Every year the lure of a European summer draws me in with temptations of an Aperol spritz on the shores of the swankiest of beaches or sipping poolside on the rooftop of a trendy boutique hotel. This year, I decided to book a two-week vacation galavanting around Europe from London to Paris, with a few stops in Spain.
Jet setting from city to city may sound like the picture-perfect holiday in theory. However, it took more time to lock down my outfits than it did to plan my day-to-day itinerary. With such a long trip, dragging multiple suitcases around Europe was completely opposite of the romantic fantasy I envisioned for myself.
My goal? To blend in with the European aesthetic while also standing out in my own unique way. With perfectly warm temperatures along with stunning historical architecture, it was the perfect opportunity to shop for new clothes to fit my new surroundings. From neutral tones, lightweight trousers, bikinis, and chic accessories, these were items I could easily fit into a checked bag while also rotating between looks without a complete outfit repeat.
Whether packing for an upcoming trip or adding to your 2024 mood board, I’m here to ease your stress with a quick guide and outfit inspiration to living a stylish life while on your next European vacation.
What To Wear: 72 Hours in Paris
A Classic Blazer
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
There’s an effortlessly casual nature about The City of Light with chic undertones that I instantly wanted to be a part of. On day one, I went with a pinstripe blazer paired with wide-leg distressed denim jeans and casual sneakers for a day of sightseeing. Perfect from day to night, a dark oversized blazer is a great choice for a variety of looks.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
The Denim Maxi Skirt
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
I couldn't travel to Europe without a few of my favorite denim pieces. Pairing a maxi denim skirt with a matching one-shoulder denim top gave the appearance of a denim dress ultimately, which allowed me to break up each piece to wear on two other occasions throughout my trip.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
A Necktie
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Incorporating menswear can be a cool addition to a women's look. Recently black neckties have taken on a unisex appeal within the spring/summer streetwear scene, and I couldn't wait to wear one of my own. In true Parisian fashion, I kept my tones neutral for a sleek look with a pop of gold metallic.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
What To Wear: Views From Mallorca
Linen Trousers
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
There’s only one requirement when traveling to a warm European destination: lightweight fabrics. A fun play on textures and patterns, I paired a men’s cream and black knit top worn as a cover-up early in the day, ultimately transitioning my look with a pair of trousers for an evening walk around the city. Linen pants are my favorite this time of year because of their versatility and feel.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Crochet Knits
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Spain was the perfect destination to invest in summer trends saved to my Pinterest boards, such as crochet knits. As mentioned above, lightweight, breathable fabrics are great options to stay cool while lounging or touring a city. This yellow and orange ombre bikini crochet cover-up was the perfect coverage by the pool, revealing a conservative amount of skin.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Cargos
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
The cargo look has dominated fashion trends for a couple of years, and now its influence has spread to incorporate more than just oversized pants. This cargo halter neck open-front top was an exciting addition to my vacation-ready looks, I couldn’t wait to wear it. Keeping it light and neutral, I paired it with tan cargo pants along with light green sunglasses for a subtle pop of color.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Ruffle Dress
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
This maxi ruffle dress was perfect for dinner with a view. Fit for a fairytale, the romantic style was a must-have for a stunning nighttime look. Traveling through Europe with mostly neutral, there was no better time than this flowing fuschia moment.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
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Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
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