It seems everyone is traveling this summer and I’m busy helping clients with one of my most popular packages:

The Travel Capsule. 

After building multiple travel capsules specifically for Europe, (and traveling quite a bit myself), I not only have the perfect 15-piece travel capsule that will fit in a carry on, but I also have several tips and tricks for making a capsule work hard for you on your trip.

Here are the 15 essential clothing items for 10-14 days in Europe (+ 3 pairs of shoes and accessories).

Let me caveat that everyone, of course, has a different personal style, body types, travel activities and Europe is a big place! This is meant as a rough guide. I’ve made some additional suggestions that will help you refine this as needed:

Packing List:

• White or ivory T-shirt

• Black T-shirt

• Breton stripe shirt

• Neutral, elevated top

• Lux fabric tank top or silk cami

• Button down shirt

• Cardigan sweater - pop of color or pattern

• Crew neck sweater

• Jeans

• Black pants

• Utility, pop of color or pattern pants

• Black dress

• Pattern dress

• Black wrap

• Jacket

• Sneakers

• Sandals

• Espadrilles or heel

• Scarf(s)

• Hat

• Purse

• Belt

One of the most common concerns I hear from clients headed to Europe is that they don’t want to look like an American tourist.

The easiest way to look chic in Europe is to pack classic, quality, neutral pieces and sprinkle in a few pops of pattern and color.

For some reason Americans are obsessed with comfort, and I get that - but it doesn’t mean you should shop at REI for a trip abroad! Europe is the birthplace of design and fashion. Embrace it. As they say, “When in Rome…” Sorry - I couldn’t help myself.
Keep reading for more actionable tips for packing as well as more details about color - but first, let’s get to what you need for your capsule:

When it comes to T-shirts, depending on if you have access to laundry or not, you may want to pack 2-4. They don’t take up much room and they are great for layering. Most of Europe will be hot during the summer so you may also want to consider tanks instead of T-shirts or both. Consider a ¾ or long sleeve black T in addition or instead of a regular T-shirt.

Banana Republic, Nordstrom, Rag & Bone

A neutral, elevated top is one of those pieces that you can dress up or down. Go for something fitted and well tailored. I like a thicker or double layer topper a more polished vibe.

Skims, Banana Republic, Aritzia

A lux, dressier top like a silk cami or knit tank will be a great departure from cotton and provide a dressier option. Don’t be afraid to dress up for dinner or even lunch! You’ll feel chic in silk and fit right in.

Veronica Beard, Vince Cami, Sandro, Ramy Brook

A striped top is a must. And if this really doesn’t feel like you, then go for a vertical stripe or something more subtle. Having a geometric pattern top in your capsule, like a Breton stripe, provides a nice alternative to a mostly solid capsule. It’s fresh, French and playful too.

J. Crew, Boden, Ralph Lauren

A button-down shirt will carry its weight on your trip. It can be worn alone, over a T-shirt, tank, dress and under a sweater. This is an item that you can select based on your personal style. Maybe it’s a classic white or pink linen shirt, or a crisp navy or stripe shirt - even a denim button down is a great option if that’s your vibe.

J. Crew Linen Button Down, Levi’s Denim Button Down

Black pants are a must and there are a multitude of silhouettes that will work depending on your personal preference. I love a flow-y gauze or linen pant, a structured cotton pant and even a legging. It’s really up to you - no matter what, a good pair of black pants will be your best friend on your vacation so make sure you love how they fit!

J. Crew Kate Pants, Michael Stars, Boden Hampshire Pant

Utility, pop of color or pattern pants are going to create more options for you. My favorite is an army green utility pant for travel. Whatever you select, try to make this pair a different silhouette and fabric from your black pants. A jogger or chino is a great option and opt for a thicker fabric if your black pants are thin or vice versa.

Maeve Colette Pant, Nili Lotan East Hampton Pant, Banana Republic Slim Utility Pant

A crew neck sweater is great for cool evenings or early mornings and can be worn over your shoulders if you get warmer. Pick a thicker or thinner fabric, depending on the weather forecast. I love a navy blue shaker sweater, but black cotton/linen or oatmeal heather is a great option too.

Rails Michelle Sweater, Boden Navy Crew Neck Jumper, Equipment Cashmere Sweater

Find a unique cardigan with personality. It should be light so you can wear it over a T-shirts and dresses. It should be unique so it feels like an expression of your personal style. This is a great opportunity to get creative and find something vintage or a sweater from a European designer. If you’re headed to Italy look for a Missoni or Pucci, previously owned sweater. Heading to France? Maybe you can find a cute Sandro cardi - you get the idea.

