The 7 Dos And Don'ts Of Curating Your European Summer Wardrobe (2024)

I’m about to be the person you hate: I’m going on holiday to Europe. And while I count down the days until I get on that plane, I’m going to be taking one for the team (read: using my work hours) to plan my European summer wardrobe. And you’re coming along for the ride.

It feels like the concept of a Euro summer wardrobe has exploded this year. (Cost of living crisis? What cost of living crisis?) We can blame TikTok, of course, where outfit videos are racking up tens of thousands of views. Or we can blame social media in general, where posting like an influencer doesn’t just seem desirable, but downright attainable. Or maybe it’s just that post-pandemic joie de vivre; we were cooped up for three years, and now we’re going balls to the walls.

Whatever the reason is — I’m in.

European summer wardrobe dos and don’ts

It’s easy to get caught up in the fantasy of European outfits without thinking of the practicalities, so here’s a few rules I’m abiding by — with a little help from the fashion experts: Maggie Marilyn founder Maggie Hewitt, Alémais founder Lesleigh Jermanus, and LMND founder Ana Escobar.

DO: Take your itinerary into account. If your Rome trip includes a visit to the Vatican, make sure you have something to cover up sleeveless arms. If you plan on walking down every side street in Barcelona, make sure you’ve packed a pair of sneakers. And unless you’re spending three weeks island hopping in Greece, you probably don’t need more than two pairs of swimmers.

“I’m prone to getting cold, even in summer, so I always tie a cashmere cardigan or sweater in a bright colour around my shoulders if we’re having dinner outside,” Maggie told ELLE Australia.

DON’T: Max out your credit card to chase the influencer lifestyle. Repeat after me: it’s. not. real.

DO: Shop your own wardrobe first! If you’re anything like us, it’s been a while since the vacay wardrobe was put to good use. Most of the clothes we’ve bought over the last 12 months have been for work or fitness. It’s quite likely the perfect floaty dress is already hanging in your closet, you just haven’t had a good reason to wear it in a while.

“My three staples for summer packing are an 01 Singlet Mini Dress to wear over bikinis, a silk sarong that I can tie as a bandeau top or mini skirt, and linen,” Maggie continued. “Wearing black is a big ‘don’t’ for me — you’ve got all year to wear black! Skip it on vacation! And I very rarely check-in luggage, so just taking a carry-on is a big ‘do’ for me. I hate the extra time at the airport and wondering whether my suitcase will make it to the destination, plus it’s nice to just pack a few versatile, beautiful garments and get creative with outfit recipes.”

DON’T: Let your wardrobe get ‘lost in translation’. A friend recently introduced this phrase to me, which describes the bonkers clothes you buy when on holiday that you’ll never, ever wear back home. (In other words, put down the harem pants.) I like to think this concept works the other way, too: don’t buy clothes for an imaginary holiday personality you may or may not acquire once you’ve whipped out your passport. If you’re a jeans and t-shirt girlie, are you really going to become a floaty maxi skirt girlie once overseas? Probably not.

I adore this outfit on Elsa Hosk, but am I really going to want to lug loafers to Europe when I’ll wear them once (at best)? No.

The 7 Dos And Don'ts Of Curating Your European Summer Wardrobe (1)

However, the ‘lost in translation’ rule applies to your own personal style. “When I travel, I always look out for special pieces to bring home with me, like a sarong or unique accessory, so travelling with basics makes it easier to style my new treasures,” Ana told ELLE Australia.

DO: Aim for materials that travel well. Silk, bamboo, cotton blends and linen will be your friend in the warmest climates. “Linen is perfect in summer; it doesn’t need ironing, it washes well, and it dries in less than an hour in the sunshine. Fool-proof,” Maggie says. Avoid polyester; it might be wrinkle resistent-ish, but as polyster-based fabrics are water resistent, your sweat will do nothing but stick to you all day. Leave it behind.

DON’T: Pack clothes just for the photo. Yes, that two-piece set might be cute, but can you move in it? Can you walk for five hours a day? Are you buying it for an imaginary vacay, or the one you’re actually having? Yes, I want to look like Aubrey Plaza in The White Lotus, too. It doesn’t mean her outfits will fit in my suitcase.

DO: Pack the following: a great pair of jeans, a perfectly cut white t-shirt, a button down shirt (so versatile), a great pair of walking shoes, a swimsuit you feel great in, a hat, a couple pieces of jewellery that go with everything, a light jumper for unexpectedly cool nights, and sunscreen.

“I always pack one of our oversized silk shirt and pant sets,” Lesleigh told ELLE Australia. “It’s such a versatile look, styled up with a heel for dressier occasions but just as easy with a swimsuit and sandals poolside.”