Summer is on the horizon, and I'm already thinking about the vibe I'm looking to champion for the warmer weather. My social media feeds have been dominated by people showing their mood boards and packing lists for their upcoming European vacations, and it got me sartorially inspired. While I won't be jetting off to the South of France anytime soon, life is what you make of it, so why not dress like I am? I studied the Instagram feeds of those who have already posted their vacation snaps and those who live in Europe and curated a 10-piece capsule wardrobe that'll create that effortless cool-girl look.
Not only do the pieces below fit the relaxed aesthetic I'm looking for, but they are also extremely versatile for the summertime, no matter where you're residing this season. Keep scrolling to see the ultimate "cool girl in Europe" capsule wardrobe and shop my favorite picks on the market.
Throw it over a swimsuit, jeans, or a dress. The options are endless when it comes to the classic that is a button-down shirt. It's always smart to have a white option in your arsenal, but don't be afraid to add a saturated one to your collection as well.
Tube tops are, undoubtedly, the must-have basic of the summer.
While the "European" aesthetic is all about looking relaxed and elevated, you can add a fun touch with accessories. Even if you're wearing a simple white button-down and shorts, a statement accessory will personalize the look.
Even in the summertime, comfy denim will still be your best friend. Challenge the heat with a pair of denim cutoffs, or channel the '90s with relaxed full-length jeans. Either way, it's the wardrobe staple you can always rely on.
Satin dresses are great to have because they can easily be dressed up or down. Going for a casual look? Add some sneakers and a woven bag. Night out? Strappy sandals and dainty jewelry are the go-to options. It's an outfit winner.
Embrace the cottagecore aesthetic with a puff-sleeved top. It looks divine on anyone–trust me.
I hate being uncomfortable, whether I'm on vacation or not. But the warmer weather calls for a lot more walking, so invest in an easy pair of sandals that can work for many different occasions.
Woven handbags come around every summer like clockwork, and I'm not mad about it. French girls everywhere have chosen the style as their handbag of choice, and you should too.
Remember, the goal is to look elevated but feel relaxed, and a pair of loose trousers will do that for you. Once you find a pair that fits, you'll never want to take them off.
A classic pair of white sneakers, from Converse to Nike, will never let you down.
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