What fashion people are wearing for a European summer
Image via @yawynne / instagram
words by lara daly
“Key note if you’re coming to Paris: look good every day.”
If your Instagram Stories look anything like mine do right now, it seems everyone is holidaying in Europe. Every time I open my phone, I’m bombarded with photos of chic wine bars in Paris, cute coffee dates in Copenhagen and hot people picnicking in London Fields.
If you’re lucky enough to be swapping the freezing temperatures in Australia for balmy evenings in Capri, I’m happy for you. But you will be going on mute. I have no business complaining, considering I was just in Italy for three glorious weeks but let’s just say the return home has been jarring.
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The hardest part about jumping from winter to summer is that you truly forget how to dress for the heat. So for a bit of style inspiration, I asked some fashion-adjacent friends in Europe how they’ve been dressing for summer in their city. Happy packing!
Yawynne Yem, fashion creative and PR manager
Based in: London
For me, wearing yellow in the summertime is like drinking a glass of cold water on a hot day. My body and soul simply begs for it. I got these old French Connection yellow sequin shorts off Vinted last summer. I’d just moved to London from New Zealand and discovered the most magical thing: no one cares if you’re wearing sequin shorts at the pub, or who you are. Divine. This spirit is my summer style omen.
Emily Powick, communications executive at British Fashion Council
Based in: London
Everything I’m wearing in this outfit is secondhand, the ‘Dangerous’ graphic singlet (picked out for me by my friend Marina, a fashion soothsayer), a denim skirt I found on Brick Lane, an Alexander McQueen scarf and some old-school gladiator sandals I picked up at a secondhand shop in Berlin.
Lately, I’ve been tapping into the 2012 Tumblr girl I once was, with all of her undone charm. Think studded Levi’s cut-offs, American Apparel skater dresses (painstakingly hunted down on Vinted), Brandy Melville basics and worn-in graphic tees. Messy, nostalgic and effortless.
Maggie Zhou, writer and host of Culture Club podcast
Travelled to: Copenhagen
You might be thinking, ‘Why is she wearing a long sleeve, cardigan and a jacket when it’s supposedly Euro summer?’ Just know I was asking myself the same thing. While my T-shirts and singlets got a work out during my recent stint in Europe, my warmer gear was also put to good use.
Don’t be fooled, there are many cities like Copenhagen where peak temperatures dwindle around the 25 degree mark. My advice? Have a little cardigan at the ready (mine’s from Elk). Also, knee-high boots and a cap help you get around the rain.
Lolita Daskalu-Glover, photographer and stylist
Based in: Paris
There’s something about travelling that makes me feel way more free to play around with my style. I think it’s because I’m exposed to so many new looks and since I barely know anyone, it kind of takes the pressure off. Whenever I’m in Europe, I always find my personal style evolving even more!
In Paris, especially, everyone is so chic, stylish and effortlessly put together. It’s definitely inspired me to be more intentional with what I wear and to have fun experimenting. Summer showed up a little late this year but I’ve been loving colourful or patterned midi skirts (especially sheer ones), usually thrown on with a singlet, button-up, or baby tee.
Layla Vanden Bergh, model and stylist
Based in: Paris
Europe has got me feeling brand new and ready to experiment. Watching people candidly live their lives and how they’re adding fun elements to their outfits feels so refreshing! I’ve been absorbing the Parisian street style, lots of undone looks and insane layering ideas. Key note if you’re coming to Paris: look good every day. You never know who you might run into and where the outfit might take you.
I’ll be wearing either big black boots (these ones are Tony Bianco) or Five Fingers, vintage military shorts, big Chimi sunglasses or cool frame opticals this summer. My top here is by Melbourne label Afends (tied at the back) and my bag is by AEST Studios.
Ella Taverner, producer
Based in: Paris
Since moving to Paris a few months ago, I’ve been at the (willing) mercy of the city’s many vintage stores and brocantes (Parisian flea markets), sifting through troves of secondhand clothes, old books, antiques and art.
I recently picked up this skirt at a pop-up by veteran Vinted seller @ellavintageparis, which has been the perfect, breezy wardrobe addition as the summer heat swells. To keep the look relatively understated and monotone, I’ve paired it here with my beloved Bodicia B tank and my trusty Burberry Mary Janes I scored on Vestiaire Collective over three years ago.
Eugie Boyd, senior account manager at Abel
Based in: Amsterdam
I mostly work from home, so my summer style stays pretty low-key, with a singlet or T-shirt paired with something mini on the bottom (cut-off denim or a tiny skirt). Most of my summer wardrobe consists of Vinted finds but my favourite fun pieces are from independent brands like Dolly, Emma Jing and Rose Murdoch, which make getting dressed to go out feel way more exciting.
This week, when you asked me what I was wearing, I was stress packing a tiny suitcase for a Paris trip with a forecast of 35 degrees. Today, my outfit consists of a tank top, my favourite Dolly shorts and these beat-up Prada ballet flats I nabbed from Vinted (I wore these for five minutes before going back and putting my jandals on).
Not seen in the first pic are the accessories I never leave the house without at the moment: my bangles, a pair of Wonka-esque sunglasses and my YSL bow bag (it’s très tacky but I love it). Oh and of course, a spritz of Abel to top it off – Pink Iris is currently my favourite.
Molly Keogh, former Fashion Journal intern
Based in: Amsterdam
I usually lean towards a pop of colour but this outfit’s a bit more low-key. My skirt is thrifted from Melbourne’s Market 755 and the top is my friend’s mum’s old sheer blouse (clothes swaps if you’re travelling with people are a must!). Every outfit is often paired with my Salomon mesh sandals, which are comfy to walk around in and easy to style up with funky socks. My biggest advice is to travel light, you never know what gems you’ll find on the way.
For more summer outfit inspo, head here.
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