What to pack for a European summer holiday

If you’re making the big trip over to enjoy the European summer —lucky you! I’ve enjoyed spending time over there during the warmer months through the years, and even got married in Taormina in Italy so it’s the type of holiday that has a special place in my heart. And having packed for it a time or two I’ve managed to get my packing down to a fine art to avoid carting around a big heavy bag to the other side of the world. If you’re heading over there here are a few of my tips for what to add to your European summer packing list.

Dress up!

Europeans have the most amazing style and tend to dress up so it’s the perfect time to step up your fashion game. I’ve always found it a great opportunity to get some use of out the dressier pieces that I don’t tend to wear that often in Australia. So if you’ve got a cocktail dress that you love, you can totally get away with wearing it with flats or sneakers during the day when you’re enjoying summertime in Europe.

Invest in Aussie brands

I firmly believe Australia does beautiful resort wear like no other place on the planet so take advantage of it and add a few homegrown pieces to your travel wardrobe. Brands like Zimmermann, Camilla and Marc, Aje, Bec and Bridge and Bondi Born are faves of mine and I’ll always go away with a dress or swimwear or cute separates from those brands.

Think versatility

I’m a firm believer in not over packing so I’ll always do a tight edit of what I’m bringing with me. If I’m bringing dresses, I always make sure that it’s a style that I can wear with slides or sandals during the day and dress up with wedges or dressy accessories at night. The same rule applies to any separates I bring too; everything has to serve more than one purpose.

Pack separates

I mostly like to bring separates with me because I can create several different outfits by just bringing a few pieces. I always make sure that everything works together so I don’t end up with a top for example that I can only wear with one specific pair of shorts. Also co-ord sets are great for this purpose too because they look cute worn together but can also be separated and worn apart.

Bring a multi-purpose bag

I don’t like to bring a ton of bags with me so I’ll always bring one crossbody bag that I can wear with the straps over my body or tuck the straps in and use it as a clutch. Another alternative that’s perfect for now is a basket bag. I’m really loving all the wicker/straw bags around now as they can be worn during the day or at night.

Leave heels at home

You’ll find yourself navigating lots of cobblestoned streets so leave stilettos at home because it’s virtually impossible to walk in sky high heels on cobblestones night after night and not do yourself an injury! Instead bring wedges, or alternatively a beautiful pair of flats or slides will also work well. Plus they’re much more comfortable.

Pack fun accessories

One thing that doesn’t take up much room but can really change the look and feel of an outfit (and also addresses the issue of outfit fatigue on a trip) is accessories. I always bring my day-to-day jewellery, so my watch, my Cartier bracelet, my gold coin necklace and of course my wedding and engagement ring but I like to bring a few fun pieces to liven up a look when I’m going out. I find statement earrings are always a good place to start as they can really elevate an outfit, while bracelets are always good for stacking. I sometimes bring a necklace that’s on a slightly shorter chain to stack with my coin necklace. Accessories are definitely the perfect thing to pack as they’re tiny but really do pack a sartorial punch.