Euro summer packing essentials according to the ‘RUSSH’ editors

The sun’s out, there’s a cocktail on the way, and you’ve just cracked open the airport novel you promised yourself you’d finally read. This is the kind of scene awaiting the RUSSH team as we make our way north for the European summer. Considering a trip of your own? Or just here to snoop through our suitcases? Either way, we’ve laid it all out. Below, what the RUSSH editors are packing for summer in Europe, 2025.

Elyssa Kostopoulos

Content Director

Sue me, I’m that annoying team member who’s about to gallivant around Greece for a month. I stayed put in the Sydney winter last year, so I feel well overdue for a summer escapade. Luckily for you guys, (and me, as I sat down to write this), I spent the weekend digging through my closet to curate the perfect Grecian summer suitcase capsule. Which means I get to share a genuine packing list – and a few more wishlist items I’m hoping to pick up before I go. 

No European summer is complete without the perfect raffia tote, and no one does it better than Helen Kaminski. I adore the size of the Aquarius Hobo because there’s enough room for all the essentials without being overbearing. You can carry it as a top handle or with the cross-body strap – both essential options for travel.

I have been predominantly shopping from my own wardrobe for this trip – which, a) has been part of my commitment to lower my fashion consumption in 2025, and b) has been a great sign that the pieces in my wardrobe are true representations of my style and reflect quality that lasts. I’ll be taking my trusty Henne Seri short in black, and I practically live in this Matteu ribbed knit tank, which will serve as the perfect elevated basic. As far as comfort goes, I’ll be rotating between my go-to black Havaianas and these Zimmermann tie-up sandals. The cobblestones aren’t for the faint of heart, and I won’t be risking an ankle break – no matter how cute my heels are. I did purchase one new outfit for the trip, courtesy of Faithfull’s new drop which was inspired by Hydra in Greece – it felt serendipitous. The Karys Pant Mandraki Floral and Karys Shirt Mandraki Floral were love at first sight, and I basically keeled over when I saw there was a matching swimsuit. The set is like the resort wear final boss, and I cannot wait to wear it.

Lastly, beauty. I won’t be wearing any foundation on this trip, but I will be living in my favourite beauty purchase of the last year, the CHANEL Les Beiges Fresh Water Tint. Haircare is also a major consideration for me, being in and out of the water and sun, so I won’t be going anywhere without packing Kérastase Nutritive Hair Mask and travel size Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil. I am still on the hunt for a new solution to my eyeshadow routine – I’m thinking cream eye shadow sticks? Any thoughts and suggestions are most welcome.

Megan Nolan

Marketing Manager

The number one thing on my Euro packing list this year is boxer shorts. I don’t care if they were a trend that has now passed us by, they are the most comfortable, most practical item of clothing I own. Can I wear them to bed? Yes. Can I throw them over swimmers? Also yes. Will I also be wearing them with a blazer as a dinner outfit? You bet. 

These red Commi Si ones have been on my wishlist for forever (as have the black and the green), but these oversized denim Calvin Klein ones, or these blue and white striped Skims ones are probably more within my budget. I’ll be pairing with my ride or die Neuw Denim white singlet (I’ll be packing about three), and a pair of sambas. The Bad Bunny x adidas collab version is also seriously tempting me. They feel like if sambas, ballet flats and Salomons had a love child?

I am a sun safe queen, which means that I don’t go anywhere without a hat. I’ve just discovered that my favourite SIR. cap now comes in brat green (!!!) which will go perfectly with the green string bikini I’ve got my eye on. Don’t forget sunnies and these tortoiseshell ones are the perfect way to elevate an outfit.Last but not least, dresses and I’m deciding between three, all also from SIR. One for dining, one for dancing, and one for throwing over togs.

Mia Steiber

Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher

I had planned not to do Europe this year, but a last minute opportunity to head to Portugal has come up. So, my suitcase is out and ready to be filled. Here is the formula I use for most warm-weather trips. I always start with a loose pair of denim shorts, a black one piece swimsuit and a white shirt. Next has to be a couple of pairs of linen pants, I love the pairs they have at Faithfull. I’m still wearing a pair I bought four years ago, they’re so timeless. I’ve packed three easy-to-wear dresses that can be dressed up or down, a trusty Realisaion number, a Matteau piece and this new one I bought from Rouje. A basket bag, hat and pair of chic slides finish it all off. Then all you need to add are some tees and singlets and you’ll have a chic, capsule holiday wardrobe. 

As for beauty, start with sunscreen and lots of it. I always bring Ultra Violette for body and my new favourite DMK for face. Emma Lewisham’s oil cleanser to wash it all off at the end of the day and Synergie Skin’s barrier cream if you accidentally got a bit too much sun. Glossier Futuredew is my foundation substitute, paired with YSL Beauty’s Touche E’clat concealer, Flavedo’s dew tint blush and a Sisley mascara.

