Planning a trip to Europe and wondering what to pack? Dresses are one of the easiest pieces to travel with because they are easy to pack, easy to wear, and can look polished with very little effort. The right outfit can take you from a casual day of sightseeing to dining out with just a change of shoes and accessories. And since each European country has its own sense of style, I’m sharing some of the best European travel clothes and styles that make the most sense depending on where you’re going.
ThisChico’s Bungee Dressit is a lightweight, lightweight, sweat wicking fabric that is wrinkle resistant and machine washable. It also has sun protection built into the fabric, making it perfect for long days of sightseeing.
What to wear on a plane
A blanket can work for days of travel as long as it’s in a wrinkle-resistant fabric that won’t come off on the plane looking like an overstretched napkin. Ponte is one of my favorites because it adds a soft texture, holds its shape for hours, and comes off the plane looking exactly like it did when you boarded.
This is the Quince Ponte dressmade of 4-way stretch ponte that looks polished but still feels comfortable to wear. It comes in six colors and has a clean, simple design that you can dress up or keep casual depending on your shoes and accessories.
Jersey fabrics and light soft fabrics also tend to keep wrinkles at bay. Layer with a cardigan,cozy wrapor a soft jacket because airplanes are notoriously hot when you board, and then cold enough to feel like a refrigerator once you’re airborne. Wear your heaviest shoes on the plane to save space in your bag.
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The best Italian Travel Clothing
Italian style has a way of looking sophisticated without seeming awkward. Linen clothes are especially good for Italy because they are breathable, comfortable, and practical for long days spent walking around cities, towns, and beaches. Just remember that if you plan to visit any Italian churches, it is wise to choose a dress with sleeves or put a scarf in your bag for extra coverage.
ThisStretch Midi Shirtdressmade from a cotton-spandex blend that feels goodcool and comfortable. The pattern helps hide wrinkles, and the shirtdress style adds enough structure without being stuffy. This can work with flat sandals, low-top sneakers, or a dressin the evening.
In Italy, especially in the cities, women tend to wear neutral clothes such as beige, navy, black, white, and olive. Bright colors can feel too obvious there, while coastal towns are a little more relaxed.
Linen is perfect for summer in Italy because it stays cool and still looks polished in the heat. A loose linen shift works great because it’s easy to wear all day, doesn’t cling, and feels great for sightseeing and just for dinner.
ThisOrganic Linen Shift Dressyou can look at home on any street in Italy. The loose style works in very hot weather and allows for airflow, keeping you cool. Just put it on your head, add a strap if you like, and you’re good to go.This is a linen wrapit is a good way to cover the shoulders or the head when going to church.
The Best French Clothes
In Paris, women tend to wear simple, polished pieces with clean lines and a neutral palette like navy, black, brown, camel, and cream. A dress that looks good with flats during the day and can be dressed down for dinner is usually the best choice.
ThisSézane Cotton Tee dressit has a side tie for extra shaping without comfort. The round neckline and short sleeves are effortless, making it easy to dress up or down.
The South of France, whether you’re in Provence or along the Côte d’Azur, feels more relaxed than Paris. You will see a lot of white, soft colors, and the cooler conditions that go with the heat and the coastal area.
This breezy, breezy maxi dressit is a cotton-rayon blend with 34 sleeves and a V-neckline in a relaxed silhouette. Perfect for breezy days at the beach.
Linen and cotton make a lot of sense here, as inland cities like Aix-en-Provence and Avignon feel relaxed, while the Riviera tends to be less polished. For evenings at the beach, a simple midi or maxi dress with a light layer is usually enough.
This dress is from Farm Riomade from an airy linen blend with a resort-ready vibe and a seascape pattern. The sleeves have lacey scalloped edging, giving off a playful vibe
Best Practices in Greece
Greece is not a one-pack state. Athens dresses more like a European city than a beach destination, so a well-cut dress with flat sandals or clean sneakers works better there than anything too floaty or on the beach.
This is a slip-on sweater dressit is well packaged and comes in misses, petite, petite plus, and plus sizes.
Islands are a different story. This is where soft, comfortable clothes in breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and gauze make the most sense, especially in white or shades of blue. Maxi dresses work well for beach days, island hopping, and dinners by the water. However, attitudes vary. Mykonos is very dressy, Corfu and Rhodes are casual, and Santorini falls somewhere in between.
This smoking maxi dressit has a hand-stitched bodice and a flared tea skirt that you can switch on the go.
One practical note about Santorini specifically: it’s less windy than people expect. If you are sightseeing in a short dress on a windy island, fitted shorts or Slip Shorts underneath are worth considering. Not good advice, but useful.
These Thanga Societymy favorites because they are light and opaque, so there is nothing to show that the wind is blowing your skirt up. They come in 5″, 7″, or 9″ lengths, in several shades.
What to Pack in Spain
Cities like Barcelona and Madrid have a fun, boho style that stands out. Think brightly colored dresses and bold patterns that really capture the lively, passionate Spanish vibe. Light, breathable fabrics are perfect for staying cool in warm Mediterranean weather and dancing the night away.
This fun linen dress from Bodenit comes in several colors and print options and is perfect for a sunny holiday in Spain. It comes in petite, regular, and tall, in sizes up to 20/22.
Seville in the summer is a completely different challenge. It often exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so dark clothing is a bad idea. Shift to white, cream, and light pastels from June to September if you head south.This is a beautiful shirtdresssuitable for many occasions.
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One Last Packing Tip
No matter which country you’re going to, pack less than you think you need and make sure everything you bring can do more than one job. A dress that goes from sightseeing to dinner without a wardrobe change costs three, and if it has side pockets, you’ve hit the jackpot. And for the love of cobblestones, wear shoes you’ve already broken in.
Where are you headed this summer, and will you be packing clothes?