Packing for an international trip with just a carry-on presents its challenges, especially if you haven’t traveled to another country before. Keeping things light for European destinations is an art form I’ve slowly mastered after many trips abroad. After much trial and error, I’ve found having a reliable carry-on suitcase (like the Monos carry-on) with plenty of capacity is very important — that, and a streamlined packing list.

When selecting apparel for your Europe excursion, the key is sticking to mix-and-match outfits and accessories that can be styled in a variety of ways. Versatile and functional pieces will get you far without the hassles of a checked bag, and you’ll find you have more outfit options even with limited items in your suitcase. Not sure how to approach the carry-on-only lifestyle for your Euro trip? Below, you’ll find my all-time favorite mix-and-match travel outfits for a fun and relaxed adventure overseas.

Outfit 1

Everlane Linen Scoop-neck Tank

Everlane Linen Easy Shorts

I’m loving Everlane’s relaxed linen set. Europeans have been wearing this fabric for thousands of years because it’s durable, breathable, and versatile. Together, Everlane’s Linen Scoop-neck Tank and Linen Easy Short are so chic and sophisticated. Made of 100 percent European flax linen, the tank has a relaxed fit, keeping you cool on hot and humid days. When you’re tired of wearing it with its matching shorts, tuck the shirt into a midi skirt for a dressier look or pair it with jeans for a casual dinner.

The shorts, on the other hand, are casual and comfortable with their 5-inch inseam and an elastic waistband. Two side pockets are great for holding keys and cash while you’re out for a day of sightseeing. They’re available in two colors, and while I appreciate my black pair, the white ones are my favorite because they lend some elegance to any outfit. Plus, they’re not see-through at all. Because I love mix-and-matching my outfits and traveling light, I often wear these with my Vineyard Vines Eyelet Clip Dot Cotton top, listed below, as well as with its matching linen tank. Another reason the duo is a hit with me is both these linen pieces are machine-washable.

Outfit 2

PrettyGarden Deep V-neck Wrap Drawstring Jumpsuit

This adorable jumpsuit saw me through a day of shopping along Via Camerelle in Capri, which is an intimate street lined with all the high-end shops you can think of. I also wore it out to dinners with a cute bolero shrug like this one for cooler nights. The wrap top and drawstring are supremely flattering, offering a cinch at the waist. Because it’s made of polyester and spandex, it’s soft and stretchy. I also love bringing it on my beach vacations. It’s available in 25 colors, in sizes from S to XL, but the gray-blue colorway is my top choice because it matches perfectly with my favorite aquamarine necklace by Jenny Lauren.

Outfit 3

Vineyard Vines Eyelet Clip Dot Cotton Shirt

Mott & Bow Slim Straight Mercer Jeans

Vineyard Vine’s uber feminine clip dot top matches perfectly with my Mott & Bow jeans and they also work well with Everlane’s Linen Easy Shorts (as mentioned above); you can easily spruce them up by pairing them with dressy pants like M.M.LaFleur’s culottes. Made of 100 percent cotton poplin, it’s airy and light, making it ideal for packing efficiently. If you’re on a budget, you’ll love this one from PrettyGarden for just $40. 

Because I worked in the fashion industry for over 15 years, I’m picky when it comes to the quality of my clothes, along with how they fit. Although I want to look stylish, comfort is super important to me. That’s why I’m glad these jeans from Mott & Bow are in my life. The company’s team of denim experts has honed in on all the details when it comes to comfort and fit. These neutral-colored jeans are soft and lightweight, making them ideal for summer and warmer climates. With over 20 percent stretch, they’ll hug you in all the right places, without feeling too compressive.

Outfit 4

Allimy Summer Ruffle Trim Chiffon Blouse

M.M.LaFleur The Elena Everyday Crepe Culotte Pants

This gathered neck top is made of 100 percent polyester, which is breathable and sweat-wicking for those hot Europe summers. I love the playful ruffle trim around the neckline and the arms, which is especially flattering. It’s a great item for casual days as well as date nights. It’s available in 21 colors, and I’m a fan of styling the top with M.M.LaFleur’s Elena Culotte for a polished look, but they also work with my previous picks, Everlane’s Linen Shorts or any of Mott & Bow’s jeans.

These culottes are drapey and elegant, making them the perfect travel companion. Made of soft and the brand’s stretchy Everyday Crepe, its wide-leg silhouette is fashionable and goes great with Allimy’s Summer Ruffle Trim Chiffon Top (as well as M.M.LaFleur’s Tatum Top). Grab the brand’s Nicky Jacket to create a full ensemble; it’s worth the investment because you can also wear them as separates.

