10 Things to Never Wear on a European Summer Trip and What to Pack Instead, According to a Travel Writer

Travel + Leisure

26-07-2025

Packing for a European summer vacation is an art in itself. There's a fine line between staying comfortable and blending in, and the right choices can help you feel both confident and appropriately dressed wherever your adventures take you. My recent trip to Paris was the perfect example.
Despite the scorching summer temperatures, my mom, sister, and I fully immersed ourselves in everything the city has to offer: lingering at sidewalk cafés, exploring museums, and strolling along the Seine. But one of my favorite activities was simply people-watching. Paris is known as one of the fashion capitals of the world, and I loved admiring the locals' style, often a curated mix of classic pieces, airy fabrics, and minimalist accessories. The result? Effortlessly stylish looks that felt both polished and entirely unfussy. I was in awe of how put-together everyone managed to look despite the sweltering heat.
Ahead, I'm breaking down the most common mistakes travelers make when packing for a summer trip to Europe—and what to bring instead, based on my own experience and observations of stylish locals. Think breathable sandals, spacious crossbody bags, and comfortable wide-leg pants. Best of all, most clock in at under $50 and are all available at Amazon.
Denim can feel stiff and restrictive, especially during Europe's scorching summer months. With this in mind, consider leaving those heavy cutoffs at home. Instead, opt for breezy linen shorts, which won't weigh you down or cling in the heat.
This Amazon pick is crafted from a blend of lightweight linen and soft cotton, resulting in a breezy, relaxed silhouette that's perfect for warm days. The elastic waist and adjustable drawcord make it easy to get a comfortable, custom fit without feeling restrictive. It also comes in eight colors and a wide range of sizes, so there's truly something for everyone. Pair it with a simple tank or tee and your favorite sandals or sneakers (more on those later), and you've got an effortlessly stylish summer outfit ready to go.
Not only can a bulky backpack feel uncomfortable after a long day of exploring, but it also tends to signal "tourist" in Europe's many crowded markets, museums, and public transit systems. Simultaneously lighten your load and elevate your look with this sleek crossbody bag from Peacocktion. It's roomy enough to hold all of your daily essentials and features over 20 pockets, card slots, and zippered compartments to keep you organized.
Meanwhile, the RFID-blocking technology helps protect your belongings and personal information from digital theft. The detachable straps allow you to wear it several ways, but wearing it crossbody helps keep your belongings extra secure in busy areas where pickpocketing is common. The supple vegan leather construction easily passes for the real thing, and the under-$30 price tag is just the icing on the cake.
Thick, heavy skirts and dresses (especially those with bulky pleats and multiple layers) can feel stifling in the summer heat. Skip the bulk altogether by opting for breezy maxi dresses—bonus points if they have slits for extra breathing room—instead. They'll keep you cool, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish for any occasion, from strolling the cobblestone streets of Florence to sunset boat rides around the Seine.
While options abound, we're partial to this popular pick from Huskary, which has earned over 15,000 five-star ratings at Amazon. With its V-neckline, short sleeves, and relaxed fit (complete with side slits), it's easy to slip on and stay comfortable from morning to night. The lightweight, flowy fabric will keep you cool even on the hottest afternoons, and the range of prints and solid colors makes it easy to find one that matches your style.
While I love a good skinny jean (call me old-school, but I stand by them!), they're not ideal for warmer weather. That's because they tend to stick to the skin and can be nearly impossible to peel off after a long, sweaty day. Avoid that struggle altogether by opting for a pair of pleated wide-leg pants like this pair from Made By Johnny. Lightweight and airy, they're as comfortable as your favorite sweatpants or leggings yet still polished enough for city strolls, dinners out, or long travel days. The oversized, flowy fit also allows for breathability, helping air circulate and keeping you cool.
Although you can't go wrong with any of the 23 hues, sticking to neutral colors makes them even more versatile. They're easy to wear day or night, pair effortlessly with anything in your suitcase, and are especially handy if you're short on packing space.
Comfy, casual clothing is a must for a European summer. Still, there's a fine line between casual and too casual—and most of the time, logo-branded or graphic tees fall into the latter category. With that in mind, it's smart to keep things simple, which is why solid, high-quality tees tend to be the best choice. The solid hues are easy to mix and match and can be dressed up or down depending on the day's plans.
These fan-favorite tees also have a UPF rating of 50+, meaning they block harmful UVA and UVB rays to help protect your skin during long days out exploring.
Flip-flops are practically synonymous with summer, but they're not exactly stylish—or practical—when it comes to sightseeing in major European cities like Paris, Rome, or Lisbon, all known for their charming (but tricky) cobblestone streets and walkable neighborhoods. That said, you don't have to ditch the open-toe design altogether; instead, opt for supportive leather slides that provide comfort and stability.
The Steve Madden Mayven slides are stylish, comfortable, and easy to slip on and off, making them a far better choice for urban adventures. We'd be remiss not to mention their molded footbed, treaded sole, and cushioned insole, which provide excellent support, traction, and—as a bonus—a subtle boost of height. The wide top strap is both functional and fashionable, featuring a hook-and-loop closure to ensure a custom, secure fit for all-day wear.
Sure, throwing on a classic blazer is an easy way to elevate your outfit, but it can also feel heavy and uncomfortable in the summer heat. On my recent trip to Paris, I opted for this stylish linen blazer, which offers the same structure sans the weight. Ideal for dinners and dressier outings, the lightweight blazer has a slightly oversized fit, which I love for its effortless, relaxed vibe—perfect for layering over maxi dresses on balmy evenings.
While you may wear your bulky, colorful running shoes to the gym, they're not the most stylish option when touring Europe. These leather lace-up kicks from Naturalizer are just as comfortable as they are stylish, thanks to the brand's Contour+ technology—an innovative cushioning system designed to follow the natural shape of your foot for a supportive, custom-like fit and all-day comfort.
The 1.25-inch heel offers a subtle lift without sacrificing stability, and the non-slip outsole provides added traction on everything from cobblestones to museum floors. The white leather version is ideal for summer and transitions seamlessly from day to night, whether you're wandering markets by day or heading to a casual dinner in the evening. For those who want to mix it up, the style is also available in a range of other options, including gray, tweed, raffia, and various color and pattern combinations.
Athleisure as everyday attire is commonplace in the U.S., but in Europe? Not so much. In Paris, I noticed that the locals generally favored more tailored looks—even for casual outings, which means head-to-toe gymwear can come across as sloppy rather than sporty-chic.
For the same ease and comfort, Casly Lamiit's monochromatic two-piece set is lightweight, breathable, and smooth to the touch, making it ideal for long travel days and jumping straight into sightseeing. The high-neck tank can be dressed up or down with a blazer or statement accessories, though I'd argue it looks best paired with the matching cropped wide-leg pants. The latter is a favorite for its elastic drawstring closure and deep side pockets, which are actually roomy enough to hold your phone, wallet, or a small travel guide. Of course, you can also wear the pieces separately, adding even more versatility to your travel wardrobe.
A full face of heavy makeup—and an abundance of products—isn't practical for summer travel. With high temps, so much makeup can easily melt off; plus, it can feel overdone and out of place. In Paris (and Europe as a whole), beauty trends lean more minimalist, natural, and laid-back. Channel that effortless French girl approach and keep things subtle and simple with a multipurpose lip and cheek balm.
The Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm SPF 50 is a personal favorite since it offers sun protection and buildable, natural-looking color for a fresh, just-back-from-a-stroll glow. Choose from eight hues, ranging from glowy bronzes to pretty pinks.
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.