I Spent 7 Weeks in Europe With Just a Carry-on, and These Are the 10 Dresses I Wore on Repeat — From $36

One of my life’s biggest regrets is not studying abroad in college and not reaching for that elusive chance for total immersion into another culture during a semester away. Though I’ve been able to make up for it post-graduation with nearly 20 trips to Europe, from family jaunts to Italy and conferences in Riga, Latvia to posh London stays with Hilton, it has still felt like there was always a little something missing. Enter: my self-coined “adult study abroad summer,” when I connected a string of work trips with some personal exploration for a full seven weeks away from home. 

This seven-nation European swing began with a memorable mother-daughter Adriatic cruise with Viking, then a group trip to the Republic of Georgia, a self-guided Balkan adventure through Albania, Corfu, and North Macedonia, and finally a luxurious sail around the Greek Isles with Windstar. As the captain of Team Carry-on-only, it was a delicate dance to properly pack for the weather, plus a mix of casual and more formal events and destinations. Luckily, I was able to curate the perfect wardrobe with a slew of versatile travel dresses for every possible occasion. Sightseeing at a museum? Check. Michelin-star dinner out? Covered. Walking day exploring a new city? Done. Below, are the 10 dresses I suggest packing for the ultimate European summer vacation. 

A Linen Shirtdress

Is there a fabric more iconic, cooling, and chic than linen in the summer? I think not. I wore my lovely linen-blend Alex Mill shirtdress everywhere from a Greek olive oil tasting in Monemvasia via Windstar to a casual lakeside dinner of Ohrid trout in North Macedonia, but you can achieve the same look with this version from J.Crew; it's on mega sale and available in plenty of colors in case you’re not sold on white (pasta stains, oh me oh my). Pro tip: Consider adding a linen blazer to the mix, too. It'll be an elegant, lightweight jacket option that's easy to pack (and mix and match). 

An Elevated Athletic Dress

Americans love athleisure, a trend that’s been slower to catch on across the pond. While I wouldn't recommend sporting that leggings set out and about, I do suggest packing an athletic dress — especially one tailored enough that it could be mistaken for a normal dress — to get away with being comfy and stylish on your Euro getaway. I utilized a similar style to this Amazon-loved one for a day spent exploring beaches in Corfu, off the coast of Albania, part of the Ionian Islands of Greece. With an oversized button-down shirt, I could go straight from the sunny shores to a moonlit dinner in town without having to stop back at the Airbnb. 

A Matching Skirt Set

Though not technically a dress, a matching skirt set does so much for a travel wardrobe that it is worth the space in your carry-on. I have my eye on this vibrant red Farm Rio set, which would be perfect against the stark white homes in Ohrid; the pop of color would also make for compelling photos against the stunning cerulean backdrop of Lake Ohrid, one of the world’s oldest lakes. However, many shoppers have given the Zesica Matching Skirt Set from Amazon their stamp of approval. 

Whichever you choose, know that you're signing up for multiple mix-and-match options. You can wear the top with high-waisted white jeans, or try the skirt with a sleek black tank. Trust me on this one, I saw so many coordinating sets on the streets of Europe, from the golden capital of Malta to the balmy Dalmatian Coast, and this is one item I truly wished I would have packed for my summer away. 

A 'Nap' Dress

A COVID-era trend turned wardrobe staple, the nap dress is meant to be so comfortable you can actually nap in it. I’m a longtime fan of Hill House Home, and I own more than 20 of these pretty dresses in whimsical prints. For travel purposes, I prefer to pack a more classic nap dress, like the navy Ellie style, which matches more and is less memorable than a fussier or more elaborate print. Bonus: it’s truly wrinkle-resistant, so you can avoid the iron and toss it on before exploring old town Kotor.

Alternatively, Amazon has similar nap dress-inspired silhouettes at lower price points; check out the Zesica Plaid Square Neck Puff Sleeve Midi Dress and the Chouyatou Smocked Flounce Dress starting at $29. 

A Ballet-style Midi Dress

No bow, no go — Balletcore is very much in. I mean, did it ever really leave? To incorporate the trend into your travel wardrobe, I'd pick up this gorgeous fit-and-flare dress from Quince; it strikes the perfect balance between flowy and structured so you can feel comfy and look put-together. I wore a similar dress nonstop during my Georgia trip, going from mountains to vineyards to the bustling capital city and back again. In terms of accessorizing this classic silhouette, snag one of these uber-popular Marzoline beauties that are handmade in Milan. 

A Peachy Pick 

Embrace Peach Fuzz, the Pantone Color of the Year, with a warm, pastel-hued dress like this one from Charles Henry. It's breezy enough to beat the heat, but modest enough to mimic cap sleeves when visiting cathedrals or religious sites. Plus, the midi length keeps it modern and approachable, while the cotton poplin fabric means only natural fibers touch your skin. Though this shade isn’t my usual cup of tea, I spotted it on plenty of other European travelers and locals alike.

A Blue and White Dress

While peach may dominate the color wheel for the moment, a classic combination for any Euro getaway is blue and white. You might associate the color palette with Santorini for its famous white buildings and contrasting blue domes, but the duo really works anywhere in Europe. Take this chic Abercrombie pick for example. It's made with 100 percent cotton, features a cute tie, and is a comfy maxi dress length. It’s practically begging for some island time. See you soon, Cyclades. 

A Fun Cut-out Dress

A pretty dress that showcases just a peek of skin is ever-so playful and flirty, but there are elegant ways to nail the look. Amazon shoppers love this billowy maxi dress, which has two modest side cut-outs, adding unique contrast to the classic square-neck, short-sleeve silhouette. You can also play with cut-outs more elegantly with a gown like this metallic floral maxi, which would make a great destination wedding guest dress. Now if only my family would decide to throw weddings abroad rather than in our Midwestern hometown…

A White Tennis Dress

There's no denying Tenniscore's presence in 2024's list of summer trends. And, as luck would have it, the look makes for an effortlessly stylish travel outfit. A classic white tennis dress pick like this Amazon-loved one is an easy layering piece that is equal parts comfy and elevated with its corset details and exaggerated pleats for easy movement when walking the winding streets of Rome. Afraid of spilling gelato on the pristine shade? Opt for it in one of its other eight available colors. Bonus: this dress is currently on sale, too!

A Jumpsuit 

Okay, hear me out. I know this isn’t technically a dress, but a cute jumpsuit can function the same way: throw it on, stay comfortable, and make the most of your Euro trip. Spanx makes the bottom half of my go-to travel outfit (hello, Booty Boost leggings), but I have seen the Oprah-loved brand's jumpsuit around more than any other item this year. It’s made in regular, petite, and tall sizes, crafted from the softest material, and comes in four neutral colorways. Pair this jumpsuit with a cozy sweatshirt, like Oprah's favorite AirEssentials Half-zip, for the ultimate monochromatic travel set. 

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