18 European Summer Outfits to Copy for Your Travels Abroad

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Packing for a European vacation this summer? You want to look stylish and not stand out too much from the locals, but you also need to be comfortable for long days of exploring urban cities or strolling through quaint towns.

Luckily, dressing for the most popular travel spots in Europe is all about looking effortlessly chic. With a few key pieces, you can create a wardrobe that will take you from sightseeing to dinner effortlessly.

In this post, I’m sharing 18 European summer outfit ideas that are on-trend and easy to pack. You'll find inspiration for every occasion, whether you're strolling through the vineyards of Tuscany or wandering the cobblestone streets of Prague. I’ve also included several outfits featuring summer dresses that are perfect for your vacation wardrobe in 2024.

Keep in mind that dress codes can vary depending on location (regions, cities, and even specific venues). These outfits are just meant to inspire you, especially if you’re looking to achieve the European summer aesthetic!

Pack like a pro for European summer. Check out my travel style guides with all the tips and tricks you need:

European Summer Outfits on Pinterest

18 European Summer Outfits

1. Maxi Dress + Sneakers

The maxi dress is a must-have if you’re traveling abroad this summer. It's incredibly comfortable while remaining endlessly versatile. Pair a flowy maxi dress with a comfortable pair of sneakers for a chic and effortless look that's perfect for exploring all day long. This ensemble is a fail-safe choice for any European destination, and its modest coverage makes it ideal for various settings.

2. Mini Dress + Flats

When navigating European cityscapes, a mini dress and ballet flats create a lovely combination. This outfit is effortlessly charming, perfect for exploring city streets or enjoying a leisurely alfresco lunch. Keep in mind that short hemlines make for a more casual option, so it might not be suitable for fancy restaurants or religious sites. For more breathable footwear, you could swap the flats for sandals or mesh Mary Janes.

3. Boat Neck Top + Gingham Shorts

Gingham is having a moment this season, and Europe is the perfect backdrop to try out this trend. I’ve been seeing gingham capris everywhere, but for a more approachable choice, opt for gingham shorts. Pair them with a timeless boat neck top and slingback flats for a polished daytime look or keep it casual by styling them with a graphic tee and sneakers.

4. White Shirt + Printed Skirt

A crisp white shirt is a summer staple that can be easily incorporated into your European summer wardrobe. Add some personality to your look by pairing it with a printed skirt whether it features a trendy leopard print or feminine florals. This ensemble is perfect for a day at the museum or an evening out. Simply swap your daytime sandals or sneakers for a chic heeled sandal or mules to transform the look for night.

5. Scarf Top + White Jeans

For coastal getaways, a silk scarf is a playful, but practical piece to add to your Europe packing list. Style it as a bandeau top with white jeans and heeled sandals for an effortless ensemble that’s ideal for evenings out. Even wear your scarf as a chic sarong for beach days! You can also find scarf tops that are less versatile, but still a fun choice for warm-weather destinations.

6. Slip Dress + Bold Accessories

For summer soirées, my go-to is a simple slip dress. It's delicate, feminine, and easy to elevate with the right accessories. Dress it up with bold jewelry like statement earrings or a chunky necklace—I'm obsessed with layered charm necklaces at the moment. Complete your Euro summer look with a pair of chunky heels and a colorful clutch to turn a basic dress into a stunning statement.

7. Basic Top + Embellished Skirt

Don't underestimate the power of a statement piece in your vacation wardrobe. An option that’s easy to pack and on-trend this season is a sequin skirt. Pair it with a basic tank or tee for an outfit that’s both comfortable and captivating for a night out. You really can’t go wrong with this combo for European summer. I’m currently loving all of the sparkly options at J.Crew!

8. Knit Maxi Dress

For those cooler evenings on your European travels, a knit maxi dress offers an effortlessly elegant solution. The cozy fabric ensures you stay warm while the maxi length looks timelessly polished. Complete the look with strappy sandals and a minimalist clutch for a sophisticated take on golden hour. Certain dress styles also make chic coverups after a day at the beach.

