Of course, Europe is a big place. And, each country has a different culture, personality, and aesthetic. Throughout the summer, Europe’s streets, beaches and cafés come alive with fashion that blends elegance, comfort, and effortless chic. So, whether you’re visiting the Colosseum, lounging on the French Riviera, island hopping in Greece, or embracing Paris’ café culture, the key to dressing the part is fully embracing the European summer aesthetic. Take a look below for lots of tips on how to create the perfect European summer outfits, that combine trends with classics.
How to dress in European summer?
Depending on where you’re traveling from, you may be combining a number of European destinations in one trip. Dressing for a European summer involves balancing style, comfort, and practicality. Weather variations, varied landscapes, and rich cultural heritage call for outfits that are both chic and adaptable.
What is European summer aesthetic?
The European summer aesthetic is a blend of effortless elegance, timeless style, and a connection to the region’s rich cultural heritage. It’s about looking chic and put-together without appearing overly styled. The aesthetic varies across different parts of Europe, but generally it’s all about looking polished but never overdone.
Marie-Louise @mrsmlmode above looks stylish, comfortable, and classic.
Get her look with this similar vest, shorts, sandals, bag, necklace and sunglasses.
How do I not look like a tourist in Europe’s summer?
Blending in while traveling in Europe during the summer is all about adopting a more subtle, polished approach to your appearance. So, avoid loud logos and anything that screams ‘tourist’. Instead, embrace neutrals, wear stylish footwear, accessorize subtly, and take the opportunity to shop local while you’re on vacation.
What does “euro summer” mean?
Euro Summer is a term often used to describe the quintessential summer experience in Europe, typically characterized by leisurely vacations, cultural exploration, and a blend of style, relaxation, and indulgence. It’s a concept that captures the essence of spending summer in various iconic European destinations, enjoying everything from sun-soaked beaches to historic cities and charming countryside villages.
Patricia @patriciaafricaiglesias above (read her style interview here) shows how you can combine a ‘basic’ t-shirt with a more flamboyant skirt. She adds summer accessories for a stylish look.
Check out this similar tee, skirt, sandals, tote, earrings, hat and sunglasses.
What is the European summer aesthetic?
There are so many different vacation spots in Europe, and each will require a slightly different packing list.
But when you think about European Summer outfits, you’re imagining that you’re visiting a few destinations and that the outfits you fit into your suitcase are versatile enough to take you from a swim at the beach in the Med, followed by lunch overlooking the water, some sightseeing and a promenade through the streets of Positano, Cannes or Dubrovnik. So transplant yourself in your mind to the Amalfi Coast or the French Riviera and let’s look at some European summer outfit inspiration.
Key things to think about when putting together your European summer outfits
Be inspired by your destinations
European summer outfits take inspiration from chic French style, glamorous Italian dressing, the minimalism of Scandinavia. Be inspired by where you are visiting when packing for your Euro summer.
Key elements to pack
Key elements include sun dresses, matching separates that you can wear together or alone, rattan and top-handle bags.
A curated capsule
You want to put together a curated capsule that you can dress up or down and that will keep you cool in hot temperatures. For more general tips on putting together a capsule, take a look at our ultimate guide to capsule dressing.
Choose the right fabrics
Fabrics to look out for are linen and cotton. Avoid anything that is 100% synthetic as that will make you feel too hot. Instead, choose natural options that will keep your body temperature regulated.
be inspired by Old Money style
There is a lot of crossover between European style and Old Money Style, given that Old Money Style is an aspirational style that is more elevated than you might usually consider for your vacation wardrobe but it still doesn’t look too ‘try hard’. Also, take a look at our article on how to dress for the Eurochic style personality.
5 different European Summer looks that you can mix and match to create countless styles
Below, we’ve put together 5 outfits inspired by different parts of Europe. You can combine the styles of different countries to create many different looks.
1. Effortless Mediterranean Style
Key elements: Lightweight fabrics, natural colors, and relaxed silhouettes.
If you’re heading for a coastal escape, choose breezy linen and cotton dresses, wide-brimmed hats to protect your skin, and espadrilles. Team white and neutral hues with blues that mirror the sea and sky.
Linen will keep you cool and comfortable. A linen shirt dress, paired with leather sandals that are comfy enough for sightseeing, and a woven straw bag will keep you looking chic while being cool, comfortable, and able to walk. Don’t forget your accessories. Oversized sunglasses will protect your eyes and the delicate skin under your eyes. Add delicate gold jewelry for during the day and switch to chunkier jewelry for evening.
Mediterranean style outfit example:
- White linen shirt dress
- Brown leather sandals
- Straw hat and bag
- Hoop earrings
- Oversized sunglasses
Frank & Eileen Rory Maxi Shirtdress – Cole Haan Flynn Flat Sandals – AllSaints Allington Straw Tote – Jenny Bird Doune Hoop Earrings – San Diego Hat Straw Gondolier Hat with Scarf Bow
Suzie @suzie.richetti above opts for a striped shirtdress. This is a great option for a European vacation as you can wear as it is, with a belt, over a swimsuit as a cover-up, or as a duster jacket.
Recreate her outfit with this similar shirtdress (another option here), sandals, earrings and hat.
