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8 Pieces I’m Taking With Me For a Rich Girl Summer Abroad

The goal is wealthy, mysterious solo traveler.

Three fashion outfits displayed one featuring a light blouse and scarf one with a white top and skirt and one with a casual shirt and jeans
Sleek tailoring and intentional pops of color radiate wealth. Credit:

@mariolavaldivia / @lydianoellaaa / @alesia.merenkovaa / Instagram / InStyle

  • Colorful silk scarves, lightweight shawls, and column skirts are your fast pass to a rich girl summer.
  • Shop the pieces an InStyle writer is bringing along on her summer travels, ahead.

Your calendar is filling up with summer plans, which begs the question: What should I wear? Instead of looking at your closet in despair, zoom in on a few staple pieces that exude luxury. As I dream about future stamps in my passport, my vision is also full of silk scarves, halter tops, and sandals that don’t feel like a second thought.

Ahead of a Euro summer, consider the pieces that make you feel your most put-together for a photo op, and your most comfortable. Natural fabrics like silk, linen, and cotton will allow you to keep your cool on humid days, while sandals with padded footbeds will allow you to trek to the next stop on your itinerary. My priorities are geared towards pieces that I can slither into for a stop at the beach,  then wear to lunch and a museum tour straight after.

Below, find the eight pieces I’m eyeing to fulfill my fantasy of a rich girl summer abroad, with inspiration on how to style each.

01 of 08

A Colorful Silk Scarf

A woman standing outside of a restaurant holding a straw handbag and adjusting her hair

@alesia.merenkovaa

Whether you use it to tie back your hair, belt an outfit, or accessorize a purse, a silk scarf is set to become the most versatile piece in your entire suitcase. Choose a vibrant option that will stand out against a neutral outfit, or make for a fun pattern-mixing moment. The option below is grounded in a rich brown color that will go with all of the looks you have planned.

Floral patterned square textile with various flower illustrations
Lost Pattern x NYBG Orchid Symphony Silk Bandana Scarf, $95.00
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02 of 08

A Graphic Tee

A person walking down a paved street towards a scenic view of water and mountains

@saraaperr

Hear me out: A graphic tee might sound counterintuitive to the rich girl aesthetic, but it’s actually the easiest way to look well-traveled (read: less like a tourist). Style the laidback silhouette with shorts and sneakers for long walking excursions, or toss it on over a midi skirt and use a colorful scarf to define your waist. So long as it’s crisp and wrinkle-free (time to break out the hotel iron!), your T-shirt will give effortless polish.

White shirt featuring Sandy Liangs design with printed illustration and text
Sandy Liang Simi Boxy Tee, $195.00
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03 of 08

A Lightweight Layer

A person stands outdoors near an arched doorway holding a green bag over their shoulder

@javiera

Ponchos are back, as evidenced by A-listers like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner. Hadid wore hers sheer, cropped, and hovering above a pair of low-rise jeans, while Jenner draped an embroidered cape over a sleek black cocktail dress. This creator opted for a monochrome moment, with a cream poncho, jeans, and cowboy boots. It makes the perfect layering piece for breezy al fresco dining.

A draped asymmetrical poncho garment
Zara Asymmetric Metallic Thread Cape, $46.00
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04 of 08

A Halter Top

A person standing outdoors resting against a wall while holding a drink and a patterned handbag

@anais.hale

You can’t wear your graphic tee to a coveted dinner res, but you can wear a halter top. The versatile style is easy to dress down with a pair of Bermuda shorts and slingbacks, or up with a midi skirt. Choose a neutral color that can serve as base to any outfit. The cream satin option below has a braided back strap for added interest.

A model wearing a sleeveless draped top and matching pants gazing to the side
Meshki Bianca Satin Halter Top, $129.00
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05 of 08

Polka Dot Everything

A woman wearing a white top and polka dot skirt walking outdoors near a modern wooden paneled wall

@lydianoellaaa

I try to follow the Sudoku packing method and not pack too many prints when I travel, but I can never resist a polka dot. Let the print speak for itself by pairing it with solid, neutral-colored pieces and minimal jewelry, as seen on the creator above. An asymmetrical hemline keeps dotted skirts and dresses looking sophisticated, not overly sweet. 

Polka dot midi skirt with a draped design displayed on a white background
Lisa Says Gah Maeve Midi Skirt, $158.00
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06 of 08

Standout Sandals

A woman standing near a metal gate posing while wearing a sleeveless top and skirt

@mariolavaldivia

A bold pair of sandals is a must for casual days—bonus if they’re super comfortable. Look for leather pairs that will only look cooler with age, and that can easily transition from a beach day to dinner plans. I’m eyeing this Camper pair with padded footbeds and a trending tomato red hue.

Red opentoe sandals with a simple strap design modern and minimal style isolated on a white background
Camper Right Isla, $150.00
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07 of 08

An Elevated Beach Cover-Up

Person standing near a waterfront with vegetation and a clear sky in the background

@patriciaecota

It’s the little details that make an outfit look more expensive. You may have snagged your bikini on Amazon, but a fancy coverup will give it an unexpectedly luxe touch. Look for one with design details that invite a double take, like the fringe on the peach midi skirt below, or the floral print on this creator’s mesh top.

Woman wearing a fringed skirt holding a clutch
Lovers and Friends Silvia Maxi Skirt, $190.00
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08 of 08

A Column Skirt

A woman standing on a crosswalk in a city street holding a small purse

@lilibritosa

Clearly, I’m not the only one still feeling the CBK effect post Love Story. The rise of column skirts signal a summer-ready wave of '90s minimalism that’s polished and, most importantly, easy to wear from day to night while on vacation. Airy cotton, silk, or linen will keep you cool on your adventures.

A minimal black Aline midi skirt displayed against a white background
COS Linen-Blend Midi Column Skirt, $135.00
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