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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While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
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"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
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“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
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"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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Feature image by Leon Bennett/WireImage
Below, find our favorite Black TV moms that “raised us” and why we’ll always ride for them.
Clair Huxtable (The Cosby Show)
Graceful, brilliant, and uncompromising, Clair was the archetype of the accomplished Black mother, shattering stereotypes as a high-powered attorney raising five kids with warmth and wit. Phylicia Rashad’s portrayal of Clair from 1984 to 1992 earned her two Primetime Emmy nominations (and fun fact: she was the first Black actress ever nominated in that category!).
Beyond her career moves and fabulous wardrobe, Clair Huxtable was that mom who listened, who read you for filth when necessary, and who loved you out loud with elegance and humor. She taught us that you could be nurturing and a boss at the same time—and you didn’t have to apologize for it.
Vivian Banks aka Aunt Viv (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Bel-Air)
Whether it was Janet Hubert’s sharp-tongued sophistication or Daphne Maxwell Reid’s calm, nurturing energy, Aunt Viv was—and still is—the heart and soul of the Banks family. She was the type of woman who could shut down a whole dinner party with just one raised eyebrow and make you feel wrapped in love two minutes later.
Let’s not forget: Aunt Viv took Will into her home like he was her own, showing us what unconditional love and family really look like. And can we talk about her iconic dance moves during that one unforgettable audition scene? Legendary!
In Bel-Air, actress Cassandra Freeman continues Aunt Viv’s legacy, bringing her own strength, softness, and modern-day brilliance to the role.
Rainbow Johnson (Black-ish)
Played by Tracee Ellis Ross, Bow navigates modern motherhood with heart, humor, and a strong sense of cultural pride while balancing a medical career and a quirky family.
Bow's hair alone could have its own spin-off show—from box braids to silk presses to natural curls, every style, crafted by department head Araxi Lindsey (who is also Ross’ personal stylist), was a love letter to Black hair’s versatility.
As a biracial woman raising Black children, Bow also gave voice to the complexities of identity in a way that felt authentic and overdue. She wasn’t perfect, and that’s what made her so real and so beloved.
Dr. Miranda Bailey (Grey’s Anatomy)
There’s tough love, and then there’s Dr. Bailey love. Portrayed by Chandra Wilson, Miranda Bailey has long been the no-nonsense moral compass of Grey Sloan Memorial. But her journey as a mother, especially raising a Black son in today’s America, brought even deeper layers to her character.
She’s not just a mom biologically; she's a mentor, protector, and guiding light for countless young doctors who came through those hospital doors. Bailey showed us that nurturing leadership isn't soft, it’s one of the bravest things you can do. She’s a true Grey’s Anatomy legend and has been right alongside Meredith Grey throughout all 20 seasons of the show.
Nikki Parker (The Parkers)
Where do we even begin with Nikki Parker? Played to hilarious perfection by Mo’Nique, Nikki was a bold, extra, and fiercely loving single mom who decided to go back to college so she could better herself and stay close to her daughter, Kim. (Bestie energy, but make it maternal.)
Their mother-daughter bond was pure magic—equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and relatable. Nikki taught us that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, especially when the people you love are counting on you.
Rochelle Rock (Everybody Hates Chris)
As the matriarch of a working-class Brooklyn family, Rochelle, played by the forever-legendary Tichina Arnold, was tough, protective, and endlessly quotable. Her “I don’t need this, my man has two jobs” became an anthem for fed-up moms everywhere.
Inspired by Chris Rock’s own mother, Rochelle was a love letter to the fierce, funny, over-it Black moms who held it down with limited resources and unlimited love. She was a reminder that sometimes, love looks like keeping the lights on and dragging you by the ear when you got out of line.
Tasha Mack (The Game)
Wendy Raquel Robinson’s portrayal of Tasha Mack gave us one of TV’s most unapologetic portrayals of a working Black mom. Loud, loyal, and unapologetically herself, Tasha was both a top-tier sports manager and a ride-or-die mom to her son, Malik.
Their bond was messy, complicated, and so real. It showed the challenges of balancing ambition with motherhood, especially when you’re trying to break barriers in a male-dominated industry. Tasha raised Malik with tough love, but at the end of the day, it was always clear: nobody had his back like his mama.
Trudy Proud (The Proud Family)
Trudy Proud, voiced by Paula Jai Parker, was that mom who balanced her career as a veterinarian, Oscar’s chaotic get-rich-quick schemes, and being a mom of three with a whole lot of love (and side-eye when necessary).
With a perfect blend of patience, real talk, and "don't play with me" energy, Trudy raised Penny and her siblings with love, culture, and plenty of teachable moments. And let's not forget: when The Proud Family first dropped in 2001, it was one of the few animated shows centered on a Black family, giving an entire generation the representation we deserved—colorful, complicated, and full of heart.
Dee Mitchell aka Aunt Dee (Moesha)
Dee Mitchell (affectionately known as Aunt Dee) was that steady, loving force who knew how to keep it real without ever raising her voice. Played by Sheryl Lee Ralph, Dee stepped into the Mitchell household after marrying Moesha’s father and brought a much-needed dose of patience, structure, and heart to the family.
Navigating the complexities of blending a family, especially with a headstrong teenager like Moesha, was no small feat. She showed us that bonus moms are real moms too, and that sometimes, love is about showing up even when it’s not easy.
Honorable Mention: Barbara Howard (Abbott Elementary)
Sheryl Lee Ralph has a knack for this TV moms stuff, and we couldn’t wrap this list without tipping our hat to another maternal role she’s played: thee Barbara Howard. While Barb is technically a mom, the show focuses on her role as a teacher at Abbott. But let’s be real, she's a full-on work mom to every kid (and adult—we’re talking to you, Janine) who crosses her path.
With wisdom, warmth, and a healthy dose of “baby, please,” Barbara shows up every day modeling excellence and patience. A true matriarch in the halls of Abbott Elementary and in our hearts.
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