European trips require an ambitious wardrobe, whether you’re visiting seaside hotspots like Saint Tropez, Santorini, and Positano or tourist sites like Lisbon, Barcelona, and Amsterdam. This could explain why the “European summer” aesthetic is gaining popularity on TikTok in the shape of stylishly laid-back appearances and whimsically patterned clothing.
While these summer clothes generally feature classic wardrobe essentials like oversized button-down shirts, fitted shorts, and walking sandals, they often have a whimsical side (after all, you’re on vacation). This results in silky scarves, quirky handbags, vintage-inspired swimwear, and printed matching sets. On the brand level, this presents itself in vivid, maximalist designs like Lisa Says Gah’s “Italian Summer” collection and minimalist-cool edits like Abercrombie & Fitch’s “Scandi-core” release.
So, whether you’re packing your bags for Europe this summer (or want to incorporate the easy-breezy yet put-together aesthetic into your staycation ensembles), we’ve assembled a list of nine fashion staples to help you achieve the on-trend summer style.
European Summer Essential: Matching Sets
Matching sets are ideal for vacation packing since they can be mixed and matched to create a range of ensembles. Shirts or vests coupled with matching shorts, skirts, or pants fit for every situation, from casual sightseeing and the beach to formal al fresco meals. For hotter regions, choose a breathable cotton, linen, or crochet outfit.
European Summer Essential: Leather Sandals
When wandering along cobblestone alleyways and over steep cliffs, you’ll be glad you packed durable summer sandals rather than stiletto heels or flip-flops. Find a pair of leather flats with a thick sole that are comfortable enough for lengthy hikes and excursions while also looking elegant enough for evening wear. Alternatively, you can choose a pair of Fisherman sandals, which are also currently popular in fashion.
European Summer Essential: Linen Shorts & Trousers
Summer is the time for lightweight, breathable linens. Packing linen shorts and pants is always a good idea, even if it’s not enough for a single outfit. Is there anything worse than sweaty denim or polyester? These linen essentials, whether solid or striped, are simply dressed up or down. Wear the shorts with a tank top and sneakers for sightseeing, and the pants with a form-fitting tee and wedges for a chic-yet-comfortable evening look. Just remember to carry a portable steamer.
European Summer Essential: Printed Headscarves
Silky scarves are an excellent way to add color and decorate your clothing, whether tied into your hair, around your neck, or through your bag handle. If you find one that is large enough, you can use it as a makeshift scarf top or sarong. Choose whimsical styles with “summer” prints like fruit, flower, leaf, and cocktail to channel Brigitte Bardot in La Dolce Vita or Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.
European Summer Essential: Drop-waist Dresses
Drop-waist dresses are back in trend, as proven by the large number of street style stars and fashion influencers wearing the retro-inspired form this season. While there are many conventional midi and maxi styles on the market today, we like the newest interpretations on the trend, which range from bubble evening frocks to daring short dresses.
European Summer Essential: Oversized Button-Down Shirts
No matter the season, everyone should have a basic button-down shirt in their closet. But in the summer, it may be the ideal layering piece; instead of a jean jacket or shawl, slip a button-down shirt over your dresses, tank tops, or bikinis for a beautiful coverup. Whether you choose a fresh white, striped, or linen button-down shirt, go for an expansive fit to enable airflow and stay cool.
European Summer Essential: Vintage-Inspired Swimsuits
While you can still swim around in itsy-bitsy triangle bikinis, you may make your holiday even more romantic by wearing retro swimwear. Look for vintage-inspired bikinis to wear this summer that will make you feel like an Old Hollywood starlet on vacation or Sabrina Carpenter in her “Espresso” video. Consider a bustier or halter neckline, boy short bottoms, gingham designs, or traditional black-and-white color schemes à la Barbie.
European Summer Essential: Kitschy Tote & Top-handle Bags
Another place where you can have fun is with purses! Sure, a multipurpose crossbody bag or belt bag is useful for traveling, but you should also take a statement bag to dress up your clothing. For day travels and beach trips, search for a straw tote bag with fun embellishments such as bright stripes, beach jargon, or customisable monograms. Consider a bright top-handle purse with festive beading and designs, or one in the shape of a seashell.
European Summer Essential: Maxi Skirts
Since you’ve already covered shorts, pants, and dresses (see above), all you need to complete your European summer outfit is a flowy maxi skirt. This versatile item may effortlessly transition from day to night, and from the beach to cocktails. To stand out from the crowd, use delicate eyelet detailing, bubble or tiered shapes, or floral designs with festive Mediterranean flair.
