I'm a stylist—here are 7 essential yet stylish items I'm bringing for a week in Croatia.
As someone who enjoys traveling, anticipating an upcoming trip is truly essential for happiness. While I appreciate a long flight to a more distant location (yes, I even like the airplane food), nothing compares to a quick getaway to Europe, right? I've been fortunate to visit Italy a couple of times this year, but I am incredibly excited to return to Croatia. It's been several years since I attended the Outlook festival there, yet I remember a few important details that will help me pack more efficiently this time. People often dress a bit more stylishly in places like Hvar, so chic trouser co-ords and evening dresses are appropriate. At the beach, don't underestimate why everyone (and I mean everyone) wears some type of shoes in the water—it's rocky. For accessories, a large beach bag that can hold everything and a silk hair scarf (for breezy days) are the first things I will pack. Here are the seven items I plan to bring for Croatia and any European summer vacation this year.
**Packing List for Croatia 2026:**
1. **Trouser Co-Ord**
**Style Notes:** Any co-ord is a smart choice to pack due to its versatility, but trouser sets are essential for evenings when it can get chillier. Jessica's Faithfull The Brand style appears effortlessly chic, and I've found additional options from the Bali-based label, along with selections from Reformation and With Nothing Underneath. They offer great styling possibilities while taking up minimal space in your luggage.
**Shop the Staple:**
- Reformation Cailea Linen Two Piece: This will suit various looks throughout the trip.
- FAITHFULL Tiera Strapless Shirred Linen Top: I could pair this with jorts and strappy sandals for exploring.
- FAITHFULL Kortez Linen Balloon Pants: Perfect with heeled thong sandals and a Broderie anglaise cami.
- With Nothing Underneath The Weekend: Hemp, Red: This shirt has been popular on Instagram, and I need it.
- With Nothing Underneath The Palazzo: It looks great with a simple white tank.
2. **Sleek Bikini**
**Style Notes:** In my last trip to Croatia, I overpacked bikinis, swimsuits, and cover-ups, causing my suitcase to exceed weight limits. Learning from that, I’ll be selecting a careful edit of pieces I know I’ll wear multiple times. Hunza G is always a go-to for me, along with Away That Day.
**Shop the Staple:**
- HUNZA G Phoebe Original Crinkle™ Bikini: Picture this in the Croatian sun.
- AWAY THAT DAY Gili Bikini Top: This set is perfect for wearing by the harbor.
- AWAY THAT DAY Gili Bikini Bottoms: The golden hardware enhances this set.
- H&M Padded Bandeau Bikini Top: Despite trying many brands, H&M swimwear always impresses.
- H&M Cheeky Bikini Bottoms: This set is also available in tomato red.
3. **Evening Maxi Dress**
**Style Notes:** Whether visiting Zagreb or Hvar, people tend to dress up more than in other European countries I’ve been to. I am more than ready to pack my favorite dresses, taking advantage of the rare opportunity to wear a beautiful maxi dress in everyday life.
**Shop the Staple:**
- Reformation Petites Tiffani Silk Dress: I'm planning to wear this for a wedding, and will also bring it without the cape.
- MANGO Asymmetric Draped Dress: The color and cut are spot on.
- ARRANGE Arrange Sheer Disc Sequin Maxi Vest Dress in Olive Green: Sequins by the sea always get a thumbs up from me.
- ST. AGNI Circle Mesh and Crepe Maxi Dress: Envision this adorned with bangles and big earrings.
- Topshop Halter Cowl Maxi Dress in Lime: This vibrant color will look amazing on vacation.
4. **Beach Bag**
**Style Notes:** A staple for any warm-weather getaway, a raffia, straw, or woven bag is something I never forget when heading to the airport. Croatia is lovely to discover, so I’ll fill a large beach bag with essentials for day outings and relaxing evenings on the beach.
**Shop the Staple:**
- MANGO Natural Fibre Shoulder Bag
- The White Company Jacksons Barry Stripe Bag
- Loewe Paula's Ibiza Braid Medium Basket Bag: Perhaps it’s time for an upgrade on my current Loewe basket.
- Sezané often has fantastic woven styles.
- Muu Orbi Cotton Canvas-Trimmed Woven Straw Shoulder Bag: Muuñ's designs are always favorites of mine.
5. **Oversized Shirt**
**Style Notes:** The potential of a great oversized shirt is limitless,
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I'm a stylist—here are 7 essential yet stylish items I'm bringing for a week in Croatia.
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