These Are the Things I Wore the Most and Least on My 3-Week Trip to Europe

I have this habit of always extending my travels, which I think is one of the most delightful things one can do. The rush of extending a trip you don't want to end is pure joy, but to be fair, quite annoying for my husband, Jake. In my most recent test of his easygoingness, I extended our honeymoon (for me, at least) since my sister ended up in Europe for work, and it would have been criminal not to keep her company.

When Jake flew back to New York, he kindly offered to take some things home for me that barely left the hangers of our hotel rooms. Per usual, it was just a handful of simple summer items that thrived on our trip, plus a few punchy, fun things that actually ended up being surprisingly wearable. I was left with the most ideal little wardrobe that I was perfectly happy wearing on repeat for the rest of my time in Spain and London. From some impulse-purchased sandals to the personality jewelry (it's a thing!) that I just didn't get sick of, here are the champion items of my trip.

Kept: Summer Jewelry

Sent Home: Handbag Options

As it turns out, a chill rope tote and one tidy black shoulder bag were truly the only bag options I needed for this trip. Instead, a little outfit jazz came by way of summer jewelry—much more fun, colorful, and affordable than your go-to classic pieces. Perfect examples are my gold sardine earrings from Lisa Says Gah and my amber glass-bead necklace from Sisi Joia. Also very welcome were brooches, cord necklaces, pearly layered anklets, and anything remotely beach- or Euro-themed.

Kept: White Skirt

Sent Home: White Jeans

As we know, white skirts are having their summer. Let me put it this way: I accidentally bought this Mango skirt in Madrid, and it's so good I immediately went online and snapped it up in black as well. It's the perfect length, has pockets, isn't too creasy, and is light but not see-through—11/10, would buy it again.

Kept: Chic Flip-Flops

Sent Home: Fisherman Sandals

Speaking of impulse Mango purchases, I bought these leather flip-flops at the airport. (Yes, Mango is at the airport—we love Spain.) I'd spent a week in New York trying in vain to find the right minimalistic pair to take with me. These ended up being perfect, and as much as I'm still looking to invest in another pair, it was actually a relief not to have to be too precious with them on this trip.

Kept: Longline Vest

Sent Home: The Matching Pants

Another well-established summer staple, it was no surprise my long linen vest was on such high rotation. It's such an easy option paired with its matching lined trousers, but on this trip, I found myself pairing it other separates (such as my white skirt and some relaxed shorts) more than anything else.

Kept: Embroidered Shirt

Sent Home: White Button-Down

I think it's been about 10 years since I've traveled anywhere without a classic white button-down to fall back on, but mine sat untouched this entire trip before being sent home. Instead, I found myself reaching for this short-sleeve embroidered linen shirt I bought from Hagon, an Australian designer who creates one-off pieces from vintage fabrics. It just may have been more the vibe for summer in Spain, but I suspect this season's fashion is just encouraging us all to be a little more fun.