How to Look Stylish While Traveling in Europe

So you're off to Europe? Starting to pack? I've got some easy tips about what to pack, how to prepare, and what to wear once you've arrived in Europe. Let's talk about stylish travel clothes for Europe.

Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Post updated March 2020.

Packing for a trip ​to Europe? ​

Wondering how you look stylish on a trip to Europe, while being comfortable enough to walk around *all day everyday* for 10 days? It's a hard nut to crack, but after 6 trips "across the pond" over the last 4 years, I'm starting to feel confident!

​I've collected some "go-to" outfits that are chic and stylish, without being uncomfortable. Who knew that combination existed? I certainly didn't - and you'll note you won't be seeing any pictures from my first trip to Europe, because I've metaphorically burned all the the ones with me in them.

Wait. Are you saying travel is all about
​what I'm wearing?

I am *not* saying that traveling is all about appearances, though, I do write about the subject quite often. Traveling is about exploring, seeing the world, and learning how other people live. It can be one of the most enriching experiences, and getting out there and taking a chance should always top your list.

That said, you're here to learn about clothes! And, I will argue that feeling comfortable and confident is part of my personal enjoyment of travel (and everyday life), and I know that many, many of you agree with me. I like to feel like I fit in, look good, and am representing myself well. One of the things I really enjoy learning about when I'm abroad is how people dress (it was in England that I discovered my love of Barbour!) and how social normal differ from what I'm used to (read: endless saying of "Bonjour!" in France).

Couldn't resist a photoshoot in Strasbourg, France

My goal is to give *real* tips for *real people* traveling to Europe.

How to Look Classy in Europe:
Preparing for your trip

Let's start at the very beginning! What do you need to do to prepare for a trip to Europe (outside of all of the planning of the trip itself - for more on that, check out the full post: How to Plan a Trip to Europe!). 

Part of the logistics of preparing for a long trip are simply that a longer vacation than most people usually take. And, of course, you are going somewhere that maybe you've never been, or that you've only been a couple of times.

Don't forget to subscribe to the blog newsletter for your free, downloadable carry-on packing checklist for Europe!

Packing cubes for Europe

Be sure to order some packing cubes for your trip! They make all of your packing easier and allow you to stay organized in your hotel room! I love the starter set from Amazon. We'll discuss packing more later!

Styling your hair in a European hotel room

How are you going to look stylish if you don't have your normal hair styling products? Most hotels in Europe will have a hair dryer. But when it comes to other styling devices, you'll need to have that adapter if you're going to want to use your straightener or curler. If this is your first trip to Europe, check out the full primer on A First Timer's Guide to Europe, to learn about buying adapters, finding coffee, and everything in between.

And, of course, you don't really want to spend your whole trip to Europe doing your hair! I bring the straightener for nights out, but for day to day, I just opt for my favorite hair creme, the hotel blow dryer, and some neatly arranged, giant bobbi pins to keep it out of my face!

A day trip to Girona, Spain, from Barcelona

Best nail polishes for a trip to Europe

As most Americans stay in Europe at least a week, how are you to keep your nails looking fresh throughout the trip? You certainly want to avoid spending your time at the nail salon or hunting for nail polish remover. Thanks to the advent of "gel" nail polish, you can keep your nails looking fresh for your entire trip. Definitely try out gel before your trip, to ensure that it works for you. 

And, if all of this is just a bit much, or if you'll be taking an active vacation and don't want to worry about your nails, why not get a manicure with all the shaping and cuticle procedures, but *without polish*?

Packing jewelry for a trip to Europe

It goes without saying that the majority of countries in Europe are extremely safe. That said, it's travel itself, not specific countries, that makes traveling with jewelry always a bit risky!

​Make sure all of your important jewelry (engagement and wedding rings, etc.) are insured before you go. If you're worried about those expensive pieces, leave them at home. I recently got a diamond eternity band from Noemie, that I'm planning to take to Europe in place of my usual rings.

I bring only as much jewelry as I can wear on a normal day, and then a few costume jewelry necklaces to switch out. The necklaces can add pizzaz to any outfit, without adding bulk or weight, and they certainly make an outfit look thought out and finished. I really like JCrew and the JCrew Mercantile stores for inexpensive, but cute necklaces.

Break in your shoes before you get to Europe

If you're going to buy new shoes for your trip, definitely do this thoughtfully. We can discuss a bit more, below, what types of shoes you may want to have, but I would recommend relying on shoes you've had for a while for the everyday walking. If you have new shoes, even ones you're planning to wear just for evening/special events, definitely break them in before your trip.

You can't walk 18,000 steps a day in new shoes...unless they're my favorite loafers from my trip to Paris, but that's another story.