Outfit 5

Ofeefan Ruffle-sleeve Smocked Dress

Floral midi and maxi dresses are all the rage right now in Europe, so that’s why I always have my Ro’s Garden Ernestine Maxi Dress in my carry-on. It’s such a great item to have handy at a continental destination as it’s made with 100 percent cotton and it has excellent breathability, drape, and softness. However, its $200-plus price tag isn’t the most wallet-friendly, so I recommend checking out this floral midi dress at Amazon; it’s got a stunning high neckline, a comfy smocked bust, and beautifully ruffled flutter sleeves to give you extra style points. Plus, you’ll quickly find that you can pair it with several different shoes; sneakers, sandals, flats — you name it.

Outfit 6

M.M.LaFleur The Tatum Top

Verdusa Satin High Waist Midi Skirt

This gorgeous top in the Sahara Print is a novelty item that works well with the brand’s Orchard Skirt as a matching set or with Verdusa’s Satin High-waist Midi Skirt, shown below. The 100 percent silk blouse is available in six colors and patterns, and it’s machine washable, which makes it an excellent travel essential. Not only is silk an elegant fabric, but it’s also breathable and lightweight. Because I’m all about maximizing my luggage space, this top also mixes back well with Mott & Bow Slim Straight Mercer Jeans and the Elena Culottes.

Verdusa’s high-waisted midi skirt is great for staying cool and looking elegant in the heat. But you don’t have to compromise comfort as it’s made with 95 percent polyester and 5 percent spandex to offer a hint of stretch. The slightly flared design showcases a slim silhouette that will look great with the flowery Allimy chiffon top and Everlane Linen Tank.

Best Accessories for Travel Outfits:

Toms Diana Flatform Slingback Wedge Sandals

Espadrilles are a summer footwear staple in Europe, especially in Paris and Spain. I’m infatuated with these sandals from Viscata, which are handmade in Spain with extra attention to detail. But you can achieve the same look with Tom’s Diana slingbacks and their stylish espadrille-patterned soles. You can slip them right on and you’ll love that they offer your arches enough support for hours of walking. Plus, they go with practically everything I’m packing in my carry-on. Dress them up or down, you have plenty of outfit options above to do so!

Liyuanjialu Sequin Loafer Flats

Bella Belle makes some of my favorite heels, but it also offers some of the most comfortable flats like these Ariel Sequin ballerina-inspired shoes. Equally comfy and dazzling, these Amazon-loved flats bring the bling with their rhinestone-adored design (and won’t break the bank with their $34 price tag). What’s more, their classic loafer-style silhouette is enhanced with cushioned footbeds and slip-resistant soles for extra comfort. Wear them for a stroll around London or the Champs-Élysées in Paris with any outfit combination above.

Sunday Afternoons Sol Seeker Sun Hat

Accessorize your maxi dress, linen set, or white denim with this wide-brimmed hat, which will offer UPF 50+ sun protection while keeping you cool and looking your best. It comes in four colors and is available in sizes medium and large. My favorite thing about this hat is that, because it’s made of 50 percent paper and 50 percent polyester, it can be packed down into a carry-on and can also be gently hand-washed.

Cuyana Mini Paloma Bag

Since I’m a carry-on-only traveler, I’m a fan of small bags like Sapahn’s Jori Crossbody. So when Cuyana recently launched the Mini Paloma Bag, I had to get my hands on one. Made in Italy of sturdy yet buttery double-faced leather, it comes in four colors and features a fun shape. Meant to be worn as a shoulder bag or crossbody, it has a generous interior for holding your essentials.

I’m especially liking the stone colorway because it’s a great seasonless color that works year-round. Cuyana’s approach to minimalist consumerism strikes a chord with me. The brand’s ethos is “less is more,” and “quality over quantity.” If you’re on a budget and looking for a similar version, I’m also crushing on this affordable Amazon option for just $16.

Aloha x Cusco by Z Supply Mid Pouch

The Cusco Mid Pouch is part of a capsule collaboration between Aloha and Z Supply. It’s the ultimate organizer for traveling; I use it as a cosmetic bag in my carry-on or personal item bag, and it also works great as a clutch. Because of Aloha’s splash-proof technology, it can even hang on the beaches of Greece, Croatia, Portugal, or wherever your travels take you. You don’t have to worry about getting this bag wet; it’s water-resistant and keeps your valuables dry. 

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Running Sneakers

These cushy Allbirds sneakers come in five classic colors that work with nearly everything. Although they’re made for running, the sneakers are also great for walking and cross-training. In its commitment to sustainability, the brand uses sugarcane sourced from Brazil for its signature SweetFoam cushioning, which relies on rain, not irrigation.

The sneakers’ Tencel lyocell uppers allow for flexible movement and all-day support, and they’re so sleek that you can wear them with a midi skirt, linen shorts, and jeans. And, when you need a comfy airplane outfit, I recommend sporting them with the PrettyGarden jumpsuit.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.