My mom turned 75 in April. To celebrate this major milestone, she, my brother, and I are about to embark on a two-week summer vacation to Ireland and Scotland.That’s already the trip of a lifetime, but what makes it even more special is that it’s my first trip to Europe in almost 20 years. It stands to reason, then, that my fashion choices need to be on point for the trip.
I’ve been scouring Amazon for months to find the items that will make it through a host of activities, from castle explorations and whiskey tastings to strolling the Cliffs of Moher. The weather makes packing for this trip a bit challenging, too, since it promises to rain a lot (no wonder it’s so green there) and temperatures will probably only reach the low 70s. I’m focusing my shopping efforts on walkable shoes, a roomy bag, and comfortable-yet-cute dresses and tops—all of which will be photogenic enough for the millions of photos I’m planning on sharing to the ’gram. Below are my 10 fashion picks for my epic European adventure, starting at just $14.
- Leggings Depot 1-Inch Waistband High-Waist Capri Leggings, $14 (Originally $15)
- Charles Albert Crochet Lace Ballet Flats, $20
- QuegarTop Batwing-Sleeve Floral Blouse, $26
- Anrabess Casual Spaghetti-Strap Jumpsuit, $28 (Originally $33)
- Kingfen Drawstring Shorts, $30
- Zesica Square-Neck Ruffled Maxi Dress, $37 (Originally $67)
- Kirundo Ruffle-Sleeved Babydoll Dress, $41
- Skechers Desert Kiss Strappy Sandals, $49
- JW Pei Gabbi Ruched Hobo Handbag, $68 (Originally $80)
- Kizik Athens Slip-On Sneakers, $129
Leggings Depot 1-Inch Waistband High-Waist Capri Leggings
Since I don’t own jeans (yes, really), I’ve racked up quite the impressive leggings wardrobe over the years—and these Leggings Depot capri leggings consistently rise to the top of my fashion heap. They’re designed in a buttery soft stretch jersey, with a skinny 1-inch waistband (which I love, since so many leggings these days have ones that are way too high for my short torso), and a capri length that hits right at the calf. They come in a whopping 35 colors, both capri and full length, and four sizes, and have over 30,000 five-star ratings to boot.
Charles Albert Crochet Lace Ballet Flats
Mesh ballet flats are sweeping the fashion world right now, and this lace version is a dressier version of the trend. The subtle pointed toe is covered, and they come in six colors, including coral and white, and sizes 6 to 11. Reviewers said these ballet flats “don’t rub or hurt for walks” and they’re “so lightweight and comfortable.”
QuegarTop Batwing-Sleeve Floral Blouse
This oversized top is designed with a deep V-neckline, three-quarter batwing sleeves, and a tied-knot detail at the waist. I’m envisioning wearing the bold orange floral print to dinner at a pub—it also comes in five other prints and colors, and sizes S to XXL. It has over 6,000 five-star ratings; one reviewer said it’s “super comfy and flattering,” while another shopper said the colors are “very vivid” and that it “looked awesome” with leggings.
Anrabess Casual Spaghetti-Strap Jumpsuit
True story: I had dinner with a friend who was wearing this jumpsuit recently, and I made her send me the link to purchase it while we were sitting at the table. Available in 25 colors and prints, it has a breezy, flowy silhouette with a subtle V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, V-back, and wide legs. Shoppers said you can “dress it up or down” and that it’s “super light and airy enough to keep cool.”
Kingfen Drawstring Shorts
Since I’m curvy and short torsoed, I have a tough time finding shorts that fit me perfectly—but these drawstring shorts are just the ticket, thanks to the pull-on waistband and aforementioned adjustable drawstring closure. They’re designed in a breezy linen-and-cotton blend and come in almost 40 colors and sizes S to XXL; they also have both front slant and back patch pockets, so I can carry all my travel essentials with ease. It’s no wonder satisfied shoppers said they’re “so lightweight and breezy” and “great for travel. Plus, they “hang really nicely.”
Zesica Square-Neck Ruffled Maxi Dress
I’d live in maxi dresses year round if I could—and with the smocked bodice, sash ties at the shoulders, and ruffled hem, this one certainly makes that statement ring even truer. Choose from 24 summer-ready colors, like aqua, lavender, and hot pink in sizes XS to XXL. It’s perfect to take on a vacation, since shoppers said there are “minimal wrinkles after traveling in [a] suitcase” and it’s “perfect for walking all day.”
Kirundo Ruffle-Sleeved Babydoll Dress
I know I’m not going to Greece, Italy or the South of France, but I still envision myself in a breezy white sundress on my European vacation, and this tiered version definitely fits the bill. The pull-on silhouette has ruffled cap sleeves, a full lining, back keyhole button closure, and a subtly flared hem. I own it already in khaki and love its ease of wear and all-day comfort (and I can attest to that after walking around rainy New York in it for a full day); with almost 7,000 five-star ratings and reviewers saying it’s a “fun vacation dress” that “travels well,” I’m certainly not alone.
Skechers Desert Kiss Strappy Sandals
No European vacation is complete without a pair of comfortable-yet-cute strappy sandals—with perforated details, a memory foam footbeds, and an adjustable Velcro ankle strap, this Skechers pair is exactly the right thing (and, of course, the brand is always 10 Things I Hate About You approved). They come in nine colors and sizes 6 to 11, with both half sizes and wide widths available. Multiple shoppers condone their blister-free comfort with no break-in time even after long walks and 20,000 steps; travelers said they’re “surprisingly gentle.” One reviewer raved that it felt like they were “walking on clouds,” while someone else agreed that their “feet never got tired.”
JW Pei Gabbi Ruched Hobo Handbag
No matter how many handbags I accrue, I always seem to need just one more for an upcoming trip—and why not let it be this super luxe-looking pleated style? I have my eye on the goes-with-everything dark brown color, but it’s also available statement styles like pink metallic leather and stone-washed blue denim, as well as options with floral appliqués and allover crystals. Shoppers said they’re “so impressed by the quality and softness” of the bag.
Kizik Athens Slip-On Sneakers
If there’s one pair of sneakers that I’ll laud over and over until the end of time, it’s the Kizik Athens. My mom and I already own them in multiple colors, and we’re definitely bringing them on our trip—we love that they slip right on and spring back up over the heel. Plus, we can walk at least eight miles a day without any discomfort, and they even dry easily without staining (which I know from the time I stepped in an ankle-deep puddle and they still look good as new). They come in sizes 6 to 16.5, including half sizes and wide widths, and five colors (I already own them in gray, black and pink). I’m not alone in singing these sneakers’ comfortable praises; other happy shoppers said they “walked in them for miles and never felt uncomfortable.”