The Best European Summer Outfits For Vacation In 2024

Packing European summer outfits? You landed in the right place.

First off, you made the right choice by booking that flight — it’ll likely be the adventure of a lifetime 🙂

Last June, my boyfriend Dex and I ventured on a two-week trip to Paris, South of France, Barcelona, and Italy. To this day, I still relive those moments (and outfits) in my mind.

As much as I love traveling, honestly what I don’t love is packing. With so many activities, locations, and limited suitcase space, it’s a challenge to plan every look for every day. But after going through the process, the goal of this post is to make it as easy as possible for you to just shop, pack, and go.

Here, you’ll find European summer outfit ideas with the key pieces from floral dresses to two-piece sets, bold jewelry, straw hats, walkable shoes, and more. These are all also practical and comfortable, which is so important since the weather gets hot there in the summer!

Read on for the best practical and chic vacation looks for your next getaway.

The Best European Summer Outfits For 2024

Barcelona Outfits

We took these photos in Barcelona, where we visited Park Güell and Casa Battló. When I was packing, I looked up photos of these spots to find Europe outfits that would match the vibrant background.

I chose a versatile artsy dress to wear during the day and night that goes with Barcelona’s eclectic style (this exact style is the Mariela Dress by ASTR the Label, now on sale). 

This was my second time visiting Barcelona and found that there was still so much to explore. That day, we also went to the Sagrada Familia, the famous church that’s been under construction for over a decade! Fun fact: it’s scheduled to be completed in 2026.

Another look I wore is a fancier red dress by Farm Rio that has a touch of sophistication and it went with the tomato girl summer vibe, a great way to mix in one of the major trends of the summer on social media. I wore this to Casa Battló then dinner at Maná 75 restaurant, which specializes in paella and Catalan dishes — highly recommend! 

Don’t forget sunglasses for beach days and beyond, comfortable sandals to walk around in, and a versatile shoulder bag.

Checklist (more throughout this story):

• Sundresses
• Top Handle Bag

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European Summer Outfits

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It’s amazing how comfy European summer outfits can change the mood. I’m so glad to have packed two-piece sets aka co-ords that didn’t take more than five minutes to get dressed. The top and bottom makes the perfect pairing that’s also easy to walk around the city streets in and explore.

Even when I’m in NYC, two-piece sets in lightweight fabrics are part of my everyday wardrobe during the summer since it’s so versatile. 

• Matching Set
• Crossbody Bag
• Sunglasses

Paris Outfits

When we landed in Paris from New York, I was exhausted from the flight. But since we only had a few days planned in France, I wanted to make the most of every moment and outfit.

This pink tulle bodysuit made for an effortless look paired with stretchy black pants. I wore this to the Musée Yves Saint Laurent which one of my best friends recommended. This outfit could also go well with ballet flats (if only I had more room in my suitcase!).

Another easy yet dressy outfit is a timeless classic metallic dress like the one above. From strolls around the Eiffel Tower to dinner at a chic Parisian café, it’s so versatile.

Oh, and while you’re in Paris, be sure to visit Champs-Élysées, the iconic avenue filled with boutiques, cafés, and more. We went to the Ladurée there for a box of macarons and had them while en route to Provence. 

• Ornate blouse
• Versatile dress

South Of France Outfits

Another must-visit destination if you’re in Europe is La Belugue in the South of France. Read all about the charming 18th-century bed and breakfast (and the owners’ fairytale story) here.

For Provence, easy pieces that you can just throw on and look polished are key for walking around the cobblestone streets. I loved wearing this floral green romper during the day and a pink cotton long-sleeved T-shirt dress during sunset. The photo in the green romper was taken during my birthday and it was truly one to remember. 

​While we were there, we also took a bread making class with the locals in town. It was the best time learning how to roll the dough and bake it along with all the friendly neighbors in the village. I have a new level of appreciation for bread and we enjoyed the fresh loaf for lunch along with other delicious dishes.

• Romper
• Long-sleeved T-shirt dress

A perk of staying at La Belugue is hearing insight on where to go from locals in Provence. The owner was so kind to drive us to the lavender fields nearby. Seeing the fields of purple all around was pure magic.

Here, I wore a sleeveless white floral dress by Free People and carried a cardigan in case of the breeze. I wore it throughout the day for an extra layer of sun protection. Speaking of, one of the most important things not to forget on your European vacation is sunscreen! 

• Cotton dress
• Cardigan
• Sunscreen

Italy Outfits

Our trip also included a visit to the dreamy Amalfi Coast. This place has a coastal charm that’s all about relaxed yet chic beachwear. This lemon dress couldn’t be more fitting since it went with them theme of the decor in Positano and Capri. 

We explored the island’s boutiques where I picked up a beach cover up and took a boat to the Blue Grotto, a sea cave on the coast of Capri. Since the sun’s rays were so strong, I bought a straw hat that day and it was a savior.  

We also went sightseeing around Naples, Italy. Another beautiful spot to check out is The Cloister of Santa Chiara that’s filled with colorful Italian majolica tiles. Adding sundresses to your European summer outfits works perfectly for places like these.

And, of course, bring a pair of comfy and versatile white sneakers!

• Sunhat
• White sneakers

What To Wear In Summer In Europe?

To pack for your European travels, choose clothes that are breathable, lightweight, versatile, and easy to pack. 

Think: breezy sundresses, cardigans, linen pants, and matching sets. 

Since it gets hot in Europe during the summer months, opt for a sunhat and sunglasses. For shoes, choose comfortable styles like sneakers or sandals that you can walk around easily in. 

How To Stay Cool In Europe In The Summer

During our visit to the Amalfi Coast, I actually didn’t feel well after a day in the sun. To make the most of your visit, it’s so important to stay cool from the heat — here are some easy tips:

• Dress for the weather: Wear clothes that are appropriate for the day and your activities. Light fabric pieces and breezy silhouettes are a great choice for the summer. A sunhat also comes in handy since the sun’s rays were so strong. I’d also recommend bringing a light jacket to help shield from the sun and wear if it gets cold. 
  
  
• Seek shade: Take breaks! Likely, you’ll do a lot of walking but make sure to rest in between. Find shaded areas so you’re not in the sun for too long at once during hot days, especially during peak hours. 
  
  
• Keep hydrated: Drink plenty of water or cold beverages to stay cool. 
  
  
• Carry a face mist: One instant way to feel cooler is to spritz on a refreshing face mist, like this aloe, cucumber, and green tea one.

Packing Tips For Your Europe Summer Outfits

• Plan Outfits Ahead: Plan your outfits according to your itinerary. Once the activities are set, I look up each destination and plan a coordinating look. This not only makes it better for outfit of the day photos but also relieves stress since I won’t be scrambling to find a last-minute outfit that day. I can also be more mindful of what feels the most comfortable and appropriate for each place. Here’s how I plan my outfits using my iPad. 
  
  
• Use Packing Cubes: A super easy way to organize your looks is by using packing cubes. I have this set and it makes such a difference in separating your clothes so you know exactly what to wear on each day. You can also categorize items like socks so it’s all in one place.
  
  
• Roll Your Clothes: To save space and help prevent wrinkles from forming, roll your clothes instead of folding them. 
  
  
• Put Heavier Items At The Base: To keep your things in good condition, put your heaviest items at the bottom so it doesn’t crush your more delicate items. For me, the heaviest items I usually pack are my shoes and cosmetics bags.

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