I’m about to be the person you hate: I’m going on holiday to Europe. And while I count down the days until I get on that plane, I’m going to be taking one for the team (read: using my work hours) to plan my European summer outfits. And you’re coming along for the ride.
It feels like the concept of a Euro summer wardrobe has exploded this year. (Cost of living crisis? What cost of living crisis?) We can blame TikTok, of course, where outfit videos are racking up tens of thousands of views. Or we can blame social media in general, where posting like an influencer doesn’t just seem desirable, but downright attainable. Or maybe it’s just that post-pandemic joie de vivre; we were cooped up for three years, and now we’re going balls to the walls.
Whatever the reason is — I’m in.
Below, find my European summer essentials and, my packing dos and don’ts.
ELLE‘s Edit Of The Best Euro Summer Essentials
- Best swimsuit: Hunza, Crinkle One Piece Swimsuit, $329
- Best cotton tank top: Maggie Marilyn, 01 Singlet $95
- Best comfortable sandals: A.Emery, Jalen Slim Leather Sandals $370
- Best sarong: ALÉMAIS, Day Dream Sarong Skirt $330
- Beset carry on: Polène, Cyme, Textured Camel, $840
- Best white t-shirt: Carefree Organic Slim Crew T-Shirt, $41.97
- Best cardigan: Town Cardigan, $99.95
European Summer Wardrobe Dos and Don’ts
It’s easy to get caught up in the fantasy of European outfits without thinking of the practicalities, so here’s a few rules I’m abiding by — with a little help from the fashion experts: Maggie Marilyn founder Maggie Hewitt, Alémais founder Lesleigh Jermanus, and LMND founder Ana Escobar.
DO: Take Your Itinerary Into Account
If your Rome trip includes a visit to the Vatican, make sure you have something to cover up sleeveless arms.
If you plan on walking down every side street in Barcelona, make sure you’ve packed a pair of sneakers. And unless you’re spending three weeks island hopping in Greece, you probably don’t need more than two pairs of swimmers.
“I’m prone to getting cold, even in summer, so I always tie a cashmere cardigan or sweater in a bright colour around my shoulders if we’re having dinner outside,” Maggie told ELLE Australia.
Salomon, XT-6
$300 at The Iconic
Hunza, Crinkle One Piece Swimsuit
$329 at David Jones
Semra, Cotton Cashmere Cardigan
$120 at The Iconic
Marni, Alpaca Logo Scarf
$329 (usually $540) at SSENSE
DON’T: Max Out Your Credit Card To Chase The Influencer Lifestyle
Repeat after me: it’s. not. real.
DO: Shop Your Own Wardrobe First
If you’re anything like us, it’s been a while since the vacay wardrobe was put to good use.
Most of the clothes we’ve bought over the last 12 months have been for work or fitness. It’s quite likely the perfect floaty dress is already hanging in your closet, you just haven’t had a good reason to wear it in a while.
Related Post: Dua Lipa Just Wore An $89 Polka Dot Bikini From This It-Girl Aussie Label
“My three staples for summer packing are a 01 Singlet Mini Dress to wear over bikinis, a silk sarong that I can tie as a bandeau top or mini skirt, and linen,” Maggie continued.
“Wearing black is a big ‘don’t’ for me — you’ve got all year to wear black! Skip it on vacation! And I very rarely check-in luggage, so just taking a carry-on is a big ‘do’ for me. I hate the extra time at the airport and wondering whether my suitcase will make it to the destination, plus it’s nice to just pack a few versatile, beautiful garments and get creative with outfit recipes.”
To finish the look, accessories make all the difference. Swarovski’s Gema crystal strandage — shimmering with 196 prong-set stones in golden yellow and amber — is a standout. Worn solo or layered with matching pieces, it brings a luminous hit of modern glamour to any holiday ensemble.
A.Emery, Jalen Slim Leather Sandals
$370 at Mytheresa
The Attico, Crocheted Mini Dress
$329 at David Jones
Zimmerman, Beach Cover Up
$425 at Mytheresa
Gema Strandage Necklace
$1000 at Swarovski
DON’T: Let Your Wardrobe Get ‘Lost In Translation’
A friend recently introduced this phrase to me, which describes the bonkers clothes you buy when on holiday that you’ll never, ever wear back home. (In other words, put down the harem pants.)
I like to think this concept works the other way, too: don’t buy clothes for an imaginary holiday personality you may or may not acquire once you’ve whipped out your passport. If you’re a jeans and t-shirt girlie, are you really going to become a floaty maxi skirt girlie once overseas? Probably not.
However, the ‘lost in translation’ rule applies to your own personal style, so you can still shop for unique pieces you know you’ll wear again.
“When I travel, I always look out for special pieces to bring home with me, like a sarong or unique accessory, so travelling with basics makes it easier to style my new treasures,” Ana told ELLE Australia.
DO: Aim For Materials That Travel Well
Silk, bamboo, cotton blends and linen will be your friend in the warmest climates.
“Linen is perfect in summer; it doesn’t need ironing, it washes well, and it dries in less than an hour in the sunshine. Fool-proof,” Maggie says.
It’s also a good idea to avoid polyester. While it might be wrinkle resistant-ish, polyster-based fabrics are also water resistant, so your sweat will do nothing but stick to you all day. Leave it behind.
Sara Cristina, Pearl-Embellished Crochet Cotton Shorts
$386 at Net-A-Porter
Macgraw, Vienna Dress in Porcelain Print
$395 (usually $795) at Macgraw
Maggie Marilyn, 01 Singlet
$95 at Maggie Marilyn
ALÉMAIS, Day Dream Sarong Skirt
$330 at ALÉMAIS
DON’T: Pack Clothes Just For The Photo
There are naturally a few aspects of your packing list that you’ll want to cater to getting the shot in every location you travel. For example, ensuring your phone has the battery power to see you through long days and exceptional photo clarity (we love the Oppo Reno13 5G for this as it has in-built AI clarity enhancer for those photos snapped on the go). But catering your clothes to only suit the photo ops isn’t a savvy way to pack.
Yes, that two-piece set might be cute, but can you move in it? Can you walk for five hours a day? Are you buying it for an imaginary vacay, or the one you’re actually having?
Yes, I want to look like Aubrey Plaza in The White Lotus, too. It doesn’t mean her outfits will fit in my suitcase.
DO: Pack The Following
A great pair of jeans, a perfectly cut white t-shirt, a button down shirt (so versatile), a great pair of walking shoes, a swimsuit you feel great in, a hat, a couple pieces of jewellery that go with everything, a light jumper for unexpectedly cool nights, and sunscreen.
“I always pack one of our oversized silk shirt and pant sets,” Lesleigh told ELLE Australia. “It’s such a versatile look, styled up with a heel for dressier occasions but just as easy with a swimsuit and sandals poolside.”
DO: Take A Sturdy Suitcase
When packing for an extended escape, a roomy checked bag isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Think sleek silhouettes, smart interiors, and materials built to go the distance. Enter Samsonite’s Upscape collection: a lightweight, design-forward range that balances form and function with ease. Crafted from ultra-durable polypropylene, it comes in both Carry-On and Check-In sizes and features smooth double wheels, a dual-tube pull handle, and an expandable body for those inevitable extra outfits. The standout detail? A removable, washable interior lining made from recycled PET, because sustainability should be part of your journey, too.
