Trying to figure out what to wear in Europe for your next trip?
You are in the right place-I have visited Europe for over 20 years and now I live there!
Europe is one of the most amazing places. But if you don’t know how it can be hard to blend in. When I first moved to the Netherlands I stood out so much because of what I wore.
And trust me, blending in is the best way to not look like a tourist. Not only will this keep you comfortable during your trip, but it will also keep you safe and stop you from being a target of tourist scams!
To help have the best trip, let’s look at the best things to pack for a trip to Europe for all seasons and what you should avoid wearing.
Short on Time? Get These Items To Blend In When Visiting Europe:
► For Your Belongings: These Crossbody Bags Are Popular and keep your stuff safe!
► White Loose Shirt– This Is A Staple In Every European’s Wardrobe (including mine)
►For When It Rains: I Recommend Getting A European Trench Coat
Booking Your Trip To Europe? Use The Resources Below!
► Accommodation– I Recommend Booking.Com
► Local Tours– I Recommend Viator.Com
► Car Rental– I Always Use DiscoverCars.Com
► Travel Insurance– Use SafetyWing.Com
A quick Overview of what to wear in Europe
What To Pack & Avoid Wearing At A Glance
✅ Neutral Colours like Tan, Beige and Black
✅ Go for well-fitted clothes
✅ Wear comfortable but nice shoes
❌ Avoid sportswear
❌ Stay away from Slogaans or huge logos
❌ Don’t dress for the season, dress for the destination
When you are considering what clothing you need for European travel, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
No matter what time of year you visit Europe, dress for the weather and have comfort in mind!
You can spot a tourist a mile away if they are wearing beachwear when it’s cold and non-stop rain.
I will hold my hand up and say I have been guilty of this 🙋♀️
I visited Athens in December and it was warm for me as I was living in the UK at the time.
However, I got a lot of looks for being in a summer dress and not jeans. I’m not saying to be uncomfortable but find clothing that will help you adjust to the weather and blend in.
(The next time I went to Greece in the winter months I opted for linen trousers and a thin shirt)
Dressing appropriately in terms of the weather is so important when visiting any country. This is especially true when you travel to Europe!
You also need to be aware that Europeans have their own sense of style and it can be difficult to blend in with the locals if you dress improperly.
And don’t assume all Europeans dress the same.
If you are visiting multiple countries across Europe you will have to dress for so many different climates and cultural customs.
However, dressing like a local and experiencing European fashion is one of the best ways to experience a new country. It is also way easier than you think.
The best tips for dressing in Europe are to aim for neutral colours, not look like you are preparing for the best Instagram photo and avoid wearing t-shirts with huge slogans on them. These will get you far in Europe.
💡 A quick way to blend in and follow European fashion outside the summer months is to wear a trench coat.
They are super popular and everyone seems to wear one. This was the first thing I bought when I moved to the Netherlands!
✅ This Is The European Trench Coat I Wear!
What should you NOT wear when visiting Europe?
There isn’t a general set of rules on clothing for European travel.
However, what you should avoid wearing in Europe depends on what Countries and locations you are going to.
If the destination you are planning to visit is particularly religious like in many parts of Eastern Europe, then make sure you are wearing respectful clothing. This is the same for when you visit any religious building throughout Europe.
And If you are going out for a meal or an occasion, Europeans tend to dress up a bit!
So don’t turn up in sweatpants or leggings. It is also uncommon to wear head-to-toe sports gear in general, so you may want to avoid that too.
Dressing in Europe to avoid standing out and looking like a tourist is pretty easy if you are prepared. It is also the best way to travel safely and confidently so I highly recommend you pack European attire for your trip!
Other European essentials you need to pack
When planning a trip to Europe, it can be easy to overpack and pack items you don’t need to take.
However, regardless of what type of trip you are going on, there are a few items that are essential for a safe and enjoyable trip. To help you pack for any type of European travel, here are the most important items to have:
✔️ CABIN MAX ( I would be lost without mine & is the best way to avoid being targeted by pickpockets!)
✔️ The best luggage for travelling to Europe: The American Tourister
✔️ LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL TOWEL(This is the best one if you are visiting lots of beaches or staying in Hostels)
✔️A day bag to take around landmarks. THIS IS THE BEST ONE FOR KEEPING YOUR BELONGINGS SAFE (I use mine all the time)
✔️ IBLOCKCUBE (Not every place in Europe has the same power points so this is a lifesaver!)
Best places to Shop for your trip
If you’re looking to buy European clothes, several popular and reputable online and physical stores offer a wide range of European fashion. Keep in mind that availability may vary depending on your location, but here are some generally well-known options:
Zara: A Spanish fashion retailer known for its trendy and affordable clothing.
