7+ Essentials You'll Need in Europe This Summer {2024}

Wondering what to wear for your European summer vacation? Your favorite Europe travel guide has her list of Europe summer essentials you'll want to include in your suitcase!

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Packing for a trip to Europe this summer?

There's nothing more fun than planning a summer trip to Europe! European travel, as you'll know if you've been following the blog for any amount of time, is one of my great passions (I run a whole website about it)! 


Walking all day, seeing incredible historic sight after historic incredible sight, exploring world-class shopping, drinking outside in a piazza the evenings...summer in Europe is simply magical. 


Realistically, and with good reason, there's also no more popular time of year to head 'across the pond,' so you'll have plenty of your fellow American tourists and other European on vacation to keep you company.


There's also no warmer time of year, though depending on which part of Europe you'll be exploring, the weather might surprise you and create a few unexpected packing hurdles.


So what should you pack for a summer trip to Europe? While there's no shame in being a tourist, I pride myself on wearing clothes that help me fit in and that don't scream "American tourist" everywhere I go. Nothing makes me happier than when someone thinks I'm a local (and yes, it happens surprisingly often). 


So here's my plan for out time together. First, we'll walk through a few FAQs about visiting and packing for Europe in summer, and then we'll move into specific clothing items you'll want to pack for your trip. 


While you're here, I hope you'll take some time to explore the many free resources I have about packing for Europe and what to see once you get there!

• The Ultimate Guide to Packing for 10 Days in Europe
• What to Wear in Italy in Summer
• 6+ Must-See Art Museums for Your First Trip to Paris
• 10+ Avoidable Tourist Mistakes in Spain
• What to Wear in Europe: 20+ Tips Every Tourist Needs​

FAQs What to Wear in Europe in Summer

What's the weather like in Europe in summer?

The weather you can expect in European countries in the summer months will, as you would obviously expect, vary somewhat. 
By way of an example, I'll separate out a bit. For average high/low temperatures (in Fahrenheit) and days of precipitation, here's what you can expect in July:

• London 74/59 (7 days)
• Paris 78/61 (7 days)
• Stockholm 75/59 (8 days)
• Rome 89/67 (2 days)

What's the best suitcase for a trip to Europe?

I generally bring a checked back for 10 days in Europe. Whether you'll bring a checked bag or just a carry on, be sure that whatever bag you select has the soft top that has just a flap that unzips at the top. European hotel rooms are tiny, tiny, tiny and the trendy, hard-sided bags that unzip and flop open in two halves take up way too much valuable floor space if you're going to be living out of them.

How do I maximize space in my suitcase for a trip to Europe?

Building a travel wardrobe is necessarily constrained by the physical constraints of that suitcase.  Focus on neutral colors and outfits that can be worn multiple times/mixed-and-matched.
Try to plan as many different outfits as you can in advance. Avoid single-use items such as high heels or bathing suits, unless you are absolutely positive you'll be wearing them on your trip, as they take up space and, realistically, don't get used after long days walking on cobblestone streets.

Are there dress codes in Europe in summer?

Packing for a trip to Europe in summer warrants a note on dress codes you may encounter in Europe. In more conservative European countries (such as Italy), you may encounter a modesty dress code at certain religious sites, including the Vatican and just random Catholic Churches you may want to look into as you're strolling around.

​Additionally, at nice restaurants or theaters, you may encounter no denim or no sneaker ("trainers") dress codes, so be sure to include some non-denim pants and a pair of loafers, etc.

What is the difference between American and European fashion?   

European women tend to wear more neutral colors, fewer logos, and more conservative, formal clothing than Americans, so remember to 'dress up' a bit more than you would to visit, say, a theme park. 

What should American tourists wear in Europe?

Wear what you would normally wear, and what you feel comfortable in, while maybe dressing up a bit more than usual and avoiding looking like you're about to go to the gym. European don't wear athleisure the same way we do. For summer, I'd pack comfortable walking sneakers, light-weight jeans, and blouses in breathable fabric.

What NOT to Wear in Europe in Summer

• Athleisure wear
• Tube tops/tank tops/crop tops
• Tiny shorts/tennis skirts
• Baseball caps
• Bathing suits when not directly at the beach/pool
• Beach flip flops
• Dirty tennis shoes
• Torn jeans
• Excessive logos

7+ Essentials You'll Need in Europe This Summer {2024}

What to Wear in Europe This Summer:
​Comfortable Shoes

The most important item you'll bring to Europe this summer is, without question, comfortable walking shoes. You're in Europe to walk, explore, see, and experience. You do not want blisters causing you to miss one second of that experience. Expect to do lots of walking in each and every very, very full day. An unbelievable amount of walking. Far more walking than you normally do.
     To me, this translates into bringing 3 pairs of shoes on your trip to Europe this summer:

1.  Comfortable sneakers
2.  Booties/Ankle boots or loafers
3.  Pair of sandals that you can actually walk in (not beach flip flops)

FAQ: Can you you wear sneakers in Europe in the summer?

Yes. Years ago, half of any post on what to wear in Europe in summer would have been dedicated to lecturing you about not wearing sneakers in Europe to avoid looking like a tourist. However, sneakers are popular in Europe, just as they are in the U.S. I would wear, clean, neutral sneakers, with minimal logos. Preferably a basic, low-profile white sneaker. If my favorite member of the British Royal Family, HRH The Princess of Wales, can wear white sneakers, we can too.

