Us Weekly has a managed partnership. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Read more!
If you’ve ever packed for a vacation and wished you’d allowed more time to plan your packing – welcome to the club. Even as an avid fashion designer, I struggle to strategize my holiday outfits. This year, however, will be different as I am on my honeymoon in Portugal for two weeks. I allow myself enough time to shop, organize a series of incredibly chic clothes and pack my European space.
Below, I’ve rounded up everything I bought for easy packing – and it all fits inside a carry-on suitcase and a small personal item! My list includes cozy loungewear for travel days, everyday clothes, functional bags, casual walking shoes and smart luggage to keep everything organized. Whether you’re heading off on a European vacation or spending a week somewhere, use my list below as inspiration for how to pack for vacation without sacrificing a chic wardrobe.
Everything I Packed for My Portugal Vacation
Clothes
1. Airport ‘Fit: First things first: I pack this European-looking matching set for long travel days. The loose top and wide leg pants make it feel like pajamas, yet I’ll still look dressed up enough for daytime errands when we get there.
2. Timeless Chic: Not only is a loose and airy blouse a smart choice on holiday – but it’s also versatile, easily dressed up with shorts, jeans or a skirt. Plus, it doesn’t feel drawn out or boring. It gives a timeless polish to whatever you pair it with, which is a real win considering you can rely on this outfit combination time and time again.
3. Daily Winner: I’m a fan of running clothes with built-in shorts. This tennis style option comes in over a dozen colors, and easily goes beyond wearing shorts and a t-shirt. I plan to wear this baby on days where we explore the streets and beaches of Portugal for 6 hours straight.
4. Night and Night: There’s something about a brown maxi dress with white polka dots that screams ‘wine day’ to me. This is exactly when I plan to wear this chic number as I explore Porto’s wine region.
5. A Flattering Sundress: There’s nothing like packing lots of clothes for a vacation. In fact, it’s the smartest dress you can pack — especially if it’s this 100% cotton navy gingham dress. Wear it with sneakers to explore the city, then switch to wedges for dinner.
6. Not Jean Shorts: For the summer of 2026, jean shorts are out, and loose, stretchy styles are in. I pair these chambray shorts from Quince with casual blouses, sweaters and sneakers. Plus, they’re non-restrictive, meaning you can comfortably walk 10,000+ steps in Europe without constantly dragging yourself down.
7. Dual Function: Not only do these loose-fitting, linen-lined beach style pants nail chic, they also pull double duty as day pants and a cover-up swimsuit. For a daytime visit, I’ll style them in a one piece swimsuit and sandals. In the evening, I will dress them in a loose tank and wedges.
8. Flowers, Please: If you’re jumping into the ocean and spending all day in the same clothes, a one-piece swimsuit is the way to go. This flattering number is embellished with pink and orange flowers, giving you a beachy feel. Throwing on a pair of flowy pants quickly makes it read polished, not swimmable (perfect for impromptu lunch plans!).
Shoes
9. Original slips: Hands down, the only 100% slip-on shoe I’ve ever tried are Kizik sneakers. The patented hands-free heel is specially designed to be flexible, allowing you to glide effortlessly without using your hands. I can’t praise myself enough for logging vacation miles and blowing through the TSA.
10. Celebrity Endorsed: One and only Katie Holmes wears Vivaia Mary Janes, and it’s easy to see why. Light and comfortable, the soft shoe is equal parts chic and functional. Dress them up with a sundress or sandals; the choice is yours!
11. Walking sandals: Few (and I mean few) sandals are made for long days of walking, but the Vivaia walker sandals get the job done. Arch support technology and insole feet are comfortable and comfortable, especially important on a European vacation where you stay in the same shoes for 10+ hours.
Bags and Accessories
12. Smart Rooms: When it comes to choosing a personal item, always, always look for a bag with tricky shoe storage, like Calpak’s Luka Duffle. I can fit two pairs of shoes in the basement, and we still have enough room in the main compartment for a book or tablet, snacks, toiletries – you name it.
13. Chic Crossbody: Full transparency, I chose this canvas print for its chic look (I mean, doesn’t it just scream ‘European vacation’?!). Secure zipper compartments and magnetic closure keep cards, lip balm, and my phone secure and organized. It’s not a real crime-fighting bag, so it’s not what experts would recommend traveling with – but it’s nice and easy nonetheless.
14. Packable Sunhat: Sunburn on vacation is terrible, so I pack this foldable sunhat with UV protection. Much better than your average baseball cap!
UsNow Summer sale alert: These Chic Fashion Finds Are Over 30% Off – Plus Free ShippingWelcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s best dresses, tops and swimwear are up to 30% off + free shipping. Supplies are limited so hurry before they’re gone. Shop the UsNow Summer Sale ->
Summer is fast approaching, and with warmer weather comes hot weather. But knowing what to pack for a vacation getaway is a daunting task. Overpack, and carry a heavy suitcase. Pack less, and you’ll be left with nothing to wear. Thankfully, Nordstrom’s Holiday Planner includes 14,000 holiday-ready styles designed to get you prepped. […]
