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Wondering about the latest European fashion? Trends and fads may come and go but there are five timeless classics that will never go out of style. Make sure these are always a part of your capsule wardrobe any time of year! These are the five must have clothing items every woman should have in her suitcase when traveling to Europe.
European Fashion: 5 Wardrobe Essentials
Dark Wash Tailored Jeans
On your capsule wardrobe for a trip to Europe any time of year you should always include one amazing pair of tailored jeans – the darker the better and bonus points for ankle length!
The “European” look everyone tries to achieve has more to do with the fit of a clothing item than the item itself. Get the jeans hemmed if they’re too long for you and taken in at the sides if they’re too baggy on your thighs.
You may also like:
Lucky Brand Plus Jean Legging | Levi’s Plus Jean | All Saints | Joe’s Jeans
To avoid the dreaded low-rise muffin top effect, look for a mid to high rise that will keep everything in place. There are many higher rise flattering stylish designs at the moment. Take advantage and find the fit that makes you feel most confident!
Avoid trendy details like rips, grommets, or a bleached wash. It doesn’t matter if they’re in or out of style in European fashion, if you only pack one pair of jeans then the ones you choose should be the most versatile. The great thing about jeans is that you should be able to dress them up or down with ease.
A classic pair of dark wash, well-fitted jeans will never look out of place in any destination.
The secret to traveling light is to use packing cubes to pack your capsule wardrobe into your carryon suitcase!
Versatile Little Black Dress
Flowy Short Sleeve Tunic Dress
A little black dress is always handy in a capsule wardrobe because the color black instantly gives off a dressier appearance even in a casual fabric. Don’t like black? Go with another neutral just make sure the cut isn’t too casual for optimal versatility.
You may also like:
Handkerchief Dress | A-Line Dress | The Chrysalis Cardi | Racerback Shift Dress
In the day, wear this dress with a denim jacket and floppy hat or up the glam factor with strappy shoes and a bold necklace in the evening.
For the summer months, pack one of these anti-thigh chafing solutions and for cooler times of the year pair with tights or leggings. Here are more tips on how to pack for trips with two types of weather.
Go-to Purse
Travelon Anti-Theft Signature Crossbody Bag
The next timeless classic is a go-to purse. Something large enough to hold your stuff for the day but fashionable enough to wear it at night. Something that doesn’t look too touristy but not to scream I’m traveling.
Choose a bag that you can wear with every single one of your outfits. The less hardware (metal details) the better.
You may also like:
Leather Crossbody | Zip Flap Faux Leather Bag | Nylon Crossbody | Cobble Hill Tenley
We love a good cross body for traveling because it’s easy to wear and also helped deter theft (so long as it’s not behind your body). For safety conscious travelers, Travelon’s Signature Collection offers more fashionable anti-theft purse styles.
Versatility is key to a capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide!
Selfie Sunglasses
Great pair of sunglasses – for all your pictures, selfies, they’re the ultimate accessory! Cat eye look is fun with a bit of vintage style.
You may also like:
Cat Eye Sunglasses | Original Aviator | Highstreet Sunglasses | Tory Burch Sunglasses
Chic Scarf
A European fashion staple, a nice scarf is always in style. Europeans wear it with a t-shirt and jeans and make it look so chic. Tie in your hair, purse, etc. Pick one in your favorite color and add it to your classic outfits throughout the trip.
You may also like:
Silk Scarf | Style a la Cartography Scarf | Cashmere & Silk Wrap | Pink Scarf
Do you have any suggestions on timeless classic European fashion? Please share below!
For more ideas on what to pack when traveling to Europe, please read below:
- Backpacking Europe In Winter
- 10 Step Packing Guide for Italy
- The Only Backpacking Packing List for Europe You’ll Ever Need!
- 10 Step Packing Guide for Europe
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Hello, I’m also am older woman and wonder if the original question (from the 60yo) was answered? Thank you
Hi Jen, thank you for your comment! TFG has a number of articles about packing for women over the age of 40 on various topics. Take a look: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/over-40-fashion/ Hope this helps! 🙂
I’m an older fashionable women that wants to be able to look very nice and have a dilemma! I need to be able to take only one carry on plus my backpack it’s also fashionable Tumi. I’m in my 60’s getting ready to retire and want to start my traveling bucket list. I need help you are young and look good in everything but me on the other hand am slightly over weight and I have the tendency to over pack. it’s a 3 to 4 week trip help I will be on trains and buses and there is not much space for excess luggage.
I can’t get enough of your website!! I am going to Italy in March 2018 and I am already devouring your entire site looking for the best tips and things to pack! Thank you for this wonderful site and blog!!
Yay! Thanks Lisa ☺️
Hi Lisa
I have relatives in Italy and travel quite frequently. Rule of thumb: only pack what you will wear at least twice. Pick two colors and build your wardrobe around those two colors. Hope this helps as you plan for a great trip!
Tena
Great tip Tena, thanks!
Agree with every one of them. Would also be nice to add a timeless shoe like a loafer. Europeans love them some loafers!
I love this list! Such great tips for basic packing for Europe 🙂
Thanks! For more details, check out: https://travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-packing-guide-europe/