How to Pack for your European Summer Holiday

Escaping winter this year for sun-drenched days and adventures across Europe? Get ready with Halcyon House for the ultimate European Getaway packing guide.
Are you now day dreaming of sun-kissed days in Italy topped off with an Aperol or Gelato, or indulging in long afternoon lunches in Paris?
Packing for European Summer is all about curating the perfect capsule wardrobe to be lightweight, stylish and most importantly – travel friendly. Whether it’s exploring the pristine blue waters of Greece, or admiring the coastlines of Italy, France or Spain, we’re here to help you pack the ultimate travel essentials to ensure you step off the plane feeling polished and perfectly prepared.
For us at Halcyon House, we believe in quality over quantity, and know if you invest in versatile wardrobe pieces, you can turn one outfit look into many, removing the need for a whole extra suitcase.
In the below article, we’ll explore our favourite staple pieces from Halcyon Atelier and focus on versatile colours such as whites, blacks, beiges and greys – to pair with vibrant accessories.
1. Travel Friendly, Tailored Shorts
A tailored short can help any outfit look put together. Investing in versatile colours such as black, white, or beige can be paired with multiple-coloured tops to ensure your outfit flows. This vacation staple is forever easy to match and perfect for layering.
Shop our favourite pieces:
- Ravello Short - Tuscan Sun
- The Astor Short - Parchment
2. A Lightweight Dress
Forever our favourite essential – a lightweight, chic linen dress is a must have for all European Travel. Linen is breathable in the summer heat, packs well, and exudes effortless elegance. A neutral toned linen dress (such as white, black) can be worn with sandals during the day for effortless strolls through Santorini, or dressed up with a strappy heel at night.
Shop our favourite pieces:
- Viv Dress White Cotton Seersucker
- April Dress Seashell Silk Cotton
3 A Cross Body Bag
Lets face it – while we’re overseas our phones are out taking more photos than we care to admit. Therefore, opting for a cross body bag that can carry all the daily essentials, while allowing you to be hands free to experience Europe is vital.
While our list for favourite bags could go on forever, we suggest opting for a neutral toned style to ensure this matches every outfit.
Shop our favourite pieces:
- Lou Cuir Black Bag
- Lou Cuir Bag Umber
4 Comfortable, Stylish Footwear
If you’re venturing through Europe, we know comfortable footwear to navigate those cobblestone streets is paramount. An elegant pair of strappy sandals is perfect for sightseeing, and to transition into evenings. We’d also opt for a sleek pair of white sneakers to compliment any outfit.
Shop our favourite pieces:
- The Silba Sandal Black
- The Prince Sandal Eggshell
5. Designer Swimwear and Beach Coverups
If you’re passing by the French Riviera, staying along the Amalfi Coast, or spending extensive time soaking up the European Sun, we suggest investing in two designer bikini pieces to make you feel as luxurious as your location.
A neutral toned bikini, and a colourful bikini can be mix and matched to suit the rest of your outfit.
Shop our favourite pieces:
- The Scoop One Piece Black Rib
- Tre Red
6. Luxury Travel Accessories
Ah accessories. This is where we break our neutral toned, capsule wardrobe rule and suggest getting creative with accessories. Choosing statement, bold pieces can help take your European Holiday Outfit from practical effortless chic, to be thoughtful and playful.
When we thinking of luxury travel accessories, we’re thinking patterned scarves, bright bold earrings, chunky statement bracelets – it’s your opportunity to look for pieces you fall in love with and excite your eyes.
Shop our favourite pieces:
- Atlas Silk Travel Sarong
- Reeshma Beach Sarong
- Thirty Eight Rose Gold w Pink Lenses - Womens Sunglasses
- Twenty Two Black with Grey Lenses - Womens Sunglasses