Some of us are hours away from boarding flights to Spain, some are recovering from a recent spring trip to Paris, and others are simply manifesting a boarding pass through sheer willpower and advanced planning. But regardless of where our calendars actually have us over the next couple of months, the RUSSH team always has a Euro summer capsule wardrobe ready to go. From holy-grail skincare and travel bags to the perfect crisp linen sets, consider this your ultimate holiday packing mood board.
And if you’re still in the planning phase for an upcoming trip, we’ve rounded up the most underrated Euro Summer destinations worth a look.
Mia Steiber
Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher
I’m lucky enough to be doing Italy and Portugal this year, and I will be leaning heavily on the pieces I already own. As someone who lives by the “buy it nice or buy it twice” motto, I do add the occasional piece to my rotation, but I mostly try to rely on the quality pieces I’ve collected over the years. My Samsonite suitcase is still going strong after literally 10 years and more trips than I can count. They don’t sell the exact one anymore, but this green one (currently on EOFY sale) is nearly the same.
I have an array of dresses and linen pants from Faithfull that I will be taking. This white dress is similar to what I’ll take. I do need a new pair of sandals to match, and ones that won’t slip on the Portuguese cobblestones. I love these from Aeyde. For a cute day-to-night bag I have this breezy, crossbody one from Mimmi Terra. For beach hopping, my favourite black one piece (this is almost exactly the same), my Pete Pareo tee and my collection of amusing failed merch hats are my go-to look. A couple of other new pieces that I’m considering are this red bikini, a new solid gold necklace that won’t tarnish in the water and these chic tortoiseshell sunglasses. And I’ll definitely be getting some new sunscreen, Ultra Violette Fave Fluid is my essential.
Cassandra Dimitroff
Features and Production Editor
My Euro summer is looking a little more like a one-week-one-destination whirlwind as I’m headed to Barcelona for a week of work activities (and a little bit of fun, of course). At this point, my suitcase remains empty (despite less than 24 hours till my flight time), but we remain optimistic. I splurged on some Augustinus Bader eye patches for the flight – my one indulgence – and of course, some Funday lollies for extra treats.
I’ll be bringing only carry-on, so multi-purpose garments are my main priority – including my new HENNE Valentina Jeans and a smart pair of loafers (loving these Weejun Penny Wheel Loafers. I’m also surgically attached to a lip balm – right now this Nécessaire Lip Balm.
Kirsty Thatcher
Digital Editor
Admittedly, my Euro Summer was more of a Euro Spring. I’ve just returned from 10 days in Paris, and experienced pretty much every season in that time, so I feel fairly well-equipped to offer some sage packing advice. It should come as no surprise that a few Faithfull pieces are at the top of my list — namely, this mini dress, and this lacy chocolate cami and shorts set. This black strapless St Agni dress was another MVP of my suitcase. It’s cotton, so works well during the day, but you can dress it up with a bag and a heel at night. This lace skirt and one-shoulder top set by Posse is also perfect — if I could go back in time, it would definitely have come with me.
I picked up a pair of shoes while I was over there: these sandals by Flowze, which were comfortable enough to average around 30,000 steps a day in. And on cold, rainy days, my Friends with Frank jacket was a lifesaver. It’s lightweight but roomy enough to layer underneath, and is also finished with a wax coating, so it’s ever so slightly waterproof. Not clothing but still essential (to me, anyway) was my Kindle, a good hat, this sunscreen, and a tote I can throw everything into.
Alys Hale
Music Editor and Creative Producer
Oh, to have a European Summer. I am now able to, but haven’t got my Australian Passport just yet, so I will live vicariously through other people’s photos and my imagination, perhaps even considering this very advanced planning for next year.
In my mind, you need 3 key vessels for successful travel: the perfect case, see RIMOWA’s Original Check in, the perfect everyday tote which will function as your carry on (I’m definitely coveting the Dries Van Noten Suede Duffle bag), and the perfect bag for an evening out. Cue this leopard print number from Loewe – she would be fun anywhere.
