Here are ideas for versatile travel wear for Summer in Portugal that work for many other destinations in Europe, too. The idea is to have items that you can mix and match to make new outfits so that you can pack lightly in a carry-on… or have space in your checked suitcase for purchases from your vacation!
Annie and Cindy are also sharing their travel wardrobe advice today!
Packing For Summer In Portugal
I laid out all the interchangeable outfits using a neutral color scheme of black (in lightweight fabrics), white, and brown.
10-Day Portugal Packing List To Wear in July, August, or September
- Five tops (three blouses, two tee shirts)
- One light sweater
- Two pairs of pants
- One skirt
- Three dresses
- Four pairs of shoes (sneakers, sandals, and one pair of low-block heels)
- One tote bag and one crossbody
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Two pairs of pajamas
- Note: we had a washer machine in the apartment that we rented, otherwise I would do a little handwashing
What To Wear On The Airplane
Eileen Fisher Cotton Gauze Shirt (worn as a cardigan is very soft and nice for layering) • Cotton Scarf (also for layering) inexpensive from Amazon • Loft Tee shirt • Backpack with laptop compartment • Sneakers as comfortable walking shoes • Eileen Fisher washable crepe straight trousers
This is on our layover in Newark airport (after a nice nap on the plane from Orlando). I’m wearing the above outfit with a similar scarf. Eileen Fisher gifted me some of the items in this post. They run a bit large so I am wearing an XXSmall Petite in the black shirt and an XS Petite in the pants.
These are investment items that I will use again and again. I like that Eileen Fisher has petite, regular, and plus sizes.
Outfit Combinations That Are In My Suitcase:
Skirt And Matching Top
We are in Portugal right now (you can see more on Instagram).
Beaded necklace • Linen sun hat (it can roll up into a small size)• Eileen Fisher Cotton Ripple Pin Stripe Top And Skirt (perfect for mixing) • Well-made leather slides sturdy for the cobblestone streets• Bembien woven leather tote (similar to the one I own and love).
This is a fun, lightweight outfit and easy to pack.
These Eileen Fisher leather slides have soles that are sturdy enough for cobblestones. They have velcro straps.
Lightweight Little Black Dress
Nice to wear out to dinner…
Bangles • Eileen Fisher Cotton Pucker Mock Neck Cool Dress • Scarf from the airplane outfit • Jack Rogers Brown sandals • Quince affordable luxury Italian leather crossbody (this fits in my tote for the airport).
The dress is a Petite XXsmall. It’s cool as it’s cotton but unlined and not see-through. This was the view from our patio in the Lisbon VRBO apartment (I will do a post soon).
Top With White Jeans And Slides For Sightseeing
Porto may be a little cooler so I may wear the pants with a t-shirt and black shirts as a light jacket.
Loft Black Tee • Off White Jeans with items from the previous outfits. Makes two outfits with different tops.
Wrap Jersey (Doesn’t Wrinkle) Dress And Sandals For Dinner
Ray Ban Sunglasses • Boden wrap dress • Cotton tank with built-in bra • Blocked heeled sandals • Bangles
Sightseeing In A Linen Dress
The only new addition to the mix is the Faherty linen dress (I have it in blue).
No-Iron Linen Top For More Touring
I also packed my Chico’s No Iron White Linen Top. I have it in blue linen too.
And check this out from our last trip: 7 Reasons To Start Planning Your Trip To Lisbon!
Let’s see what Cindy and Annie have for us with their travel wardrobe advice…
Rosemary Davis says
Terrific job packing for your international trip! I wore Eileen Fisher on the plane on our recent trip to Italy in June. I love it and now her items our on my wish list. Your short black dress was perfection! I’ve got it on my wish list.
Anne says
Thanks for this post! Very helpful. Can you also do a post on your trip? Would love to know where you stayed and what you did!
Rosemary Davis says
I love all your outfit choices! Eileen Fisher has become my favorite travel brand.
Gail says
Perfect packing for your trip. Eileen Fisher makes beautiful thins. Hope you had a fabulous time and saw amazing sights.
Gail says
I forgot to ask, can you give me the source for the brown and white tote you had at the airport? I love it.
Holly says
What a great job of packing for a summer trip; casual yet polished. You wear dresses so well! I looked seriously at the Lulu backpack. This would be great for air travel for me but it seems large for a petite woman. Did you find it a little heavy or too large for your size? Thank you
Mary Ann Pickett says
I don’t fill it up completely, Holly and with the suitcase strap you can attach it to your rolling bag.
Mercedes says
You are always so effortlessly stylish!!
Mary Ann Pickett says
YOU are, Mercedes.
Suzanne G Towles says
Love these outfits! This is my color scheme for summer and I love the necklace you chose. Enjoy your vacation.
Bess says
Well. there goes my entire SS check 🤪 Eileen is my weakness .You girls are the best. Stylish and practical. I can’t wait to read about your Portugal trip. Happy and safe travels.🙏
cindy says
Mary Ann you are a packing genius! Love all your outfits!
Carole says
This is so timely as we will be there in October and was wondering what you packed for your trip in October as it looks from the post in 2019 that it is cooler. Thank you.
Beth says
Great job with your packing! Isn’t Lisbon wonderful? If you have not been to the Gulbenkian Museum, it is truly a must. Small and spectacular. Have a wonderful time.