The Travel Wardrobe : What To Pack for Your Mediterranean Vacation

Are you planning a trip to the Mediterranean this year? No matter if you are traveling to Greece, Italy, Spain, or the south of France, I have some tips on what to pack for your trip. I've spent years traveling to the Mediterranean, refining my travel wardrobe and weeding out unnecessary items before they make it into my carry-on.

Packing the perfect travel wardrobe for a vacation to the Mediterranean requires a delicate balance of style, comfort, and practicality. It is also important to understand the dressing style of the local culture. The Mediterranean culture appreciates classic style with refined silhouettes.  Opt for mix and match neutrals and muted earth tone colors in lieu of tropical prints or loud neon colors. 

To help you decide on what to wear on your vacation to Europe, there are four rules of thumb I follow when deciding what to pack for each trip:

1. Avoid The "Prepper" Tourist Mentality:

You don't need to over-prepare when traveling to the Mediterranean. The culture is laid-back and appreciates the uncomplicated.  Avoid wearing clothing with these tourist-tells and you will feel a bit more relaxed and blend in with the locals a bit better: an excessive amount of cargo utility pockets, exercise-related spandex wear, and flashy bright prints. Before you start packing, take some time to relax and wind down. Focus on packing mix and match classic basics like our Raw Silk Shirt to create a laid-back chic appearance that you will feel comfortable in.

2. Prioritize Comfort and Breathability:

When it comes to Mediterranean climate, breathable comfort is key. Choose loose and relaxed silhouettes that allow for free movement.  Opt for natural breathable fabrics like cotton or my favorite: raw silk.  Raw silk is amazingly soft and will keep you cool and comfortable and protected under the Mediterranean sun without feeling sticky.  I pack three pairs of the Raw Silk Easy Pant for each trip and wear them almost every day on my vacation.

3. Choose Transitional Pieces:

Pack versatile pieces that can easily transition from day to night. Our Silk Body Wrap is the perfect vacation dress that can be dressed up or dressed down.  With over 10 ways to wear it, you are free to find the style that complements your body shape perfectly.  It is made of 100% silk, treated with sandwash finish which makes it machine wash and dry friendly to easily remove your sun oil stains! Trust me, I've worn this piece daily on my resort stays and it is the hardest working item in my suitcase. Plus, it takes up less space than your bra.

4. Pack A Classic Black Dress:

The little black dress is a wardrobe staple that will never go out of style.  We've re-imagined it in a transitional silhouette for our Raw Silk Caftan. It's got hidden deep pockets and a removable belt to wear it two different ways.  

Packing for a Mediterranean style vacation is an opportunity to embrace laid-back luxury and effortless style. By prioritizing comfort, versatility, and practicality, you can feel confident that your travel wardrobe will perfectly suit your journey. So whether you're relaxing on a pebbled beach, enjoying a seaside cocktail, or walking the cobblestone streets, you'll look and feel like your best self. 

Browse our collection of travel wardrobe essentials and get packing!