If you've spent any time on social media this summer, you've probably noticed two things: Everyone is traveling, and the airports are a mess. From lost luggage to canceled flights to hours in security lines, summer travel is chaotic right now, to say the least. I was recently one of those people braving the chaos to visit Portugal, and thankfully, I had a smooth travel experience. While I can't help with canceled flights or security lines, I can offer packing tips for anyone still planning to get away this summer. I highly recommend purchasing an AirTag to pop into your luggage if you plan on checking it—that way, you can track its location on the off chance it doesn't make it to your final destination with you.
If you're able to bring just a carry-on, that's even better, and streamlining your packing list is the best way to do so. I spent two weeks in Europe and found myself wearing the same items over and over again, so those are the ones I would pack first if I was going back right now. Each piece was comfortable, versatile, and polished, which is why I kept wearing them despite having other options in my suitcase. From oversize button-downs to slide sandals to linen pants, these are the eight items well worth the suitcase space. Consider this my guide on what to pack for Europe in the summer if you're trying to optimize your suitcase space.
The Lightweight Layer
Controversial as it may seem to pack a jacket for a summer vacation, I couldn't have imagined the trip without one. I started in London where the high rarely broke past 70 degrees, so this lightweight barn jacket was the perfect layering piece over tanks and tees, plus it doubled as a cooler airplane layer than your average hoodie.
So Many Silk Scarves
Several silk scarves featured in my suitcase because they take up next to no space but wield to power the transform an outfit. I tied them around my waist as a belt, fastened them into strapless tops, and wore them in my hair.
A Sheer Dress
I'd been eyeing this LPA sheer dress since I first l saw it last summer, and it didn't disappoint. I wore it over a bikini to the beach and then swapped my base layer to wear it as a going-out dress later that night.
I've written at length about my love for this $38 comb necklace that looks like The Row, and although the metal piece is weighed down my jewelry case significantly, it was well worth it as a styling piece.
Kitten-Heel Sandals
My neck scarf? It's actually from a pack of sarongs I bought off Amazon years ago. Oddly versatile.
A Pair of Genie Pants
I scooped up a pair of the viral genie pants from Zara when I was passing through Paris and ended wearing them nonstop throughout the rest of my trip—out to dinner in Mallorca, to the beach club in Ibiza, and even on my longer international flight back home. There's nothing better than a trend that's as cool as it is comfortable.
The Matching Set
Bermuda Shorts
Bermuda shorts were the backbone of many different outfits. For a night out in Paris, I wore them with a backless halter top and kitten heels.
Drop Waist Dresses
Black Ballet Flats
One Does-It-All Handbag
One of just two handbags I packed. There wasn't an outfit this bag didn't go with, from day to night and every color palette in between.
A Special Occasion Top For Good Measure
My Tae Park Sculpted Halter Top was one statement item I carved out room for in my already full suitcase. Sure, it was hard to justify as a more "special" piece I wouldn't reach for every day, but it was simply too beautiful to leave at home.