2. Bohemian balearics
Key elements: Flowy fabrics, vibrant prints, and artisanal accessories
The Balearics off the coast of Spain are known for their bohemian vibe. Think printed maxi dresses, tiered styles, wide-legged palazzo pants, and kaftans over your swimsuits.
Look out for embroidery and patterns, and accessorize with artisan, handmade jewelry and woven bags. Comfort is key so opt for flat sandals and espadrilles. Layered necklaces and floppy hats will complete your look.
Example boho Balearic outfit:
- print maxi dress
- espadrille sandals
- floppy hat
- layered necklaces and beaded bracelets
- woven bag
ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Paintstroke Sleeveless Maxi Dress – SoftWalk Havana Sandals – Staud Moon Woven Paper Tote Bag – Panacea Set of 4 Malachite & Crystal Beaded Stretch Bracelets – Wowlife Wide Brim Roll-up Floppy Hat
3. Parisian chic
Key elements: Minimalist style, sophisticated separates, and vintage mixed with new
Parisian style is about understated elegance. Parisian women will choose classics that are timeless and versatile. A striped top with high-waisted jeans or pants and ballet flats is an iconic combination that won’t ever be out of fashion.
For a polished look, you could also pop a tailored blazer over your summer dresses to go from day to night. Neutral colors dominate in Paris, but you can always add a pop of red for evening with your lipstick.
Parisian chic outfit example:
- Breton striped top
- high-waisted straight-leg pants
- ballet flats
- tailored blazer
- crossbody or top handle bag
Weekend Max Mara Nalut Peaked Linen Blazer – Elie Tahari Ellie Squareneck Striped Knit Tank – Eileen Fisher High-Rise Slim-Fit Stretch Jeans – Tory Burch Claire Cap Toe Ballet Flats – Veronica Beard Small Leather Shopper Tote Bag – Oradina 14K Yellow Gold Celebration Ball Studs
Rita @ritapalazzi above (read her style interview here) shows off an outfit that could be adapted depending on where you are. For example, you could wear the top with shorts or a flowy skirt, you could opt for sneakers or sandals with your jeans, or wear the heels with a co-ordinated shorts suit.
Steal her look with this similar top, blazer, jeans, pumps and bag.
4. Scandinavian minimalism
Key elements: clean lines, muted tones, and functional design
Scandinavian fashion is characterized by a minimal and practical approval, as well as natural rather than synthetic fabrics. For a Scandinavian-inspired summer look, you want simple and stylish pieces. Choose neutral shades and classics like a white shirt and beige culottes.
Choose white sneakers, sliders or mules to keep the outfit comfortable. Layering is essential, even in the summer, so be sure you have a lightweight cover-up like a cardigan or jacket.
Example Scandinavian summer outfit:
- white blouse
- denim skirt or shorts
- white sneakers or nude mules
- light cardigan or lightweight jacket
- crossbody bag
Hudson Balloon Sleeve Shirt Jacket – Birds of Paradis Esther Linen Crop Tank (this tank also has matching shorts if you want the set) – Hudson Cargo Denim Midi-Skirt – Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Slide Sandal – Tumi Tyler Crossbody Bag – Oradina 14K Yellow Gold Celebration Ball Studs
5. Romantic Riviera
Key elements: feminine silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, vibrant colors
The Italian Riviera is all about romance and luxury. For Capri or Positano, think flowy dresses, silk scarves, and elegant sandals. Off-the-shoulder tops, wide-brimmed hats, and oversized sunglasses will give you a sophisticated yet relaxed look. For your color palette, you can be more dramatic than other destinations. Take a silk scarf to tie around your hair or neck or drape around your shoulders on cooler evenings.
Example Riviera outfit
- off-the-shoulder dress
- strappy sandals
- wide-brimmed hat
- silk scarf
- oversized sunglasses
Favorite Daughter The Lovesick Dress – Steve Madden Isha Sandal – JW PEI Gabbi Ruched Faux Leather Hobo – Jenny Bird Doune Hoop Earrings – San Diego Hat Straw Gondolier Hat with Scarf Bow – Elizabetta Vittoria Hand Rolled Silk Foulard Scarf – Prada 47MM Square Sunglasses
Jona @the50plusgirl above opts for a slipdress and adds a little casual flair by wearing a white shirt over the top.
Get her look with this similar dress (another option here), shirt, sandals, handbag and sunglasses.
Your European summer outfits together in one capsule
Below, you can see the outfits from above and some different ways to put the clothes, shoes, and accessories together to create alternative looks.
shop European summer outfits here:
Final thoughts on European summer chic
Be sure to leave room in your suitcase
One of the fun things about traveling is the ability to find clothes and accessories that you can’t get at home. It’s great that no one else will be wearing the same. Plus, wearing them brings back vacation memories. So, be sure you have room to pack the new additions to your closet.
Continue reading:
- Italian style: How to style yourself like Italian women
- A capsule wardrobe and style guide for the EUROCHIC style personality
- Old money style: What is it and how to get old money style without an old money budget
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Feature image by Patricia @patriciaafricaiglesias
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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Lots of sleeveless and long sleeved options.
What if you don’t want to show your upper arms, but don’t want to wear long sleeves because they’re too hot?
Hi Ann, We wrote an article about this How to cover your upper arms while staying stylish and cool which has lots of ideas!