Lyon, France

Friday, June 7, 2024 - Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Saturday, June 8, 2024 - Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Sunday, June 9, 2024 - Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Thursday, June 13, 2024 - Anfield Stadium - Liverpool, United Kingdom

Friday, June 14, 2024 - Anfield Stadium - Liverpool, United Kingdom

Saturday, June 15, 2024 - Anfield Stadium - Liverpool, United Kingdom

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - Principality Stadium - Cardiff, United Kingdom

Friday, June 21, 2024 - Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom

Saturday, June 22, 2024 - Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom

Sunday, June 23, 2024 - Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom

Friday, June 28, 2024 - Aviva Stadium - Dublin, Ireland

Saturday, June 29, 2024 - Aviva Stadium - Dublin, Ireland

Sunday, June 30, 2024 - Aviva Stadium - Dublin, Ireland

Thursday, July 4, 2024 - Johan Cruijff Arena - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Friday, July 5, 2024 - Johan Cruijff Arena - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Saturday, July 6, 2024 - Johan Cruijff Arena - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 - Stadion Letzigrund Zurich - Zürich, Switzerland

Wednesday, July 20, 2024 - Stadion Letzigrund Zurich - Zürich, Switzerland

Saturday, July 13, 2024 - San Siro Stadium - Milan, Italy

Sunday, July 14, 2024 - San Siro Stadium - Milan, Italy

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 - Veltins-Arena - Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Thursday, July 18, 2024 - Veltins-Arena - Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Friday, July 19, 2024 - Veltins-Arena - Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 - Volksparkstadion - Hamburg, Germany

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - Volksparkstadion - Hamburg, Germany

Saturday, July 27, 2024 - Olympiastadion - Munich, Germany

Sunday, July 28, 2024 - Olympiastadion - Munich, Germany

Thursday, August 1, 2024 - PGE Narodowy - Warsaw, Poland

Friday, August 2, 2024 - PGE Narodowy - Warsaw, Poland

Saturday, August 3, 2024 - PGE Narodowy - Warsaw, Poland

Thursday, August 8, 2024 - Ernst-Happel-Stadion - Vienna, Austria

Friday, August 9, 2024 - Ernst-Happel-Stadion - Vienna, Austria

Saturday, August 10, 2024 - Ernst-Happel-Stadion - Vienna, Austria

Thursday, August 15, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Friday, August 16, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Saturday, August 17, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Monday, August 19, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Friday, October 18, 2024 – Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida, United States

Saturday, October 19, 2024 - Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida, United States

Sunday, October 20, 2024 - Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida, United States

Friday, October 25, 2024 – Caesars Superdome – New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Saturday, October 26, 2024 - Caesars Superdome – New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Sunday, October 27, 2024 - Caesars Superdome – New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Friday, November 1, 2024 – Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Saturday, November 2, 2024 - Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Sunday, November 3, 2024 - Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Thursday, November 14, 2024 – Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Friday, November 15, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Saturday, November 16, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Thursday, November 22, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Friday, November 22, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Saturday, November 23, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Friday, December 6, 2024 – BC Place – Vancouver, Canada

Saturday, December 7, 2024 - BC Place – Vancouver, Canada

Sunday, December 8, 2024 - BC Place – Vancouver, Canada

For more information about the forthcoming shows, see the tour page of Taylor Swift’s official website .

How To Get Taylor Swift Tickets In 2024

Tickets have already gone on sale for the rest of the currently confirmed dates of The Eras Tour for 2024. However, you can get secondhand tickets from resellers. It’s usually not a good idea to buy from individuals in Facebook groups offering to sell tickets. That’s hard to verify, and many are scammed that way. Instead, check with the individual venue to see how their resell process works. It varies throughout Europe depending on the country and the individual stadium.

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