I have a lot of regrets about not studying abroad during college. A semester abroad would give me the chance to fully immerse myself in another culture. After graduation, I have been able make up for this with over 20 trips to Europe. jaunts to Italy It has felt as if there is always something missing, from conferences in Riga to luxurious London stays. My “adult study abroad” summer, when I combined a series of work trips and some personal exploration to make a full-length trip. Seven Weeks away from home
The seven-nation European tour began with an unforgettable mother-daughter Adriatic Cruise with Viking. Next, the group travelled to Georgia. After that, it was a self guided Balkan adventure in Albania, Corfu and North Macedonia. Finally, the luxury Windstar cruise around the Greek Isles concluded the trip. As the captain, Team Carry-on-onlyIt was a delicate ballet to properly pack for the weatherThe mix of formal and informal events and locations is also included. I’ve been able to curate a perfect wardrobe by using a number of different items. versatile travel dresses Every occasion is a good one. Visit a museum to see the sights? Check. Michelin-star dinner out? Covered. A walking day to explore a new town? Done. The 10 dresses I recommend you pack for your ultimate European summer trip are listed below.
A Linen Shirtdress
J.Crew
Is there any fabric that is more chic, cool, and iconic than linen during the summer? I do not think so. I wore a linen-blend shirtdress by Alex Mill, which is out of stock, to a Greek Olive Oil Tasting in Monemvasia. via Windstar The same casual dining experience can be achieved with trout from Ohrid in North Macedonia. this version from J.CrewIf you are not a fan of white (pasta staining, oh no! ), it is also available in black and olive.
Pro tip: Consider adding a linen blazer Add a lightweight, elegant jacket to the mix. This will be a lightweight, elegant jacket that is easy to pack and mix-and-match.
Elevated Athletic Clothing
Amazon
Americans are athleisure fans, but the trend has been slower to take off in Europe. Although I wouldn’t wear that set of leggings out and about, You can also find out more about the following: Consider packing your bag. athletic dress—especially one tailored enough that it could be mistaken for a normal dress—to get away with being comfy and stylish on your Euro getaway. I used a similar style as this Amazon-loved outfit for a beach day in Corfu. It is part of the Ionian Islands, Greece. The Ionian Islands in Greece are part of the Greek coast, and Corfu is located off it. an oversized button-down shirtI didn’t have to return to the Airbnb after a sunny beach dinner.
The matching skirt set
Amazon
Although not technically a dress it adds so much to your travel wardrobe, that a matching set of skirts is well worth the space you have in your carry on. Shoppers have been raving about the Prettygarden Matching Skirt Set Amazon’s stamp of approval. Wear the top with white high-waisted jeans or the skirt with a sleek black tank. This is something I wish I’d packed on my summer trip. I saw many sets of coordinating items on the streets in Europe. From the golden capital of Malta, to the balmy Dalmatian Coast.
Dresses for napping
Hill House Home
This COVID trend has been reborn as a wardrobe essential. It is designed to be so comfortable that you can nap in it. Hill House Home has been a favorite for years, and I own over 20 of these dresses in fun prints. To pack for travel, I choose a more traditional nap dress. the Ellie styleIt is more versatile and less noticeable than prints that are more intricate or fussier. It’s wrinkle-resistant so you don’t have to iron it before visiting old town Kotor.
Amazon offers similar nap-dress inspired silhouettes for lower price points. Zesica Plaid Square Neck Puff Sleeve Midi Dress Then, there is the Chouyatou Smocked Flounce Dress Prices starting at $29.
A Ballet-style Midi Dress
QuThe following are some examples of how to usece
No bow, no go—Balletcore is very much in. Was it ever really gone? If you want to add this trend to your travel wardrobe, then I recommend this beautiful fit-and-flare Quince dress. It is both flowy and structured and will make you feel comfortable and stylish. I wore this dress all over Georgia, from the mountains to the vineyards and even to the capital city. To accessorize the classic silhouette, pick up one of these uber-popular Marzoline beauties Made in Milan.
A Peachy Pick
Wear a dress in warm, pastel shades to embrace the new season. this one from Petal & Pup. It is cool enough to beat the summer heat but modest enough for visiting religious or cathedral sites. The maxi length makes it more modern and accessible, while the cotton-pollen fabric ensures that only natural fibers are in contact with your skin. This shade isn’t usually my cup of tea but I saw it on many European tourists and locals.
A blue and white dress
Quince
Blue and white is a classic combination that works for any European getaway. Santorini’s famous white houses and blue domes may have you thinking of this color palette, but it can be used anywhere in Europe. Take this chic Quince pick If you want to know more, click here. Made from 100 percent linen, it has a fitted and flared style and is a comfortable midi dress. It practically begs for island time.
A Fun Cut-out Dress
Amazon
The look of a dress with a hint of skin can be playful and flirty. But there are also elegant ways to pull it off. Amazon customers love it billowy maxi dressThis dress has two modest cut-outs on the side, giving it a unique contrast with its classic square-neck and short-sleeved silhouette. With a dress like this, you can play with cutouts in a more elegant way. metallic floral maxiThis would be a wonderful destination wedding guest outfit.
White Tennis Dress
Amazon
Tenniscore is a very popular brand. 2025’s list of summer trends. The look also makes a great travel outfit. A classic white tennis dress This Amazon-loved pick is a layering piece that’s both comfortable and elevated. It features corset details, exaggerated folds and a streamlined silhouette for easy movement while walking Rome’s winding streets. Are you afraid of gelato spilling on your pristine shade? You can also choose from the eight other colors.
Jumpsuit
Spanx
Please, listen to me. It’s not a dress but it is a shirt. cute jumpsuit Spanx can be worn to make your Euro trip more comfortable. Spanx is the bottom half of what I wear when traveling.hello, Booty Boost leggingsI’ve seen the movie, but not the Oprah-loved brandThis year, the jumpsuit has been worn more than anything else. The jumpsuit is available in four neutral colors and regular, petite and tall sizes. It is made from the softest fabric. Pair this jumpsuit up with a comfy sweatshirt. Oprah’s favorite AirEssentials Half-zipFor the ultimate monochromatic set.
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