Samantha Corry

Assistant to Editor in Chief

While I’m not going to Europe in peak summer, I will be in Paris in Autumn time. And for the warmer days, here is what I will be bringing. Firstly, a good skincare routine as I find the water and air quality in Europe a bit harsher than in Australia. And luckily my first product is easy to find in Paris: Avene’s Cicalfate and restore cream is like a glass of water for quenched or damaged skin. My Rationale skin tint is another must-have, and to protect my hair I will bring my trusty Kerastase Shampoo for thin hair and my hydrating conditioner. I just got a Canon Super 8 camera which I am beyond excited to bring with me to Europe. I realised I only have carry-on luggage so I will need a check-in suitcase. I love this forest green glossy one from Rimowa. I love a midi skirt moment for Summer too, so one from Guizio is a must.

Emily Algar

Beauty Editor

I’m swapping Euro summer for Euro winter this year, so I’ll be skiing instead of swimming (I will, however, be spritzing — an activity that appeals to me 365 days a year). But I can still lean on past travels to curate a packing list for those of you jetting off. I’m known for lugging a 30 kilo suitcase on even the shortest of trips, so I do try and prioritise lightweight fabrics as well as pieces with multiple uses. Havaianas are non-negotiable, as are leather thongs for more dressed up occasions. I have a pair of these at home and think they’re perfect because the rubbery sole offers some traction on cobblestone streets. No one wants to go down on the sidewalk en route to a pasta dinner. I love a good sarong, the best I’ve found is Monday Swim (I have three colours and wear them all to death). Also on my list would be this easy slip dress from P Johnson, and this perfect black straw bucket bag, currently listed in the Net-A-Porter sale for 50% off. Small enough for lunch, but big enough for the beach… No holiday wardrobe is complete without a one piece, either. The chocolate colourway, straight across neckline and adjustable straps render this one from Jets perfect. I am not the one to ask for beauty packing advice (I don’t travel light) but I can recommend the Rationale global travel kit, and Officine Universelle Buly Heliotrope perfume as the ideal creamy summer scent.

Cassandra Dimitroff

Features and Production Editor

Sadly, I’ll be staying put this winter (until a Japan trip this spring), but here are a few essentials I packed for my euro trip last year that I wouldn’t go back without. First is a July Checked Plus Trunk. It fits everything, it’s chic, water-resistant and crush-proof. I’ve been a ModiBodi fan for years now, but their new Swimwear Short and Swimwear Multiway Top are a new must for me. I’m really digging these slouchy Stella McCartney Blue Faded Wide-Leg High-Rise Jeans (the perfect jean for pairing with a nice top – like this Aje Pandorea Layered Top – or a bikini). For a scent: ideally it’s Dries Van Noten Soie Malaquais, paired with a simple, Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Natural Deodorant (my recent new fave).

Olivia Repaci

Creative Studio and Campaigns Manager

In my head I’m going to Europe this summer, so in my imaginary bag, I’d be packing a good pair of walking shoes – these grey ones from New Balance are a nice retro shape and good neutral colour. My absolute go-to travel bag is my Yu Mei Brooke Bag: it is the perfect size for my personal items on planes, and is so comfortable to carry and wear on long days exploring new cities. In a similar colour palette is this gorgeous Alémais dress that would match the blue hues of the Greek islands perfectly. I tend to get a bit lazy with my skincare when travelling, which is bad as the change in time zones and weather means I need to be extra vigilant to protect my skin! I’d opt for a full face of Emma Lewisham (those bottles look gorgeous on a hotel counter top), namely their SPF 50 mineral creme for protection on my long walks and the Supernatural Sleeping Mask so my skin looks photo ready every morning. Oh, and we can’t forget my favourite hat, my GWS Giants cap hehe.

Kirsty Thatcher

Digital Editor

While I don’t have a Europe trip planned this year, I have some sartorial wisdom to bestow on those who are heading away, from my travels last year. If you’re shopping for new pieces, make Faithfull The Brand your first stop. They do beautiful linen and cute swimwear so well – all of which you’ll wear again back in Australia. I love this striped set and chocolate brown bikini. Another hero brand of my 2024 Europe wardrobe was Venroy – in particular, these cotton poplin pants. They’ve also just released a new collection, and if this sheer one-shoulder top doesn’t make you think of a Mediterranean holiday, I don’t know what will. I’m also a big fan of a sarong for travel. It’s lightweight and, if you do it well, incredibly chic. My pick is this one by Lucy Folk, for some colour.

Beauty-wise, it goes without saying that SPF is essential. I am fiercely loyal to this one by Ultra Violette. I also recently tried their body sunscreen and loved it (it smells delicious). I like to keep the rest of my makeup bag relatively light. For me, the essentials are my Merit Beauty Flush Balm in Aprés (it doubles as a lip tint), Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze (if you have thick eyebrows, you know), Kosas concealer, and CHANEL bronzer.