H&M: A Swedish multinational clothing company with a diverse range of fashion items.
ASOS: While based in the UK, ASOS offers a wide selection of European and international brands, making it a great online destination for European fashion.
Mango: A Spanish clothing design and manufacturing company with a focus on chic and sophisticated styles.
Pull & Bear: They offer more casual clothing and have loads of budget-friendly options. This is where I always get my trainers from!
The ultimate Europe packing list for any time of year
Whether you are visiting Europe for a romantic weekend break, or want to backpack around the continent for 90 days, there are a few items you will need for your trip.
To make sure you are prepared for any type of European travel, here are the most important things to pack:
- Comfortable Shoes
- A small bag to take around landmarks. THIS IS THE BEST ONE FOR KEEPING YOUR BELONGINGS SAFE 🏆(I use mine constantly)
- Comfortable travel clothes if you are touring multiple places across Europe
- A MAC IN A SAC is a European essential no matter what time of year you visit.
- In the summer months, every traveller to Europe needs swimwear, shorts and T-shirts
- Sunscreen- In many tourist destinations there is a huge premium on sunscreen 🥲 So I always take THIS SET which is lightweight and doesn’t run out!
- Linen trousers are a saviour in the hot European months!
- A jumper for the cooler nights
- An outfit that covers your shoulders and knees for visiting religious buildings
- LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL TOWEL. I ended up buying ►THIS ONE because It’s embarrassing how many times I have needed a towel but not had one in Europe 🙃
What to wear and pack for your trip: season by season
You have probably noticed that I keep going on about the climates being so different across Europe, even at the same time of year.
Trust me, it’s important to be aware of this so you don’t get caught out like I have a few times.
I looked like a right idiot wearing Birkenstocks arriving at Dublin Airport just because it was sunny when I left Wales 🥲
But no matter what countries you plan on visiting during your getaway, there are some things you always need to have on you!
To prepare you for your trip, here are the things you should know about Europe in each season and what you need to pack:
What to wear during Spring (March-May)
Planning A Trip To Europe In Spring? Pack The Items Below!
► Mac In a Sac– You Cannot Visit Europe Without One!
► North Face Fleece– I See These All Over Central Europe
► Polarized Sunglasses– Even If Your Destination Is Cold, It’s Probably Sunny!
What to pack for Europe will depend on your destination. However, the climate in Europe during spring is generally the same in most countries.
The winter is melting away and spring is in bloom, so you should pack for Europe with this in mind.
Spring weather becomes warmer and less wet as the months go on. However, no matter what spring month you visit, you should be prepared for anything.
The last thing you want is to be stuck wearing beachwear in Europe when a snowstorm hits.
The best things to pack during the spring are comfortable and can handle whatever the weather throws at you. So make sure you pack something warm, something for the sun and something waterproof and you should be covered.
What to wear in the Summer(June- the start of September)
Planning A Trip To Europe In the Summer? Pack The Items Below!
► Anti-Chafe Balm– Trust Me, You’ll Need It!
► White Loose Shirt– This Is A Staple In Every European’s Wardrobe
► Polarized Sunglasses– Even If Your Destination Is Cold, It’s Probably Sunny!
Summertime in Europe is a great time to explore what this amazing destination has to offer.
From strolling around the most romantic places in Europe to diving into the blue waters surrounding the Greek Islands, you are guaranteed the best time.
The clothing you need for European travel depends on your destination but in most places, be prepared for the heat.
However, this isn’t the case when you visit locations like Wales where you can be hit by all types of weather just in one day.
For many of Europe’s travelling hotspots, wear something breathable. If you are going sightseeing for the day, make sure you get a reliable day bag to put in essentials like suncream or water.
Many of the popular tourist sites are a lot more crowded in the summer, so expect to wait.
What to wear for the Autumn/Fall (End of September-November)
Planning A Trip To Europe In Autumn/Fall? Pack The Items Below!
► SY COMPACT Travel Umbrella – Great For When The Weather Is Unpredictable
► White Sneakers– Another Europe Stappel!
► Polarized Sunglasses– These Are Useful All Year Round
Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit Europe if you want to beat the crowds. This is the time of year I book most of my trips because it works out a lot cheaper but the weather is still good!
The temperatures start to cool down ready for winter but it’s the best weather for exploring. But if you are a lover of the sun, there are a few places such as Portugal that will still be holding on to the summer sun.
However, for most of Europe, it’s time to start wearing warmer clothes again.
The best things to pack during this time of year are warm clothes that can be easily layered. Clothing like jeans and warm jackets are always a safe bet as they will save you from the cold wind and potential rain.
