It’s that time of year when those travelling to Europe or living there are preparing for their summer vacation and thinking of their travel wardrobe.
For those embarking on a 3-6 weeks trip, it is an exciting and equally daunting dilemma on what to pack. You would be thinking –
- The length of time away
- Carting a suitcase around and weight
- Multiple destinations and weather
- The events/festivities you are attending
- How to pack a versatile wardrobe and remain stylish every day
Most years I am asked to organise & pack clients’ European summer wardrobe because it takes the stress out of their preparations. I have always maintained the same philosophy the Europeans have, and that is simply – look classy!
I am not of the belief to throw anything in the suitcase and dress in crushed linen, mismatch items, or total monochrome. Nor hopping on a flight looking like you’ve rolled out of bed.
Whether I travel domestic or international for a vacation I believe in comfort, versatility, chic & spirited playfulness – and this all begins from the moment you arrive at the airport.
This is no different if you are on a tight budget- you can still look the part of the sophisticate traveller – it’s all in the fabrics and versatility of the pieces.
(PN: I will be heading to Europe later in August for 6 weeks and closer to the time, I will create a post on my travel suitcase for those travelling during August – October. I can’t wait to show you).
In the meantime, I have curated this mammoth post with 21 style inspirations for the traveller flying off soon, wanting to elevate her attire to be more of the sophisticate.
What is not included in these curations are swimwear and slides for the days on the beach. (You can see those in the next post I’m currently creating – Resort Wear Style for those embarking on a luxury resort vacation).
In total there are 34 clothing items, accessories and shoes that are styled in 21 ways for 21 days. And under each curation is the Shopable link for you to click and shop. Easy!
I show you how to wear your pieces in various ways with just a few simple tweaks, how to go from wearing neutrals to popping with colour, how easily accessories can transform outfits from day to night, and still remain the ultimate sophisticate, with little effort.
Of course if your trip is shorter, then cull a few outfits or pieces to tailor to your trip. I can assist you!
Some Handy tips:
- When packing – tightly roll your clothing pieces as opposed to folding them as this helps eliminate creases and fold marks plus this way gives you more room.
- If you have room, pack a small travel steamer that allows you to steam out some creases in a few minutes.
- Otherwise ensure you unpack the items that you will wear in that city as soon as you arrive at your destination and anything with creases can be steamed out with steam from your warm shower.
- Your silks and cottons can easily be washed in the shower with cold water and mild soap and then hung to dry. No need to have them professionally cleaned wherever you go and less detergent the better.
- When it comes to jewellery I would advise not to pack your finest jewellery for risk of losing them or having them stolen – not only from your suitcase or handbag but also from your body. However I always recommend taking fabulous costume jewellery to elevate simple outfits to elegance. Plus given accessories take up minimal room and weigh little – they are the most effective ways to jazz your outfits and transform them from day to night which of course you will see below.
- In terms of high heel shoes, given European towns and cities are famous for their cobblestone streets, avoid pointy heels and instead if you wish to wear heels on occasion like I do, espadrilles or wedges are best.
Please reach out if you would like me to curate your personalised ultra chic vacation wardrobe whether a short trip or an extended one. We can do this in person or via virtual video anywhere in the world.
Stay tuned for the next post ‘Resort Wear Vacation’ for those embarking on a luxurious stay in a fancy resort.
Enjoy this post full of inspirations, aspirations and dreams.
Gess X
Flight Outfit:
Comfort is key when flying, especially long distances. However you don’t have to forgo style! There are hours spent at the airport at either end and hence your vacation style begins from the moment you step inside the airport as you are setting yourself a high standard for yourself and the expectation of a fabulous vacation -it’s all in the mindset!
Here you can be chic and comfortable with these elasticised balloon style trousers with drawstring at the ankles, a t-shirt and lovely light weight knit wrap top. A scarf to add that European chicness to the look, and of course extra warmth inflight. Yes add accessories when travelling, and when settled into your seat or going to sleep put them away until ready to disembark at the other end. The 2 -toned ballet flats add the extra elegance.
This outfit can of course be worn anytime throughout your trip.
To SHOP this look go HERE
PN – the scarf is an ARCHIVE and not shopable – however scarves are easily found, especially online and in your department stores.
TROUSERS
Black Trousers:
Your travel trousers worn again, this time with a cool white cami with embellishments around the collar for that touch of glam. Place a relaxed unbuttoned semi- transparent shirt over the top for some coverage from the heat. (the back of this shirt has a lovely embroidered pattern – please see this in the shopping link). Either shoes would work well with this outfits – it all depends if you are walking for miles or just meandering looking at the sights or settling in for a long lunch.
To SHOP this Look go HERE – PN: On my shopping page you will notice to the bottom right the No. 5 above the image of a Page. Click on this to view ALL 5 Black Trouser curations. Click on each page to shop them.
Silk Trousers 4 Ways:
Silk trousers worn with a white cami and the gorgeous shirt dress unbuttoned over the top as a light jacket to add a pop of colour and fun. Add a lovely gold and stone cuff, slip on a hat and the retro looking sunglasses. Either shoes will work.
To SHOP this Look go HERE
Same outfit except swap the white cami for black silk cami, the raffia bag for a black and espadrilles (or gold flats) for a more elevated feel.
To SHOP this Look go HERE
On a warm day heading for lunch or sunset cocktails this look is so European chic-ness. All silk with the trousers/ cami and scarf around the neck. Double gold cuffs and black and gold stud sandals for the extra glam. Finish with the white hat and sunnies.