9. Crochet Shorts

Crochet is a major trend this season, so you’re certain to see knit pieces everywhere. Why not channel the carefree spirit of summer with a pair of crochet shorts? Perfectly suited for warm weather adventures, crochet shorts lend themselves beautifully to exploring sunny beaches or strolling through outdoor markets. Wear them with a flowy top and flat sandals for a breezy, bohemian look that embodies effortless European charm.

10. Graphic Tee + Slip Skirt

This surprising yet chic combo should definitely be part of your Europe travel wardrobe. A graphic tee and slip skirt are the perfect pair for a day of shopping or exploring a new city. A statement graphic tee injects a touch of casual coolness, while the delicate slip skirt keeps your look effortlessly polished. If you’re short on space, you can even transform a maxi dress into a skirt with this simple hack.

11. Maxi Dress + Sandals + Straw Tote

A maxi dress with breezy sandals and a straw tote makes for a warm-weather dressing formula that is perfect for European summers. Ideal for those hot days spent sightseeing, a long dress offers both comfort and coverage. Wear it with a pair of padded sandals and a large straw tote bag for coastal chic style. I can’t wait to recreate this look on my upcoming travels to the south of France.

12. Coordinating Separates

Coordinating separates is a smart way to create a put-together look without having to wear a dress. Try pairing a vest top with a matching skirt or pants for a chic and comfortable outfit. This combination is perfect for a museum visit or an evening out for drinks. Coordinating separates also lets you mix and match the pieces with other items in your wardrobe. I love this for packing light!

13. A-Line Skirt + Scoop Neck Tank + Strappy Sandals

This European summer outfit reminds me of one of Audrey Hepburn’s signature looks in Roman Holiday! An A-line skirt has a flattering silhouette that works well on almost any body type. Pair it with a simple scoop neck tank top and strappy sandals for a chic and summery look. This effortlessly elegant outfit transitions perfectly from a day at the beach to a casual dinner, ensuring you're dressed to impress wherever you go.

Read More: How to Dress Like Audrey Hepburn

14. Lightweight Scarf

One must-have accessory for European summer is a simple silk scarf. Elevate any outfit with a burst of color or pattern by tying it around your neck, or wearing it as a headscarf. For beach days, you can transform it into a chic cover-up. Choose a larger option and drape it around your shoulders for evenings. Silk scarves are also incredibly compact, so they fit easily into your luggage. I personally love styling mine with a pair of oversized sunglasses for an Audrey-inspired look.

15. Corset Top + Mini Skirt

For a touch of coquette to your summer wardrobe, try pairing a corset top with a mini skirt. This undeniably chic combination is perfect for a night out. Add a shoulder bag and flirty heels to complete this evening look. You can also dress down the corset top for the daytime by pairing it with comfortable denim and ballet flats. Both styling ideas are feminine and flirty for your European adventures.

16. Cami + Maxi Skirt

On scorching summer days, a basic cami and maxi skirt is a comfy combo that keeps you cool while providing coverage. This day-to-dinner ensemble transitions effortlessly from city strolls to casual alfresco dining. Dress up the maxi skirt for more formal occasions by swapping the cami for a silky blouse and adding statement jewelry and a pair of heeled sandals or mules.

17. Silky Cami + White Pants

As the sun sets, elevate your evening attire by pairing a silky cami with white pants. I’ve been seeing ruffled and babydoll camisoles all over my Pinterest feed, and they’re perfect for European summer. Style them with crisp white pants and heeled sandals for a casual yet flirty evening look. For daytime, swap the bottoms for white denim and flat sandals.

18. White Dress + Colorful Sneakers

A white dress is a summer staple that every woman needs in her European wardrobe. Pair it with a colorful pair of sneakers (like Sambas, the summer it-shoe) for a fun and trendy look that’s perfect for a day of sightseeing. The best part is that you can truly customize this outfit to suit your destination—choose a breezier dress for coastal areas or a smart shirt dress for city adventures.

With these 18 European summer outfit ideas as inspiration, you'll be sure to pack a stylish and versatile wardrobe for your travels abroad. Having traveled extensively in Europe, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of comfort! Choose pieces that you feel confident and comfortable in. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and colors to find what looks best on you. Lately, I’ve been wearing more vibrant hues, especially with the warmer weather!

Need more ideas on what to wear in Europe? Check out these recommended posts:

What are your favorite European summer outfits? Let me know in the comments below.