So you’ve done the research, found the destination, booked the flights (and if you’re anything like my friendship group, you’ve even found the restaurants and pre-approved the menus), but the hardest part of planning any holiday is knowing what to pack. Whether you’re heading for the turquoise seas of the Greek islands, the lavender fields of France, or a chic Italian city break, the “European holiday” aesthetic is currently trending, and mixes all of the best parts of vacation dressing with European charm. Think the understated, classic style of Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, the cool-girl colours and prints of The White Lotus and a dash of the yacht-girl-summer-meets-tomato-girl hashtags and you’ve got yourself the dream moodboard.
So, what are the key pieces in the European summer wardrobe I hear you ask? Well, in order to answer that very question, I hunted through the very best holiday outfits of Instagram’s best dressed to get a definitive answer. And as it turns out, the same pieces crop up time and time again, assembling the perfect vacation capsule wardrobe for just about every style.
There are, of course, the obvious inclusions (think linen, sandals and raffia bags), but there are also plenty of trending pieces that are currently enjoying a particularly good summer (I’m looking at you bandeau tops). So, if your holiday is just around the corner and you’re looking for the ultimate guide on what to pack, keep scrolling for the 14 pieces that influencers are currently adding to their suitcases now. It’s about to be a very good summer.
Style Notes: It goes without saying that dresses come into their own in the summer time, but this year is all about the printed dress. Channel countryside chic with ditsy florals, or opt for the graphic stripes that stand out in a busy city.
Style Notes: Whether it’s Birkenstocks, gladiators, slides, or flip flops, it always helps to have a good pair of long-wearing leather sandals in your arsenal. They add polish to any look.
Style Notes: Swimwear trends may come and go, but it’s the classics that stand the test of time. There’s no need for frills, straps and fiddly accessories, the best swiwmear is chic, sleek and decidedly understated, and works best with an open cotton shirt or underneath a cover-up.
Style Notes: It’s an oldie, but a goodie, and there’s a reason we revert back to the same linen year after year. There’s nothing quite like slipping on some clean, white linen, just ask the European holiday girls, they’re wearing shirts, skirts, dresses, trousers, jackets…
Style Notes: Sorry sarongs, if you’re looking for something a little more contemporary to wear over your bikinis, influencers are reaching for open knit and crochet dresses instead of wrap skirts and kaftans.
Style Notes: Dress up everything from oversized shirts to swimsuits with the simple addition of a pair of tailored shorts. Not only will they make even your most casualwear feel special, but they also happen to work with just about every style of shoe too
Style Notes: Just when we thought we couldn’t love any summer accessory more than the raffia basket bag, we fell for woven hats, shoes, and even jewellery too. There really is an accessory for every outfit.
Style Notes: If you’re likely to already own any item in this list, I’d be willing to bet you have a pair of sunglasses on standby for when the weather improves. Sunglasses are after all the finishing touch to any outfit, and a bright, colourful pair with an interesting shape can take a look from good to great.
Style Notes: Save precious time planning outfits by relying on co-ords, the easiest way to pull together an outfit in less than 5 minutes They’ll help you stay cool in every sense of the word.
Style Notes: Make the most of bare-legged season in a playful mini dress and sandals combo. (And, you’ll score extra Euro style points if you manage to incorporate a neckerchief, cardigan and a Vespa.)
Style Notes: Any trend that is as practical as it is cool gets our approval, and you won’t regret keeping a sun hat in your beach bag for the long summer afternoons.
Style Notes: We’ve probably got the 90s renaissance to thank for the revival of the bandeau top and dress (but it’s a much more welcome return than low slung jeans and body glitter). On the days when you want to wear as little as possible while still looking chic, the strapless neckline is the day-to-night wonder that avoids tan lines too.
Style Notes: Few people will argue that tank top isn’t a treasured core piece in their wardrobes all year round. Dress up this versatile basic with smart, tailored trousers, light linen or maxi/mini skirts when the temperature rises.
Style Notes: If there’s one item that goes seamlessly from desk to dinner and on vacation too, it’s a pair of slouchy, wide-leg trousers. Linen is perfect for tackling a heatwave, but a wool pair will serve you well into autumn and winter too.
