Think: you're sun-kissed in Portofino, freshly showered after a long day on the beach and tipsy off your third Aeperol Spritz of the day. You've donned your favorite sundress for dinner al fresco, and perhaps a date with a stranger you met just that afternoon. Does it get any better?
Whether you're traveling abroad or staying in this year, everyone deserves to have a European summer at some point. And either way, you might as well dress the part. After all, when was the last time anyone said they wouldn't want to live in Mamma Mia or Midnight in Paris? The allure of a summer abroad is one that we can't deny- and can't complain about either.
Read all about The Citizen's Guide to dressing for a European Summer:
Skirts and Dresses
It's time we all collectively recognize that there's no good reason for skirts and dresses to be deemed for formal occasions only. Yes, even satin and maxi-length pieces. In fact, even typically unconventional dresses make for the perfect daily attire when dressing for a European Summer (although functionality should never be sacrificed).
via @maria.calvet on instagram
Don't be afraid to top off your look with some sneakers or loafers- as long as you keep it classy. The French love a white tennis shoe, a current favorite being the Wilson Rush Pro 2.5. Or, if you're looking for something with a bit more edge, the Adidas Samba in Cloud White or Colligate Green.
via @lisaalexandraa on instagram
Summer dresses and skirts also make for great day-to-night wear. When evening rolls around and your days of shopping for fruits and pastries at the local farmer's market are up, it can take as little as a change of shoe or an elevated bag to redefine your whole look. Plus, they make for lighter packing in case you're jetting off and have to spare a checked bag. What's to lose?
Sandals and Kitten Heels
Sure, we just highlighted functionality in your looks, but if you're more of a Carrie Bradshaw and tend to favor style over practicality, you're in the right place. Some might recall the debate over whether heels in Europe- specifically Rome- were a go back in March when Toronto-based media personality Abbey Sadlier shared an outfit guide on her TikTok and Instagram, detailing styles she'd wear in Europe this summer.
After quite a few arguments sparked in her comment section, Sadlier clarified that kitten heels are the way to go. Without killing your feet, opting for a lower heel (especially a block heel) gives you the best of both worlds: comfort and stability on top of style and originality. Besides, with the number of vintage styles on the market, from Miu Miu to Chanel, a pair of patterned or brightly colored kitten heels can take almost any outfit to a different level.
via @themillennialdecorator on instagram
And if you're on a budget, don't sweat. All kinds of retailers like By Far and Dolce Vita offer a wide range of sandals and kitten heels that won't warrant taking out a second mortgage. So, whether you're spending a day walking The Louvre or a night at the hottest club in Berlin, we can almost guarantee you'll be set for anything your European Summer has in store.
Linen, Linen, and More Linen
In 2022, the coastal grandma aesthetic saw a significant rise in popularity, and though it was only heavily trending for a few summer weeks, coastal grandma is the perfect niche category to shop for if you're heading abroad.
via @inesisaias on instagram
Picture this: you're on the west coast of Sweden, slipping a pair of linen pants over your bikini after a swim at the lake. Dinner is ready at the end of the dock, picnic style under the setting sun. Or maybe you're in Amsterdam, biking back to your condo with a basket full of fresh market groceries, your button-down fluttering in the sea breeze behind you. Wherever you go, linen is the perfect staple, as timeless textiles are key in creating a European-inspired wardrobe.
Brands like Reformation and Dissh offer a beautiful selection of linen, featuring pieces that can be styled in a myriad of ways. Or, if you're looking for something more relaxed, don't shy from cotton-linen or poplin blends from brands like Madewell and Studio Seven Designs.
via @studio.seven.designs on instagram
Try pairing some shorts with a blouse-style button down, and even opt to leave it unbuttoned with a bikini top underneath for a more coastal vibe. Style your linen pants with a full-length tube top or matching shirt. Better yet, a soft lounge-worthy sweater for a cool evening. And if you're worried about your look feeling too plain, toss in some pinstripes. You really can't go wrong, we promise.
Raffia Bags and Totes
We all know and love Prada's ever-iconic crochet tote bag. For a few summers now, it's been seen in the hands of countless "it girls" basking in the sun on their summer holidays. But it's not the only one of its kind that's trending now.
Before we get our hands on some other contenders, though, let's talk raffia. Raffia is a straw-alternative textile made from the leaves on the Raphia Palm tree. Different species of raffia can be found around the world, although the best come out of Madagascar. Why choose a raffia bag for your European Summer, then? It's way more durable and higher in quality and longevity by comparison to straw and wicker.
via @jessicazownir on instagram
Say you're walking the streets of Madrid and need to be able to pack your life into a single tote for the day, or perhaps you're basking somewhere on a beach in Lisbon and can't sacrifice your saddle bag to the sand. Or, maybe you just want a classy, unique bag to add to your look (in which case, we get you). Either way, raffia is the way to go this summer.
via @oliviapezzente on instagram
Loewe has a stunning raffia collection, a wide selection of their bags featuring bright colors and embroidery, a perfect note to add to your looks this summer. And, of course, there's Mar Y Sol, an artisan brand that specializes in raffia accessories and offers an endless collection of bags, totes, and accessories. But that's between us.
A Good Pair of Sunnies
If there's one aspect of your wardrobe that probably needs way more attention than you give it, it's your eyewear collection (or lack thereof). Everybody needs a good pair of sunglasses, but if you're planning on dressing for a European Summer, you need a good pair of sunglasses. Whether you're window-shopping in Paris, splitting fruit with your lover in Santorini, or enjoying a morning espresso in the Austrian Alps, the sun is out, the UV is high… and more importantly, you need to look all the more put-together.
via @sofiarichiegrainge on instagram
Of course, it's no secret that eyewear can completely alter an outfit, so it's important to choose your sunnies wisely. Choose a neutral frame and lens shade for a staple pair to go with any look, or take a few on your getaway for enough versatility you can't miss. Crap Eyewear and Lexxola offer a plethora of to-die-for sunglasses, and Warby Parker offers shades you can try on virtually to ensure you snag the perfect pair.
via @emmachamberlain on instagram
Either way, make sure you're investing in your sunnies. Your frames should compliment your face shape and eyes, and you should avoid shopping for pairs that are easily damaged. If you're spending a summer abroad, they should stand the test of style and time. Because after all, the real key to having a European Summer is looking and feeling good. So cheers, and good luck out there.
By: Mackenzie Ostrowski
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