I currently have no European trip planned, but a gal can dream (and start saving up…). I love a visit to just about anywhere Euro-side and planning outfits for the shoulder seasons has become kind of a specialty of mine. Jacket and pants and sandals-during-the-day weather? That’s where I shine — but that’s also what can be tricky when planning a vacation.
So here I’m whipping together what I might take on a little dream vacay overseas. It’s a mix of classic pieces, lighter-weight fabrics (but not too summery), and neutrals that naturally hang together…with little pops of color for interest. Let’s get into how I approach a packing list to get us going.
Europe Packing List, Spring: My Outfit Approach
I’ve learned over the years to treat packing like a project. And for a project I always need to start with inspiration. Making a mood board or inspo board really helps me get an overall vibe of the outfits I want to wear and the style I want to project. Above is the board I made for a shoulder season trip to Europe.
These are some of the best pieces to add to a Europe Packing List for Spring:
- lightweight but structured fabrics
- timeless pieces
- breezy dresses
- classic shoes with a twist
- a pop of color
- black & white
Packing for cooler European spots in spring and summer months, or those shoulder seasons, can be tricky. It’s easy to be breezy in Greece and Italy in the summer in all linen or gauze without a jacket in sight. But if you’re visiting Northern Europe, somewhere in the mountains or with warm-ish days but still cool nights you have to pack differently. That’s what this article is kinda focusing on and who better to lead us through than your resident Pacific Northwesterner, lol. Jackets are my jam and pants in summer and button downs all year long.
Obviously, this is mostly for helpful inspiration and doesn’t include every single piece you might need on a trip, especially if you’re staying longer than a week, but you get the idea of the vibe. I’m a vibe girl and this packing list is so my vibe for an early summer or Northern European vacay.
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Chic & Easy Outfit Inspo For Your Next European Vacation
I typically leave the trendy pieces at home when I’m traveling. Unless I’m going to a specific event where something trending is appropriate, I stick with my more classic clothing pieces for packing…things I know will hang together well. Anything that is tough to style or wear, leave it. You can have fun with that when you get back home.
1 | Maeve The Tommie Cap Sleeved Zip-front Shirt Dress
This dress gets rave reviews and gosh looks amazing. I love the idea of a zipper front and it adds just a little bit of a badass vibe.
2 | Mark & Graham Hayden Leather Mini Tote
So cute and handy for the airport and customs. I tuck this style bag into my carryon before boarding so I can still have my 2 other carryons.
3 | Dolce Vita Notice Court Sneaker in Burgundy
I love the gum sole and the pop of chic color that these add. Of course you need sneakers for a European trip. Depending on HOW much your’e walking and how your bod is (with loads of walking) I might also mix these in, in Grey monochrome.
4 | J.Crew Crinkled Maxi Dress
I’m in love with this dress and I rarely say that about a dress. It’s beautifully breezy, easy to wear black with a subtle gorgeous print and feels great for warm days but could easily be worn with a sweater or jacket for cooler. I think a blazer over this would be rad.
5 | Clare V Emilette Oversized Shirt
I adore this as a shirt on its own with the black pants or as a swim cover up or layer over the graphic tee. A button down is so versatile and a stripe adds a little pattern interest to the mix here, not to mention a pretty dark red pop.
6 | Anthropologie I-SEA Rosie Polarized Sunglasses
Ooh I just think this shape is très chic always.
7 | Maeve The Colette Cropped Wide Leg Pants
Literally the best pants I own. The magical fabric is so stretchy that you can wear these on the airplane no problem. But they hold up beautifully with wear, too, and are great for a variety of seasons. TTS and incredible.
8 | Everlane The City Crossover Sandal
These best selling sandals are chic and simple and classic. They’d go with everything here and aren’t too clunky to pack.
9 | Clare V Puffy Petit Moyen
You can never go wrong with a Clare V Moyen bag in any color or size. I take my black full size on every trip. This color would be so fun, but I recommend one in any shade.
10 | J.Crew New Colbie Buckle Sandals
Yep, these are the sandals on the model in the dress above and they are perfection. I don’t know whether they’re the walk all day kind, but J.Crew shoes are fabulously made and these are just gorgeous. Maybe your go-to-dinner sandals.
11 | Everlane The Relaxed Blazer in Buttersmooth
I mean, when the name of the fabric is that, uh, yes please. A black blazer is always a good choice. You can wear with the dresses draped over your shoulders or with the graphic tee or vest on cool mornings.
12 | Anthropologie Chunky Chain Link Necklace
I will forever love a chunky gold necklace for adding a pop of bling and leveling up even a t-shirt and jeans.
13 | J.Crew Harbor Pant in Striped Linen
I love love a striped linen trouser. I haven’t tried this exact pair but I have a pair that are a staple in my wardrobe. Wear with the vest or with the graphic tee, with sandals or with the flats and feel put together but not too hot like jeans can feel in the spring and summer.
14 | Anthropologie The Briar Piped Pajamas
Cute pjs are always a must for travel. Honestly any pajamas from Anthropologie are going to make you feel special and fancy while abroad.
15 | Everlane The Vest in Stretch Linen
A vest is a go-to piece of mine for warmer-ish weather. It feels classic but is really adds a lot of versatility. Wear it on its own, under the blazer, over the tee or over the black dress to mix things up.
16 | Everlane The Studio Slingback Flat
Again, chic, classic, simple and a nice additional option that won’t take up much room in the suitcase.
17 | Anine Bing Walker Tee Spotted Leopard
A chic graphic tee is always a top choice for me when I’m packing. It can be tucked in and worn with nicer shoes and the blazer and necklace and voila…fancy enough for Paris.
18 | J.Crew Gemma Ruched Bandeau One-piece
Obsessed with this print obviously and a bandeau suit just forever feels sun-goddess-chic. J.Crew suits are a long time favorite of the whole team here and they hold up beautifully with wear.
Guess I better start saving my pennies for Portugal (the next European destination on my list.) Until then, let me know where you’re headed!
xo,
L
Would love for you to follow me + my stories over on Instagram…for comic relief, food appreciation, sarcasm and more fashion… xx
I love the “euro” pun in the title!
That’s all our own Gwen. She’s so clever! 🙂
Fantasy vacation…Copenhagen. maybe also Stockholm. Wouldn’t sneeze at Vienna.
love these picks! For my fantasy carryon #nevercheckbags #stuffruinstrips I’m looking at the Left on Friday (YOU are to blame…) black and chocolate brown maillots) for my new addition, my Rag & Bone Slade Blazer (hmmm…that’s your fault as well…) as well as the Anine Bing army-ish jacket (3/3 Ms. Laura!!). I’m more hooked on Cos and Ruti then i am on Everlane these days (hmmmm…maybe i toss back that influencing thing hahaha) yet with a similar gestalt…cheers to fantasy trips becoming reality! oh.. LOVE your sneaker pick but i am going to harden my heart and my wallet at this moment 😉
Great job! I just got my stuff together for a trip to Italy and it was nice to see that we think alike! I just have a question about the linen pants. What do you do with the wrinkles after the first wearing? Thanks!
When it comes to linen I’m less fussy about wrinkles bc everyone knows it does. And in a lighter color they don’t show much! But if needed I sometimes travel with a small steamer or hang it in the bathroom during a hot shower!