Make-up for a trip to Europe

I try to keep my travel make-up super light. I find Europeans don't wear a ton of make-up, and they seem to have a great way of looking chic without it. For tourists, I don't want to have runny mascara, or eye shadow up to my eyebrows at the end of a long day.

Keep in mind that these products are going to need to fly thousands of miles in the chilly cargo hold, maybe change planes multiple times, and get thrown and thrown and thrown by baggage handlers. You'll want to pack them securely, and I wouldn't bring hundreds of dollars of products with you. 

My essentials:

• Tinted moisturizer with sunscreen
• Blush/bronzer
• Mascara
• Eyebrow pencil 
• Chapstick

Calton Hill, Edinburgh

Stylish Travel Clothes for Europe:
Europe Travel Essentials

Regardless which country you're visiting, there are a few things you definitely will want to bring to look classy in Europe.

​For more on packing for 10-days in Europe, check out the full post, Packing for a 10-Day Trip to Europe, which includes what to wear on a plane, how to pack a carry-on, and suitcase logistics. And, for my constantly updated list of Europe Travel Essentials, check out the full page!

Light Jackets for Europe

Unless you'll be going to Europe in the dead of winter, light jackets are the name of the game. My winter coat has some serious frequent flyer miles under its belt, really for no reason. For most countries in Europe, my jacket essentials list is 2 of the below:

• light trench coat;
• windbreaker;
• Barbour jacket; and/or
• a "topper" (Boden usually has some good ones)

Walking shoes for Europe

Find the perfect shoes is *key* to feeling comfortable on a trip to Europe. Walking will be your main activity and a blister can seriously ruin a day. That said, I'm not going to rock my gym shoes, just to feel comfortable. As far as that's concerned, Europeans are *very* particular about tennis shoes (or "trainers" in the UK). If you do bring tennis shoes, be sure to bring others as well, as higher-end establishments quite often have "no trainer" policies.

My packing list for Europe for shoes is:

• one pair of riding boots. I like these Blondo boots because they're waterproof, but they look like leather, so they're perfect for rainy days;
• one pair of "booties"/ankle boots - Blondo is my go-to. Not as clunky as riding boots, and still very comfortable for walking;
• two pairs of flats  (I like Sam Edelman and Birdies for loafers);
  
• one pair of "dressy" tennis shoes (Birdies has a new line I really like for my next trip); and
• one pair of *nice* sandals (not pool flip-flips), to let my feet catch a breather from my other shoes, in summer.

Purses for Europe

The right purse is one of your more vital accessories on a trip to Europe. Personally, I opt for the smallest possible purse and definitely avoid backpacks. The pickpocket threat is real, particularly in certain places. For more on picking a purse for Barcelona, check out What to Wear in Spain in Winter.

For everyday, I like a basic Longchamp Le Pliage - super compact, "squishable," zip-able, and waterproof-ish (at least I'm not worried about it in a sudden downpour). 

Stylish Outfit Additions

Scarves for a trip to Europe

Welcome drinks in Rome

No matter the country, I am all about adding a scarf to most of my outfits for winter/spring/fall in Europe! They're perfectly comfortably for travel, yet keep you looking classy and polished all day long.

Can't go wrong with a few reasonably priced options from Amazon, to get you started, if you aren't currently a scarf girl!

Wraps for a trip to Europe

For airplanes, late-night, outdoor dinners, and even casual museum strolling on a nice day, I love a wrap to keep my temperature comfortable when going in and out of AC, or when the temperature unexpectedly dips! There's also something super classy about a wrap - and if you get one in a versatile color, you can pop it over most of the outfits you'll be wearing!

Preparing for rain in Europe

If you come prepared, you can avoid the ultimate mark of the tourist, the plastic parka. 

Rain is an unfortunate reality of any vacation, especially if you'll be visiting the England & Scotland. For specifics on UK rain essentials, check out What to Wear in London and What to Wear in Scotland.

The Royal Crescent, Bath

Generally, I rely on a small, extremely compact umbrella, a light rain jacket, and waterproof shoes, but not rain boots, which are hard to walk in and will inevitably cause blisters, no matter how comfortable you think they are. That way, I'm prepared for rain, but also look normal...not like I'm about to go on the Maid of the Mist.

How to Look Classy in Europe:
​Country-Specific Packing Lists

Depending on where you'll be heading, I likely have some tips on what to wear in that specific spot! Check out my country-specific packing lists:

• What to Wear in Paris
• What to Wear in Scotland
• What to Wear in Italy
• What to Wear in London
• What to Wear in Spain

Thanks so much for stopping by!

It means a lot to me that you're here, and I hope you'll consider poking around the website to check out all the other content I have to offer about Europe.

​Bon voyage! xx And don't forget to sign up for the newsletter and get your free, downloadable packing guide for a carry-on to Europe!

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