This article’s recommendations may include affiliate links.
Summer in Europe has somehow become a staple in our household thanks to a calendar full of special occasions – despite the peak prices and large crowds. So, it is safe to say I am an expert at selecting Europe travel outfits to pack in my carry-on.
Each country has its own style, of course, and I visit the warmer parts more often than other regions, but these Europe vacation outfits have the perfect combination of style, comfort, and versatility.
Europe Travel Outfits to Pack
Here’s what I think are the best things for you to pack for a Europe vacation based on my years of experience visiting Europe.
Flowy dresses
Dresses are the easiest to wear for a Europe trip as long as they remain lightweight. You can dress them down with comfortable walking sneakers for a day exploring villages and vineyards, or save them for evening dinners and a night out. Dresses with bold prints are not as common, but I love them and they make for great photos.
Yellow Outfits
I never do it on purpose, but yellow is truly such a great color for summer in Europe. It is not too loud, but still bursts with energy. It also looks great on a variety of skin tones. Hues of butter yellow to a chic gold are all beautiful. Yellow works great in the city, on the coast or river, and in the hills.
Comfortable pants
Although becoming more common, casual shorts aren’t worn as frequently in other cities around the world as much as the United States; definitely pack long pants. Pants and trousers keep you looking sophisticated, but can get hot. Avoid heavy denim and opt for linen and wide leg pants (like palazzo style). Pants are perfect for city looks and dining out.
Lightweight fabrics
Cotton and linen are your best friends when planning your Europe travel outfits. Wear two-piece sets, jumpsuits, and natural fabrics for optimal comfort in destinations with lots of heat and little air conditioning.
Mix & Match Separates
If you are light on space in your carry-on, bring separates that look good as multiple outfits. I love to bring at least 5 base tops and 3 bottoms to create different looks. A favorite is skirts with attached shorts underneath (“skort”), which can be dressed up or down. Here’s an example of my favorite linen white skort; it’s perfect for a nice dinner or a day at a museum like the Louvre.
Shorts with style
Unless you’re at the coast, tourists can be spotted by their casual shorts – especially jorts, cargos, and gym shorts! If you are going to wear casual short styles, pair them with a sleek top, or wear tailored, pleated, or linen shorts. Just leave the gym shorts at the hotel. An outfit like this works comfortably in a city like Lisbon.
Comfortable shoes
Expect to do a lot of walking in Europe. Not your normal 5-10k steps, either. Think 20-30k steps. So that means you truly need good shoes if you want to do something like spend 10 days in Italy.
I enjoy a clean white tennis shoe from a reputable footwear brand like Dr. Scholl’s because they look cute with pants, shorts, or dresses and skirts. I also love my Birkenstocks, but it is not meant for every foot type (and you’ll roll your ankle at least once on the cobblestone). Opt for a shoe with ankle support if needed.
- Expert tip: Europeans lean toward a sleeker shoe silhouette while people from the States often wear bulkier sneakers. Try a lean tennis shoe like Adidas Sambas or Gazelles; or if you have podiatric conditions, try a specialized shoe like Dr. Scholl’s.
Layers for cooler weather
If you are traveling in northern Europe or areas with a cold front (even during summer), you should expect fluctuating temperatures. From gloomy mornings to sunny afternoons and chilly evenings… layers do best. Bring a windbreaker, sweater, and stylish long sleeve tops. This works for places like Iceland, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Norway, and more.
Summer hats
I hate wearing hats but they may be a necessity for long days exploring under the high sun. I am lucky to have large curly hair that acts as shade. Woven hats, fedora styles, and billed caps can help with sun coverage during your trip, especially in the Rivieras.
Tips for Selecting Your Europe Travel Outfits
Before you start packing for your vacation, use this information to confirm your vision. Aspects like the landscape, terrain, and weather will change what you pack.
Choose Your Europe Outfits according to the Landscape
Are you strolling the city streets of London? Sipping wine in Provence villages or along the Douro River from Porto? Exploring fortresses on cobblestoned streets? Is the landscape mostly brown and arid? Or lush and green?
Your Europe travel outfits should consider the landscape you visit. Here are some suggestions below:
Historic destinations:
Comfortable footwear is a non-negotiable when strolling historic districts. Uneven roads and paths will not pair well with cheap slides. Also, opt for modest wear that will cover shoulders/chest/knees in case you plan on visiting places of worship. I always keep a colorful shawl ready.
City destinations:
Well-tailored outfits, sleek lines, and elevated nightlife outfits are best for city destinations. I find casual clothing definitely feels “sloppier” in a chic Parisian neighborhood.
Vineyard, hills, and coastal destinations:
Flowing dresses, airy pants, and natural materials work well in the summer heat while remaining fashionable. This might be my favorite type of clothing but it can take up space in your luggage if too bulky.
Outdoor adventure:
Bring appropriate outdoor wear but in bright colors (for both safety and pretty photos!) The colors you wear matter too, so embrace the color wheel. If you are visiting the rolling hills of Ireland, for instance, don’t pack more green colors – wear red instead.
Choose your Europe Travel Outfits According to the Weather
Not every place in Europe is going to feel like the Almafi Coast or Paris during summer. Some might be colder, or rainier.
When I was in Iceland and Belgium, for instance, it was wet and grey nearly the whole time and I made the mistake of only packing dark blue jeans and a black jacket (which becomes very hard to see in the gloom). Here are some guidelines to consider:
Cloudy and wet weather:
Be sure to bring good water resistant shoes for walking, and elevated sweaters for the evening. A bright-colored windbreaker is perfect for the weather and will elevate your look. A vibrant-colored hat works too! My advice: AVOID BLACK!
Hot & landlocked weather:
Temperatures are high, the wind is non-existent, and there’s no water in sight! Wear lots of light-colored linen and cotton fabrics, and try to incorporate billed hats in your wardrobe.
Coastal weather:
You’ll get the coastal breeze, which is nice, so lightweight dresses and linen palazzo pants work wonders. But cities are on the coast too, so don’t be afraid to mix style and comfort. Bring breathable fabrics and outfits that can live a double life both on the ground and on a pier. Tennis shoes and sandals with good heel and arch support are winners here.
Where to Buy Clothes for Europe
Here are my store recommendations for your shopping journey.
There are a few places I get my clothing from that consistently fit the vibe I’m going for on my Europe vacation. So here is what I recommend:
Rent the Runway:
I get most of my wardrobe from RTR because I have a monthly membership and can rent two 5-piece shipments each month (delivered in a reusable garment bag). For longer trips I pay for a few extra rental pieces too.
Trendy shops:
While I try to avoid fast fashion as much as possible, stores like Zara, Mango, H&M, ASOS, and Amazon have come in handy for basic tops, summery dresses, and wide-legged bottoms. Especially as a tall woman with a larger bust, I have to diversify my options!
International shopping:
The best way to wear European style is to shop in Europe! I leave a bit of room in my bag and enjoy budget friendly places like Monoprix and M&S, or local owned boutiques.
My husband loves shopping at Monoprix and gets so many compliments on his shirts when we return home.
Enjoy your Europe Trip!
I hope this Europe travel outfit guide was useful in helping you plan what to wear while in Europe for the summer. If you keep these tips in mind, you’ll definitely feel comfortable and stylish on your vacation.
Share with your travel crew so they can know what to wear too.
Get Help Planning Your Trip
As a certified travel advisor, I can help you plan and book your next trip. My access unlocks VIP perks, itinerary planning, and more.
