What to wear on a city break? Spring outfits for a short getaway

Woman in sunglasses and a black top during a city break

City break – what is it?

A city break is a short trip, usually over a weekend, to a major city. The aim of the trip is, of course, to visit the main sights, but also to go shopping and make the most of the nightlife and dining scene in the chosen destination. The most popular European destinations for city breaks are:

Rome,
Barcelona,
Paris,
Prague.

Why are city breaks so popular? Because they allow you to travel frequently and discover new places without the need for lengthy planning or long-haul flights. It’s a very convenient option for people who don’t like flying or prefer cityscapes to more exotic destinations.

Woman in a white tracksuit and with a black suitcase during a city break

What to wear on a city break?

First and foremost, comfort is key. That’s the most important thing. Long walks can be exhausting, so there’s no question of wearing tight or itchy fabrics that’ll make you sweat. Choose natural, breathable fabrics and styles that work with you – not against you. It’s worth opting for layered outfits, as the weather can be very changeable. Especially if you’re going on a trip in spring. A chilly morning, a warm afternoon and a windy evening – it’s good if your outfit can easily adapt to each of these situations. A light jumper, cardigan, blazer or thin between-seasons jacket are items you can easily take off or put on depending on the temperature.

Before we move on to specific outfits, it’s worth ensuring you have a solid, versatile wardrobe foundation. Timeless pieces that are easy to mix and match work a treat on a city break. Well-fitted jeans or comfortable trousers made from stretchy fabric, a classic T-shirt or long-sleeved top, a light shirt, comfortable trainers or loafers, as well as a roomy yet stylish bag or a small rucksack. Add sunglasses and a light trench coat – and you’ve got an outfit that will stand up to the test in virtually any European capital. Opt for high-quality fabrics and neutral colours, so you can easily put together different outfits during your trip, even with a limited number of items in your suitcase. Less is more – especially when travelling.

A woman in a pink tracksuit whilst sightseeing

What shoes should you choose for a city break?

This answer won’t surprise you either – above all, your shoes must be comfortable. That’s absolutely essential for a successful trip. During a city break, we can easily walk tens or even hundreds of thousands of steps a day, which is why comfort is paramount. Your shoes should provide good foot support, have a flexible sole and offer adequate cushioning. It’s important to choose tried-and-tested styles. Avoid buying new shoes just before you set off. Unbroken-in footwear can cause painful blisters, and that’s something you definitely want to avoid during hours of sightseeing. A city break isn’t the time for fashion experiments at the expense of comfort.

If you’re planning really long walks, exploring parks, viewpoints or more challenging routes, it’s worth opting for sports shoes. Trainers or outdoor shoes from brands such as Salomon or On combine modern design with technological support for your feet, offering excellent cushioning, grip and lightness. They’ll also fit seamlessly into a casual city look. If you’re heading to a warm destination and the forecast predicts high temperatures, you might want to opt for more open-toed styles. On warm days, the iconic Boston sliders by Birkenstock are perfect, as they ensure comfort thanks to their contoured insole. Plus, they’ll look great with airy dresses or linen outfits.

A woman on a bike during a spring city break

An athleisure-inspired outfit for a city break

We’ve all come to love the athleisure style. Above all, of course, for its versatility and comfort. It’s a style that has proven to us that comfort can go hand in hand with style, and there’s no need to compromise at all. Combining sportswear and casual clothes is the perfect choice for a stylish city break, where you want to be comfortable but also look good. When putting together an athleisure outfit, opt for high-quality fabrics, choose loose fits and a neutral colour palette. This will allow you to easily adapt your look to different parts of the day – from morning coffee at a local café, through a busy day of sightseeing, to a spontaneous dinner in town.

If you’re heading to a warm destination this spring, you could choose a white short-sleeved sweatshirt from Deha and pair it with flowing beige trousers. This combination looks fresh, light and very modern. The light colour scheme fits in perfectly with the spring atmosphere of European cities. Add Birkenstock sliders, which are comfortable, minimalist and timeless. It’s a fashionable yet comfortable outfit that won’t restrict your movements, even during hours of walking. If the forecast predicts a cooler morning, you can throw a light, oversized jumper or a thin between-seasons jacket over your shoulders. Just one extra piece is enough to make the outfit more layered yet still cohesive. The icing on the cake could be subtle silver earrings and a comfortable, roomy bag, e.g. by Vee Collective, where you can keep everything you need during the day, such as sunglasses, sun cream or a small bottle of water. It is the details that give the sporty base a sophisticated, urban feel.

What to wear on a spring city break – a woman in an athleisure outfit

An ‘old money’ look for a city break

Heading to Rome? Charming streets, iconic landmarks and that unique Italian style that blends casualness with elegance. The ‘old money’ aesthetic fits this atmosphere perfectly, characterised by understated elegance, high-quality fabrics and timeless, classic cuts. It’s a style that doesn’t blindly follow trends – it stays ahead of them. It’s subtle, balanced and always looks good. It’s a timeless look that’s perfect for a luxury city break. A stroll through Rome’s squares, an espresso in the shade of the townhouses, or dinner with a view of the city lights? In this outfit, you’ll feel natural and stylish, whatever the occasion. We recommend these timeless white jeans from Frame. The minimalist finish and 100% cotton will not only ensure you look perfect but also provide maximum comfort all day long. Add to that a high-quality black cotton top – simple, fitted, and without unnecessary details. The contrast of black and white always looks elegant and incredibly sophisticated.

Complete the look with a leather jacket, which will add a unique touch of nonchalance to the outfit. It’s a luxury that doesn’t shout, but is certainly noticeable. Subtle, sophisticated and timeless – just like Rome.

A woman in an ‘old money’ look, perfect for a spring city break

A sporty outfit for a city break – performance comes first

If you are planning a packed sightseeing itinerary and active days from morning till night, go for a sporty outfit where performance takes centre stage. Short shorts are a great option for warmer spring days – they ensure freedom of movement and comfort even during hours-long walks. If the weather isn’t on your side, opt for versatile leggings. Choose a pair made from stretchy, breathable fabric that will hug your figure without restricting your movements. The weather can be changeable, so it’s also worth picking up a bomber jacket in a trendy shade of green from Goldbergh. Green fits perfectly with the spring vibe, yet is versatile enough to pair effortlessly with a neutral base, such as a white top or a sports T-shirt. The bomber jacket is particularly useful in the mornings and evenings when the temperature is lower, and during the day you can casually sling it over your shoulder or tuck it into your bag. Complete the look with comfortable trainers and minimalist accessories. It’s the perfect look for those who prioritise dynamism, functionality and a modern, sporty style when travelling.

A woman in a green set by Goldbergh, perfect for a city break

What to wear on a city break – a summary

The key to a successful outfit for a city break is comfort and layering. We suggest saving very tight-fitting dresses or fabrics that aren’t necessarily comfortable for evening outings, and opting for breathable fabrics and functional cuts when sightseeing. Sporty outfits, those in the spirit of athleisure or old money, will work well for a stylish city break. Remember, you don’t have to compromise on style. Global brands look after both your comfort and your appearance, ensuring that every city break can become a unique adventure that will stay with you for a long time.