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MEN’S CAPSULE WARDROBE FOR A EUROPEAN VACATION

I’ve been getting a lot of requests lately to share a Men’s European Vacation Capsule Wardrobe! Traveling through Europe can be tricky when it comes to figuring out what to wear. Europeans are known for their impeccable style, and Americans sometimes fall short in comparison. Plus, with limited suitcase space, you have to be strategic about what you bring. While I’m not traveling to Europe this summer, this is exactly what I would pack! These versatile pieces will have you covered for a variety of activities, from casual outings to more elevated events.

The beauty of this capsule wardrobe is the ability to mix and match items to create numerous outfit combinations! I’ve highlighted some pairing ideas below, but the possibilities are far greater. That’s the essence of a capsule wardrobe: nearly every piece can be styled together to achieve the look you’re going for.

Basic t-Shirts

The basics are the foundation of any great capsule wardrobe! For a European summer, the key is focusing on breathability, comfort, and versatility. A white Buck Mason Pima Classic Tee is an essential base layer that works with almost any outfit. To add a subtle touch of color, I’ve included a navy Madewell Garment Dyed Allday Crewneck T, which is perfect for layering. And of course, if you want even more layering options, a classic wife-pleaser tank top is a must-have for those warmer days or as an underlayer for cooler evenings.

Linen Shirts

When the temperatures rise and comfort becomes a priority, linen is my go-to fabric! Its breathable nature makes it the ideal summer material, and its natural wrinkles add to that relaxed, effortless European vibe. The striped Linen Oxford Shirt from Everlane is a great option for staying cool while adding texture to your outfit. And of course, you can never go wrong with a classic white Linen Shirt—it’s timeless, versatile, and perfect for any summer occasion!

Linen Shorts

No surprises here—linen continues to be the go-to fabric! The Linen Blend pull-on shorts are ideal for a comfortable day of exploring or sightseeing. Another fantastic option is the Lino Short from Banana Republic in stone grey, offering both style and breathability. For a more elevated look, the pleated linen shorts from J. Crew provide a roomy fit with a polished, sophisticated vibe, making them perfect for dressing up while staying cool.

Camp Collars

Camp collar shirts are an incredibly versatile staple that should be in every summer vacation wardrobe! You can wear them open with a wife-pleaser and swim trunks for a laid-back look, or button them up with linen pants for a stylish evening outfit. The powder blue Camp Collar from Madewell is a great pop of color, perfect for destinations like the French Riviera or the Amalfi Coast. For added texture, the striped resort shirt from Banana Republic is another standout piece that will elevate your vacation style effortlessly!

Sweater Polos

I can’t resist a good sweater polo! It’s the perfect way to instantly elevate your outfit for a dinner out in the city. Despite being a woven sweater, it remains breathable, making it ideal for warm European summer nights. Two pieces that I’m eyeing to add to my wardrobe are the Cotton Linen Resort Shirt and the Plisse Johnny Collar Sweater Polo. Both offer a stylish, polished look while keeping you comfortable in the summer heat.

Swim Trunks

The Pull-On Seersucker swim trunk from Abercrombie is hands down my favorite swimwear option! The fit is just right, and the comfortable liner makes all the difference. With a wide variety of patterns and colors available, you can easily find the perfect pair to match your personal style. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or taking a dip in the sea, these trunks are a must-have for any summer wardrobe!

Linen Pants

For comfort and breathability, linen pants are unbeatable! They offer a naturally dressier look than shorts, making them perfect for an elevated dinner, a sunset cruise, or a cooler day. The Pull-On Traveler Pant from Banana Republic has quickly become one of my summer favorites. With a comfortable drawstring waistband, they’re especially forgiving after indulging in too much pasta! For a classic summer vibe, the Straight Linen Blend Pant in cream is another great choice, adding that perfect light and airy feel to your wardrobe.

Accessories

Accessories are essential for any vacation wardrobe! When packing for your trip, opt for minimal accessories that each serve a purpose. Sunglasses are a must-have to protect your eyes from the sun, while a hat is crucial for staying cool during long days of exploring. Don’t forget a stylish watch—it not only keeps you on schedule but also adds a touch of flair to your outfit. Thankfully, there are plenty of affordable options, so you can wear them with confidence while traveling without worrying about damage!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, a well-curated men’s capsule wardrobe for a European vacation can significantly enhance your travel experience. By focusing on versatile, breathable, and comfortable pieces, you can create a range of stylish outfits suitable for various activities, from casual sightseeing to elevated dinners. Essential items like linen shirts, breathable shorts, and stylish swim trunks allow for easy mixing and matching, while layering options like shirt jackets and sweaters ensure you’re prepared for changing temperatures. Minimal yet purposeful accessories, such as sunglasses and hats, complete your look while providing functionality. With this thoughtfully assembled wardrobe, you’ll be ready to explore Europe in style and comfort, allowing you to fully enjoy your adventure!

