10 Outfits to Pack If Your Summer Travel Plans Include a Big City

When we think of summer vacation, we typically think of somewhere tropical and relaxing, right? If your idea of a perfect vacation is spending the day on a boat in Ibiza, that's lovely, but a summer vacation doesn't have to include sand in your toes (and your swimsuit, your bag, etc.). If exploring a new city by going to the latest hot spots, visiting museums, and photographing the famous landmarks in a concrete jungle is more your speed, I'm right there with you.

If places like London, Milan, Tokyo, New York City, Paris, and Amsterdam are calling your name this summer, you're going to have to plan your wardrobe accordingly. Vacationing somewhere tropical or rustic comes with pretty obvious wardrobe standards, but when you're traveling to an urban city, the white linen dress and flip-flops may not be the best choice. It's best to prioritize polished outfits that are still appropriate for the warm weather and comfortable enough to accommodate lots of walking. I'm here to assist. I found 10 excellent outfit examples that are perfect for big-city vacations. Keep scrolling to start planning and shopping for your chic summer vacation wardrobe.

Tank Top + Full Skirt + Ballerina Pumps or Flats

Olivia Perez wearing a black tank top and white midi skirt.

(Image credit: @livvperez)

Cardigan + Polka-Dot Dress + Sneakers

Woman wearing a polka dot dress and sneakers.

(Image credit: @tamaramory)

T-Shirt + Miniskirt + Loafers

Woman wearing a gray T-shirt, miniskirt, and loafers.

(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl)

Silky Blouse + Long Shorts + Pumps

Woman wearing a black top, long white shorts, and heels.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Button-Down Shirt + White Tee + Linen Pants + Sandals

Woman wearing linen pants and a button-down shirt.

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Tank Top + Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans + Kitten-Heel Mules

Woman wearing jeans and a black tank top.

(Image credit: @lindatol_)

Blazer + Capri Pants + Pointed-Toe Heels

Woman wearing capri pants and a blazer.

(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

Long Dress + Belt + Sandals

Woman wearing a long green dress and belt.

(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Vest + Wide-Leg Trousers

Aimee Song wearing a white vest with black pants.

(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Black Midi Dress + Belt + Cap-Toe Shoes

Woman wearing a black dress in NYC.

(Image credit: @erinoffduty)
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Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.