What to Pack for a Vacation? European summer vacation This is an art form in and of itself. The right choice can make you feel confident and well-dressed wherever you go. I was able to do this on my recent trip in Paris.
The Despite scorching summer temperatures, my mom, sister, and I fully immersed ourselves in everything the city has to offer: lingering at sidewalk cafés, exploring museums, and strolling along the Seine. One of my favorite things to do was people-watching. Paris is one of the most famous fashion cities in the world. And I was fascinated by the locals’ style. It often consisted of a carefully curated combination of classic pieces, light fabrics and minimalist accessories. What was the result? The result? I was blown away by how stylish and put together everyone looked, despite the heat.
Ahead, I’m breaking down the most common mistakes travelers make when packing for a summer trip to Europe—and what to bring instead, based on my own experience and observations of stylish locals. Think breathable sandals, spacious crossbody bags. comfortable wide-leg pants. Amazon has a wide selection of products that are available for under $50.
Mistake: Bringing denim shorts
Choose this: Comfortable, lightweight bottoms
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Denim is a stiff fabric that can feel restrictive during Europe’s scorching hot summer months. Consider leaving your heavy cutoffs behind. Choose linen shorts that are lightweight and won’t cling to you in the heat.
The following is a list of the most popular ways to contact us Amazon pick This lightweight, cotton-linen blend creates a relaxed, breezy silhouette, perfect for hot days. The adjustable drawcord and elastic waist make it easy to achieve a custom, comfortable fit. There are eight different colors, and sizes to fit everyone. Combine it with your favorite sandals, t-shirt or tank top and you have a stylish outfit for summer.
Making the mistake of wearing a backpack
Instead, pack this: a secure crossbody bag
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A large backpack can be uncomfortable and can make you feel like a tourist in Europe’s crowded museums, markets, and transit systems. Lighten your load, while also elevating your look. sleek crossbody bag from Peacocktion. This bag is spacious enough to fit all your daily essentials, with over 20 pockets and card slots. It also has zippered compartments for keeping you organized.
Then, there is the RFID-blocking technology Protects your personal information and belongings from digital theft. You can wear it in many different ways thanks to the detachable straps. However, wearing it crossbody will keep your belongings safe when you’re in areas with high pickpocketing rates. The soft vegan leather is a great alternative to real leather. Its price of under $30 makes it a steal.
Worn heavy skirts or dresses
Instead, pack this breezy maxi dress
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In the summer, wearing heavy dresses and skirts (especially with multiple layers and bulky pleats) can be oppressive. Skip the bulk altogether by opting for breezy maxi dresses—bonus points if they have slits for extra breathing room—instead. These dresses will keep you cool and comfortable while looking stylish. They are perfect for all occasions, from walking the cobblestoned streets of Florence to taking sunset boat rides on the Seine.
We prefer this popular pick from HuskaryAmazon.com has received over 15 000 five-star reviews for this item. It’s comfortable to wear from morning until night thanks to its relaxed fit, V-neckline and short sleeves. Its lightweight fabric keeps you cool, even in the heat of the afternoon. The variety of prints and colors will match your style.
Mistake: Packing skinny jeans
Pack these instead: Wide-leg airy pants
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I am a fan of a good pair of skinny jeans (call me old fashioned, but they are my favorites!These jeans are not suitable for warm weather. They tend to stick to your skin and are difficult to remove after a sweaty, long day. You can avoid this struggle by choosing a pair wide-leg pleated pants. this pair from Made By Johnny. These lightweight, airy pants are as comfortable as sweatpants and leggings but look just as good for long trips, dining out or city walks. The flowy, oversized fit allows air to circulate, keeping you cool.
Even though you can’t really go wrong with any one of the 23 colors, neutrals make them more versatile. The versatile pieces can be worn day or night and go with any outfit in your suitcase. They are also great for those who have limited packing space.
