Planning a trip to Europe can feel like a huge undertaking, so let me help you with packing! Choosing what to pick depends heavily on the season, activities on your itinerary, and where you’re going. No matter where you’re going or what season your trip is, an intentional travel wardrobe can help you feel comfortable and chic while traveling.
What To Pack Per Season: Clothes For Traveling Europe
It’s so important to do a little research into your specific destination before you start packing. The right pieces to pack largely depend on the season you’re traveling and where you’re going! So, I’m going to share different pieces for different seasons and locations – things like a trench coat, button up, or a versatile linen dress. These are the types of hero pieces that are perfect for different seasons, but each one will do so much for your wardrobe.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Europe
The best time of the year to visit all depends on where you’re going! I personally love times like mid November, often described as shoulder season, because there are less crowds. It doesn’t feel as overrun by tourists, even if I’m one myself. However, you have to be cognizant of what’s open when it is not considered tourist season in popular summer destinations like Italy. Everything will be open as usual in places like London even during the off peak time of year.
What Are The Seasons In Europe
The seasons in Europe again depend on where you’re traveling. Some places are warmer than others throughout the year – just like the seasons here in the US. While weather conditions vary across different countries, seasonal closet staples will go a long way no matter the time of year.
What To Wear When Traveling Europe: The Top Pieces You’ll Need for Each Season
Versatile pieces are key to packing! Steaming goes a long way in revamping your pieces when they feel a little worn and you don’t have access to laundry.
Winter: Warm Coat
There’s nothing better than chic outerwear when it’s cold. Whether you choose a statement coat or something neutral, a comfortable coat is always important. I typically look for winter coats that are at least 50 percent wool to make sure they’re warm. I also like to make sure the tops or sweaters I pack will fit easily under my coat.
Winter: Jeans or Trousers
Jeans and trousers are the perfect pants to keep you warm and chic throughout Europe. It’s all about the tailored pieces when you’re in Europe or the UK, so I recommend skipping jeans with rips. While I have jeans and trousers listed under the winter season, they’re also good to pack for any time you visit Europe. You can focus on linen trousers instead of jeans for months like mid-June or July and August.
Fall: Loafers or low profile sneakers
Loafers and low profile sneakers are perfect for Europe throughout most of the year because they’re practical and chic. I wear this pair with jeans or dresses depending on the time of year. I also love flat espadrilles for summer or transitional time of year like early fall or late spring.
Fall: Trench coat or leather jacket
When I think about traveling in Europe throughout different seasons, a trench coat is top of mind. Weather conditions can be unpredictable, so it’s always good to have a lightweight layer. Summer is the one time of year that you know you can leave your trench coat at home.
Spring: Versatile dress
There’s nothing better than a versatile dress for the season you’re traveling. A midi or maxi dress is a staple for most weather conditions throughout the year. You can style this type of dress for the fall, spring, and summer just by changing your shoes and using layers. I also like to pack a dress that you can style as a skirt so you can get even more wear out of it.
Summer: Linen dress
A linen dress is a summer staple at home, and it’s perfect for weather conditions in most parts of Europe throughout July and August. Even if you’re headed somewhere in the mountains, you can wear a sweater with your dress for warmth.
Summer: Espadrilles
Espadrilles are the practical version of flip flops for a trip to Europe. There are so many options that are comfortable to walk in that are also very chic. I recently bought these espadrilles from STAUD that I’m wearing below. I’m obsessed with them because they’re comfortable right out of the box. They look good with jeans, dresses, and skirts.
Summer: Jellies
Okay, hear me out. I bought this pair of jellies this summer for our trip to New Hampshire, and they’re so shockingly comfortable that I have to share them. They’re actually perfect for Europe if you want comfortable shoes for the pool and beach, but want to leave behind your flip flops.
Travel Outfits For Europe
Reliable Outerwear for transitional seasons
This suede jacket is my go-to suede jacket for spring and fall. I also wear it in the winter on more mild days. I love how it instantly elevates my look. It’s one of those jackets you can wear to work, on the weekend, or on a special trip.
The Versatile Outfit for Fall, Winter, and Spring
I styled this outfit during my favorite time to visit London. We still had decent daylight hours and it wasn’t cold enough for a winter coat. Okay, so, a button up, tailored jeans, a trench coat, a sweater, and comfortable boots or flats are a dream combination. You can style this outfit in so many other ways that you’ll wonder why you even packed anything else. While I’m wearing boots here, I also love to wear this outfit with my suede sneakers, ballet flats, and loafers. A button up and tailored jeans will truly look good with any pair of shoes.
Rewearing your button up
This is an easy way to style your same button up with trousers instead of jeans. I love to rewear my button ups, as I’ve mentioned. So, this outfit works for lots of different seasons. I’m wearing linen trousers and woven leather flats, but you can easily style this with heavier trousers and cold weather shoes when it’s cold.
How to Rewear your tailored jeans with a suede jacket
Okay, let me just say that if I’m packing for Europe, I probably would pick either this suede jacket or the first one I shared with you. They are different vibes, but I don’t think you need both unless you have room in your suitcase because they do the same thing. This is another way to restyle your jeans – with a suede jacket and lightweight cashmere scarf that adds a fun bit of interest to your neutrals. I like to wear this outfit with a tank top, lightweight sweater, or even a t-shirt. It’s easy to style but you still look put together. These slingbacks are also a great shoe for Europe because they’re super comfortable and they easily work with different seasons. CLICK HERE to shop this look.
How to style a trench coat with wide leg jeans
Wide leg jeans go perfectly with a fitted top. I’m just wearing a simple white tee here, and I added a cashmere sweater to bring some depth and interest into my outfit. It was chilly, so the sweater was actually practical. I hate to see sweaters draped over shoulders in the middle of July – it just doesn’t make sense to me – but they’re a great option for spring, fall, and winter! I love to wear mine and then rewear them over my shoulders or around my waist like I am here.
Click here for more wide leg jeans outfits.
Fun Summer Dress for Euro Summer
If you’re doing a summer trip to Europe, consider me jealous. I highly recommend packing this dress! It’s comfortable and flattering. You can even rewear it as a skirt with flat espadrilles or sneakers for a casual daytime look. The drop waist makes it easy to style as a skirt. I styled it with a brown linen tee over it.
Fun Skirt to Rewear All Year
This skirt is 100 percent cotton, so you can style it in any season. It’s perfect for summer with espadrilles and sandals, but you can also wear it with sneakers or knee high boots. I’d wear this exact outfit with knee high boots when it’s cold!
If you’re looking for tips on how to style a classic skirt, click here for my blog post on how to style a long black skirt.
Fun Dress for Summer in Europe
I love this dress because you can wear it with these sneakers or you can wear it with espadrilles with a heel for dinner!
How to style a plain button up for Europe in the spring and fall
I love a button up. They’re so easy, they’re versatile, and they’re super comfortable. I’m wearing this one from Sezane in size 2. This outfit is a good option for spring or fall. You can easily rewear the button up over a dress or with jeans, linen trousers, or silk pants. It’s also a great shirt for the flight home.
Fun Pants For Spring, Summer, and Fall
These pants are so fun, and they come in a few other options if stripes aren’t your thing. They run long, so I did need them tailored but they look perfect now! I’m wearing them with a cashmere tee, but you can easily style these with a flowy summer blouse or even a long sleeve sweater. CLICK HERE to shop this outfit.
I hope this post helps you get ready for your trip to Europe!