42 BEST FALL AND WINTER NAIL IDEAS THAT WILL HEADLINE THE SEASON

Fall and winter nails can be an integral part of your style with fun and sophisticated ideas. Try luxurious designs like metallic glitter or cool colors to reflect the wheather in fall or winter. Details like snow patterns, metallics or soft pastel colors will bring a warm and charming feeling to the cold days. Whether you love simple or sophisticated, winter nail ideas can make a great accent to your outfit.

MIRROR

Say goodbye to glazed pink nails and welcome the dazzling allure of mirror nails in deep, rich colors with a mega-watt shine.

SILVER BELLS

Opt for a shimmering silver glitter finish and complement it with delicate snowflake accents. Achieve the look using a fine nail brush and dotting tool, both easily found in Manucurist’s versatile nail art set. This understated yet festive manicure is the perfect way to embrace the winter wonderland.

SUGARPLUM FAIRY

Matte lavender tips paired with a pink base create the sweetest combination. Complete your fairy-inspired look with tiny pearls, adding a touch to your nails.

HOT CHOCOLATE

Indulge in the warmth and richness of hot chocolate with a nail design that captures the essence of this beloved winter treat. Using the perfect chocolaty shade of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Been There, Dune That, create a steaming hot chocolate wave accent nail that will leave you feeling cozy and festive

LEAFY GREEN

Sage green is a softer, more muted green that is perfect for a winter manicure. Use it as the base color and add gold leaf accents for a touch of glamour. You can also add a few snowflakes for a festive touch.

COBALT BLUE

Bold and statement-making, bright blue winter nails are the perfect way to stand out this season. Embrace the striking hue by keeping your nails short and rounded, letting the vibrant color speak for itself.

CANDY CANE

Make your red Christmas nails to a new level of festivity with delightful candy cane accents. Choose intricate candy cane nail art or a classic stripe pattern? You’ll capture the holiday spirit perfectly. Can’t decide between the two? Mix and match for a fun and festive look!

BRONZE GLITTER

This season, step away from the usual silver, gold, or rose gold and embrace the on-trend bronze metallic for your nails. Perfectly complementing the current brown and latte makeup craze, bronze metallic offers a chic and sophisticated look for all skin tones.

ICY BARBIE

For a festive twist on Barbie nails, try a stunning glitter ombré design. Achieve the perfect gradient by using a makeup sponge wedge dipped in hot pink nail polish, blending it upward from a pinky nude base coat. 

LIQUID GOLD

Refresh your manicure with a touch of shiny gold glitter. By keeping the rest of your nails nude, you’ll achieve a minimalist, chic look that allows the glitter to really stand out.

SHEER

Grunge glam has taken over our fingernails with moody goth-girl shades like navy and jet black, softened by a sheer finish. This look resembles the delicate allure of pantyhose, now beautifully translated into manicure form.

FLOATING TINSEL

This minimalist look may appear intricate, but it’s surprisingly easy to achieve with just a striper brush. Celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein used BrillBird UK to create thin black stripes, layering them with silver sparkle for a striking, eye-catching effect.

ALIEN SUPERSTAR

These iridescent green chrome nails have a playful Grinch-inspired vibe. Enhance the look with holographic stars to add an extra burst of sparkle and festive flair.

CHOCOLATE GLAZED DONUT

This winter, the glazed-donut manicure continues to shine with a deliciously new twist. Embrace the latest chocolate-themed version using DND Gel in Coffee Bean and Spiced Brown, topped with OPI Chrome Effects in Tin Man Can for a glossy, metallic finish.

HOLOGRAPHIC STRIPES

A single glitzy line acts like jewelry for your fingertips, adding a touch of sparkle and making your nails appear extra long and elegant.

CHAMPAGNE SPARKLES

Cheers to the most stunning shimmery polish we’ve ever laid eyes on!

SNOWY BLUE MANICURE

Embrace all the cozy winter vibes with this delightful manicure, featuring a charming snowflake design paired with sweater-inspired French tips.

ICY BLUE WINTER NAIL INSPO

Like icicles come to life, this shimmery blue nail design is so perfect winter statement! 

To achieve this frosty ombré design, blend a milky blue color with a vibrant blueberry shade. Top it off with a pearlescent polish for an icy shine, and you’ll have a stunning.

SKITTLES MANI

Mismatched nail art remains a top trend this winter, thanks to its simplicity and DIY appeal. While pastels and neons continue to make their mark, consider embracing the season with muted blues paired with rusty browns and reds for a chic, on-trend look.

SHORT STARRY NIGHT BLUE WINTER 

This stunning look is achieved by layering two coats of navy blue polish with two coats of a shimmery top coat for an ethereal midnight hue. Add some constellation nail art, and you’ll have a winter manicure that’s truly starry-eyed!

DAISY NAILS

Seventies vibes are still going strong, whether on hair or nails. Embrace the retro look with Deco Miami’s Stay Groovy stickers, and while a matcha green base is optional, it’s highly encouraged for that extra touch of vintage flair.

