Achieving That Effortless European Look Is Easy—Just Use This Capsule Wardrobe

It's true what they say about Europeans—they really do dress exceptionally well. I don't know what it is about them or why their style is so leveled up from what I see even in New York City, but every time I visit the continent, I come back inspired and ready to rework my wardrobe to get that effortless European look that everyone across the Atlantic is seemingly born with.

A few weeks ago, I begrudgingly boarded a plane at Nice Airport to return home to New York, and while I was not happy to leave both Nice and Monte Carlo behind, there was one thing I had to look forward to upon landing at JFK: getting my summer wardrobe into top shape based on my findings from the trip. By the time we'd taken off, I'd already drawn up a rough Europe capsule wardrobe to start me off, including flat slides (almost everyone I saw in both France and Monaco had on a pair of Hermès Oran sandals), white trousers (often worn with a matching waistcoat), and vanity case–shaped handbags (either from Bottega Veneta or Loro Piana). Below, I'm sharing the wealth by giving you a sneak peek at every item I'm buying to master European style this summer for my upcoming international travels and everyday life alike.

A breezy button-down is essential no matter where you live or are traveling to. The versatility of the silhouette is what makes it so crucial. It can be worn fitted or oversize, tucked in or loose, and with the sleeves rolled up or down. That doesn't even account for the pieces you can wear with one, from pencil skirts to billowy linen trousers to jeans. The options really are endless.

Shop button-down shirts:

I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that one in every four women I came into contact with in Nice and Monaco were wearing Hermès Oran sandals. They were everywhere. Wait, there's more. The other three were wearing some other version of similar flat slide sandals, whether they were also a designer style or a more affordable alt. Clearly, when it comes to summering in Europe, the criteria is comfort and ease, two traits that flat slides have in spades.

Shop flat sandals:

If you, like everyone else in the summer, love a tank top but fear that it's not the most appropriate option for all occasions, it's time to add a few boatneck alternatives to your wardrobe. All over Europe, people are relying on these slightly more covered-up and elegant sleeveless tops, pairing them with A-line skirts, relaxed trousers, jeans, capris, and more.

Shop boatneck tank tops:

Now, fashion people in Europe are wearing poplin skirts the way they used to wear slip skirts in the summer. They are often A-line in silhouette and white in color, though tan and black are growing in popularity as well.

Shop poplin skirts:

When in doubt about your outfit's special factor, add an oversize cuff bracelet and watch as everything else just clicks into place. This trick works with a long-sleeve maxi dress, a suit, and even just a jeans-and-tee ensemble.

Shop cuff bracelets:

Whenever I'm preparing for summer and swimsuit season, I always check out what styles my friends in Europe are buying before making any swimwear purchases. This year, the trend on every feed is a balconette bikini, most often in black or another minimalistic, neutral color like white, cream, or navy. Unlike a triangle-style top, this underwire alternative is great because, if styled correctly, it can be worn with just trousers or a midi skirt for vacation nights out with no problem.

Shop black balconette bikinis:

This isn't really a summer-specific buy. Rather, it's a year-round essential that everyone everywhere should own at least one well-fitting pair of. In Europe, I usually spot vintage Levi's, but there are plenty of other options for classic straight-leg denim on the market if you want something a little different.

Shop straight-leg jeans:

Belts are often overlooked, but don't sleep on their ability to turn a simple jeans-and-tee outfit into one worth complimenting. The chicest dressers in Paris, Milan, and other European cities certainly won't.

Shop classic belts:

For fall and winter, it's all about the suede tote. In the summertime, nothing beats a big woven tote bag to fill up with lip balms, hydrating face mists, to-go SPF, a beach read, and more.

Shop woven totes:

When they're not wearing slides, everyone I saw in Europe was in a pair of timeless slingbacks. A majority opted for Chanel's tried-and-true two-tone style that is made shockingly comfortable by a sleek block heel and almond-shaped toe. I've always wanted a pair of my own, but it wasn't until I saw at least 50 pairs of them in Monaco that I was convinced that I actually need them.

Shop slingbacks:

It wasn't too long ago that no one was really talking about halterneck dresses and tops, but after a few strong additions by Khaite, Alaïa, and Bottega Veneta in recent years, the neckline is riding high in the fashion world, especially on the European circuit.

Shop halter dresses:

Other than Hermès slides, the fashion item I spotted most often on my most recent trip to Europe was white linen pants, which were either styled with a bikini top; a white tank, tee, or button-down shirt; or a fitted vest. They're lighter than denim, making them breezy enough for hot days but still put-together and sleek.

Shop white linen trousers:

You can thank Loro Piana's Extra line for the rise in popularity of vanity cases worn as purses all across Europe. The L19 size, in particular, is almost impossible to find, but luckily, plenty of other brands are following suit with chic makeup-bag look-alikes, including an Intrecciato version by Bottega Veneta worn by Elle Fanning and a hyper-affordable alt by JW Pei.

Shop vanity cases:

Silk scarves give off very strong "Grace Kelly in Monte Carlo" vibes, so of course, I saw them everywhere during my trip. You can wear them around your neck, in various ways on your head, as a belt, and even as a bag. Just get creative!

Shop silk scarves:

One of the reasons why European style is so enviable is how easy it all seems, so it makes sense that no-effort minidresses would be a big part of the equation. My favorite is the viral pickleball dress by Norma Kamali, but Zara and Ref have great alternatives too.

Shop easy minidresses:

The last thing Europeans are great at is accessorizing, and right now, they're all wearing red accessories, specifically red jewelry. From drop earrings to brooches, you'll be hard-pressed to find an outfit without a little pop of red if you happen to be exploring a European city this summer.

Shop red accessories: