What to Wear in Europe: 6 Trendy Outfits to Pack for Your Next Trip

what to wear in europe

Planning a trip to Europe is exciting, but it can also be stressful. You don’t want to be the tourist who’s trying and failing to drag a suitcase down a cobblestone street, but you also want to make sure you have an outfit for every occasion. What do you pack?

Your choices only get more difficult once you remember that Europe is way more fashion-forward than the United States. Those Lululemon yoga pants and Chacos will immediately mark you as an American tourist.

Luckily, it’s relatively easy to pack light and put together travel outfits that will help you look more European. Read on to find out what to wear in Europe with the outfit tips below!

A Note On European Style

Before we go any further, a quick note about European style.

The fashion obviously changes from country to country, since each place will have its own unique culture and fashions. Across the board, though, it’s usually smart to plan on wearing more dressy-casual clothing.

Casual, everyday wear has a different meaning in Europe than it does in the United States. You don’t have to dress like you’re going to work, but you should be aware that European style is far more put together.

In cities like London or Paris, dark colors and classy outfits are a good bet. You’re more likely to see bright colors in countries like Spain and Italy, and conservative dress is a good idea in some Eastern European countries.

Make sure you read up on your specific destination before you pack!

Now, let’s take a look at some outfits that you can bring with you on your travels that will help you look like a local.

Related Reading:  What You Should Look for in a Travel Backpack

1. Blouses and Button Downs

The good news — you don’t need to leave your jeans at home. (Though maybe don’t pack the ones that are full of holes.) However, you should try to dress your jeans up a bit with a blouse for women or a button-down shirt for men.

This way, you can still wear your comfortable jeans, but you look a little more fashion-forward. This outfit can also be adapted depending on the weather. Jeans work with most climates and you can change the thickness and material of your shirts depending on the weather.

T-shirts are a little bit too casual to wear out and about.

2. Silk Pants/Tailored Slacks

Silk pants aren’t seen as often in American everyday wear, but they’re a common item of Europe fashion. These are a fantastic option for summertime since they’re breathable enough to stay cool.

If you’re traveling to a country with more conservative fashion but don’t want to burn up in the summer sun, you should definitely pack a pair of silk pants. If you don’t own some already, try to find some with fun patterns or colors. You can match them with a blouse in a solid color for a breezy, trendy outfit.

For men, be sure to bring a pair of nice, tailored slacks. They automatically elevate the rest of your outfit and look fantastic when paired with a polo.

3. Fashionable Raincoat

No one wants it to rain during their vacation, but it’s always best to be prepared. The last thing you want is to have to wear a cheap plastic poncho over the outfit you took time to put together.

Related Reading:  What to Wear to an EDM Concert or Festival

Instead, bring a fashionable raincoat with you. You’ll be prepared for any bouts of bad weather, can stay warm, and you’ll still look great.

Dark, solid colors are a good bet for raincoats. (You should still bring a raincoat even if you’re packing an umbrella — umbrellas don’t save you from the wind!)

4. Rompers

For women, rompers are an easy all-in-one outfit to pack. Plus, they hardly take up any space in your suitcase!

Rompers are a trendy summer outfit and come in a variety of different colors and patterns. This is a great outfit to pack if you’re visiting Mediterranean countries like Spain, Italy, or Greece.

Not only will you look fashionable, you’ll also be able to stay cool and on trend.

5. Accessorize With Ankle Boots & Scarves

Accessorizing is an important part of putting together a good outfit. If you’re traveling during cooler months when layers are needed, how can you fit in with Europe fashion?

For shoes, make sure to bring a pair of ankle boots in a neutral color, like grey or black. Tennis shoes are a dead giveaway that you’re an American tourist.

Ankle boots fit in better with local fashion and also help to make your outfit seem a little classier.

You should also pack one or two scarves to pair with your outfits. (Ideally, you’d have one scarf that matches every outfit you pack, but we know that’s not necessarily going to happen.)

Scarves can add a pop of color to an outfit while doing double duty and keeping you insulated from a chilly London day.

Related Reading:  Top 6 List of the Most Lavish Beach Destinations Europe Has to Offer

6. Jumpsuit

What if you want to have a fancier night out on the town?

No need to pack a cocktail dress that you have to hang up or worry about wrinkling. Instead, try a well-made jumpsuit. Jumpsuits are definitely a statement piece and can look even more stunning than a dress for the same occasion.

Similar to rompers, all you have to do is add some jewelry and you have a beautiful outfit that looks like it’s straight out of the pages of a magazine.

Make sure to double check the length of the jumpsuit you choose — unless you’re also packing a pair of heels in your suitcase, it might be too long for you to walk in comfortably.

Learn More Like What To Wear In Europe

With this list of outfits, you’ll never run out of ideas for what to wear in Europe. Just follow our advice and you’ll be able to both pack light and dress like a local!

Looking for more great travel advice? You’re in the right place. Check out the rest of our travel hacks to learn how to make the most of your travel experiences.