A few weeks ago, I was on a work call with coworkers-turned-friends when they started asking for my recs on what to buy and pack for their European summer adventures. (Apparently my online shopping addiction precedes me.) After tossing out some on-the-spot recommendations, they insisted I had to write a blog post so everyone else could benefit, too.
So, since I’m nothing if not a people pleaser, here I am! (Kidding, this is fun for me, I swear.) And for the record, you don’t have to have a transatlantic flight booked to snag these picks—they’ll translate to any adventure near or far.
Bon voyage!
Cute shoes you can *actually* walk in
Arguably the most important item for your Euro travels. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than blistered feet…but I promise you don’t have to choose between style and comfort.
I’m sorry, Rothy’s, I was not familiar with your game. I used to side-eye their price tag…until I was gifted a pair. Holy cannoli, they’re comfy. I got the Espadrille, and they feel like supportive sneakers. I haven’t worn them abroad yet, but they’ve survived longgg walks in NYC. Bonus: they’re machine washable.
A good pair of sneakers is a sightseeing essential, but I didn’t want to look like a total tourist for my Italy trip last fall. These platform New Balances in a fun color fit the bill—comfortable and cool. Mine are dark pink, but this bubblegum colorway is everything.
Hard to believe, I know, but this under-$25 pair of Old Navy ballet flats has lasted through two Europe trips and many a New York excursion. Over a year and too many steps to count later, they’re still holding up. My more expensive pairs give me blisters, but these don’t.
A chic, cozy layer
Airports, chilly trains, breezy nights…you’re going to need something warm on hand. The less space it takes up, the better.
I bought this for the same fall trip, and it basically paid for itself with how many times I wore it. It’s elevated yet comfy, so you don’t have to shell out your euros on a sweatshirt that says “Rome.”
Basics, basics, basics
Basics, for travel? Groundbreaking. But you will thank yourself when you’re lugging a suitcase up cobblestone hills or cramming your carry-on into a European-size overhead bin.
My favorite white tee. $8.00. You’re welcome. I’ve bought this three times now and will keep doing so whenever I inevitably stain it. Plus, it’s an ideal length for us shorties.
A matching set = a million outfit combos. That’s Haley math. This one’s technically a coverup, but I wore it for real life, too. Mix and match the pieces for endless looks with zero effort.
Same idea, but in a short version. I’ve gotten lots of compliments and it feels like I’m wearing sweats.
A packable sun hat
Protect your face from the hot Croatian sun (or wherever your passport takes you) while looking cultured. A packable one means you don’t have to be that person who wears it on the plane.
J.Crew Factory Packable Straw Hat
I have an older version and it will need to be pried from my chlorine-pruned hands. It comes in two colors!
Easy, light makeup
You don’t want to be sweating off your makeup into your Aperol Spritz. Keep it light—but photo-friendly.
I swear by this for summer. It’s the consistency of a serum, but with just enough coverage. Oh, and it’s cheaper than airport water.
A scarf that does triple duty
Another packing hack? A scarf you can use for your neck (so French!), hair (hello, boat on Lake Como), or your bag (spot your luggage instantly).
The food print screams Italian Coast, while the lobsters are nautical perfection.
The lemon checks the Euro summer and butter yellow trend boxes.
A crossbody bag
Keep your belongings safe and close without looking totally 2012.
A fanny pack so cute that it won’t immediately identify you as an American.
The grip raffia has on me right now cannot be overstated.
Adorable socks that go with every shoe
Sneakers by day, cute flats by night—pack socks that work for both.
My friend Annie wore these in Paris, and I copied her immediately. The ruffle is just the right amount of cute.
A slip dress that can be a skirt, too
The MVP of my Italy packing list. I wore it solo, with an oversized tee over it, with my cardigan, belted… so many outfits in one.
This one comes in a rainbow of colors, so you can’t go wrong.
Old Navy does it again! I love the navy polka dot, but it comes in solids, too.
A small jewelry case
Don’t spend an hour of your vacation trying to untangle necklaces while jet lagged.
It’s $5.99, fits in a purse, and holds necklaces, rings, and earrings. Get it.
Sunscreen that doubles as moisturizer
Save space in your cosmetic bag with a 2-in-1.
La Roche Posay Double Repair SPF Moisturizer
My everyday, year-round go to. It never lets me down.
A swimsuit that doubles as a bodysuit
Weird? Maybe. Genius? Yes. A fun one piece will look great poolside and paired with normal bottoms when you feel like bopping around town without going back to change.
This print is the European summer aesthetic in swimsuit form.
Colorfully yours,
Haley
