A Realistic Packing List For a European Summer Vacation
Summer is upon us, and I’m sure we all have our European vacations booked! However, you may not be sure exactly what to bring, especially since you don’t want to be lugging around a large suitcase along those narrow, cobblestone streets. Most summer capsules and travel outfit inspo from influencers I’ve seen aren’t very realistic. A blazer and suit pants for every look? A different dress for each evening? Talk about space wasters and sweat inducers! Because of this, I decided to put together a mini summer vacation capsule that includes items you most likely already own or items that have been in style for a while and probably will continue to be for some time.
With this list, I focused on versatility, breathability, and comfort while still looking chic in your clothes. If you click on the image above, it will take you to a PDF that has each item already linked to the shopping page if you click on the piece you’re interested in (and no, I don’t make commission from these links or purchases ;)). Each item can be mixed and matched so you can take full advantage of your items and have a fresh look each day! I kept the bags and shoes minimal, as they take up the most space and you only really need three pairs to cover all your bases.
To reduce decision fatigue and maximize matching, I recommend choosing three main colors and two base colors. In mine, I chose pinks, blues, and greens as the main theme, with black and cream as the base. Feel free to choose a color scheme based on your preferences and/or based on the items you already have in your closet before buying new items!
Here’s what’s on my recommended capsule:
A long linen button up shirt in a main color. This can be used as a beach cover up, on it’s own with bottoms, or layered over on top of your other items in case the sun is too strong or you want to add dimension to your outfits.
A frilly cotton blouse in a main color. You can use this for dressier occasions or for a chic top on an outing.
A short sleeve cotton lace detail blouse in a main color. This can easily be dressed up or down and looks fantastic with all bottoms all while protecting your shoulders from the sun.
A striped cotton t-shirt in a combo of a main color and a base color. This adds versatility while being effortlessly chic if you need an option for a more physical outing.
A knitted muscle tank in a shade of a main color. Chic but simple, this top is breathable and about as versatile as it gets! The texture elevates the simple top so it looks more expensive than it is, and can be easily dressed up or down and layered if needed.
A knitted and fitted halter top in a base color. This top can be used for a night out, to a fancy restaurant, or just walking around the city. It’s stretchy and breathable, so you feel comfortable all day. Having a cute top in a base color makes it easier to put together a fancy or monochromatic outfit.
A cropped fitted tank in a main color. A simple but cute option for days where you need something sportier or that can be easily layered with your linen shirt.
A crocheted, short sleeve top in one base color. Super chic, extremely timeless, and can act as a swim cover up or on it’s own!
A crocheted tank top in the other base color. Allows for ultimate monochromatic matching or giving an outfit a little extra something with the texture.
Cotton, high waisted shorts in a base color. You only really need one pair of shorts, but the key is to pick something polished and low maintenance.
Pleated elastic-waist palazzo pants in your dark base. Stretchy pants that can easily be worn to the beach or to a fancy dinner are underrated. These pants are flattering and comfortable and go with just about anything!
A simple, black, two-piece bikini. These never go out of style, and the top can be used as a shirt for those ultra hot days!
A red one-piece bikini with a shoulder detail. Ultra cute, and can be worn with any of your bottoms after your beach time as a very pretty bodysuit.
Cotton jeans in a light wash. You never know when things will get chilly at night and they make a great option for those cold airplane flights back and forth.
A side-slit mini skirt in a main color. This gives you a feminine option if you want to dress up or wear with the t-shirt and sneakers for a comfortable sight-seeing outfit that isn’t boring.
A ribbed, one shoulder elastic dress in black. Every trip needs a little black dress! The key with this one is that it is extremely comfortable, has a built-in bra, and the ties make it adjustable for your torso. It looks super fancy with minimal effort, and can be worn around the city or to a fancy dinner. All you have to do is swap out the shoes!
I added two belts to the list for versatility and the ability to change up your outfits in a super easy way! One is in a base color and the other is in one of my main colors. Don’t be scared to experiment with the width and texture of the belts your bring to add dimension to any outfit.
For shoes, you need one comfortable pair of sandals in a main color, a pair of sneakers in the lighter base color, and a kitten heel sandal in your darker base color. I highly recommend Tevas and Rothy’s for very comfortable options with plenty of colors to choose from! I wore my midform Tevas all over Europe and not once did my feet complain. They’re so perfect for trips because they’re comfortable, dry quickly, can be used in the showers at the hostel and at the beach. I don’t recommend high heels in general, though. It’s difficult to walk on the cobblestone streets with anything higher than a kitten heel.
For bags, I included three items that will serve pretty much all your needs! My favorite bag company is Baggu because their prints are fun, everything is machine washable, and it’s all quite durable and easy to pack. Their duck canvas tote is very comfortable to carry on your shoulder all day and fits everything you need. I use it as a day pack and my personal item on flights. Their Baby Baggu bags fold up super tiny and can carry heavy loads. I keep one with me at all times in case I need a bag for purchases during the day or to carry items to the beach. And finally, the black Mini Nylon bag is super cute and is the perfect going out bag that doesn’t take too much space! Think Prada nylon purse but much more affordable.
Lastly: two pairs of sunnies! They’re an easy way to spice up an outfit. Try to get them in different silhouettes, as well as one in your base color and the other in a main color.
I like this capsule because the combinations are endless with just these pieces alone! Plus, keeping the colors within a color scheme allows you to easily create chic combinations that look fresh for each day.
And while I still have you here, let me put a list for you of things I found to not be great when packing:
Avoid linen bottoms! They seem like a good idea, but it’s a trap. They stretch out and wrinkle considerably while wearing, so you end up with pants you either need to steam or wash every time to keep the shape. Sturdy cotton is always best.
Bodysuits are not fun. You have to wash them after every wear for sanitary reasons, and going to the bathroom in public is always a pain. It’s best to leave them at home.
You really only need one, maybe two dresses max. They take up a lot of space in your luggage, and it’s harder to make many outfit combinations while on vacation.
Don’t bring physical books. I’ve never had a chance to read on vacation, and they are so bulky! If you still want to read, bring a kindle or download on your phone. But chances are you’ll be too busy enjoying the sights of your destination :).
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