Mistake: wearing graphic tees
Pack the Versatile Basics
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Comfortable, casual clothing will be a necessity for the European summer. Still, there’s a fine line between casual and too casual—and most of the time, logo-branded or graphic tees fall into the latter category. It’s best to keep it simple. Solid, high-quality tees are the perfect choice. Solid colors are easy to combine and can be dressed down or up depending on your plans for the day.
These fan-favorite tees Also, they have a UPF of 50+ which means that they help to protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB light.
Choose flip-flops instead
Bring these instead: Breathable shoes
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Flip-flops are practically synonymous with summer, but they’re not exactly stylish—or practical—when it comes to sightseeing in major European cities like Paris, Rome, or Lisbon, all known for their charming (but tricky) cobblestone streets and walkable neighborhoods. You don’t need to abandon the open-toed design, but you can opt for leather slides with support and stability.
It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Steve Madden Mayven slides These shoes are stylish, comfortable and easy-to-wear, making them the perfect choice for urban adventures. We’d be remiss not to mention their molded footbed, treaded sole, and cushioned insole, which provide excellent support, traction, and—as a bonus—a subtle boost of height. The wide top band is functional as well as fashionable. It features a hook and loop closure for a custom-fit, secure fit.
Mistake: Packing heavy blazers
Pack light layers to avoid heavy ones
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While a classic blazer can elevate an outfit, it may feel uncomfortable and heavy in the summer heat. In my recent trip to Paris I opted for this stylish linen blazerThis lightweight blazer is perfect for dinners and dressier outings. It has a slightly oversized fit, which I love because it gives off a relaxed vibe. Ideal for dinners and dressier outings, the lightweight blazer has a slightly oversized fit, which I love for its effortless, relaxed vibe—perfect for layering over maxi dresses on balmy evenings.
Mistake: Donning chunky sneakers
Instead, pack these: supportive walking shoes
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When touring Europe, you should avoid wearing your colorful and bulky running sneakers. The following are some of the best shoes for touring Europe. leather lace-up kicks from Naturalizer are just as comfortable as they are stylish, thanks to the brand’s Contour+ technology—an innovative cushioning system designed to follow the natural shape of your foot for a supportive, custom-like fit and all-day comfort.
The non-slip sole provides extra traction, whether you’re walking on cobblestones or museum floors. The white leather style is perfect for summer, and can easily be transitioned from day to evening. It’s great to wear to the market or to dinner. The style can also be found in other colors and patterns, such as gray, tweed and raffia.
Mistake: Wearing athleisure
This stylish set is the perfect alternative to a traditional matching set.
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In the U.S. it is not uncommon to see athletes in everyday clothing. But in Europe? In Europe, not so much. In Paris, I noticed that the locals generally favored more tailored looks—even for casual outings, which means head-to-toe gymwear can come across as sloppy rather than sporty-chic.
The same comfort and ease is available. Casly Lamiit’s monochromatic two-piece set The lightweight fabric is breathable and soft to the touch. This makes it perfect for long trips and for sightseeing. The high neck tank can be dressed-up or-down with a jacket or statement accessories. However, I would argue that it looks the best when paired with matching cropped wide leg pants. The elastic drawstring on the pants is one of my favorites. It has deep side pockets that are big enough to store your phone, wallet or even a small guide. You can wear them separately to add even more versatility.
Bring too much makeup
Instead of packing beauty essentials, pack this: Multipurpose beauty items
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A full face of heavy makeup—and an abundance of products—isn’t practical for summer travel. When the temperature is high, a lot of makeup can melt away. Plus, it may look and feel out-of-place. Paris, as well as Europe, has a more natural and minimalistic beauty trend. Keep things simple and subtle with a multi-purpose lip and cheek cream.
It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm SPF 50 is a personal favorite since it offers sun protection and buildable, natural-looking color for a fresh, just-back-from-a-stroll glow. You can choose from eight shades, from bronzes to pinks.
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