In-flight skincare and anything to hydrate and undo the tiredness of the long haul flight is a must. I love Chantecaille, so would love to try their mask – bonus if it is clear so you don’t accidentally scare any of the other passengers. I always make sure I have a fragrance to top up when showers aren’t readily available. At the moment I’m in love with Tulita’s latest offering Kama, which launches in June. Oh, and of course, my Emma Lewisham sunscreen.
I cannot travel anywhere without headphones, I am compelled to romantically soundtrack my journey, so I have the cabled regulars and the 1000X The Collexion from Sony. They have an amazingly long battery life.
I tend to travel with a minimalist wardrobe as when going to Europe I always go home to Cambridge and can relive some of my former fashion my mother still graciously keeps for me. I like to pack the perfect jean from Beare Park, a silk shirt from Sandro, one iconic black suit that you can wear anywhere, such as this fitted blazer by Anne, and a fresh Moleskine. I also always pack some extra Aesop for my family, they are particularly fond of the Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm.
Sophia Serafin
Implementation Manager
‘Travel essentials’ can be a difficult brief for someone (me) who doesn’t travel light. I need to cover all bases, especially as Europe has city, land, and water-side climates.
In my luggage are a range of basics from Flore Flore and St Agni, bottoms including a linen pant, summery shorts, a fun skirt or pareo for beach days. I always bring a top that can go day-to-night, and an overshirt for travel days and sun protection at the beach. Dresses are an easy throw-on. I love this Beare Park poplin mini, and adore this Johanna Ortiz piece too.
Of course, a colourful flip-flop finishes the look, and I’d perhaps bring a raffia Loewe heel for nights out. Oh, and a big (and chic) bag to hold my Kindle, sunglasses, bikini, and SPF50+.
Jaime Carmody
Digital Marketing Specialist
It’s been a while since I’ve done a Euro summer, although I’m definitely prepared for when the next one finally happens. Over the years, I’ve realised simple is always best when it comes to any overseas holidays. Although it’s taken me a long time to learn not to overpack, these days comfort wins every time.
First things first: a good bikini — for obvious reasons. I love the fit, shape and style of this one from Color Swim, and lately I’ve been trying to bring more colour into my swimwear collection, so this blue set feels like a perfect match. A pair of Havaianas or Birkenstocks, a wide-brim hat and a lightweight cover-up are all suitcase essentials for me. I’ve found sarongs are especially great. I’m loving this one from Fella Swim at the moment. For afternoons that turn into evenings, I’ll always pack a few linen dresses. This one from Deiji Studios is made from the perfect lightweight fabric. Honestly, I’m tempted to buy one in every colour. I practically live in them during the Australian summer, so I already know they’d be a staple for a Euro summer too.
When it comes to beauty, I try to keep makeup to a minimum while travelling, especially during summer. Usually, it’s just a good tinted sunscreen (50+) and a little blush. I love the Tower 28 one. Finally, some form of shoulder bag is essential. Just enough room for the necessities: water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a bottle of limoncello? My Dragon Diffusion bag or this one from Mimmi Terra are both the perfect size and easy to travel with from beach to everywhere in between.
Koby Dulac-Daley
Fashion Assistant
While I currently have no plans on the calendar to head over to Europe this summer, you never know what the universe has in store, so here is what I would bring.
First of all, my July Everyday Tote is a perfect carry-on bag that you can strap on top of your suitcase, plus the external hidden pockets are great for your boarding pass and passport. I am definitely not a light packer – I would bring the kitchen sink if I could – so these packing cells are great for organising and condensing garments.
A Bluetooth transmitter is a must-have for any flight, especially a long-haul one. I would bring a RUSSH x Dolly’s Dream cap to pair with my square toe Havaianas.
My holy-grail snail mucin moisturiser will definitely be coming with me, and perfect for all-day hydration, especially with the change of climate. A hand-fan is a must when sightseeing in the European sun.
Each trip, I like to bring a scent to exclusively wear and remember the trip by and Valentino Born In Roma Green Stravaganza feels like the perfect European summer scent with its jasmine and vanilla notes. Any good trip requires a swim whether that be at the beach, the hotel pool or a waterfall. A pair of Baggy boardshorts is always handy.
