by Isla Monroe
Okay, let’s just admit it—packing for a summer trip to Europe is a high-pressure situation. Pinterest has you thinking you need to dress like a French It girl who casually lives off espresso and mysteriously never sweats. Meanwhile, your real life includes school pickups, heat rash, and the kind of budget where Zara counts as a splurge.
But here’s the good news: you can look effortlessly chic in Europe without selling a kidney. These 25 outfit ideas are curated with real bodies, real budgets, and real summer weather in mind. I’ve tested most of them myself—from Paris bakeries to Amalfi staircases—and I pinky promise you’ll feel like that girl, even if your luggage is just a carry-on.
Let’s get into it.
1. Linen Wide-Leg Trousers + Fitted Tank + Oversized Sunnies
This is my “art gallery in Barcelona” look. Linen pants are your BFF in hot, humid weather. I usually pair them with a ribbed tank and gold hoops for easy elegance. Bonus: they’re breezy enough for daytime, but polished enough for a fancy dinner with a view.
Pro tip: tuck the tank in and belt it to define the waist (and look 3 inches taller).
2. Smocked Midi Dress + Espadrilles + Woven Tote
This is what I call “gelato-core.” A smocked midi dress looks feminine without trying too hard. It moves beautifully, hides food babies, and looks chef’s kiss in every photo. Espadrilles are cute and practical for cobbled streets. Grab a straw tote for that European farmer’s market vibe.
3. Oversized White Shirt + Denim Shorts + Leather Sandals
A classic for a reason. The oversized shirt says “I might own a vineyard” and the shorts say “I don’t, but I’m fun.” I usually half-tuck the shirt, throw on a messy bun, and pretend I’m in a Diane Lane movie.
4. Black Slip Dress + Gold Jewelry + Strappy Heels
Perfect for rooftop drinks in Rome or that spontaneous dinner in a Michelin-starred place you didn’t realize was fancy until you got there. A black slip dress is timeless, flattering, and folds up teeny tiny in your suitcase.
Add a red lip, and you’ll look like you planned the whole thing.
5. Floral Mini Dress + White Sneakers + Crossbody Bag
I love this combo for museum days or walking tours. The floral print says vacation, and the sneakers say “I’m here to walk 15k steps without crying.”
6. Cotton Poplin Maxi Skirt + Fitted Tee + Ballet Flats
Romantic but grounded. I wore this outfit in Florence, and an older woman complimented me in Italian. Did I understand her? No. Did it make my entire week? Absolutely.
7. Matching Linen Set (Shorts + Button Down) + Bucket Hat
Sets make getting dressed foolproof. This one’s comfy, breathable, and looks expensive—even if it’s from H&M. Great for boat days or just pretending you’re on one.
8. Silky Scarf as Top + High-Waisted Trousers + Statement Earrings
A little bold, a little “Pinterest girl summer 2019,” but hear me out—it works. The scarf-as-top trend is flirty and fun when done right. Add tailored pants to balance it out and voila, you’re a magazine cover in Mykonos.
9. Eyelet Blouse + Linen Shorts + Flat Sandals
The texture of eyelet adds instant polish. Great for village exploring or, let’s be honest, wine tasting before noon. Linen shorts keep it light and breathable.
10. Striped Breton Tee + Cropped Jeans + Loafers
French girl uniform alert. There’s something magical about a striped tee in Paris. It’s cliché, yes, but also charming. Tuck it in and finish with a messy bun and red lipstick for full effect.
11. Wrap Dress + Wedges + Straw Hat
This combo is foolproof for garden cafés or beach towns. Wrap dresses are universally flattering and wedges give you that little lift without killing your feet.
Yes, you can wear a hat without feeling ridiculous. It’s Europe. Embrace the drama.
12. Silk Camisole + Pleated Skirt + Dainty Sandals
This is my go-to for “fancy but breathable.” The pleated skirt adds volume and movement, and the camisole keeps it simple and slinky. I love this for evening strolls and aperitivo hours.
13. Tunic Dress + Slide Sandals + Statement Sunnies
Easy, breezy, no-fuss dressing. Great for travel days or exploring small towns. Bonus: tunic dresses double as beach cover-ups.
14. Crochet Top + High-Waisted Shorts + Ankle Strap Flats
Crochet is back, baby. The texture gives major coastal vibes. I’d wear this in Positano while pretending not to be winded by the stairs.
15. Monochrome Set + Chunky Sandals + Oversized Clutch
Monochrome makes everything look elevated. Think a matching olive green tank + skirt or a navy top + culottes. Add chunky sandals and a sleek clutch to nail that “I work in a gallery” aesthetic.
