It’s officially the time of year where it feels like half the Australian population flocks to the northern hemisphere to escape the gruelling winter months. And if you’ve stumbled across this article, I’m going to take a pretty healthy guess you’re doing some last-minute packing and planning for your Euro summer essentials.
Preparing for your Euro Summer holiday is so much more than booking your flights, hotels and activities. While you want to bring all your creature comforts from home, you’re limited by the 30-or-so-kilos your airline allows you for your check-in, and a measly seven kilo carry-on. And whittling down your wardrobe to the absolute essentials is no easy feat.
As someone who has come and gone on her dream European holiday (and is in dire need of another), I’m here to help. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide on how to pack the perfect euro summer essentials, from your wardrobe down to your accessories.
How to Nail the Perfect Euro Summer Wardrobe
Plan Your Outfits in Advance
My biggest piece of advice is to plan your outfits in advance. I know this is easier said than done, especially if you’re travelling for months at a time, but this will save you from panicking and shoving items blindly in your suitcase that you’ll never wear. Luggage space is precious, so treat it with respect.
There are a few ways to approach this:
- You can try on outfits, take photos of them and pack them as you go so you have an easy reference point when you’re not sure what to wear when you’re overseas.
- You pack a good mix of core basics that are easy to mix-and-match, so you have a vast amount of outfit options to pull together. Don’t forget to pack a couple bolder statement pieces for when you want to look a little dressier.
- Use outfit-planning apps to digitise your wardrobe and select your outfits that way. My absolute favourite is ALTA (it’s free and far easier to use than other closet apps I’ve tried), but my friend loves piecing her outfits together on Canva.
Consider Fabrications
The most important factor when it comes to picking pieces for your Euro Summer wardrobe is fabric composition. Europe is hot (depending where you go), and with the heatwave in Italy and the South of France right now, you don’t want to be caught sweating bullets because you didn’t consider what your clothes were made of, only how they look.
Steer clear of satin and polyester fabrics, as these trap body heat. Linen will be your best friend (yes, it creases, but you can iron or steam it), as well as lightweight cotton and Tencel.
Decide What Treatments You’re Getting Done Pre-flight
We all have our beauty treatments that we enjoy getting done so we can feel our best on holiday. Whether it’s nails, hair or lashes, book them in advance so you’re not scrambling to get organised two days before your flight.
If you’re frizz-prone or a curly girl like myself and you’re worried about how your hair is going to hold up in the Mediterranean’s humidity, you might want to consider getting a straightening or anti-frizz treatment done. I brought my entire curly hair routine with me over to Europe, and it took up a hefty amount of luggage space and weight. While I was over there, I couldn’t be bothered doing the whole two-hour process, because I wanted to be out exploring.
I recently discovered the SLK B7 Nanoplasty Treatment from Xb1 Professionals, an organic biotin salon treatment that smooths frizz and makes styling far easier when travelling. It’s designed to deliver customised results, whether you’re looking for a sleek, straight finish or want to maintain and enhance your natural curls. This advanced formula helps smooth frizz, boost shine, and make styling effortless, keeping your hair looking polished through humid days, long-haul flights, and busy sightseeing schedules.
You can help maintain it with the SLKY Shine Argan Oil Spray, a travel-friendly bottle to keep your hair looking sleek and shiny.
What To Pack For Europe: X Pieces That Are Shopping Editor-Approved
Crocs Getaway Platform Flip
RRP: $55.99 (usually $79.99). Shop here.
This has been the go-to sandal for Euro Summer travellers for the past few years (Crocs, who knew?!). Since they’re made of rubber, they’re extremely comfortable to walk in all-day long, and thanks to their chunky platform design, can easily be worn as a going-out shoe to restaurants and bars come nighttime.
All For Mimi Tank Top
RRP: $59. Shop here.
