13+ European Summer Outfits Vacation Style
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Europe is most people’s dream vacation, especially for Americans. The importance of looking stylish when you go to a new city is at an all-time high, especially in a city on another continent. For me, Paris was my dream city. I could not wait to become an adult and move there, but right never happened. Here you will get some European summer outfits inspo to go on your trip in style.
I think these could be the best summer outfits to help you blend right in with the European crowd. These looks will not only make you look good but also confident and comfortable.
European summer outfits casual style that you can get into right now. Packing your summer travel outfits is one of the most exciting things to do, knowing you are going on vacation soon.
1. Nautical Linen Shirt + Hat + Shorts
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Embrace a relaxed nautical chic vibe with a lightweight linen button‑down shirt (unbuttoned over a tank or tied at the waist) paired with high‑waisted denim or white linen shorts.
As a style experts note, plus oversized oval sunglasses for instant glam. Finish with leather thong sandals and a woven straw tote or bucket bag. (Basket bags are a “timeless style” and the perfect accent to summer outfits)
2. Strapless Bandeau Midi Dress + Mary Jane Flats
For an effortless Parisian evening, wear a bandeau midi dress (strapless cotton or jersey) in a solid or subtle print. Parisian women often pair strapless dresses with flats; in fact, fashion editors note “strapless tops and dresses are big news in Europe this summer,” often worn with comfortable flats like Mary Janes.
Try a Mango bandeau midi dress or ASOS linen maxi (if you want a longer silhouette). Add a small crossbody bag, slender cuff bracelet, and Mary Jane or ballet flats in tan or black. This look transitions easily from city sightseeing to an evening Aperol Spritz
3. Backless Top + Wide‑Leg Linen Pants
Channel cool “European vacation” style with a backless summer top (knitted, crochet or lightweight cotton) teamed with colorful wide-leg linen trousers. As style editor Maxine Eggenberger observed, backless tops are “on the rise” and pair beautifully with wide‑leg linen pants in a fun, summery hue.
Choose white or sage linen pants and a neutral back‑tie crop or cami top. Accessorize with simple gold hoop earrings and flat woven sandals. A wicker basket bag adds to the boho feel (recall that basket bags are a hugely popular accent in Europe). This outfit is airy yet chic – perfect for both cobblestone cities and beachfront cafes.
4. Boho Lace Top + White Skirt
Play into the summer boho trend with a bohemian blouse (think lace or embroidered peasant top) and a crisp white midi skirt. Fashion insiders note that “boho is still one of the season’s biggest trends,” often styled with light linen or cotton bottoms.
For example, a white crochet or lace top with a flowy white cotton skirt makes a pretty al fresco dinner outfit. Accessorize with tan leather sandals (crossover or slides), a tan braided belt, and a straw crossbody. Add a relaxed tote or basket bag to carry daily essentials.
5. Mini Dress + Basket Tote Bag
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A short summer mini dress (boho floral or solid linen) is an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether printed or in a neutral, the key is to keep the vibe easy. As editors note, nostalgic ’90s‑inspired mini dresses (with tiny bows or slip‑dress details) look best styled low‑key: pair with simple flat sandals and a straw basket tote for a quintessential European look.
Try a little black or brown cotton/linen mini, open‑toe sandals, and a medium straw shopper (like the H&M straw shopper bag (www2.hm.com). Throw on a pair of aviator or cat‑eye sunglasses and a gold necklace. This outfit is flirty yet effortless, perfect for exploring villages or enjoying a sunset by the water.
6. Cotton Blouse + High‑Waist Jeans
Keep it classic with a breathable cotton or linen blouse tucked into high‑waist straight-leg or relaxed jeans. Think light colors – an off‑white organic cotton top (like Sézane’s cotton blouse) with faded denim.
You can choose an oversized handbag in a neutral color to blend with anything you wear. So pair your blouse and jeans with a medium straw tote or crossbody and low slides, flats, or mules. Finish with gold jewelry (thin chains and hoops) for a minimalist polish. This look is perfect for a city café or market stroll.
7. Lightweight Short Set + Flat Sandals
For maximal packability, choose a matching shorts + crop vest/top set in cotton or linen. A bright pastel or bold color combo is great in sunny Spain or Portugal. Such two‑piece sets pack small and ensure a coordinated look with one piece.
Fashion editors note that short‑and‑vest combos “take up minimal room” and suit balmy weather. Wear the set with flat leather sandals or simple flip‑flops, a straw visor or bucket hat, and a small crossbody. This casual outfit is ideal for daytime sightseeing or beachside cafes when it’s very hot.
8. Ruffled Top + Maxi (or Midi) Skirt
Capitalize on the romantic ruffle trend with a frilly top and a flowy maxi skirt. A ruffled camisole or off-shoulder blouse (any Y2K‑style frilled top) pairs beautifully with a linen or gauze maxi skirt for an ethereal look. As I have observed, “Y2K-style ruffles are a key trend this summer…
Wear a top complete with pretty frills with a cheesecloth or linen maxi skirt for a look that works even in the height of summer. Neutral white or earth‑tone skirt balances femininity with flat block sandals or espadrilles and understated gold jewelry. This outfit is cool, comfortable, and fully embodies the boho‑minimal blend.
9. Sheer Maxi Dress (Day to Night)
A sheer or light maxi dress can be your workhorse. Pack a long cotton or linen blend sundress with a bit of detailing (buttons, smocking, or tiers). Stylists praise sheer dresses because they’re easy to pack and they are versatile, so you can expect to wear them over multiple items, over a swimsuit or bandeau, or shorts.
Use it as a beach cover-up by day (with slides and a wide-brim hat) and throw on a slip or shorts under it for city wandering. At night, belt it at the waist and add heeled sandals. Versatile layering means this one dress can serve multiple outfits.
10. White Mini Dress
White corset dress with a flirty set that fits all body types. This dress is the perfect corset plus size outfit look, also, snatched the waist, and the sandals are cute too.
11. White Tee + Flowy Culottes
Try a cropped linen or cotton top (button‑front or halter) with high-waist palazzo pants or culottes. Choose neutral tones (e.g. beige or olive culottes with a white cropped shirt) for a minimalist feel. Wear with slip-on slides or sneakers.
Complete with a straw fedora or canvas bucket hat to keep the sun at bay. The shorter top balances the volume of wide pants, so it stays cool. This look is lounge‑chic and versatile – swap the crop top for a tank and layer a blazer for dinner if needed.
12. Bohemian Style + Shorts
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Last, a nice stylish linen top and a cute shorts with a little Bohemian style to it. If you want, you could choose to switch to a skirt instead of these shorts and still enjoy the experience and look chic.
This is an easy outfit for lazy travel days or afternoons. Good to add a linen shirt to your capsule wardrobe.
13. Denim Shorts + Spaghetti strap
Sometimes the simplest style steals the show, if you are going to the Algarve area, or my personal favorite Silver Coast. This is a nice beach outfit that is a nice addition to your summer look. You can’t plan summer without some water activities.
With gladiator sandals, your favorite beach bag, sunglasses, and minimal jewelry to complete your look.
14. Chic Blazer Set
Enjoy your blazer style on vacation, too. With the right look such as a cropped mini jacket blazer, shorts and sunglasses your ready to take on your Europe vacation in style.
