How to Pack for a European Holiday
Dare we say packing for a big summer vacation is almost as fun as the trip itself? While it may be a close second, putting together new travel outfits is definitely part of the pre-trip excitement. The only thing not as entertaining: Trying to fit your clothes (and shoes and bags) in a suitcase!
To help you prep, Fashion Director Shallon Hunter Manion shares her packing formula for a sure-to-be stylish holiday, no overweight baggage fees required.
Meet the Expert
Channel your inner stylist and hang each garment on a rolling rack before you go. This makes it easy to see every outfit at once, so you don’t have to worry about them on location.
No matter your destination, easy and comfortable is the motto to live by for long-haul trips. Start on the plane with a cozy cashmere set, basic layering tank, and lightweight flats that can be worn throughout the trip.
packing tip
Pack It Up
People take different approaches to packing cubes, but Shallon recommends organizing by outfit. She also likes to put shoes in old dust bags to keep clothes from getting dirty in your suitcase.
Sticking to a color scheme will make it easier to mix and match items while traveling. Select your main pieces—like this beautiful watercolor dress for a special dinner—and plan your palette around them. As a rule, Shallon likes to mix two colors with a neutral.
Packing Tip
Pick a Palette
In addition to planning around core pieces, it’s important to think about your surroundings and pack for the location. For instance, in Portugal, you may wear a lot of blue and white, while in Tuscany, you might be more into greens and neutrals. “You want to feel like you’re not sticking out!" Shallon says.
The easiest way to maximize space in your suitcase is to pack looks that transition from day to night. While you naturally can’t do this the whole time, be strategic with midi dresses for days when you’ll be spending most of your time inside (museum tours, cooking classes, shopping). Then you can swap your accessories and have a new look come dinnertime.
Packing Tip
Make Your Bags Do Double-Duty
“I try to keep it to three bags when I travel: a crossbody for when I’m on the go, a tote that packs flat in my suitcase, and a clutch,” says Shallon. Bonus? A clutch can double as a bag for chargers and cords!
There are days that are sure to be more active than others. When packing, you want to think about not only what will look good but what will stay looking fresh after hours in the sun. Pro tip: Cotton doesn’t wrinkle as much as linen.
Packing Tip
Accessorize Wisely
“Use neutral accessories that work with multiple looks,” recommends Shallon. “I love to add a straw hat, belt, or unexpected shoe to keep my dresses from falling flat or not looking styled.”
It’s always smart to have a few extra tops and bottoms in your bag. A maxi and tank is a go-to summer outfit, while a linen set—like the green scalloped one below—can be worn together or separately (think three looks in one).
