What I am packing for Europe (carry on edition.)
How to pack a euro summer wardrobe in a carry on suitcase.
Given I travelled Italy and Greece for 3 weeks with a carry-on last July and just visited Paris, Milan and Madrid for 2 weeks last month, I think I know how to pack a carry on well.
Starting off I always create a Pinterest board for my trip and scan through to find the most common items for summer. Then I pull everything on that list out of my closet and make sure I can style multiple outfits per piece. Bonus points: take a mirror selfie with each outfit and add to an album (it’ll save you tears when you’re halfway though your trip and have “nothing to wear”). Finally, there is nothing quite like the JULY Carry On Light Expandable. It is sleek, smooth and the traveller’s version of the Mary Poppins Bag.
So, here is everything I pack for a three week euro summer holiday in a carry on.
Tops:
For tops you want to keep it super simple. Linen will be your best friend. Tanks (especially this one from Ref) are so versatile - with denim shorts it’s casual, but with a satin maxi skirt - it’s chic.
Bottoms:
Mix & match to your hearts content. A pair of linen pants are not only crucial for a hot summers day but super comfy for a long haul flight. I feel like everyone knows about these Agolde denim shorts, and for good reason. I have taken them on every trip - you can wear them with a linen shirt and flip flops to explore or a sweater tied over a tank and sandals for dinner.
Dresses:
Obviously its summer, so dresses are super important. But, given you only have a carry on, you need dresses that can take you from day to night, like my favourite Realisation Par midi dress (& yes polka dots are back). The other benefit of these dresses, especially the Venroy maxi dress, is that you can style them as a skirt by throwing a tshirt over the top.
Shoes:
Arguably the most important part of your euro summer wardrobe - the shoe. When choosing a shoe you’re battling against cobble stone streets, thirty thousand step days, and a desire to not stick out as a tourist. Here are my blister proof selections, from cutsie ballet flats to your basic samba sneaker.
Accessories:
Sunglasses will be your go to - sunny days strolling through the Luxembourg Gardens or after a big night at Istar - these are the shades you need. I always pack a swimsuit, even if you’re only hitting the cities, a good rooftop pool is hard to miss.
So that is everything I pack in my carry on! I hope this helps and am sure you will look fabulous strolling the streets of Paris or Madrid ⭐️💋💋