What to Wear on a Summer Vacation in Europe with Kids: My 2024 Outfits in Italy, South of France, Switzerland & Monaco
Planning a European summer vacation and wondering what to wear? After traveling to Italy, the South of France, Monaco, and Interlaken, Switzerland in Summer 2024 with my family (including my tween and little one!), I’ve learned what outfits work best for comfort, style, and practicality—especially when you’re walking a lot and taking lots of family photos!
From breezy cotton dresses for strolling cobblestone streets to swimsuits and sandals for coastal days, this is your ultimate Europe family travel fashion guide. I’ve also included tips for re-wearing and layering, and you’ll find splurge-worthy and affordable outfit suggestions for Summer 2025.
Let’s dive into what I actually wore!
What to Pack for a Summer Trip to Europe
Before we get into specific outfit looks, here are the must-pack wardrobe essentials that worked for me:
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Lightweight midi/maxi dresses
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Comfy sandals and white sneakers
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Two swimsuits and versatile coverups
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Chic sets or rompers
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Crossbody and woven bags
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Sunglasses, sunhat, scarf for layering
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Optional: one neutral sweater or light jacket for evenings or cool areas
Now, let’s explore each destination and outfit inspiration from my trip!
Italy Outfits: Easy Breezy Dresses and Bold Prints
Italy in July was sunny, hot, and stylish—a fashion-lover’s dream! I wore bright printed dresses and comfortable sandals that worked for both sightseeing and gelato stops.
A lemon print midi dress paired with white slides and a cream shoulder bag. This dress was light but had structure, which was perfect for the city.
A red printed wrap-style dress that flowed beautifully in the breeze. Paired it with the same comfy white sandals I wore everywhere.
I opted for a white eyelet mini dress with a ruffled hem, my go-to white sandals, and a crossbody for a walk along the water. I added a baseball cap for sun protection and a sporty touch.
Style tip: Stick to dresses you can dress up or down with accessories. I used one crossbody bag throughout and packed a woven tote for beachy days.
South of France Outfits: French Riviera Chic
For Nice and Èze, I leaned into vacation glam—florals, pastels, and polished silhouettes.
A green lemon print smocked maxi dress that was breathable and photo-friendly. Paired it with red flat sandals and oversized sunglasses.
A red floral sundress with a square neckline, styled with white sandals and a straw tote. The narrow cobblestone alleys made this flowy dress both cute and practical.
Casual Evening:
A striped yellow-and-white cotton set with shorts and a button-down top. I loved this one for lounging on the balcony and grabbing dinner by the coast.
My daughter and I matched in tiered white dresses with colorful fruit embroidery—so fun for family pictures and twirling!
Monaco Style: Polished Yet Comfortable
Monaco called for a bit of elevated elegance. I wore a neutral printed midi dress with black abstract details, paired with brown leather slides and a natural straw bag.
This look was chic yet understated—perfect for walking past the palace or exploring gardens.
Style tip: Choose breathable but elevated fabrics like cotton poplin or linen blends. It can be warm, but Monaco still feels polished.
Interlaken, Switzerland Outfits: Chic and Comfy for Exploring
Unlike the rest of our hot-weather stops, Interlaken was cooler and more relaxed—perfect for layering and cozy-chic styles.
I wore a sunny yellow puff sleeve dress with white sneakers and a small neutral bag. This dress felt pulled together while still being super comfortable for walking across bridges and strolling lakeside trails.
Another day, I wore a bold floral strappy midi dress, which was breathable for sunny afternoons and looked beautiful against Switzerland’s vibrant greenery.
Style tip: You don’t have to go full “hiking” mode unless you’re on the trails. For city strolls, opt for stylish sneakers, structured casual dresses, and a lightweight bag.
Poolside & Swimsuit Looks
We spent a few relaxing days near pools in Italy and the South of France. I packed two swimsuits:
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A black high-waisted bikini that offered flattering support and comfort
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A fruit-themed coverup dress that doubled as a beach outfit
For pool lounging, I wore a black bikini and added oversized sunglasses and my straw bag.
Style tip: Choose swimsuits you feel confident in, and opt for coverups that can double as dresses when transitioning from pool to café.
Travel Days & Casual Exploring
When we weren’t dressed up, I lived in coordinated sets and breezy travel outfits that still felt put-together.
Travel Day Look:
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Yellow stripe set
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White Birkenstock-style sandals
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Woven shoulder bag
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Sunglasses for instant polish
Train rides and car days were all about ease—tank dresses, elastic waist shorts, and roomy dresses I could sit in for hours.
Must-Have Accessories for Summer in Europe
Here are the extras that made my outfits feel complete:
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White crossbody bag that matched every outfit
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Straw tote for beach and coastal days
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Baseball cap + sunhat for shade
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Simple gold hoops and layered necklaces
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Comfortable walking sandals and white sneakers
Packing Tip: Mix & Match
I built my outfits around a color palette: white, yellow, red, blue, and natural tones. That way, accessories and shoes could work with multiple looks.
If you’re traveling with kids, comfort is key, but you don’t have to sacrifice style. Dresses made it easy for me to feel feminine and ready for any kind of outing.
Final Thoughts: My Summer 2024 Europe Outfit Recap
Every outfit I wore was carefully chosen to be comfortable, photogenic, and mom-friendly. Whether you’re heading to Italy, the French Riviera, or Switzerland, choose lightweight fabrics, stylish walking shoes, and pieces you can wear more than once.
I’ll be updating this post with Summer 2025 outfit recommendations, including splurge-worthy and affordable fashion finds—all linked via my Amazon storefront and favorite brand collabs.
Got questions about specific looks or where to shop them? Leave a comment or DM me on Instagram!
Would you like me to create a Pinterest pin design, IG caption, or a downloadable packing checklist to go with this blog post?
Simply,
Christianne