How to Dress for a European Summer
Containing gorgeous coastlines, incredible food, and deep history, Europe is arguably the best place to spend your summer. With cobblestone-laden roads and grand historical landmarks on almost every corner, it’s crucial to dress in such a way that is both comfortable and respectable.
Where to start
It can be quite intimidating trying to fit in with the strong sense of style all Europeans tend to obtain effortlessly. To start building the perfect wardrobe to ensure that your summer will be full of fashion, we have to go back to the basics. A good starting point is linen. It’s light and breathable while simultaneously giving you a chic look. It’s also perfect for that breezy
Sophia Carraway - Capri, Italy | June 2023
Mediterranean evening that can just have a slight chill to it. Another perk is that linen is extremely easy to pack, more space equals more outfits.
What to keep in mind while styling
Religious or not, the cathedrals that speckle Europe contain beautiful artwork and cannot be missed. Even if rules aren’t posted at the entrance, there are a few cultural norms to follow since most of them are still open for service rather than posing as a museum. My go-to rule of thumb is to cover my shoulders and to wear skirts/dresses that are more modest. It shows respect to those who may be in there to worship and might open up a new style you might have never considered previously.
How to avoid pickpocketing
Unfortunately, pickpocketing is quite a common thing. Tourists are usually lost, and tired, and their open purse is the last thing of importance. The good thing? It is easily avoidable. My first tip is to use a purse with a cross-body strap. This ensures that it won’t slip off your shoulder or be easily taken in a crowd. Secondly, wrap a silk scarf around the opening of the purse so it is
harder to see the entrance point (reference above photo). This will also come in handy if you're visiting a religious sight and want to cover your shoulders!
Quick reminder: Shoes!
I’m a heel girl at heart, my love is almost as strong as Carrie Bradshaw’s. So this entry hurts me. In *most* instances they will not be your friend, they will break your heart and your feet. If you’re a big fashionista who commonly sacrifices comfort for style, you might have to succumb to comfortable shoes that aren't too easy on the eyes. But trust me, if any part of this stays with you, it must be this, Wear comfortable shoes. This will allow you to go the extra mile, and you can always crop your feet out of the photos (see photo above).
Overview
While there is no right or wrong way to dress, it can be helpful to start with a baseline and thenmake it your own. It truly is about the adventure, but I understand wanting a stylish journey, Ialways try to dress up no matter the occasion. As long as you're confident and comfortable,you’ll enjoy yourself.