Whether you’re sipping espresso in a Roman piazza, watching the sunset over Lisbon’s hills, or strolling through the elegant streets of Paris, if you’re reading this it likely means you’re on the hunt for city break outfit inspiration. Dressing for each destination can be stressful and of course you’ll want to look the part. So lucky for you I have created this guide, broken down into some of the most popular European city destinations, to help you know exactly what to wear. I’ve also included some helpful capsule wardrobe items to help make packing as stress-free as possible.
What Are City Break Capsule Wardrobe Items?
If you’re anything like me, planning outfits for a city break is half of the fun. But, for some it can be incredibly daunting. After all, organizing a city break trip can be stressful enough as it is without the added pressure of what you’re going to wear. Thankfully, there are several capsule wardrobe items that can provide the basis to most of your outfits, so you can focus on sipping those Aperols.
So, before we dive into the specifics, here are some essentials that will form the backbone of every look. These pieces should be easy to mix and match and able to take you from sightseeing during the day to a rooftop bar at night with just a change of shoes or a few added accessories. Keep the palette mostly neutral with a few pops of colour or print to make it feel fresh and fun. As for fabrics, linen, cotton, and modal are ideal for travel due to breathability and temperature regulation.
- A pair of neutral trousers or jeans
- A floaty maxi dress
- A black or white skirt
- A little black dress
- 2 – 3 tops
- Swimsuit
- Bikinis
- A light jacket or blazer
- Trainers
- Sandals
- Crossbody bag (very important for anti-theft)
Top tip: pack a travel-size fabric freshener or stain remover pen can help to keep your limited essentials fresh and clean throughout your trip.
European City Break Outfit Ideas:
Best City Break Outfits for Rome In Summer
If you’re heading to Rome this summer, lucky you! It’s an open-air museum filled with ancient ruins, fountains, and cobbled piazzas. It’s also possibly my favourite European city. But it also gets hot, especially in summer. And in my experience the metro system isn’t the best compared to other European cities so you’ll likely be walking a ton between sights.
Your outfit needs to breathe, move with you, but also look stylish for spontaneous aperitivos. Your go to? A floaty dress! It keeps you cool during those long walks around the Colosseum or the Vatican, and looks put-together for evening cocktails on a rooftop terrace. Pair it with comfy flat sandals for daytime and swap them for a strappy heeled pair when the sun goes down.
City Break Clothing Must-Haves for Summer in Barcelona
One of the best things about Barcelona is that you have the buzz of the city and the bliss of beach. You could be admiring Gaudí’s masterpieces in the morning and lounging by the sea by afternoon — so your outfit has to be as flexible as your itinerary.
A swimsuit worn as a bodysuit underneath a skirt or wide-leg trousers gives the flexibility you need if you decide you want a quick dip to cool off. Comfortable sandals, oversized sunnies, and a beach-ready tote complete the look.
More Summer Fashion:
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Essential Summer City Break Outfits for Paris
There’s something about Paris that just makes you want to step up your fashion game. This city is synonymous with style, so think simple silhouettes and quality fabrics. The last thing you want to do is overdo it. If you want to be très chic it’s best to keep is simple.
That’s why if you’re looking for summer outfits to wear in Paris, a classic LBD is a no brainer. It’s also one of my key items for any city break outfit. An LBD is endlessly versatile — wear it with white trainers and a denim jacket for café-hopping, or dress it up with heels for an evening soiree. If you can find one with a bubble hem (you won’t have to look very hard) then you’ll be bang on trend.
What To Wear In Lisbon
Lisbon is bursting with energy — colourful tiles, streetcars, and sunny hills that never seem to end. It’s a city that doesn’t take itself too seriously, so your outfit should be as fun and vibrant as the surroundings.
Opt for bold colours, playful prints, or quirky accessories. A midi skirt paired with a crop top or gives you that relaxed Mediterranean flair, and comfy ballet flats are a must for navigating those steep, cobbled streets.
What To Wear In Nice
Nice is pure glamour. A perfect blend of old money sophistication and laid-back beach vibes. The fashion here is refined, polished, and quietly luxurious. Think “quiet luxury,” with an emphasis on quality over trendiness.
A tailored midi dress or a crisp white linen shirt tucked into high-waisted shorts make for the perfect summer city break outfit no matter the destination, but especially when in the South of France. Stick to neutral colours and delicate jewellery for a classic look.
What To Wear In Athens
Athens is a city of contrasts. Ancient ruins meet a cool, modern art scene, and while the culture is rich, the climate is hot. Your outfit needs to be airy, light, and comfortable enough to explore without sacrificing style.
You may be on the mainland but that doesn’t mean you still can’t live your Mamma Mia fantasy while in Athens. All white outfits are always right in Greece. It reflects the sun and looks amazing against that blue sky. Linen shorts, white shirts, and cotton dresses should be at the top of your packing list.
What To Wear In Milan
Milan is home to some of the best street style in the world, but that doesn’t mean you have to wear heels and haute couture (unless you want to of course.) The best choice for Milan in the summer is to keep it smart casual.
Pair tailored trousers with a tucked in blouse or a chic matching set. Leather loafers or ballet flats will keep you comfortable while you sightsee or shop.
What To Wear In London
Ah, London — where it’s entirely possible to experience all four seasons in one day. The key here is layering, so you’re ready whether it’s sunny, windy, or pouring rain within the same hour.
Start with trusty jeans and a cute tee, then add a lightweight blazer or trench coat depending on the weather. If you’re lucky enough to be in London on a particularly warm day then open-toe sandals surprisingly pair well with jeans. Just don’t forget an umbrella!
What To Wear In Copenhagen
Copenhagen is cool, creative, and a little bit unexpected. It’s the kind of city where mixing bold prints, playful colours, and oversized silhouettes feels completely natural. Fashion here is all about fun as well as function.
The key for Copenhagen summer outfits is to embrace colour and pattern. Capri pants are having a moment right now and opting for a style in a bold leopard print would add you to the top of a street style best dressed list. Copenhagen isn’t quite as warm as other European cities in the summer so bring a cardigan or trench coat just in case.