'I'm a stylist who just returned from summer in Europe. I lived in these 5 pieces.'

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I did the research. I packed my bags. I travelled to Greece and Italy. I nailed the #eurosummer dress code.

Heading overseas and want to stylishly survive the 40-degree temperatures? This article is for you.

Watch: Breaking down the Copenhagen street style. Post continues after video.

As a stylist and mum of two young children, I felt perfectly equipped to curate the elusive "fashionable yet functional" travel wardrobe.

It's all well and good to look good on vacation, but when it comes to wearing this season's trends, kitten heels and cobblestones just ain't it!

It's all about packing clothes that are both fashionable and functional.

My travel essentials. Image: Supplied.

From the blissful Greek Isles and teeming tourist traps of Plaka to private Puglian olive groves and the steep steps of Ostuni, I attired and I "touristed" all in the name of research.

I sorted through the sartorial chaos and packed (what I believe to be) 23kg of pure perfection.

Tried, tested and photographed, I can confirm these five pieces and outfit suggestions will endure fit checks, carb bloats and a minimum of 20,000 steps per day.

1. Matching sets.

Wearing matching sets on my holiday. Image: Supplied.

Printed, coloured, linen, ruffled or plain, matching sets are the answer to rushed mornings and jetlag-related delusion.

The hard work has been done for you — the top and bottoms are literally designed to coordinate. All you need to do is accessorise accordingly.

The best affordable options can be found at Vrg Grl. I highly recommend the Portia Smock set, which is naturally "crinkled" and therefore doesn't require ironing.

LJC Designs wins the "best linen" category where scalloped details and Peter Pan collars pair beautifully with a South of France backdrop.

Or head to Sabo Skirt for printed statement sets reminiscent of the Mediterranean.

Printed sets do the styling for you. Image: Supplied.

Style tip: Avoid looking like you're wearing pyjamas by elevating your accessories.

Good style is about balance, so a casual base often requires a statement earring or bag.

Shop the look:

• VrgGrl Portia Linen Smock top and Annika Linen shorts

• SABO Sarai top and Sarai skirt

• VrgGrl Naomi Smock top and Annika shorts

• SABO Berkley Top and Berkley Shorts

2. Sheer fabrics.

Wearing a semi-sheer dress. Image: Supplied.

A trend dominating the runways, boutiques and our social media feeds, sheer fabrics are an effective way to beat the European heat — and there are options for all budgets and body shapes.

I packed a blend of mesh and crochet separates and used a mix-and-match approach to create outfits that worked from beachside to bar.

Taking this sheer look from beach to bar. Image: Supplied.

I highly recommend the Solaqua Laurent Skirt and Aurora Tunic for a sheer moment that doesn't feel too sexy.

Venroy and Significant Other provided pop-coloured, adorned and embellished options that held their own on the stylish streets of Ostuni.

Style tip: Layer over swimwear and utilise scarves, swimwear and belts for added coverage.

Shop the look:

• SABO Umiko top and Umiko pants

• DISSH Melrose long sleeve maxi dress

• Venroy Floral Crochet cotton cropped tee

• Zulu & Zephyr Lattice knit dress

3. Raffia accessories.

The Loewe raffia accessories I took with me. Image: Supplied.

Drawing inspiration from designers like of Jacquemus, Celine and Khaite, I decided to level up my relatively cost-effective fits with a designer textured hat (or two).

I'm a big believer in investment accessories because, no matter my age, size or stage of life, I know these pieces will always fit.

Big fan of a raffia hat. Image: Supplied.

In terms of cost-per-wear (and this one is for my husband and accountant), my Loewe raffia bag and hat combo now sit at about 15 cents.

For those on a tighter budget – I've got you. This trend has trickled down the fashion chain with the likes of Oroton and Helen Kaminski providing more affordable quality options.

Sussan has some great raffia basket bags, belts and hats for under $50.

Style tip: Raffia is a delicate trend when it comes to travelling, so I recommend taking extra precautions when packing these pieces.

Shop the look:

• Sussan two-tone raffia bucket hat

• Zara contrast bucket hat

• Avenue fornillo sunhat

• Loewe Paula's ibiza adjourned appliquéd raffia hat

• SABO fiore platform sandals

4. Maxi skirts.

Wearing one of my go-to maxi skirts. Image: Supplied.

Comfortable and feminine, maxi skirts add elegance to any occasion with a cut and fabrication to suit everyone.

Floaty cottons and linens save the day during heat waves. Mesh options provide a bit of extra coverage poolside. Lightweight silk styles work well with day-to-night transitions.

Teaming a silky maxi with a simple tee. Image: Suppplied.

Seed Heritage offers a wide choice of bias cut, high-waisted, mid-length, ankle-grazing or elasticated styles.

Shop the look:

• Vrg Grl Cece maxi skirt

• DISSH Hallie White linen midi skirt

• Solaqua Francesca skirt

• Posse Essie column skirt

• Seed Heritage core linen front skirt

5. Tortoiseshell shades.

The two pairs of tortoiseshell shades I packed. Image: Supplied.

In my humble opinion, no outfit is complete without sunglasses, so packing eight similar options for a three-week trip felt completely reasonable.

Shades are the easiest and most effective way to incorporate a trend without overhauling your entire wardrobe.

If you only take one thing from this article, make it this one.

Shades with everything. Image: Supplied.

Tapping into the current 90s fashion movement, tortoiseshell shades work seamlessly with any outfit and hide tired eyes, sunburnt cheeks or a post-flight breakout.

Whether you opt for budget-friendly versions or splurge on a new pair of Bottega Veneta's, you won't regret adding these to your travel tote.

Shop the look:

• Bottega Veneta eyewear new knot cat-eye tortoiseshell accetate and gold-tone sunglasses

• Gucci eyewear oval-frame tortoiseshell accetate sunglasses

• Bresac BF10 Havana

• Luv Lou the tortue tort

• Le Specs outta love tort

Outfits aside, great personal style is a feeling — not a label.

Perfectly co-ordinated outfits are nice, but it's the memories of the family meals, ocean swims and visits to ancient monuments that will last.

My final Europe packing tip? Leave the Hermes Oran sandals at home… while he may be the Greek God of travel, he definitely won't stop you from sliding down those pebbled streets.

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Feature image: Supplied.