So, I just got back from a trip to Europe. It was in the summer, and let me tell you, the weather was a whole thing. I spent weeks agonizing over what to pack, you know, wanting to look cute but also not wanting to die of heatstroke. Ended up doing a ton of research and thought I’d share what worked for me, in case you’re planning your own Euro summer trip.
First off, I started by making a list of all the places I was gonna hit. I was doing like, a mix of city stuff and some chill beach days. Then, I checked the average temperatures for each place during the time I’d be there. This was super important, cuz it helped me figure out what kind of fabrics to focus on.
My Clothing Choices
- Dresses: These were my lifesavers. I packed a bunch of flowy sundresses that were light and airy. Cotton and linen are your best friends, seriously. They breathe, and you won’t feel like you’re walking around in a personal sauna. I picked dresses that I could dress up or down, you know, with some jewelry or a scarf.
- Tops and Bottoms: I threw in a few pairs of linen pants and some comfy shorts. For tops, I went with some basic tees and a couple of nicer blouses for evenings. I also found that matching sets are pretty good options to pack as well.
- Layers: Even though it’s summer, evenings can get a bit chilly, especially if you’re near the water or up in the mountains. I brought a light cardigan and a denim jacket, and they were perfect for those cooler moments. Also, I remembered one structured jacket just in case it rained.
- Shoes: Okay, this is crucial. You’re gonna be walking A LOT. I took one pair of comfy sneakers and two pairs of sandals – one for walking around during the day and another slightly dressier pair for evenings.
- Accessories: A sunhat is a must. It’ll protect you from the sun, and it looks cute. Sunglasses, obviously. And I packed a few scarves that I could use to add a pop of color to my outfits or to cover my shoulders if I was going into a church or something.
I also rolled my clothes instead of folding them, which saved a ton of space in my suitcase. And I used packing cubes to keep everything organized.
One thing I learned is that it’s always a good idea to have one knit dress with long sleeves. You might think it is unnecessary but I used it several times when the weather got chilly suddenly at night. Also, one warm cap and a pair of gloves did help for that unexpected cold.
It was really a big challenge for me to pack my luggage at first but finally I made it. Hope you have fun in Europe!
