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It's the summer of European style, y'all. Whether you have your ticket booked, or you want to channel the 'fits locally and pretend you're living la dolce vita, there's a key aesthetic when it comes to Euro summer looks: Easy, breezy fabrics (hi, cotton and linen) that can be mixed and matched with anything. And if all your social feeds have also been flooded with the fashion girls living their best Euro summer lives, maybe you're inspired to start dressing like it, too.
To make your life a little easier—you've got a Euro vacation to plan!—I rounded up the best European summer outfit ideas that you can wear on vacation or simply while trying to survive a heat wave and pretending you're in Italy. These looks will take you from strolling through the cobblestone streets to enjoying an Aperol Spritz at dinner and even taking a dip in the ocean. They feature some of your favorite summer 2024 trends, from butter yellow to matching sets, as well as the classics you can wear for years to come (hi, linen pants and wrap sandals!). Happy shopping, and happy Europe-ing!
Our top picks for the best European summer outfit ideas in 2024:
Most of these pieces can be paired with each other, making them all super versatile so you're able to maximize luggage space (s/o to those carry-on-only packers!). Now, keep reading for my favorite, most-worn clothing and accessories picks from my own European travels this summer.
The waistcoat trend has been everywhere this year, and one of my favorite ways to wear it is a matching linen set. Try styling this airy, under-$30 vest from Amazon with a coordinating pair of white linen pants and knit Mary Jane flats for an effortlessly chic (and comfy!) 'fit.
I can already picture this sheer, knit mini dress on a boat along the French Riveria. If you want to channel this season's crochet trend, layer this mini over a bathing suit with some retro sunnies.
A timeless summer vacation outfit formula? White linen pants, like these perfect wear-everywhere trousers, with a tank top, bodysuit, or classic T-shirt. Just add a pair of comfy walking sandals, and you're good to go!
European summers are hot hot, but post-beach dip, or when the weather cools a bit at night, it's nice to have a lightweight layer. Throw this Free People crochet pullover over a one-piece swimsuit and white pants, and you have the perfect day-to-night look.
Say hello to one of my most-worn European vacation pieces: The Hill House Delphine Nap Skirt. From the beach to dinner to strolling around, style this skirt with a crop top and lace-up sandals for a laidback, Roman Holiday-inspired 'fit.
Nothing says "carefree seaside vacation mode" quite like a crochet midi dress styled with a packable straw hat and slide sandals. Wear this breezy outfit from a day of exploring the city to sunset cocktails on the beach.
I'm officially declaring 2024 as the summer of the white maxi skirt. I'm willing to bet you've seen at least one fashion influencer in a white maxi skirt and cute crop top on IG this summer. This outfit works flawlessly while summering in Europe, but also for anywhere else too, tbh.
You can't go wrong with denim and a cute tee. Pair this elevated Djerf Ave take on the classic T-shirt with your favorite denim shorts and some good walking sandals. The top is super light, airy, and *slightly* sheer, making it perfect for a beach coverup, a night out, or just a day out 'n about.
Universal Standard Crescent Breton Stripe Knot Dress
The easiest Euro summer outfit? A versatile, breathable dress that can be either casual or dressy, depending on how you style it. Pair this striped knot dress from size-inclusive brand Universal Standard with comfortable, pointed flats for an outfit that can do it all.
How freakin' cute is this little poplin set? The lace and fabric button detailing on the top is darling, and it looks best when paired with the matching poplin shorts, retro oval sunnies, and a colorful silk headscarf.
The unofficial color of summer 2024 is butter yellow, and I can already picture you in this Quince midi dress frolicking through a little Euro town. It's 100% linen, meaning that it's light and breathable, making it perfect for a warm day. And all you need to complete the look is a pair of leather slide sandals and your favorite hoop earrings.
Two words: effortlessly chic. Co-ords that can be mixed and matched are a smart investment, especially when you have limited packing space. Enter this striped set from Free People that does the work for you: simply throw on the matching striped skirt, crop top, and sweater, and you have an instant statement 'fit that looks like you put a lot of work into it. Just add flip flops, and you're set.
Milkmaid dresses are what all the It Girls are wearing this summer, and the best place to embrace the trend is in Europe. Take this linen style from Reformation that's fitted at the bodice and features a full skirt and simply add a straw tote and matching red sandals for a romantic moment.
Nia Thomas Simone Cropped Crochet Cotton Pants
I'm sorry, but this stunning crochet set from Nia Thomas? It deserves its own European summer. Style it with platform sandals and a tiny shoulder bag for Aperol Spritzes, or with a pair of flat slides for a more casual daytime beach outfit.
If you missed it, Reese Witherspoon was spotted wearing this swimsuit on her own Italian vacay a few weeks back. All you need to pair with this classic black one-piece is a cute bucket hat and cover-up dress, and the beach pics are ready to take themselves.
Want an outfit that feels elevated in the most s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g way? Perfect for exploring museums or dressed-up dinners, style this gorge short-sleeve slip dress from J. Crew with lace-up kitten heel sandals and chunky gold hoop earrings. Instant jaw-drop.
I can't travel anywhere in the summer without packing my linen button-up: it's the best layering piece in the world, and is still light enough so you're not overheating on a summer day. Layer this striped shirt over a white tank and style with linen trousers, or if it's cool enough weather, a pair of relaxed jeans.
Soooo, is anyone else obsessed with the boxer-short-as-pants trend? Cool, because if it's a super hot day, you can style these Gap poplin boxer shorts with a basic scoop tank top for an ultra-casual outfit. Don't forget to throw on your Adidas Samba OG Shoes to complete the look.
This statement flutter-sleeve maxi dress + a mini rattan bag + platform sandals = the ultimate Euro summer vacation dinner look. It's easy enough to throw on after a day in the sun and elevated enough to look like you spend every summer in Europe. Win-win.
Good American Shirt Dress
Daytime Euro style is typically more understated in neutral colors, however, it's fun to bring a pop of color, like this vibrant shirt dress, for a night out. Pair this off-the-shoulder design with heeled flip flops and a lil leather shoulder bag for a red hot evening.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
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