As the winter chill sets in each year, we experience what can only be described as a mass exodus to chase the summer sun with a European holiday.
Despite the cool, dry temperatures here, our Instagram feeds are suddenly flooded with idyllic seaside sunsets complete with spritz’ in hand and rustic cobblestone streets bathed in a warm, golden glow.
If you’re one of the lucky few (hundreds of) people escaping the cold for a European summer, you’ll likely be facing the classic dilemma of what to pack for the holiday ahead.
In the European summer heat defaulting to warm-weather appropriate fabrics and silhouettes like flowing maxi dresses and relaxed trousers in lightweight cottons and linens is a logical choice.
Alas, logic won’t always satiate our sartorial desires. Catering to personal style and curating statement looks should also take pride of place in your limited suitcase space. So, how do you find the balance when packing for European summer?
What To Pack For A European Summer Holiday, According To Experts
Cover all bases. While it’s easy to want to pack the perfect ‘gram worthy outfit for every day of your trip, when you’re walking tens of kilometres a day, comfort will win every time. Think sneakers and sun dresses or shorts and t-shirts.
“I pack things I know make me feel good, are comfortable and that I’ll want to wear multiple times throughout the trip,” Lesleigh Jermanus, Co Founder and Creative Director at ALÉMAIS tells marie claire Australia.
Keeping to the essentials also leaves room for any potential shopping or splurging on special items.
“I’m all about mix-and-matching, curating a wardrobe of perfect basics,” Ana Escobar of LMND tells us.
“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.”
If you’re looking to fill out the gaps in your suitcase ahead of your European summer vacation, scroll on for the best brands to shop.
Euro Summer 2024 Trends
If you’re looking to splurge on some pre-vacation pieces, the latest styles are a must. So what Euro-Summer trends are we seeing in 2024?
“I’m noticing a lot of sheer layering over swimwear,” Bydee founder Dessy Harris tells us. “The look of taking a swimsuit from beach to bar is everywhere.
“Another trend is the “less is more” vibe, with staple crisp white pieces being Euro Summer essentials.”
The Best Brands To Shop For European Summer Holiday Outfits
Johanna Ortiz
Beautiful fabrics are the cornerstone of Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz’ collections. You can expect hypnotic patterns and vibrant colours in billowing silhouettes perfect for wearing poolside or to sunset dinner in Santorini. You can find much of Johanna Ortiz’ pieces in Net-A-Porter’s NET SUSTAIN collection of consciously crafted fashion and accessories.
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Asta Resort
Following its AAFW debut last year, Asta Resort has continued to make waves among fashion’s it-girls, receiving the tick of approval from Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid and Shay Mitchell, to name a few. Their romantic resort and swim wear is made to be worn to Amalfi’s illustrious beach clubs with their latest collection a sea of semi-sheer fabrics and sequined sparkles.
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SAME Los Angeles
The swimwear you take on vacation, particularly to Europe, should make as much of a statement and hold equal gravitas to any other piece of clothing that makes it into your suitcase. Los Angeles label, SAME, founded by stylist and influences Shea Marie, creates show-stopping swimwear (and resort wear) so stunning you’ll want to wear every piece out like its part of your wardrobe—something you may very well do.
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ALÉMAIS
Alemais’ eclectic prints and artisanal focus is inspired by the spirit of adventure—perfect, right? From flowing maxi dresses to relaxed sets, their designs are not only stunning but make for easy wearing while touring the European sites.
“Our classic shirt dress is a packing essential; it is easy to pack and washes really well when you are on the move.”
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Bydee
Take a page out of Alix Earle’s travel book: Bydee makes for the perfect Euro Summer companion. Known for its gorgeous swimwear pieces, the label recently branched out into resortwear, too, so you can shop your entire beach-to-bar ensembles.
SIR
With a focus on creating minimalist silhouettes and genuine wardrobe staples that feel fashion-forward and elevated, SIR designs pieces you’ll call on time and time again, which is exactly what you need when packing to limited suitcase space.
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Emma Mulholland On Holiday
It’s all in the name with Emma Mulholland’s eponymous brand, which the designer tells us “aims to take the stress out of holiday dressing”.
Expect bold, bright and quirky prints that are designed to “make you feel like your best self while you’re away”. What more could one want?
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GANNI
The Italian coastline and Greek Islands may be the usual heroes of a European vacation, but if you’re destined for more northern regions, particularly Scandinavia, you’re going to want to dress the part, starting with our favourite Danish label, GANNI.
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LMND
The button-down shirt has become a staple of our day to day wardrobe, and it’s no different when heading to the northern hemisphere. With endless styling possibilities, from throwing it over your swimmers on a beach day to pairing with trousers and sandals for dinner, it’s one piece you won’t regret packing—and nobody does the style better than LMND.
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Kowtow
The best European summer suitcases are formed on a base of elevated staples like those found at Kowtow.
“Every Kowtow garment is made from 100% certified Fairtrade organic cotton which is easy care and versatile on holiday, not to mention breathable if you’re heading to a warmer climate,” Marilou Dadat, Creative Director at Kowtow tells us.
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Faithfull The Brand
With a “sense of summer and a spirit of travel” at the heart of their designs, Faithfull The Brand was always destined for our list and for your European wardrobe. Effortless and romantic pieces are crafted from lightweight fabrics that are easy and comfortable to wear in the summer heat.
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PFEIFFER
For pieces you’ll wear not just throughout but beyond your European holiday, PFEIFFER is a must-shop.
1“We create elevated transeasonal essentials with a twist, so when you sadly come back to the Aussie winter after your Euro vacay you will still be able to wear your holiday favourites,” Aspradakis and Pepin tell us.
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VENROY
Venroy’s Holiday 23 collection is a European summer dream. A curations of eclectic and vibrant elevated pieces for evening dressing, and sheer fabrics for both day and night, you’ll find styles to take you from Amalfi beaches to clifftop bars effortlessly.
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VRGGRL
VRG GRL is an Aussie brand run by two stylish legends, Daniella and Natalia.
The brand’s latest collection, Isla Menorca, is inspired by colourful mosaics and Mediterranean vibes and is perfect for a holiday on the continent’s turquoise coasts. The collection features exclusive prints and considered fabrics ideal for sun-drenched moments on the coast of Spain.
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