What to Pack for a Trip to Europe

The philosophy: pack less, better

European travel rewards restraint. A single carry-on, a considered palette, and pieces that work from the beach club to a candlelit terrace. Quiet luxury isn't a label — it's the confidence to be seen in the same linen shirt three days running.

01

The linen shirt

One in ivory, one in a soft stone. Wear open over swimwear at lunch, buttoned with tailored trousers at dinner. Look for European mills — Italian or Belgian flax — and an unstructured shoulder.

02

Tailored trousers, unlined

A pleated cotton or wool-blend trouser in cream, sand or navy. Unlined so they breathe; tapered so they travel. This is the piece that does the most work in the smallest space.

03

A single knit

A fine merino or cotton-silk crewneck for cooler evenings by the water. Neutral only — camel, ecru, or a deep marine. Layered over the linen shirt, it becomes a second outfit.

04

Leather sandals & one loafer

Two pairs, no more. A hand-finished leather sandal for the day; a suede or unlined loafer for the evening. Both should improve with use, not deteriorate.

05

Swimwear that doubles

A tailored swim short in a solid, muted tone reads as shorts once dry. Skip the prints. Pair with the linen shirt and loafers to walk straight from the pool into lunch.

06

Accessories, edited

A woven leather belt. A slim canvas-and-leather weekender. Round acetate sunglasses. A washed silk scarf for wind, sun or a bare shoulder in a cathedral. Nothing more.