From the thumping beach clubs of Saint-Tropez and Scorpios to Mallorca’s sparkling shorelines, European summer is heating up. To slip into holiday mode this summer, we’ve curated a list of the ultimate wardrobe and travel accessories making a play for suitcase space.
Get the look with beach-to-bar silhouettes (see: Sir and Bec + Bridge for sheer sizzle), luminous beauty basics (Merit) and the It-girl must-haves (Miu Miu and Ancient Greek Sandals) that were made with basking in mind.
If you’re travelling to Europe this summer, scroll on for the packing essentials to have on standby.
Related: 7 Budget-Friendly Destinations to Consider For Your Euro Summer Trip
euro summer packing list
Clothing
A staple tank
Opt for a cute but versatile tank top that can be thrown with shorts or linen pants on for a day out, or dressed up with sandals and a skirt for a night on the town.
A comfy-but-cool tee
A comfortable T-shirt that you can travel, lounge and daytrip in is a must. While a plain option is certainly versatile, opting for a brighter colour or print, or a tee with an cool cut or detailing is an easy way to add interest to an outfit.
The perfect shorts
A relaxed pair of shorts make an effortless addition to any outfit. Best paired with a tailored shirt for boat days or dressed down with a tee.
A dressy skirt
From setting sail on the Aegean to beach club boogying in Mykonos, an elevated skirt is a European holiday essential.
Breezy summer dresses
The perfect beach-to-bar dress blends a relaxed silhouette with dreamy fabrics. And these picks deliver — from Sir’s crochet and fringe to a Vrg Grl classic.
A classic button-up
This classic suitcase staple can elevate any holiday outfit — think: tucked into denim shorts or over breezy linen pants for the style set.
Comfy trousers
While we’re certainly manifesting warm weather for you, it’s best to be prepared for a nippier night (not to mention those cold flights). Whether you opt for an elevated pair of track pants or linen trousers, some long pants are a must.
A good sneaker
Getting from Paris to Copenhagen has never looked more chic. From the chunky dad silhouette (via Salomon and Sporty & Rich) to the low-rise courtesy of Onitsuka Tiger, these sneakers will move you from A to B in style.
Chic thongs
If you’re looking for the shoe of the summer, thongs are topping our packing list. From beach days to connecting flights, slip on a pair of the Mary-Kate Olsen-approved Havianas or for an elevated take on the classic, try A.Emery’s chic leather version.
A cool pair of sunglasses
Sydney Sweeney’s wearing them. So are EmRata and Billie Elish. And now, Miu Miu’s It-girl sunglasses are poised to line European shorelines. Get the look with this pair in tortoiseshell, plus two chic alternatives from Vehla and Luv Lou.
An (easily packable) hat
An effortless addition to any outfit, sunhats are the accessory to have this season, and these chic versions in raffia, canvas and cotton deliver.
A travel tote
From handcrafted in raffia crochet with a fine whipstitch via Helen Kaminski to woven and beaded courtesy of Wynn Hamlyn, relaxed (and roomy) silhouettes will instil a holiday state of mind this summer.
Beauty
From an effortless holiday flush (Mecca’s off-duty blush sticks are your beauty hack here), to an endless summer, bottled (Maison Margiela) and in-flight soothing and hydrating solutions (see: Merit’s Great Skin priming moisturiser), here are Cosmo’s beauty essentials for holiday skin.
- Mascara
- Lip Gloss
- Highlighting Balm
- Bronzer
- Skin Tint
- Blush
- Moisturiser
- Sunscreen
- Hydrating Serum
- Perfume
- Hair Brush
- Hair Oil