What to wear in the Winter (December- February)
Planning A Trip To Europe In Winter? Pack The Items Below!
► SY COMPACT Travel Umbrella – Great For The Changing Weather
► Carhartt Knit Beanie– You Will See This Brand Worn A Lot!
► Packing Cubes– Will Help Make Sure You Can Fit Your Warmer Clothes
The weather in Europe can be pretty unpredictable. However, in winter, expect cold days with rain or snow thrown in too.
The weather does differ slightly from Country to Country so if you are looking for a winter wonderland or searching for the sun, it’s important to pick your destination carefully.
👉 Use this winter packing guide for more details on how to prepare yourself!
Wherever you end up in Europe for your winter trip, a raincoat is always a must-have. This is a great way to protect you from all the winter elements Europe may throw at you.
Combine this with a few layers, warm clothing and sturdy shoes and you will be all set for the perfect winter outfit in Europe.
FAQs about what to wear in Europe
When trying to find the perfect outfits for your European trip, I’m sure you have come up with a few questions about clothing for European travel and what you need to pack.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you pack for your trip:
What do tourists wear in Europe?
In Europe, there are many different cultures and countries. The dress code is usually different in each country.
Some of the most common mistakes tourists make are wearing inappropriate clothing, not dressing for the weather or dressing too casually or too formally.
Not looking like a tourist by simply dressing like a local in Europe is a great way to travel a bit more safely and have a more enjoyable trip.
The clothing will more likely be suited to the climate and activities you will do in the Country.
Also, because you blend in and look like a local, you are way less likely to be targeted by scammers or pickpockets.
How do you dress up in Europe?
If you are trying to dress up in Europe, what to wear can seem impossible. However, it is pretty easy to know what to wear once you know what country you are visiting.
Europeans tend to dress smartly for all occasions. As long as you change from your beach shorts and flip-flops, you should generally be ok. Make sure you pack some smart casual outfits so you are prepared for everything!
Here are a few more tips on how to easily dress up in Europe:
➡️ Do not wear trainers or sports gear
➡️ Make sure you are wearing something suitable for your destination. This should not only be weather appropriate but culturally accepted too.
➡️ Do not wear a baseball hat or any type of cap
➡️ Neutral and simple lines are always a hit
The most important thing when dressing up in Europe is to make sure that you know what the dress code is for the event you are attending. However, for most events, just wear something that doesn’t look like you have just been out all day seeing the sites and you can’t go wrong.
How should I dress to blend in when visiting Europe?
If you are looking for clothes that help you blend in when visiting Europe, one great way is to shop locally when you reach your destination.
What better way to blend in than to wear what the locals wear? This is a great way to not only blend in but know that whatever you buy will be perfect for your new location.
For those who want to prepare and plan what to wear in Europe before their trip, stick to neutral colours.
Also, make sure the clothing you wear on your trip is fit for the weather. There is no quicker way to stand out than wearing summer clothing when it’s not that warm.
Are jeans acceptable in Europe?
Jeans are not only acceptable to wear in Europe, but very popular.
Jeans are part of the dress code in most Cities across Europe and are always a huge part of European fashion!
It’s not recommended to wear them in the summer but any time of year they are a great choice. No matter what country you are in, jeans will always be worn by locals so you will fit right in.
Can I wear leggings in Europe?
Leggings aren’t that popular in Europe.
I love wearing leggings but I have noticed in many European destinations, I instantly look like a tourist when I do!
They are not a huge part of European fashion and are normally only used for exercise or going to the gym. So If you want to wear leggings during your trip, I would say it totally depends.
If you are planning to walk or do something active, they are perfectly acceptable. However, if you looking to wear something out for a meal, avoid leggings as many restaurants require you to follow a smart casual dress code in the evenings.
What to wear in Europe Final Thoughts
It can be hard to know what to pack for any trip, especially one like Europe, no matter how many times you have been.
However, trying to blend in will make your trip go a lot smoother. So use this guide for an insight into what to wear in Europe for your next trip.
And if you want to quickly blend in, get yourself a good pair of jeans!
Whilst you are shopping, don’t forget to grab yourself an E-Sim, it will make exploring Europe so much easier as I found out 😍
I hope you found this article useful! To help you make the most of your trip to Europe, here are some helpful posts:
✔️ Does It Snow In Amsterdam? (By A Local)
✔️ What Do You Need To Know About Driving In Europe In Winter? The Complete Guide
✔️Holocaust Tours In Europe That You Should Book For
✔️How To Travel To Europe From India? The Complete Guide
✔️What Countries In Europe Speak English?
✔️The Best Backpack For All Types Of European Travel
Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
