How to Pack the Perfect Summer Outfits for Europe (in a carry-on)

I’ve spent summers in Europe since I was a kid, but I only recently mastered carry-on packing. Thankfully, the hot weather makes it easier to pack than for winter trips. I always look for outfits I can mix, match, and wear more than once. Yes, even as an influencer, I dare to outfit repeat. It’s not always easy and sometimes takes some serious rolling in my suitcase, but here’s how to pack the perfect summer outfits for Europe in a carry-on.

Summer Outfits #1: Midi Dresses

As I mentioned, the summer months can get really hot in Europe, and it’s not uncommon for places to not have the same central AC we’re used to in the States. I always pack a few midi dresses because they’re comfortable, cool, and can be dressed up or down. If you plan on sightseeing and visiting certain churches, midi dresses are also a modest option to have on hand.

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Summer Outfits #2: Neutrals

Space is limited when packing in a carry-on, so including pieces you can mix and match is key. While I love incorporating color into my everyday wardrobe, packing neutrals or similar color palettes makes it much easier to pack. I also love getting creative and finding ways to wear pieces more than once.

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Summer Outfits #3: Light Layers

It’s generally very warm during the day, but the weather cools down after sunset in certain cities. I make sure to include a couple of layers: an overshirt, shawl, and/or jacket for cooler temperatures. Thankfully, since it’s summer, I don’t have to worry about packing a large jacket or coat in my carry-on.

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#4 White Sneakers

Europe is not the place to wear your favorite heels or uncomfortable sandals. White sneakers are my go-to for every warmer-weather European trip. These are some of my carry-on staples that can be worn for walking, sightseeing, or dinner. European streets are not paved like in the U.S., so to ensure you don’t sprain an ankle or have foot pain after you clock 10k steps around the city, pack sneakers.

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#5 Comfortable Sandals

As we’ve covered, heels are not Europe’s ideal shoe choice. In addition to a couple of pairs of neutral tennis shoes, I usually pack one or two pairs of comfortable sandals to wear to the beach, walk short distances, or dress up an outfit for dinner. The platform sandals in my photo above are the closest to a heel you’ll see me in.

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#6: Bathing Suits and Cover Ups

It wouldn’t be summer in Europe without a trip to the Italian beaches. I always pack a few bathing suits and cover-ups appropriate for lunch or walking around town. European beach attire is more conservative than San Diego beach attire, so pack accordingly! You can’t forget accessories, so toss a small sun hat and sunglasses in your bag.

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#7: Cross Body Bags

Not to scare anyone, but pickpocketers are common in major European cities. Wearing a cross-body can help keep your items close to you and secure while keeping your hands free to walk around and sight-see. I love finding bags that can be worn multiple ways, so you’ll see my cross-body converted to a hand-held bag in my photo on the right. This is a great two-for-one packing hack.

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#8: Converters and Portable Chargers

Finally, the most important things to pack are converters and portable chargers. European outlets differ from U.S. outlets, so your normal phone and computer chargers will not work here. I always bring a portable charger when sightseeing, meeting friends and family, and taking photos. I hate not having a fully charged phone, so a portable charger saves me in emergency situations.