Traveling to Europe in summer? Download my free Tiny Closet Travel Packing Planner

Pack Light, Look Chic

I just returned from a two week trek through France and Spain with my family and frankly, I overpacked. I am not sure what trip I though I was going on but 30% of my clothes were completely out of sync with our daily activities. What is it about travel packing that drains us of good sense? I should know better.

Hindsight being 20/20 I am sharing my hindsight earned tips for packing for a trip to Europe in summer so you can pack light, look chic and not waste one precious PTO hour thinking about clothes.

Top 5 Packing Tips for Europe in Summer

Traveling to Europe in summer? Download my free Tiny Closet Travel Packing Planner

Here are my top 5 packing tips for a trip to Europe in summer:

1. Check the weather: Seems obvious, right? It's summer, it's going to be hot. Hot for sure but who would have thought we’d be stuck in a 100+ degree heatwave in Paris? That is not typical weather, and you have to prepare for it. Conversely, my husband and I took a day trip from Lyon, France to Geneva, Switzerland (only a two hour train ride) and the weather was 55 degrees and windy! This was a win for me - I knew that the Alps would bless us with at least a day of fresh, crisp mountain air and I packed my favorite boyfriends jeans, one light sweater and my travel wrap. It was a perfect outfit.

2. Pack for eating: Vacation is about relaxation, which for me includes eating lots of tapas and drinking rose. Vacation is not about worrying how your pants or shorts fit. Luckily, I had this epiphany before I left and weeded out anything - no matter how FASHION - that I knew wouldn't feel great after a very satisfying meal. And believe me, there were many satisfying meals. So think elastic waist bands, roomy dresses and your favorite fit jeans - not your skinny day jeans.

3. Neutral Palette - To get the most versatility out of the least amount of clothes stick to a 3:1 neutral ratio. Here's a failsafe formula: Pick 3 neutral colors (for me it was white, black and oatmeal) and pack 3 bottoms, 3 tops and 3 dresses - one in each neutral. Add one more garment to each category in a coordinating color or print. Voila! Outfit options for days. I recommend sticking to darker neutrals for your bottoms. It’s easy to add more color to a neutral palette with accessories like shoes, wraps, scarves and fun earrings.

4. Breathable Fabric: Think cotton, voile, linen, denim, chambray - breathable natural fibers that can be easily laundered, withstand sweat and feel light against the body. Don't bring a leather skirt, even if your harboring edgy Parisian street style dreams. Trust me. You won't wear it.

5. Comfortable Shoes: I cannot stress this enough. Comfortable feet = people who look chic. If I could go back and do it again I would have left my heels at home (I didn't wear them even once) and packed an extra pair of sneakers. The worst look is hobbling around in uncomfortable shoes. Even the wrong sandals can be hell. Make sure you break your shoes in before you leave!

Traveling to Europe in summer? Download my free Tiny Closet Travel Packing Planner

What to Wear in Europe in Summer

Everyone talks about European women's je ne sais quoi- and its true, there is just something about the way European women dress that is effortless and impossibly chic at once. I outfit watched the entire time and I took notes! It really boils down to COMFORTABLE clothes.

What to Wear In Europe in Summer, Outfit Roundup

The Perfect Sightseeing Outfit for Summer in Europe

• Paperbag Shorts: I am living for the paper bag, high waist trend because the waist hits at the smallest part of our midsection which is super flattering on everyone and they provides ample room for comfortable bread and wine consumption. Also the roomy bottoms won't creep up between your legs and cause you to pick at your shorts all day. Ladies. No more picking at shorts. I can't. If you have to, just pull them down on the sides.

• Bodysuit - Another packing win for me, I brought 3 body suits and wore them constantly. They create a streamlined silhouette that looks refined but are just as comfortable as a tank top with out any bunching or wrinkling. Make sure you shop for one with a gusset. Trust me.

• Fanny Pack - Fanny packs are still very much a thing but the 2019 look in Europe is to wear your belt bag crossbody style. Believe me. This is trending. Plus, its practical, your valuables are close at hand and you don't have to worry about pickpockets.

• Sneakers! Sneakers are all the rage in Europe. Especially throw back Nikes. I bought a fresh new pair of expensive designer French sneakers for Paris (Sandro Flame) and I was worried the entire time about getting them dirty. Had I just brought my super cool, broken in Nike Air Max 1, I would have been $250 richer and felt more like myself. Your sneakers should be comfortable and you shouldn't worry about them getting dirty. They are going to get dirty.

The Perfect Night Out Look for Europe in Summer

I tried and tried to nail this night look my entire trip. In fact I bought a beautiful thick linen Iro dress in Geneva with dreams of casual dinners in Spain. No! Too fussy, too thick, too tight. Again, I was making things too complicated. The key to chic is effortless and effortless = comfortable

• Dress - All of the chic Spanish and Parisian ladies were wearing something simple, easy, breathable and romantic like this pale pink cotton midi dress

• Accessories - Minimal! Maybe a fun barrette or a delicate hoop in the ear

• Circle Straw Bag - The circular straw bag is definitely having a moment - the bigger the better! I like it because its roomy (ample space for souvenirs) feels fresh and can double as a beach bag. Simple and fresh. That's the ticket!

• Flat Form Sandals - Can’t stress enough how important it is to commit to comfortable shoes! Spanish women were all about the flat form sandals for evening, they provide a bit of height but no arch. These are just perfect. Neutral, simple, fresh, comfortable - EFFORTLESS.

Bon Voyage, Babe!

Are you traveling to Europe this summer? Download my free Tiny Closet Travel Packing Planner and save yourself valuable time and energy better spent sipping French rose!