Summer is coming for those of you in the northern hemisphere and with that, summer vacations. Whether you’re off to the south of France, Italy, or the Greek Islands, packing for Europe can be a daunting task. What does one pack for a week in some of the world’s most fashionable cities? How do you go from touristic day out to romantic dinner with only a few clothing changes? Here are some tips for making the most of your packing space for one week in Europe.
pick a colour scheme (and don’t make it white). I know this sounds like one of the most basic tips out there – something that Elle or another fashion mag would tell you, but I’m here to share that it’s one of the best tips I’ve ever gotten. Paring down your closet to one main colour makes it so much easier to pack.
take key pieces – one of each. One pair of nice jeans, one dressy shirt, one skirt, one sundress, one pair of flats, one pair of sandals. Let these key pieces dress up or dress down the rest of your wardrobe.
the fewer shoes, the better. Shoes take up a ridiculous amount of space in your luggage. I brought two pairs of shoes to NZ: my hiking shoes and a pair of flats. You might think you need a different pair of shoes for each event, but you really don’t. And trust me, 4-inch heels on the cobblestone streets of Florence and Rome are not the best idea. Make your shoes do double duty: a casual pair of flats for your days, strappy sandals for the evenings.
take what’s comfortable for you. This may sound like a contradiction of the two above tips, but it’s not really… always pack what you will be comfortable in. Going to Monaco? Take your comfiest, prettiest sundress for the day. Hiking Cinqueterre? Comfy shorts over your bikini and a light tank or tee, with your running or hiking shoes. Walking around cities is tough on feet and there are plenty of comfy, cute shoes out there now.
wear minimal jewelry. Not only does jewelry actually take up a surprising amount of space in your luggage, it is also a turn-on for thieves. Take one statement piece if you plan on having a big night out, but otherwise, keep it simple: engagement/wedding rings, a nice bracelet or necklace, some earrings. If you’re going someplace where flashy jewels attract less than desirable attention, consider buying a cheap diamond ring in place of your real one.
pack a shawl. If the evenings are chilly, it’s the perfect lightweight layer. If the plane is cold, it doubles as a blanket. If you need to cover your head in a mosque (Istanbul) or your knees in a church (Rome!), it can be a headscarf or a skirt.
go minimalistic. Hotels and even hostels will supply hair dryers if you need them. Take minimal makeup – the lightest powder foundation, some bronzer, eye makeup – and leave the big bottles of hair product, lotion, and appliances at home.
Are you travelling this summer? Leave your packing thoughts in the comments below!
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