What to Wear in Europe This Summer:
The Right Purse For Exploring Europe

And the second most important item you'll bring to Europe is the right purse. As, most likely, the majority of you time in Europe will be spent in major cities at large tourist destinations, it's important that said purse have two essential qualities.

First, it must be small, and second, it must close completely. The purse should be small because you simply do not need to carry all of your possessions around with you all day. It's exhausting enough to walk 20,000 steps a day without hauling a giant bag. Many museums and tourist destinations will make you check large bags at the coat check or wear them on your front during your time at the sight. Huge bother, extra cost, and time suck.

​And second, the reality of being a tourist is that you are a magnet for pickpockets, especially in the height of tourist season. Tourists tend to carry large amounts of cash and be unaware, so pickpockets make hay when they can. It's a good idea to have a secure purse that zips fully.


Ideally, I'd suggest a classic, leather crossbody.

What to Wear in Europe This Summer: Selecting pants and shorts for summer in Europe

With the reality of warmer weather in Europe in summer, one of the most difficult items to select are pants/shorts. You need to be comfortable while out walking around all day, and not be burning up, but you want to fit in.

FAQ: Is it OK to wear shorts in Europe?

Yes. You can wear shorts in Europe in summer. I'd wear longer shorts than you would in the States and I would avoid athletic or bike shorts. Chino or jean shorts are perfectly acceptable. Again, be sure to bring longer pants, for dinners or special evening events.

FAQ: Is it OK to wear jeans in Europe?

Yes. Europeans, like Americans wear jeans. I would avoid heavily distressed or acid-washed jeans unless you're younger than the clientele that usually read my blog ;) Be sure to bring some non-denim pants if you'll be going to nice restaurants or the theater, as you may run into "no jeans" dress codes.

OK, so which pants should I pack for my summer trip to Europe?

I would bring:

• a light pair of ankle-length jeans
• long pants (non-denim) or linen pants
• 1 or 2 pairs of long-ish chino or denim shorts

What to Wear in Europe This Summer:
​Lightweight shirts

Somewhat easier to pick than pants are a few light weight shirts. A correctly-folded linen shirt and a few short sleeve blouses. Plain t-shirts in basic colors. Leave the tank tops, tube tops, and crop tops at home.

What to Wear in Europe This Summer:  
​A Hat

For hot days in Mediterranean countries (Italy, Greece, southern France), I'd include a straw hat to keep that hot sun off your face during peak tourism hours.


While I love a baseball cap as much as any other 30-something American SAHM, I would strongly caution against relying on a baseball cap in Europe. European women simply do not wear them, they'll mess up your hair, and you will really stand out as a tourist.

What to Wear in Europe This Summer:
​A few summer dresses

For evenings, winery tours, and less walking-heavy days, I would include a few casual, summer dresses. Unless you're attending a wedding, there's no need to pack anything too 'fancy,' but a dress you could wear with sneakers during the day and sandals and at night would be ideal.

What to Wear in Europe This Summer:  Include that rain gear

Even in summer, I would bring some minimal rain gear: a tiny umbrella and a light jacket that you could wear regardless of rain. 


If you'll be in Europe (excluding Mediterranean countries) for about a week, your chances of rain are fairly similar to what they'd be in most of the U.S.- could be a day or two, could be none at all. If your suitcase situation is really tight and you're looking to cut things, I'd cut the rain gear for Italy or hopping around Greek Islands. You can always pick up an umbrella over there if you need it.

What to Wear in Europe This Summer:
​A Wrap

If you'll be attending evening events, or really determined to bring anything sleeveless, I'd also include a wrap, both for cooler evenings, and to cover-up if needed.

The Ultimate Europe Packing List for Summer {2024}

• 2-3 pairs of comfortable walking shoes (ankle boots or loafers, sneakers, sandals)
• 1 pair of sandals (NOT beach flip flops)
• Leather, crossbody bag
• 1 neutral belt
• 4 short-sleeved shirts/nice blouses
• 2 casual dresses
• 1 ankle-length, cropped pair of jeans
• 1 pair of black pants/ joggers
• 1 or 2 pairs of long shorts
• 1 wrap or scarf
• Straw hat
• Optional: Small travel umbrella
• Optional: Light rain jacket
• Travel set for return flight
• 10 pairs of socks, underwear, etc.
• Reusable water bottle
• Travel-sized sunscreen
• Toiletry bag
• Medications
• Travel documents
• Small amount of converted cash
• Chargers/converters/ear plugs

Summer in Europe Outfit Ideas

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope I've given you some food for thought as you pack for your summer trip to Europe. While you're here, I hope you'll take some time to peruse all of my helpful free content to aide you in planning your trip to Europe! Bon voyage!! xx


While you're here, I hope you'll take some time to explore the many free resources I have about packing for Europe and what to see once you get there!

• The Ultimate Guide to Packing for 10 Days in Europe
• What to Wear in Italy in Summer
• 6+ Must-See Art Museums for Your First Trip to Paris
• 10+ Avoidable Tourist Mistakes in Spain
• What to Wear in Europe: 20+ Tips Every Tourist Needs

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