7 Stylish Outfits to Wear for a Late-Summer Vacation in Greece
Somehow, the warmest season of the year is already halfway over. One silver lining? Late summer and early fall are among the best times to visit Europe and beat the crowds. Known for its striking whitewashed architecture, crystalline shores, and seamless island-hopping, it’s no surprise Greece might be the next destination on your list. (Also understandable if watching The Odyssey inspired you to use a few of those remaining PTO days.) Once you’ve booked your flight and accommodations, it’s worth carving out some time to curate your packing list.
Soaring temperatures in the 80s will soon give way to slightly more forgiving weather come September and October, though daytime outings will still require light, breezy layers to help you stay cool. And while we’re all for rotating in a mélange of color, we’d argue the easygoing, unhurried nature of the region calls for equally unpretentious yet sophisticated pairings—a subtle homage to the ancient Greek sartorial approach and, if anything, a way to look chic without detracting from the breathtaking landscapes in all your ensuing photos.
From a sleek Hailey Bieber-approved look to the perfect beach club getup, we’re sharing seven key looks to pack on your next Grecian holiday, ideal for nearly any adventure on your itinerary.
A Striped Bikini and Ruffled Top
For a full day out on the water, this romantic white-and-soft-pastel combo can easily take you from daytime drinks and dips in the sea to snapping dreamy pics while cruising at sunset. And on land, the tie-front top and sheer midi skirt are the kind of pieces you can quickly slip off when you’re ready to hit the beach after browsing the nearby village markets.
A Scoop-Back Tee and Pull-On Pants
Or follow Hailey Bieber’s lead and go the minimalist route while strolling through town. You can easily emulate her recent look in Spetses with a fitted white scoop-back top, textured tote, and the exact black leather flip-flops she sported from cult-loved Australian label A.Emery. To make the look even more functional while keeping it refined enough to head straight into your nighttime plans, consider swapping her breathable black tube skirt for a pair of dark poplin pull-on pants.
A Leopard One-Piece and Mirrored Sarong
Whether you love a bit of sartorial drama on vacation or want a slightly bolder look for the beach club, try pairing a svelte animal-print one-piece with a mirrored skirt. Topped with a floppy straw bucket hat and oversized, slim hammered hoops, the ensemble is eye-catching without feeling overly flashy.
An Aquamarine Top and Green Silk Pants
No color trend this season feels more appropriate for a Grecian escape than aquamarine, reminiscent of the Aegean’s glittering waters. Style a sculptural top in the hue with a pair of breezy chartreuse-toned pants for a cool color-blocked effect, then finish with a creamy silk headscarf and a vibrant pendant necklace. Strappy toggle sandals from editor-loved label Jamie Haller add another practical yet elegant touch.
A Draped Dress and Embellished Heels
This Hellenistic-style draped halter dress and trendy drawstring bag would be right at home at a Michelin-starred Athens hotspot or Greek wedding. Rather than going too literal with gilded accessories, Staud’s shell-adorned flip-flop heels and Agapée’s pearl-cluster drop earrings keep the evening-ready look feeling a bit more laidback and less costume-y.
A White Shift Dress and Ankle-Wrap Sandals
A crisp white poplin or delicate cotton shift dress is one of those foundational pieces you should always pack for a Euro seaside getaway, especially when suitcase space is limited. Dôen’s version works as a staple cover-up or everyday dress that can be remixed endlessly with subtle Grecian nods, like a statement braided-cord necklace and ankle-wrap sandals.
A Button-Down and Linen Shorts
Hours spent museum-hopping and exploring ancient ruins mean airy, breathable fabrics and comfortable walking shoes are absolutely essential. A cotton button-down and linen shorts paired with Sabah’s ergonomically molded fisherman sandals will help keep you light on your feet without sacrificing aesthetics. Tory Burch’s rugged nylon shoulder bag, complete with handy exterior magnetic-closure pockets, allows for easy access to your phone camera at any moment.
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