If you’re heading out this summer for some hot weather travels, you are probably in packing mode. I bet you have the basics covered, but there’s one item that is surprisingly always the best thing to pack for summer in Europe: a white skirt. Allow me to make the case.
If you’re going sightseeing this summer, you probably already have tanks, t-shirts, and shorts on your packing list. But packing for summer in Europe can be tricky because of weather changes, and because things are a bit ~~dressier~~ over there than they are in the US. Enter: the lightweight skirt for travel.
Why pack a lightweight skirt for travel
A light skirt is a great travel option to pack for summer in Europe; you just have to pick the right one. Suddenly, all your tees and tanks feel dressy, your walking sneakers feel like a cool Scandi girl choice, and your outfits to wear to dinner while traveling are sorted. I tend to think only practically when I’m deciding what to pack for a Euro trip. But a white skirt is practical when you see all the ways you can style it in your travel capsule. Like…
Clean and minimalist travel outfits
I love a simple style when I travel. With some minimalist accessories, the white skirt blends right in as a chic travel staple. These outfits feature a couple of workhorse travel tops for me:
Tie top (this is breathable and I love the tie detail!)
Mockneck top (does! not! wrinkle! 15% off with code PHDINCLOTHES)
Paneled midi skirt (similar vibe)
I’ll share more white skirt picks at the end of this post!
Sporty and funky travel outfits
There’s something about a white skirt that is just formal enough to make sneakers, bright colors, and athletic wear look intentional, which is great when you’re logging 20,000 steps a day on your Euro trip.
Tee (similar)
Bubble skirt (similar vibe!)
Sandals (similar vibe!)
White skirt outfits for the work conference
The other place I always pack a white skirt for is my work conferences! Especially when they’re abroad–a white skirt transitions from sightseeing to work effortlessly.
Sleeveless button down (similar color)
Sleeveless top (similar)
European beach looks
Finally, the white skirt looks perfectly at home in a beachy or coastal setting. I have a hard time not reinventing myself (and buying a ton of new things) when I travel for a beach vacation. But coastal is not my typical “look,” so I appreciate that with a lightweight skirt, I don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
Brown tank (has a built in bra!)
“But what if the skirt gets dirty?”
A class conundrum with white: What if it gets dirty on day 2 of the trip? First, let me suggest that sometimes, clothes actually stay cleaner when traveling (if you live at home with messy toddlers or dogs, for example). But, if you’re concerned you’ll spill some wine, I always travel with a stain stick, regardless of what’s in my bag. I also love to pack for Europe using only a carry on bag, so we tend to plan a laundry stop if we travel for more than a week. A quick wash in the sink is also easy with this detergent!
Best travel skirts
If you’re convinced, there is no shortage of white skirt options. Here are a few I like:
Tiered: This is such a great lightweight skirt for travel, and it has pockets
Modern: Midi length so it’s always appropriate, and yes, pockets!
Work appropriate: But still lightweight for travel!
Skort: A great wrinkle-free travel skirt option, also, just a plug to always check out the skirts on the Adidas website if you like a funky/sporty style!
Ultra sleek: Any Uniqlo skirt is usually a win for travel. Here’s this year’s version!
I hope these outfit ideas are helpful if you’re building a travel capsule. Here’s a full 3 week Europe trip packing list!
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