Packing list essentials for a 2-week European summer trip?

Hey everyone! I'm heading to Italy, Spain, and France this coming July for two weeks and I'm starting to panic a bit about what to pack. I want to travel light with just a carry-on, but I keep hearing how ridiculously hot it gets during European summers while still needing to dress respectfully for churches and nice dinners. What are your absolute must-have clothing items, and what shoes do you actually recommend for walking 20k steps a day on cobblestones?

Don't panic! Packing light is totally doable for two weeks if you stick to a capsule wardrobe. Linen is your absolute best friend for July in Southern Europe—breathable shirts, midi skirts, and wide-leg trousers will keep you cool and look chic.

For shoes, ditch any cute flats immediately. You need broken-in white leather sneakers (like Veja or Nike Air Force 1s) or supportive walking sandals like Tevas. Cobblestones will destroy anything with zero arch support.

Bring a lightweight linen or cotton scarf in your day bag. It takes up zero space, and you can throw it over your shoulders to cover up when entering the Duomo in Florence or the Vatican.

If you're planning your transit between Italy, Spain, and France, check out this guide on train travel in Europe to figure out the best way to get around without breaking a sweat.

Make sure you pack moisture-wicking underwear! Chafing is a very real danger when you're walking 20k steps a day in 35-degree heat. Uniqlo Airism products are a lifesaver.

Stick to a strict color palette—like neutral bottoms with olive, white, and rust tops—so everything mixes and matches. That way, you only need about 5 to 7 total outfits and you can just wash things in the sink or hit a local laundromat.

For nice dinners, a simple slip dress paired with a denim jacket or an oversized linen shirt works wonders. It packs down to the size of a paperback book.

Don't forget a reusable water bottle! Tap water in most European cities is safe to drink, and refilling it constantly will save you a ton of money. Speaking of saving money, you might want to read up on budget travel tips for Europe before you go.

Ditch the heavy jeans completely. Opt for lightweight Tencel or linen trousers instead. They dry super fast if you hand-wash them at night.

A crossbody bag with a zippered top is essential for pickpocket protection, especially in crowded tourist spots in Rome, Barcelona, and Paris.

For churches, just pack one midi-length skirt or a pair of palazzo pants. As long as your knees and shoulders are covered, you're good to go. A light linen button-down worn open over a tank top is easy to slip on and off.

Pack solid toiletries to save space in your carry-on liquids bag, and buy sunscreen when you arrive so you don't have to stress about TSA limits.