To SHOP this Look go HERE
For an elegant dinner, or it may be a coolish evening depending on where/when you are travelling – add the blazer. Adding a gold chain necklace and gold handbag to this all silk ensemble takes it to another level. This is an ideal outfit for a European city.
To SHOP this Look go HERE
Print Silk Trousers 2 looks:
Adding a lovely print silk trouser to the mix makes your travel wardrobe a little more interesting than just all plain. Wear these with the embellished cami and white shirt unbuttoned. Add these pretty pearl and gold earrings, hat and sunnies, and either shoes will work.
To SHOP this Look go HERE
On my shopping page you will notice to the bottom right the No. 2 above the image of a Page. Click on this to view both print silk trouser curations. Click on each page to shop them. 
Swap out the long shirt with a lovely elegant cream scarf, the black bag with the raffia and a gold cuff instead of the earrings.
To SHOP this Look go HERE
PN – the scarf is an ARCHIVE and not shapable – however scarves are easily found, especially online and in your department stores.
Tailored Shorts 2 Looks:
Shorts can certainly be a sophisticated travel piece if you select the right ones. These tailored white shorts with a tan belt is ultra chic with cami and unbuttoned white shirt. For some colour add this silk scarf.
To SHOP this Look go HERE
On my shopping page you will notice to the bottom right the No. 2 above the image of a Page. Click on this to view both Shorts curations. Click on each page to shop them. 
Swap out the white shirt for the bright shirt dress and add the lovely pearl and gold earrings. The gold bag gives it the extra glam ready for your cocktail drinks.
To SHOP this Look go HERE
On my shopping page you will notice to the bottom right the No. 2 above the image of a Page. Click on this to view both Shorts curations. Click on each page to shop them.
DRESSES:
Lace Mini Dress 2 Ways:
Add this stunning 60’s vibe lace mini dress amongst your vacation wear – simply classy with sandals or sneakers, the black bag and of course hat and sunnies whilst meandering around the cobblestone streets.
Plus this is a cute dress for over the bathers around the resort pool or at the beach.
To SHOP this Look go HERE
On my shopping page you will notice to the bottom right the No. 2 above the image of a Page. Click on this to view both Lace mini dress curations. Click on each page to shop them.
Swap the shoes for the heels, the black bag for the gold and add that chunky gold necklace. You’re ready to party!
To SHOP this Look go HERE
Print Mini Shirt Dress 2 Looks:
As you have already seen, this shirt dress is versatile and a winner for your travel wardrobe. Not only as a light jacket, but of course simply as a dress. Here with this look, gorgeous big turquoise earrings to compliment the bright dress, some gold sandals or sneakers, hat and sunnies and your raffia bag. You’re set for a shopping day.
Or simply wear this dress over your bathers!
To SHOP this Look go HERE
On my shopping page you will notice to the bottom right the No. 2 above the image of a Page. Click on this to view pages of both mini shirt dress curations and click on each page to shop their looks. 
For your night time look or lazy long lunch overlooking the Med – swap the flats for espadrilles, raffia bag for the gold, keep the fabulous earrings and add the extra with double gold cuffs. Sexy!
To SHOP this Look go HERE
Floral Maxi Wrap Dress 2 Looks:
One must have a maxi floral wrap dress to sashay around the streets of the Amalfi Coast or a European city! Worn with these large fun white flower and turquoise earrings, a rafia bag on your arm and either of the flats for a casual day affair.
To SHOP this Look go HERE
On my shopping page you will notice to the bottom right the No. 2 above the image of a Page. Click on this to view pages of both floral maxi dress curations and click on each page to shop their looks. 
Look 2 with this dress is a more elegant outfit for the evening cocktail drinks with the touches of gold in the large statement earrings and handbag. Gold flats or go for heels with the espadrilles.
To SHOP this Look go HERE
Silk Kaftan 2 Looks:
Oh yes you must. This glorious silk kaftan is not only easy and lightweight to pack but this gem with its bright print is flattering and provides fun and glam at the same time.
Add the big earrings and cuff, the rafia bag and either shoes. Very ‘Palm Royale’ style.
To SHOP this Look go HERE
On my shopping page you will notice to the bottom right the No. 2 above the image of a Page. Click on this to view pages of both silk kaftan dress curations and click on each page to shop their looks.
For the extra glam – swap out the shoes for either of these, the earrings for the gold chunky necklace, the black bag for the gold and finally add the double cuff. Now we are serious about being the most sophisticated woman in the room!
To SHOP this Look go HERE
Silk Slip 3 Looks:
You really can not go wrong with packing a simple black slip dress – it is definetely the ultimate in comfort, versatility and ultra classy.
Day or night wear it simply on its own or as demonstrated here, with black and gold sandals, a chic shawl and the stunning gold accessories.
PN – the scarf is an ARCHIVE and not shapable – however scarves are easily found, especially online and in your department stores.
To SHOP this Look go HERE
On my shopping page you will notice to the bottom right the No. 3 above the image of a Page. Click on this to view all 3 silk slip dress curations and shop each look.
For slightly more casual, add the white shirt unbuttoned over the top for some sun coverage, the lovely pearl and gold earrings, hat and sunnies and either shoes will work.
To SHOP this Look go HERE
And for the finale – wear the black blazer for a night night affair – this look is ideal when spending time in a major European city. Add the gold accessories and any of these shoes.
To SHOP this Look go HERE
There you have it – 21 ever so stylish outfits for the sophisticate traveller.
Email me if you would like me to organise your upcoming European (or any place) Vacation.
Gess X
