The Ultimate European Summer Capsule Wardrobe for 2025

As the summer season draws near, I am eagerly preparing for our fifth summer in San Sebastián, Spain. It’s become a tradition for our family, where the kids attend a Spanish immersion school, and it’s something we all look forward to. With the departure date fast approaching, it’s time to start planning what I’ll pack for the summer abroad. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m a fan of creating the perfect travel capsule wardrobe. So, I’m here to share exactly what I’ll be bringing to stay stylish and practical during our European adventure.

Summer Travel Plans: A Quick Overview

Before diving into the packing details, I thought I’d share a glimpse of our travel plans. We’ll begin our trip with a few days in Madrid at the end of June. After that, we’ll head to San Sebastián where the boys will spend a week at a soccer camp followed by a week at surf camp. Sadly, we’ll be missing out on El Aula Azul this year, but we’re hopeful that next summer, we’ll have a chance to stay longer, perhaps even at the school!

Afterward, we’re heading to Stockholm, Sweden, due to JB’s work commitments. Once that’s done, we’ll return home to enjoy the final weeks of summer. And then… Africa! But that will need its own packing list!

Packing for Different Climates

One of the trickiest aspects of our European trips is packing for various destinations, each with its own unique climate. It requires careful thought, especially since we’ll be visiting multiple locations. In previous years, we’ve ventured to cities like Paris, Marbella, London, Lisbon, Colmar, and more, each with its distinct weather patterns. This year, however, temperatures are more predictable, which makes packing much simpler.

That said, the weather in San Sebastián can be unpredictable. We can expect everything from chilly mornings to heatwaves and unexpected rain, all within the same week. So, having a versatile wardrobe that can easily adapt is essential.

Embracing European Style

After spending five summers in San Sebastián, I’ve come to feel right at home. The relaxed pace of life has influenced my style—especially when it comes to dressing for the warmer months. During our time in Spain, I prefer to keep things simple and breezy. I love wearing dresses and flowy pieces that offer a laid-back, effortless look—shifting away from my usual athleisure and embracing a more European vibe.

European Summer Packing List

With these travel plans and weather conditions in mind, I’ve curated this year’s European summer packing list. While I’m sure I’ll make a few last-minute changes (as we all do!), I’m feeling confident about the items I’ve chosen.

One key strategy I use is sticking to a classic style with a cohesive color palette. This approach makes it easier to mix and match items, preventing overpacking while ensuring I have plenty of outfit options. I’m aiming to pack light, especially since I’ll likely be doing some shopping in San Sebastián and Stockholm, so I want to save room for new finds!

Essential Tops, Sweaters, and Outerwear

To kick things off, let’s talk about tops and outerwear, which will make up the majority of my outfits.

Outerwear and Sweaters:

• Utility Trench: A lightweight trench coat that’s perfect for light rain or when the temperatures dip. It pairs well with both jeans and dresses and is always a staple for European cities.
• Sequin Cardigan: A stylish Doen sweater with subtle sequins. The silk lining makes it luxurious and perfect for dressing up any casual outfit.
• Neutral Cardigan: A cream-colored cardigan with adorable sea-inspired buttons. It adds a touch of charm to any look.
• Cashmere Wrap: A must-have for evenings out or chilly travel days. I never leave home without my Alice Walk cashmere wrap.

Summer Tops:

• Pretty Blouse: A classic blouse from Doen that’s perfect for pairing with any bottom.
• White Tee: A simple, boxy-fit white tee that’s ideal for casual outings.
• Pointelle Tank: A lightweight tank top that’s great for layering or wearing solo on warm days.
• Cashmere Silk Blend Tee: A versatile navy tee that can be styled in many ways.
• Oversized Linen Shirt: This is great for a relaxed, stylish look—perfect with jeans or a pareo.
• Classic Polo: A timeless polo shirt that always fits perfectly.

Summer Bottoms & Dresses

Now for the bottoms and dresses I’ll be bringing along:

Bottoms:

• Wide-Leg Jeans: A comfortable, flattering pair of jeans from Frame. Perfect for travel days or cooler evenings.
• White Jeans: A staple for summer, and these ones from Mother are especially stretchy and comfortable.
• Linen Pants: Light, breathable pants that are ideal for warm days, especially when you want something more refined than shorts.
• Maxi Skirt: A versatile skirt that pairs well with almost anything.

Dresses:

• Nap Dress: A classic navy striped dress from Hill House, which I wore constantly last summer. It’s an easy piece to throw on and looks great.
• Go-To Dress: A favorite from Staud, this Wells dress is a timeless, go-to summer piece.
• White Linen Dress: A beautiful, timeless design from Julia Amory. The side slit adds a touch of elegance.

Additional Clothing Essentials

There are a few more important items to round out the packing list:

• Swimsuit: A cute two-piece for beach days or hotel pool time.
• Cover-Up: A relaxed, sunshine-yellow cover-up that’s perfect for a day by the water.
• Pajamas: Comfortable pajamas from Lake, ideal for travel nights.
• Activewear: A set of leggings and a matching top for workouts, especially since I’ll be in Spain for a few weeks.
• Bras and Underwear: I’ll be packing my go-to bras and enough underwear for the trip, plus a strapless option for dresses.

Shoes & Accessories

The right shoes and accessories can elevate any outfit, so I’m packing these:

Shoes:

• Wrap Sandals: These are perfect for dressing up or down and can easily transition from day to night.
• Sneakers: My Veronica Beard Valentina sneakers are stylish and comfortable for long walks or travel.
• Slide Sandals: Casual yet stylish, these sandals will be a constant companion during the trip.
• Woven Flats: A versatile pair of flats that will complement my summer wardrobe.

Accessories:

• Crossbody Bag: A small, lightweight mesh crossbody that’s perfect for daily use.
• Tote Bag: My go-to Longchamp tote, which fits everything I need for flights or day trips.
• Jewelry: A mix of statement pieces, including a statement necklace, everyday necklace, and a variety of earrings to match any outfit.
• Sun Hat: A non-negotiable summer essential to protect from the sun.

Conclusion

If you’re getting ready for a summer trip to Europe, this packing list should serve as a great guide! These pieces are classic, versatile, and perfect for summer in any European city. Happy travels!