What to Pack for a European Summer Vacation Over 40
There’s something about a European summer that just feels magical. Long, sunny days… cobblestone streets… café tables spilling onto sidewalks. If you’re lucky enough to have a trip planned, the countdown is probably on. But before you get swept up in vacation daydreams, it’s time to tackle the question every woman asks: What should I pack?
Wondering exactly what to pack for your summer vacation to Europe? This guide has everything you need to stay stylish, comfortable, and ready for anything your trip throws your way—without dragging around an overstuffed suitcase.
What to Pack for Europe in the Summer
The key to packing well is to choose pieces that work together. A capsule wardrobe makes this easy. Pick clothes in a few neutral shades that mix and match, then add a pop of color with accessories. This way, you can create lots of outfits without packing too much.
Think light fabrics like linen, cotton, and soft knits. Here’s what I always bring:
- A few breathable tops like this or this
- A couple of layering tanks
- One dressy top for evenings out
- Comfortable shorts or cropped pants
- Flowy wide-leg pants or linen trousers
- A sundress and a versatile shirt dress
- A light cardigan or sweater for cool nights
- A jacket like a denim or utility style for layering
- A pair of comfortable jeans (optional, depending on the weather)
Stick to pieces that are light and easy and that you feel good wearing.
My Top Tips for Packing for Europe
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few simple tricks that make packing for Europe a lot easier—and a lot more stylish. If you want to blend in a bit more, feel comfortable, and still feel like yourself, these tips will help.
1. Pack Neutral and Dark Shades
Just because it’s summer, don’t assume you should be packing bright-colored clothing and fun prints. What looks cute and sporty in North America can look loud and unsophisticated in Europe. Europeans generally prefer few patterns and darker, more muted colors with splashes of color instead of head-to-toe. European style has a more elegant, understated vibe. This doesn’t mean you can’t wear color ( I love a bright red or yellow sundress!), but err on the side of neutrals.
2. Assemble a Classic Mix and Wardrobe Capsule
Instead of packing one outfit for each day, choose pieces that work well together. This way, you can mix and match depending on the weather or what you’re doing that day. I like to pick a few bottoms and a few tops that can be worn in different ways. A dress that works for daytime but also looks nice with sandals and earrings at night? Even better.
3. Think Layering
You can check the weather all you want before your trip, but Europe loves to surprise you. It’s so annoying when it is forecast to be warm and a cold spell arrives, leaving you having to run out and buy something to stay warm. The best way to handle unpredictable weather is to come prepared and dress in layers. Tanks, tees, cardigans, a light jacket, even a scarf—all of these help you stay comfortable without packing bulky clothes. I find a sweatshirt or zip-up hoodie
4. Be Smart about the Bag You Bring
A simple crossbody bag is ideal for travel because it allows you to move about hands-free and sits close to your body, so it feels safer in busy areas. I find a fold-up tote bag for markets, beach days, or extra shopping also comes in handy. You may also want to pack a small, lightweight evening clutch for a dressy night out.
5. Make your Life easy and Pack Dresses!
When I was in France several years ago with Dr. D. and our kids, traveling around Provence and then up to Paris for a few days, I found dresses were the perfect travel wear. It was too hot to wear pants. Dresses kept me feeling cool, feminine, relaxed and comfy. Plus, they hardly took up any space in my suitcase. I wore them day and night – Easy Peasy!
What to Wear on a Long Flight to Europe
What to Wear to Europe begins with your flight, and those long-haul flights can be tricky. You want to be cozy and relaxed but not sloppy. I like to wear soft, stretchy jeans, pants, or joggers with a basic tee or top and a cashmere wrap or cardigan. A large scarf or shawl doubles as a blanket on the plane. It also comes in handy later if you need to cover bare shoulders when visiting a church or some other sacred historical site.