RED FRENCH TIP DOUBLE OUTLINE

Add a chic twist to your nude mani with elegant red outlines for a subtle yet striking pop of color. The bold accent of a fully filled-in tip adds an extra touch of flair, making this look both refined and eye-catching.

MIXED MEDIA

The ultimate winter nail-art trend? Embrace variety by mixing lines, shapes, and French-tip styles for a truly unique manicure. Don’t settle for just one pattern—experiment to create a one-of-a-kind look that’s all your own.

SIMPLE HOLOGRAPHIC LAVENDER 

With a dazzling holographic finish, these lavender nails are a chic and unexpected way to add some sparkle to your winter wardrobe. They’re perfect for Swifties still celebrating their Eras era!

SPARKLY NUDE SIMPLE

We believe there’s no such thing as too much sparkle, especially during the winter months. 

Sparkly, simple, and incredibly versatile, these nails can be effortlessly dressed up or down for any occasion. Consider them your ideal seasonal neutral, adding just the right amount of shine to any look.

SIMPLE RAINBOW SKITTLE 

If you’re ready to break away from traditional winter hues, try rainbow skittle nails for a vibrant change! This cheerful palette offers a refreshing contrast to the season’s darker tones, delivering an instant boost of serotonin every time you look at your hands.

SIMPLE FOREST GREEN 

When it comes to seasonal color trends, these simple forest green nails are a must-have for winter. Dark and elegant, they offer a chic update to the classic all-black mani and are just as versatile. You can’t go wrong with this sophisticated shade.

VANILLA WINTER NAIL INSPO

With their warm vanilla hue, they’re the coziest neutral for those chilly winter days. Just grab some vanilla nail polish, pearl nail powder, and a disposable eyeshadow applicator. Don’t forget to finish with a strengthening top coat for the perfect touch!

BASIC CLEAN GIRL

If you’re looking for a simple manicure to get you through every dinner party, to-do list, and festive event this season, these fall and winter nail trends are perfect for you! Sleek and simple, they enhance your natural nails with a subtle top coat.

TWO-TONED

Here’s another effortlessly chic nail art idea: paint each hand a different pastel or shimmery shade. It’s an easy way to add a playful touch to your look without any fuss.

SPLIT SHADES

Can’t choose just one trend? Get the best of all worlds by mixing and matching pastels and brights on each nail. It’s a fun way to showcase multiple trends and create a unique, eye-catching look!

BLACK LICORICE 

Black nails are always a classic choice for cold weather, especially when finished with an ultra-glossy topcoat like Seche Vite. It’s a timeless look that never goes out of style!

SNOWCAP FRENCH 

Swooping French tips evoke the beauty of snowy mountains with a subtle touch, while gold twinkles add a glamorous flair. This design combines elegance and seasonal charm without being too on-the-nose.

NEGATIVE SPACE 

Negative space continues to be the easiest way to add a touch of cool to your manicure in seconds. Its minimalist approach delivers instant style and sophistication.

WHITE SHIMMER 

Add a modern twist to classic winter white nails with a holographic glitter topcoat. For a dazzling effect, use Pacifica’s Bio Glitter in Celestial to infuse your manicure with a touch of sparkle and shine.

CLASSY TINSEL-INSPIRED FRENCH OUTLINE

Add a festive touch to your nails by adorning the edges with a bit of tinsel! Stick with a classic glittery gold outline or mix things up with mix and matched sparkly colors—there are no wrong choices here!

BLINGED-OUT FRENCH 

A diamond-encrusted manicure is ideal for holiday parties and beyond, adding a touch of sparkle and luxury to any occasion.

AMERICAN MANICURE 

For a fresh take on the French manicure, try the American Manicure. This technique features both the tips and base in softer shades of nude and white, creating a more subtle contrast and a naturally elegant look.

ALMOND SHAPED GREEN 

Is it just us, or are these winter nails giving off major aprés-ski vibes? The soft sage green color palette and geometric tips, reminiscent of snowcaps on a mountain, have us dreaming of a day on the slopes. Snow bunnies, this green nail design is definitely for you!

HOT PINK 

Neon shades might not be your usual go-to, but after days of gloomy forecasts, a bright manicure is the perfect way to lift your spirits. A vibrant pop of color can be just the pick-me-up you need!

CLASSY IRIDESCENT BLUE-GREY 

Achieve the look with this frosty nail polish, which offers the ideal iridescent shimmer to capture that dreamy blizzard effect.

CONCLUSION

From cozy neutrals and warm hues to sparkling accents and festive designs, there’s a nail art inspiration for every style and occasion. Whether you’re preparing for holiday gatherings or simply want to add a touch of seasonal flair to your everyday look, these nail ideas will ensure your fingertips are always in the spotlight. So, go ahead and experiment with these creative designs to make your nails the highlight of the season!