My future summer vacations are still in the planning stages, but my mood boards have imagery circulating on them from Mediterranean locales like Lake Como, Biarritz, and Sardinia. They conjure images of slow mornings with fresh-squeezed orange juice and warm croissants for breakfast on a terrace, tennis games played on clay courts surrounded by lush foliage, afternoon dips in the salty ocean water, and alfresco dinners with truffle pasta and sounds of locals musicians. I can already picture the summer getaway and have also been envisioning the wardrobe to match.
These European destinations have varying takes on laid-back beachwear and lakeside elegance, with suitcase essentials that include everything from linen minidresses and tortoiseshell sunglasses to azure-blue swimsuits and white tennis dresses with forest-green trim. While I may not have the vacation planned out quite yet, I already know what I would pack for any of the stylish summer spots. Ahead, shop my Europe beach vacation shopping edit.
Posse Rio Linen Mini Dress
The perfect shade of yellow.
KHAITE Loop Leather Sandals
Just in from Khaite.
ZARA Basic Poplin Shirt
A French-blue shirt is a summer essential.
Reformation Malia Twill Shorts
A versatile piece that will take you from a lakeside lunch to the pool.
Déhanche Signet Leather Belt
An outfit finisher.
ralph lauren Cable-Knit Cotton Crewneck Sweater
To wrap around your shoulders or your waist.
persol Sunglasses
A classic heritage piece.
ERES Les Essentiels Aquarelle Swimsuit
The exact shade of blue I’m fixated on this season.
SIR Exclusive Riviera Silk-Wool Mini Sarong
Throw this on over a swimsuit.
Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Play Canvas Tote
Perfect for a summer holiday.
DÔEN Leslie Tie-Detailed Smocked Gingham Voile Midi Dress
Bring on the gingham.
CARTIER Panthère de Cartier Large 31mm Stainless Steel Watch
A jewelry item worthy of packing.
MISSONI Metallic Crochet-Knit Mini Dress
It doesn’t get more iconic than Missoni’s zigzag motif.
Coconuts by Matisse Marlow Jelly Ballet Flats
I’ll admit I didn’t invest in jelly sandals last summer, but now, I’m on board.
Polo ralph lauren Cap
Yep, this color again.
tory burch Tennis Dress
To hit the courts.
Flore Flore May Organic Cotton Camisole Top
Flore Flore’s tanks and tees have a cult following.
LA VESTE Riviera Pippi Striped Cotton Pants
Destined to sell out.
Jacquemus Agave Pleated Drop-Waist Midi Dress
An easy dress for anything, from cocktails to dinner.
Lié Studio Ada Gold Vermeil Onyx Earrings
New in from Lié Studio.
ERES Mariniere Flots Striped Triangle Bikini Top
No one does it like Eres.
ERES Mariniere Navy Striped Bikini Briefs
A great take on nautical stripes.
Hermès Tropiquet Beach Towel
It doesn’t get better than an iconic Hermès beach towel.
HEREU Calella Raffia Tote Bag
To hold the sunscreen, sunglasses, and summer beach reads.
Posse Riviera Ari Striped Knit Top
This feels primed for the South of France.
Posse Riviera Ari Striped Knit Shorts
Same goes for the matching shorts.
Posse Riviera Lori Open-Back Linen Maxi Dress
Just add flats.
J.crew Andi Ballet Flats
These are designed with a mesh finish.
Hunza G Striped Square-Neck One-Piece Swimsuit
A modern twist on a classic.
J.Crew Wide-Leg Essential Pants
Just wait until you see the other colors too.
H&M Mesh Flats
Yet another pair of jelly shoes I’m eyeing.
MISSONI Mare Striped Metallic Crochet-Knit Bikini
A print that will never go out of style.