I reached for my tank tops almost every single day while I was in Europe. They’re a great way to balance out the looser bottom half of an outfit and maintain a flattering silhouette, while also keeping airflow around the armpits and chest. All For Mimi’s tanks have recently become my go-to; affordable, buttery soft, with a scooping neckline and supportive straps that mean you don’t have to wear a bra (which is a huge bonus when you’re in a hot environment).
Oxford Margot Stretch Linen Pant
RRP: $95.40 (usually $199). Shop here.
Where you’re travelling across Europe will determine how many pairs of pants you bring, but if you’re sticking to the hotter regions, I suggest bringing one pair of linen pants, just in case there’s any slightly chillier nights, or if you want to dress up any outfits with a longer silhouette without overheating.
Dr Denim Ziggy Mini Skirt
RRP: $110. Shop here.
While I don’t typically reach for my denim mini skirt at home, I found myself styling it most days on my trip — it’s the ultimate Euro summer essential. Because it’s structured, it doesn’t cling to your legs, and it also has a shape that works with both form-fitting and looser tops.
DISSH Annabel White V-Neck Top
RRP: 129.99. Shop here.
For the days where you don’t want to feel anything on your skin, DISSH’s Annabel Top is an aesthetic reprieve. Style it with a black maxi skirt or with the matching shorts for an effortless cool-girl vibe.
VRG GRL Aftersun Linen Mini Dress
RRP: $155. Shop here.
The Aftersun Mini Dress was made for traversing the Mediterranean seaside, shopping at local markets and sipping Aperol Spritzes with your girlfriends.
Blanch Wear Ruby Capri
RRP: $160. Shop here.
These capris and the streets of Florence are a match made in heaven. Styled with a basic white tank top (see above) and a platform sandal or comfy sneaker, they’re a subtle-yet-chic nod to the easygoing lifestyle Italians aspire to have. Made from a lightweight linen, they’re the perfect capri/culotte hybrid if you want to keep cool and steer clear of mini shorts.
DISSH Tahlia Bitter Choc Linen Blend Maxi Dress
RRP: $199.99. Shop here.
If you’d rather a maxi dress, DISSH is one of my go-to brands for quality, reasonably priced options. The pleat detailing and drop waist of the Tahlia Bitter Choc Linen Blend Maxi Dress adds interest to the relaxed fit. It would look beautiful on a picnic date in Amsterdam or overlooking the Santorini sunset.
Salomon XT-6 Sneaker
RRP: $239.99 (usually 299.99). Shop here.
Notice how I haven’t mentioned heels in this packing list? It’s because no matter how much you think you’ll wear them, you won’t — especially with all the cobblestones in Europe. All you need is a comfortable pair of sandals and sneakers that you can spend all day walking in. My favourite brand right now for sneakers is Salomon. Comfortable, reliable and built for enduring long days of walking, I’ve never gotten blisters in these bad boys.
Silfira Riva Huggies
RRP: $290. Shop here.
Don’t bother bringing a jewellery box filled with different pieces — you won’t get around to wearing them. My biggest tip to save time, luggage space and weight is to pick a good quality jewellery lineup you will wear each and every day. A pair that doesn’t tarnish, is water-resistant, and suitable for multiple occasions — something you won’t ever need to take off. Silfira’s Riva Huggies fit that brief perfectly. Crafted in 14k gold vermeil, they’re designed to be dressed up or down for everyday wear, and lightweight, so they’re comfortable for all-day wear.
Concept Fleet Belt Bag
RRP: $330. Shop here.
Similar to jewellery, I strongly advise you take one all-rounder bag that will serve you throughout your trip. It needs to be big enough to fit the essentials you need while exploring, but also sleek enough that you can take it out with you at night. My current obsession is Concept Fleet’s Belt Bag, a versatile studded suede number that comes with two straps: an everyday suede cross-body option and a dressier beaded strap to turn it into a shoulder bag.
Remember, you’re bound to buy things overseas, so by overpacking, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Be prepared, and you won’t have any reason to stress — or any fashion emergencies.
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