Boden Pointelle Sweater, Missoni Cardigan from The RealReal, Maje Cardigan, Vintage Pucci Cardigan from The RealReal

When it comes to jackets, I love a relaxed linen blazer for summer travel - yes it will get a bit rumpled, but that Ernest Hemingway, old school traveler vibe will look so great in photos!. If this doesn’t feel like your style then opt for a linen jacket in more of a jean jacket style, an actual jean jacket, or if you are worried about rain, a short trench or rain jacket. Or maybe a utility jacket feels more “you”. Try to stay away from a black jacket if you are bringing a black wrap. A color or white/beige jacket makes for a fresh layering item.

Zara Relaxed Linen Jacket, Michael Stars Linen Jacket, Levi’s White Denim Jacket, Athleta Rain Jacket

A black dress will be your best friend on vacation in Europe. It can be hard to decide what silhouette to bring. Maxi, mini, straight, A-line, body-con, stretchy cotton, crisp cotton, washable silk, or linen. I can only say this: If you have a dress that you put on and you don’t want to take it off - this is the one. Don’t worry too much about what’s in style. Any black dress will do as long as you LOVE it and feel great in it.

J. Crew Slip Dress, Athleta, Marine Layer, All Saints, Sezane

A pattern dress is another way to express your personal style. For some that may be a shirt dress with a geometric pattern, for others a long, floral silk dress. Again, you want to pack a dress that brings you joy in this otherwise neutral capsule. 

Boden Paisley Dress, Diane Von Fürstenberg Lipstick Dot Dress, J. Crew Slip Dress, Sezane Alessia Dress, Zara Floral Linen Dress

Shoes are so tricky and everyone seems to have their own feet issues. The no-brainer is a sneaker. It used to be that the easiest way to spot an American tourist in Europe was by their white sneakers. Now nearly every European has adopted this look and white sneakers are all over Europe. I like a running shoe style, but the classic Superga is still a favorite as well. A pair of sandals is key. I love nude/beige strappy sandals. They feel so elegant and effortless especially in Spain, Greece and/or Italy. A third pair of shoes can either be an espadrille flat or heel or even a sandal heel depending on your itinerary. Opt for black. Viscata are the best espadrilles and made in Spain.

Boden Sandals, Veja Sneakers, Viscata Espadrilles

And accessories! This is the fun part and if you bring the right accessories you can make your capsule work double or triple time! Pack a scarf or two or three. They don’t take up much space and can be worn around your neck, in your hair, on your purse, as a belt, even as a bracelet! 

Echo Silk Scarf, Vintage Pucci Silk Scarf, Boden Silk Scarf

You really only need one purse and please don’t convince yourself that you need a money belt or fanny pack. European residents aren’t walking around with them, why would you? OK, I know the crossbody fanny pack is cute so do that if you want. But I really recommend a beautiful, quality leather purse like a grown up! If you only bring one truly quality item on your trip to Europe make it a purse. Better yet, buy one while you are there if needed! It will be on your body nearly all the time, so it should be beautiful.

Burberry Saddle Bag, Chloe Small Saddle Bag, Ferragamo previously owned cross body, Sezane Milo Classic Purse

Belt - ideally a reversible belt so you have options. This is also something you can purchase while on your trip. A belt can change up an outfit, and I find that my jeans get stretched out when I travel so there’s a practical reason to pack a belt as well. You can also wear it with your other pants and black dress for a different look.

Nili Lotan Belt, Target Belt

Sunnies - maybe two or three pairs.

And finally jewelry. This actually leads us into my tips & tricks section. Here are my top 5 tips for packing:

#1 Pack jewelry! It doesn’t have to be your expensive stuff. You can totally transform an outfit with a fun, big pair of earrings. A small travel jewelry box takes up almost no space.

#2 Wear as much as you can on the plane. This frees up the space in your carry on and you will likely experience temperature changes between the outside and the airport and the plane and need your layers.

#3 As I mentioned, get creative and hunt for a few unique items to add character to your capsule. Whether it’s a designer cardigan, or a vintage belt - it’s a fun way to prepare for your trip and feel unique when you’re out and about.

#4 Create your “color story”. It may happen naturally. For example when I found a Missoni sweater from The RealREal,  it became my inspiration and I was drawn to the army green and blush color that became my neutral and pop color.

#5 Pack detergent sheets. Ideally you will have access to laundry and even if you can do it via your hotel, you can use these sheets in case you need to spot clean something.

This suggested capsule should all fit in a carry on (assuming you wear about 4 items and a pair of shoes on the plane). It should also allow room for your PJ’s, undergarments, socks and work out wear (although maybe you won’t need to exercise in Europe because of all the walking!)
The most important thing is to enjoy your trip.

If you take the time to pack strategically you don’t have to spend a moment worrying about what to wear. The more simplified your capsule the easier it will be for you to throw on an outfit and head to a cafe, museum, walking tour, shopping, or dinner. But balance simplicity with character and be sure to add some authentic elements that bring you joy and ensure that your outside matches your inside and you look and feel your best as you experience true “carpe diem”. Bon Voyage!