Spanx Air Essentials Top and Pants
Another favorite travel outfit is this Spanx Air Essentials set. It’s super soft and extremely comfy. The pants come long or cropped, and you can mix and match colors top and bottom. Slip-on shoes (I like slip-on sneakers) are perfect for airport security and those mile-long walks through terminals. I want to bring a pair of compression socks, too, even if they aren’t glamorous—they help with swelling once onboard.
Stylish and Comfortable Shoes to Pack for Europe
Figuring out what to pack for Europe in summer involves more than just picking clothes. Let’s talk some more about shoes. The wrong pair can ruin your trip! You’ll be walking a lot, and those charming cobblestone streets are no joke. You’ll want to pack shoes that look stylish but also provide great support so you can explore all the sites without missing a beat.
Here are some suggestions:
- White leather sneakers that go with everything. I always take a pair.
- Flat sandals with arch support like these or these
- A dressier pair of sandals or low wedges for nights out
Don’t pack heels. Really—just leave them at home. European streets weren’t made for stilettos, and you’ll be walking much more than you think. Make sure to break in your shoes before you leave ( very important!), and toss a few band-aids in your bag, just in case a blister tries to slow you down.
You can find more shoe recommendations here: The Best Walking Shoes for Europe.
Accessories to Make Your Outfits Look Pulled Together
If you’re making your list of what to pack for Europe in the summer, don’t forget the extras. Accessories are a game-changer when traveling—they can elevate your outfit without taking up much space in your suitcase.
Lightweight scarves are an easy way to add color and style to simple outfits. Anthropologie usually has some nice ones, and Amazon too. You can loop a scarf around your handbag strap or your neck.
When you are sightseeing, a sun hat helps shield your face from the sun, and a pair of oversized sunglasses adds a glam touch.
Be sure to take a good crossbody bag for safety, as well as a fold-up tote (like this or this) for shopping or beach days. I always bring simple, inexpensive jewelry that you don’t have to worry about if it gets lost! A bit of bling is great for dressing up a day outfit for nighttime.
European Summer Vacation Outfit Inspiration
square neck tank | linen pants | camp shirt
Linen is always cool, light, and chic. It’s very European. Metallic sandals – silver or gold are considered neutrals and work with everything.
square neck tank | linen shorts
Europeans aren’t big on shorts, but if you are in a beach area, you might want to wear them. A classy set like this is lovely.
Tencel jersey dress | camp shirt
This stretchy, fit, and flare t-shirt dress is super comfy and versatile. Wear it on its own or layer a front-tied shirt over it.
shorts | similar slip-on sneakers
Remember how I said Europeans are into neutrals? These modes of shorts and tops in black and taupe keep the look classy, not touristy.
polo shirt midi dress | white sneakers | sunglasses
A slip-on polo dress in classic stripes makes a sporty statement and is perfect with sneakers.
A soft, apricot jumpsuit like this one is easy to roll up into a ball and toss into your suitcase without worrying about wrinkles.
Are you traveling to Europe this summer? What items are you packing for your trip?
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Hi, This is a very helpful post. I have a few thoughts to add.
I know that some people do not find synthetic clothes to be comfortable in hot weather…so they can ignore my suggestions. For someone who is open to wearing synthetics, read on….
1) I’ve found Athleta Endless High Rise pants to be incredibly comfortable for travel days and versatile for dressing up or down for non-travel days. They are cool to wear and can be hand washed and dry quickly.
2) I bought a couple of Talbots Effortless Jersey dresses and loved them even in very hot weather. I found that they were cool to the touch and can be easily hand washed and dried well.
3) If I will be in a place where people dress up more for dinner, then I always pack a skirt like the J Crew Gwyneth pleated skirt. (J Crew also has a very similar non-pleated slip skirt which could work well but doesn’t look good on me.) I find that they don’t wrinkle and can be dressed up or down with everything from a tee to an elegant top. They are hand washable. (Note: lighter colors do show grease marks without a spray stain remover…so I prefer darker colors for travel.)