From the sun-drenched streets of the Amalfi Coast to the always-in-demand cafés of Paris, European summer outfits should look as cool as they feel. This year’s style shift is moving toward relaxed luxury and a refined ’90s aesthetic—elevated, breezy, and endlessly packable. To help you build the perfect packing list, we asked Brittany Hampton and Tara Swennen, two celebrity wardrobe stylists, to break down the top trends, must-pack items, and styling tips for a European vacation this summer. From sheer layers to metallic flats, here’s everything they say you’ll be seeing this summer while sipping spritzes across the pond.
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Packing tips from the stylists:
- Don’t overpack trendy pieces you’ve never worn before. A Euro trip is not the time to ‘test’ items you’re unsure about. You’ll end up carrying dead weight in your suitcase. —Brittany Hampton
- Create a mini capsule wardrobe. I like to stick with a color palette that lets everything mix and match. It’s not boring, it’s smart. —B.H.
- Pack pieces that can do double duty; accessories (scarves, belts, jewelry) go far with minimal space. —Tara Swennen
- Don’t forget about texture and movement. Linen, silk, cotton gauze. These feel luxe in hot weather and don’t cling. —B.H.
- Europe in the summer can be warm—opt for breathable fabrics that still feel elevated. —T.S.
- Leave a little room in your suitcase. You’re going to find something amazing abroad, and you’ll want to bring it home. —B.H.
Tops: sheer layers, sunset hues, and sporty staples
“Summer 2025 is all about sheer, airy layers that breathe but still feel elevated,” Brittany Hampton says. She notes organza overshirts and chiffon sets will be making their mark. “These items are perfect for staying cool without sacrificing style.” She’s also leaning into racer tanks and nylon pieces: “It’s perfect for travel days when you want to be low-maintenance but pulled together and don’t have to fight the heat,” Hampton says.
Tara Swennen recommends packing tops in sunset-inspired hues like marigold, cardinal red, and tea rose. “They evoke warmth, romance, and escapism this summer,” she says.
Dresses: More sheer, boho revival, and balloon silhouettes
For evening revelry or daytime strolling, dresses are an essential part of any Euro wardrobe, especially this year. Hampton’s favorite dress trend of the season? Sheer again. “They are lightweight and pack flat,” she says. “And they’re great to wear over a swimsuit for the beach or layer over a bandeau and high-waisted shorts for the city.”
Swennen calls out a more romantic twist: “Volume is in—bubble hems, puff sleeves, peplum waists—but this trend is surprisingly wearable and soft.” And if you’re feeling nostalgic? “The ’70s are back, but refined,” says Swennen. “Think soft suede, gauzy lace, ruffled hems, and earthy palettes—all with a breezy, romantic feel.”
Bottoms: Wide-leg pants and comfortable skorts
“Loose linen blazers and wide-leg trousers always give you that effortless Euro look while staying relaxed,” says Hampton. “It’s the balance of comfort and chic.” She says that a wide-leg pant in a wrinkle-resistant fabric also goes “from day to dinner with just a change of shoes,” perfect for anyone traveling with just a carry-on.
Swennen suggests leaning into modern sport staples that balance comfort and style, like a pleated short with a pair of platform sneakers. She also loves “a striped oversized shirt [and a] striped midi skirt” that you can mix and match with solids “or even each other, for intentional chaos.”
Swimwear: Mismatched stripes and versatility away from the water
Swimwear in 2025 is more than just pool-ready—it’s part of the day-to-day outfit rotation. Hampton recommends thinking in layers: What looks good with a sheer covering, like a maxi dress or oversized shirt? Is there a bandeau swim top you can wear both for swimming and for strolling? Is there a one-piece you can wear tucked into a pair of bottoms for a night out?
Swennen’s approach is playful, and continues her stripe forecast—horizontal, vertical, and even diagonal stripes, and better if mixed and matched. Her advice: Pair with other stripes in your suitcase (like a striped midi skirt) for double wear. And “don’t go too matchy-matchy. Let it be mismatched for a reason—varied scale and color in the stripe adds interest,” she says.
Shoes: Flats first, sporty sneaks, and metallic shine
“Everyone is ditching heels for flats! Bold colors, embellishments, and fun elements for character,” Hampton says. “Your feet will thank you when you’re 10,000 steps deep in the South of France.”
Swennen echoes that comfort-first energy with a twist: “Platform sneakers—comfy, stylish, and versatile.” And for nights out? “Subtle silver or gold sandals photograph beautifully at sunset and double as novelty pieces,” Hampton says. She suggests picking a pair that can go with both casual and dressy outfits to save space.
Accessories: Functional, multi-use pieces
Accessories can completely change up your European summer outfits, taking them from casual to elegant and vice versa. Try monochrome basics that can be taken up a notch with color and texture. “Think small, but anything that works as an accent piece,” says Hampton. “A silver mini bag instantly elevates the basics.”
Swennen emphasizes the importance of multi-use items: “Accessories (scarves, belts, jewelry) go far with minimal space.” Scarves can double as sarongs, and go for “sunglasses that can make an outfit pop, and a bold earring or jewelry that turns a basic dress into a full look,” says Hampton.
Looking for more summer vacation staples?