16. Flowy Jumpsuit + Platform Espadrilles + Raffia Accessories
A good jumpsuit is the definition of “effortless chic.” Find one with adjustable straps and a defined waist. I wore mine in Seville and felt like a goddess—despite the 90-degree heat.
17. Boho Maxi Dress + Flat Slides + Layered Necklaces
Ideal for beach towns or lazy brunches. Go for earth tones or muted florals. The flowy silhouette is perfect for hot days and second helpings.
18. Striped Romper + Belt Bag + Canvas Sneakers
Casual but cute. Perfect for travel days or markets. The belt bag keeps your hands free for snacks and souvenirs (the real priorities).
19. Satin Midi Skirt + Graphic Tee + hite Sneakers
One of my favorite ways to mix high/low. The satin skirt adds elegance, the tee keeps it grounded. Bonus if the graphic is in French. Très chic.
20. Knit Tank Dress + Platform Sandals + Hoop Earrings
Knit dresses are body-hugging but not suffocating. They stretch in all the right ways. I call this the “wine bar at golden hour” outfit.
21. Ruffled Blouse + Slim Trousers + Leather Mules
This combo says, “I have dinner reservations but also read books on balconies.” A ruffled blouse feels romantic and pairs beautifully with clean, tailored pants.
22. Gingham Dress + Mary Janes + Hair Scarf
Gingham in Italy? Yes, please. This gives countryside picnic energy but still feels put-together. Add a hair scarf and pretend you’re the main character.
23. Denim Midi Skirt + Off-Shoulder Top + Platform Loafers
The denim skirt is having a renaissance and I’m not mad about it. An off-shoulder top adds softness, while loafers keep things city-walkable.
24. Tube Top + Cargo Pants + Minimalist Sandals
Unexpectedly cool. Great for mixing feminine and utilitarian. Cargo pants are surprisingly breezy and give off that street-style-in-Madrid vibe.
25. Vintage Band Tee + Maxi Skirt + Converse
Okay yes, I had to sneak this one in. It’s very “me” and maybe not classically European, but it works. A soft vintage tee tucked into a flowy skirt hits that sweet spot between edgy and romantic. Bonus points if your band tee is actually thrifted in Prague.
🧳 Packing Tips from a Chronic Overpacker
Now that you’ve got 25 outfit ideas, let’s talk strategy. Because nothing ruins a cute look faster than 70 pounds of luggage and a broken suitcase wheel in a cobblestone alley. Learn from me:
- Pick a color palette: neutrals + 1-2 statement colors.
- Everything should mix & match: try to make at least 3 outfits from each piece.
- Limit your shoes: sandals, sneakers, 1 dressy option. That’s it.
- Roll, don’t fold: more space = more clothes = more cute pics.
- Wear your bulkiest outfit on the plane: thank me later.
💡 Outfit Math for Real Life
You don’t need 25 different outfits, especially if you’re doing a 10-day trip. But having these ideas in your back pocket helps when you’re staring into your suitcase wondering what “Paris chic” even means.
My go-to capsule for a European summer trip:
- 2 dresses (one casual, one dressy)
- 1 midi skirt
- 2 tanks
- 1 button-down shirt
- 1 cute tee
- 1 pair of tailored shorts
- 1 flowy pant
- 1 lightweight sweater or denim jacket
- 1 comfy sandal
- 1 walk-all-day sneaker
- 1 little heel or espadrille
Rotate. Restyle. Rewear. That’s real-life fashion.
💬 Real Talk: European Style Is More Chill Than You Think
I used to panic-pack like I was going to be judged by a panel of Vogue editors at every café. But the truth? European style isn’t about labels or trends—it’s about effortless, intentional dressing. Comfort with personality. Neutrals with a twist.
Also: no one cares if you repeat an outfit. They’re too busy living their best lives.
🛍️ Where I Shop for These Looks (on a Budget)
Because you asked (and because yes, I repeat outfits all the time—just styled differently):
- Zara – for basics with flair
- H&M – linen everything
- ThredUp – my secret for vintage finds
- Abercrombie – surprisingly cute and curve-friendly
- Etsy – for unique scarves and accessories
- Target – don’t sleep on their summer dresses
- Poshmark – for pre-loved gems and designer dupes
- Local thrift stores – always a treasure hunt
☕ Final Thoughts from a Brooklyn Girl Dreaming of a Paris Loft
Whether you’re sipping spritzes in Venice or just wandering around your hometown pretending it’s Santorini, the truth is this: fashion is supposed to be fun. It’s not about dressing for Instagram or chasing trends—it’s about feeling good in your skin, your sandals, and your stories.
So pack the dress. Wear the bold lipstick. Be the main character—even if your kid picked your earrings that day.
I’ll be over here, re-wearing my black slip dress for the third time this week and feeling fabulous anyway.
xo, Isla
